Paleo Diet The food of Champions

It is common knowledge that athletes follow strict diets to achieve sporting greatness, but what if there was a diet that required little effort at all, yet could take you from a rank outsider to the top of your field.

In just 4 years, female rower Ursula Grobler went from a learn to row class, to winning the Head of the Charles which is the largest regatta in the world. In early 2010, Ursula took the world by storm by becoming the world record holder for the fastest lightweight woman on the Concept 2 Ergometer. But besides being very talented, how did Ursula Grobler condition her body to shave an incredible two seconds off the previously held record?

While her fellow athletes wolf down heavy carbs in the form of pasta and oatmeal, Ursula maintains the required weight for her class and the power needed to be a champion by following the diet of our hunter gatherer ancestors. Ursula Grobler was introduced to the Paleo Diet by a fellow athlete, and nutritionist Neil Stephenson to guide her along the Paleo path, she shed the weight needed to become the leading lady in her class.

Ursula immediately noticed the effects of switching to Paleo eating, she explains, “the first thing was my recovery. I came to training the next day feeling energised. I could perform well with less sleep and I was more focused, I felt more stable and a sense of better wellbeing in general”.

Listening to the world champion speak, Paleo living is clearly a no brainer. Citing berries, nuts, sweet potatoes, salads, salmon, lean steak, steamed veggies, mangoes and bananas as part of her daily diet, it becomes apparent that the rest of us would also benefit from focusing our taste buds on these everyday foods.

Ursula Grobler’s success is of course down to hard work and dedication, but there is no doubt that Paleo eating has facilitated her ability to maintain the weight and power needed to excel beyond her competitors. When asked about her secret to breaking the World Record for Lightweight Women at the annual Northwest Indoor rowing competition in Seattle, Ursula simply says; “My diet stayed mainly the same. Lots of fruits and veggies. I was a little more conscious of my nuts and changed my lean protein source to mainly fish”.

Could the difference between successful and average really be down to something as simple as food?

The proof as they say is in the pudding, and ironically the Paleo Diet does now have its very own dessert options. Paleo Diet enthusiast Nikki Young has devised 310 scrumptious Paleo recipes which include multiple snack, main meal and dessert options. Eating like a champion is now not only easy, but tasty.

You may not want to become a world class rower, but undeniably the majority of us want to look as lean and healthy as Ursula Grobler does. Previously, looking as fit as an athlete was something the majority of us could only fantasize about whilst flicking through diet magazines in the doctors surgery, but those days have passed. By eating a natural diet, free of preservatives, processed sugars and high salt volumes, we can maintain a healthy weight, increase our energy levels, sleep better, boost our immune system and live longer.

With the help of a Paleo Diet, Ursula Grobler is busy training for the 2012 Olympics. A shining example of what can be achieved with the correct dietary knowledge and a diligent attitude, Ursula Grobler is living proof that Paleo eating not only works, but can dramatically change us into successful, high achieving individuals.

Have you or are you on the Paleo Diet? Tell us about your success by leaving a comment

Weight Loss Myths of 2010

It's not too late to resolve to live a healthier lifestyle in 2010. The road to sustainable weight loss can begin when you get rid of weight loss myths that might be standing in your way.  

For all the good information out there on how to improve your health, there are a lot of weight loss myths that continue to circulate. Weight Watchers, the world's leading provider of weight management services,  debunks some of the most common and controversial weight loss myths, and provides some timely tips to help you make healthy changes in 2010:



Myth: Eliminating food groups will help you lose weight


By eliminating certain types of foods, like bread, you may experience an initial weight loss simply because you're no longer eating the additional calories from that type of food. But in the long run, you start to miss the prohibited food - no bread means no sandwiches, after all. In the end, it becomes too hard to resist and you generally overcompensate by eating more bread than you normally would.


Tip: Incorporate all food groups into your diet. Visualize your plate in three sections - half filled with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with whole grains and the last quarter with lean meat or protein.


Myth: You have to eliminate sugar and fat, not to mention foods you love, in order to lose weight. 


Everyone knows that a diet high in fat and sugar will pack on the pounds. This myth carries that concept to the extreme, with an all-or-nothing philosophy that assumes you can't achieve the self control required to eat certain things in moderation.


Tip: Self-deprivation is a sure fire recipe for failure. Depriving yourself entirely of foods you love will likely make you resent the restrictions and return to old (poor) eating habits. Instead of giving up things like pizza or ice cream, plan your indulgences. On the day you want to enjoy pizza for dinner, have a lighter lunch or increase your exercise to compensate for the extra calories. Consider writing down what you eat so that it's easier to track and plan ahead for treats.


Myth: Fresh produce is always healthier than frozen or canned 


With so much emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, this is a myth that's easy to believe. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of important nutrients, but some vitamins may be lost in handling or transportation, and while they're sitting in your grocery store's produce aisle for days at a stretch.


Tip: Frozen or canned veggies are packed at the peak of their freshness, which helps preserve their nutrients. Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as healthful as fresh - as long as you make sure they don't have added sugar or sodium. Increasing your veggie and fruit intake can help you succeed at losing weight, thanks to their higher fiber content and lower calorie count.


Myth: You can't eat out when you are trying to lose weight. 


Restaurant portions in America are notoriously over the top, and many dishes are high in fat, calories, sugar or sodium. Even salads, which might seem healthy, can be loaded with calories at a restaurant, thanks to add-ins like bacon bits, cheese and high-calorie dressings.


Tip: You can eat out and still chose foods that won't derail your weight loss efforts.  Take note of how items are prepared - a good rule of thumb is to select dishes that are grilled, sauteed or broiled versus fried or stuffed.    


Also, don't be afraid to request sauces and dressings on the side as this may help reduce your fat and calorie consumption.  Many restaurants also now offer lighter options that feature the calorie and fat content.  One way to avoid overeating is to request a to-go bag at the beginning of the meal versus the end to keep portion sizes in check.  


See Video - "Food to Avoid For Weight Loss"

Which Sweeteners Are Best?

According to recent studies, many popular artificial sweeteners--such as aspartame, saccharin and sucralose--may be detrimental to consumers' health. Dr. David Friedman, health expert on Lifetime Television's popular morning show, "The Balancing Act", recently revealed the three natural sweeteners that he recommends for optimal health and well-being.




In order to demonstrate why natural sweeteners are best, Friedman first explained the negatives of the artificial options.

"Anything labeled 'artificial' is usually created by chemists in a lab, and therefore is not easily digested by the body," explained Friedman. "Additionally, the chemicals in many artificial sweeteners have been shown to actually stimulate the appetite, which is bad news for people trying to lose weight while using these sugar substitutes."

He also explained that many chemicals are used to modify natural sugar in order to make it calorie-free, including: chlorine, acetone, formaldehyde, benzene (a carcinogen found in oil and gas), and chemicals used in engine anti-freeze and windshield washing fluid. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other laboratory studies, a litany of adverse reactions and ailments has been associated with these sweeteners over the past few decades.

The solution? Three natural, low-calorie sweeteners top Friedman's choices for people and families across the nation.

The first option Friedman recommends is Xylitol, which is extracted from the birch tree and sometimes referred to as birch sugar.

Another of his recommendations is agave nectar. Agave nectar comes straight from the agave plant with no chemical modifications, and is sweeter than table sugar.
"Agave nectar is a great option for vegans because unlike honey, it is not an animal product. It also easily dissolves in liquids, so it makes a great sweetener in beverages like iced tea," Friedman said.

The third natural sweetener he recommends is Stevia. Stevia has been used as a sweetener in South America for more than 1,500 years and is sold in the United States as a nutritional herb. Stevia is 100 percent natural and 300 times sweeter than sugar.
"Just one teaspoon of Stevia replaces one whole cup of sugar," explained Friedman. "The calorie savings add up very quickly."
To find these three natural sweeteners, Friedman recommends going to the local health food store

Foods to Avoid for Weight Loss: Video Tutorial

How Green Tea can help you to lose weight

With so many fad diets around, green tea stands out with a proven, scientific record and has been used for its medicinal and health qualities for thousands of years.



Unlike other weight loss methods, green tea does not require you to alter your diet; it simply compliments other weight loss efforts such as exercise. Scientific studies have illustrated that green tea contains 2 elements, namely caffeine and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which aid weight loss.

Benefits of green tea weight loss:

• Burning fat

• Increasing metabolism

• Blocking conversion of energy into fat

• Helping the body reduce dietary fat

• Regulating blood sugar levels

• Reducing food cravings

Replacing traditional cups of tea or coffee with green tea not only helps individuals to lose weight, it also has a host of associated benefits, helping drinkers to be sharper and more alert at work and generally feel happier and healthier.

Living a Healthy Lifestyle on a Budget

Health and wellness is a privilege that everyone should be able to afford even in difficult economic times. With the right experience and know-how, anyone can make smart choices about healthy living while also being wallet wise.

Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg has mastered the art of staying fit, while also being financially responsible. She is a busy mom of three, runs a private practice in New York City and serves as chief pediatric officer for RealAge.com - an informative Web site that helps people live healthier, longer lives. Through her extensive experience of balancing work, life and wellness, she has learned how to keep living a healthy lifestyle, while keeping out of the red.

Dr. Trachtenberg shares her top five tips for staying healthy on a budget:

Tip 1 - Buy Frozen for Good Nutrition
The fresh produce section at the grocery store can be a budgeter's nightmare as pricey fresh foods can really add up. The budget-conscious can find much needed relief in the frozen food section. Frozen fruits and vegetables typically have the same levels of nutrients as their fresh counterparts, because the produce is frozen at the peak of its ripeness, locking in the maximum amount of nutrients .

Tip 2 - Get Fit in the Great Outdoors
No matter what the season, the outdoors is a great place to move your body and bond with family and friends without the confinement and encumbering expense of a gym membership. Calorie-shedding activities can be enjoyed year round:

* Winter - Ice skate at a local rink or work the biceps with some snow shoveling

* Spring - Get some friends together and form a softball league, or ride a bike on weekends

* Summer - Try to walk instead of driving short distances or take up swimming

* Fall - Get some cardio by raking leaves or challenge yourself to participate in a local road race

On rainy or chilly days, visit the local library and check out a workout video. It can be a lot of fun and doesn't cost a thing.

Tip 3 - Let the games begin!
Lately, board games are making a major comeback with the reinvention of the traditional Family Night. Flexing your mental muscle by opting to play cards, trivia games or parlor games of yesteryear can help cut costs on expensive movie rentals and excessive cable charges. Plus, leisure time spent with friends, family and neighbors is always a healthy and fun way to de-stress.

Tip 4 - Drink to your health!
Water is a necessity and getting the recommended eight glasses a day is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Switching from bottled water to tap can save hundreds of dollars (not to mention it also eliminates the amount of plastic bottles that get discarded!). To ensure tap water is healthy and clean, consider a PUR Water Filtration System, which could save up to $600 each year in comparison to bottled water. PUR is certified to reduce many unwanted contaminants to help ensure drinking water is clean and healthy. Visit www.purwater.com for more details.

Tip 5 - Sweet Dreams
Getting much needed sleep no matter what your age is crucial to mental, emotional and physical health. You will feel better, be more productive at work, have increased levels of physical and mental alertness, and your body will get the rest it needs to fight off diseases. For these reasons, make a commitment to schedule your day so you get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep. Children, depending on age, might require more.

Weight Loss Reduces Incontinence In Obese Women, UCSF Study Shows

Behavioral weight-loss programs can be an effective way to reduce urinary incontinence in women who are overweight or obese, according to a study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco.

Volunteer participants in the Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet and Exercise (PRIDE) experienced both significant weight loss and a significant reduction in the frequency of their incontinence episodes, according to the study. Findings appear in the January 29, 2009 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine."

The multi-center, randomized clinical trial was conducted at UCSF, Brown University and the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

The results support the inclusion of weight reduction as a first-line treatment for incontinence for overweight and obese women, according to Leslee L. Subak, MD, lead author on the study and associate professor in the obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences; urology, and epidemiology and biostatistics departments at UCSF.

"It has been well documented that behavioral weight-loss interventions decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, improve control of high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improve mood and quality of life," Subak said. "Our results suggest that a decrease in urinary incontinence can now be added to the extensive list of health benefits associated with weight loss."

Previous studies have indicated that obesity is a strong risk factor for urinary incontinence, a condition that affects more than 13 million women in the United States and accounts for an estimated $20 billion in annual health care costs, Subak said. The PRIDE research team sought to provide evidence of the beneficial effect of a weight loss program involving diet and exercise on urinary incontinence.

The study randomly assigned 338 overweight and obese women aged 42 to 64 years with at least 10 episodes of urinary incontinence per week to either an intensive 6-month weight-loss program that included group diet, exercise, and behavioral modification sessions, or to a control group who received weight loss information but no rigorous guidance. All participants received a booklet describing current methods for improving incontinence, including exercises for pelvic floor muscles.

Study participants in the weight-loss group lost an average of 17 pounds and reduced the weekly number of incontinence episodes by almost half (47 percent). In comparison, the control group lost an average of 3 pounds per person and had a 28 percent decrease in weekly number of incontinence episodes. The study also found that weight loss was more effective for stress incontinence (involuntary urine loss with coughing, sneezing, straining, or exercise) than urge incontinence (loss of urine associated with a strong urge to void).

Among women in the weight-loss group, a higher proportion achieved a clinically relevant reduction of at least 70 percent of total stress and urge incontinence episodes per week compared to the control group. Additionally, women in the weight loss group perceived greater improvement in the frequency of their urinary incontinence, lower volume of urine lost, less of a problem with incontinence and higher satisfaction with the change in their incontinence at 6 months, compared to women in the control group.

The research team will now examine additional data to determine whether the effect of weight loss can be maintained over an 18-month period.

"Improvement in urinary incontinence may be an additional way to motivate overweight women to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as weight loss and increased physical activity, impacting public health as well as an individual's health and quality of life," Subak said.

Other investigators and co-authors on the paper were Deborah Grady, MD, MPH, of UCSF and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Rena Wing, PhD, Miriam Hospital and Brown University; Delia Smith West, PhD, University of Arkansas; and Frank Franklin, MD, PhD, University of Alabama in Birmingham. The study was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the Office of Research on Women's Health.

NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health and conducts and supports basic and clinical research and research training on some of the most common, severe and disabling conditions affecting Americans. The Institute's research interests include: diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutrition, and obesity; and kidney, urologic and hematologic diseases.

ORWH serves as the focal point for women's health research at the NIH, including setting and monitoring policy; promoting, stimulating, and supporting research; and enhancing the recruitment and advancement of women in biomedical careers.

UCSF is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. For further information, visit www.ucsf.edu.

MyFitnessTrainer.com Gives Away 50 Free Memberships to Make New Year's Resolutions Come True in 2009

In stressful financial times, physical health and fitness are all the more important. MyFitnessTrainer.com strives to help with affordable online fitness training and a supportive web community. MyFitnessTrainer.com is awarding 50 free weight loss memberships to dieters nationwide this New Year.

The free 6-month memberships will be awarded to the first 50 people who share their weight loss goals and challenges on the MyFitnessTrainer.com fitness forum.


MyFitnessTrainer.com Gives Away 50 Free Memberships to Make New Year's Resolutions Come True in 2009

The Brazilian Acai Absorbs Much Better Than Any Other Fruit

Since being touted as a metabolism booster, weight reducer and athletic enhancer, sales of acai products have dramatically increased in the U.S. These berries are considered exotic- being harvested in the Brazilian rainforest from acai palms that may reach heights in excess of 60 feet - one of the same palms used to harvest edible hearts of palm.

Though very little research has been done on the Amazonian wonder berry, its benefits are widely raved about from personalities to medical experts. The first of its research conducted by the Texas AgriLife Research scientists have found out that the acai (ah-sigh-EE) berry has the ability to be absorbed in the human body when consumed both as juice and pulp. This finding was recently published in an issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

The research states that the Brazilian acai berry absorbed much better than any other fruit or food because of its high content of antioxidants. Because of this one super benefit, the berry is heavily marketed in the U.S. as a health food and has even entered the Dr. Perricone's list of super foods. The research conducted involved 12 healthy volunteers who consumed a single serving of acai juice or pulp.

Principal investigator Dr. Susanne Talcott said "Acai is naturally low in sugar, and the flavor is described as a mixture of red wine and chocolate, so what more would you want from a fruit?" Talcott, who also is assistant professor with the Texas A&M University's nutrition and food science department, said that previous studies have shown the ability of the human body to absorb target antioxidants (from other produce), but "no one had really tested to see if acai antioxidants are absorbed in humans."

Since being touted as a metabolism booster, weight reducer and athletic enhancer, sales of acai products have dramatically increased in the U.S. These berries are considered exotic- being harvested in the Brazilian rainforest from acai palms that may reach heights in excess of 60 feet - one of the same palms used to harvest edible hearts of palm. Talcott noted that the size of the fruit is similar to a large blueberry with only the outermost layers of the fruit and the pulp surrounding the seed are edible.

For More Information Please Visit www.acaiberryhealthfoods.com

A New Year Diet Special!

Traditionally men haven't bothered with their weight as much as women. But in today's health conscious society men are being encouraged to keep their weight down to avoid heart disease and other weight-related illnesses. More to the point, women just don't find beer bellies attractive.

The trouble is men are notoriously bad at going on diets and sticking to them. They far prefer a quick burst of frenetic activity at the gym followed by a pint or two with their mates than a longer term more structured calorie-counting regime.

However help is at hand for men who want to get their weight under control without too much bother. Kerry Kayes, former body builder and founder of CNP Professional has developed Pro-MR a protein shake meal replacement that helps cuts calories and kicks fat burning into action while also keeping the body fit and healthy.

Kerry is an expert when it comes to helping men get their weight down. In the past he's helped boxer Ricky Hatton shed bucket loads of weight before fights, and this year champion darts player Phil 'The Power' Taylor has lost over four stone after advice from Kerry about using CNP protein shakes and protein bars.

"These products are not only for sportsmen however," says Kerry Kayes. "Any man wanting to lose weight effectively but with the minimum of fuss should try a decent protein-based meal replacement shake – it's an option that really works. You want one that tastes good of course or else you'll just give up. At CNP we spend a lot of time getting the taste just right as well using the best raw material proteins."

Pro-MR is a high protein, low fat meal replacement shake that is ideal at lunchtimes instead of grabbing a high fat, high calorie fast food 'fix'. Taken alongside a sensible breakfast and evening meal, Pro-MR can shift a significant amount of weight. It is filling and helps to the curb food cravings that people usually get when trying to stick to diets. What's more if you also throw in a bit of decent exercise every day, then the weight loss can be even greater.

While a Pro-MR shake contains only 270 calories it provides over half of a man’s typical daily protein requirement. This high protein content helps with fat-burning and the proteins themselves are specially formulated to be easy to digest, filling and satisfying. Probiotic organisms have been included to help maintain and promote a healthier digestive system, and complex carbohydrates and a balanced vitamin and mineral profile ensure a healthy and effective approach to dietary adjustment.

The shakes are easy to mix up – no culinary expertise is needed. Simply tear open the sachet, pour into a shaker with water, then shake and drink. They are convenient for men who are on the move as they are easy to carry around and fill a mid-day gap much better than a pub sandwich and a beer – and much cheaper at about £1.70* per sachet.

There are three delicious flavours of Pro-MR – Wild Strawberry, Chocolate Malt and Vanilla

Personal Trainer Launches Aim to be Fit Women's Boot Camps

Mark Haner, a local fat loss expert and personal trainer based out of Lynnwood, WA, has recently launched Aim to be Fit Women's Boot Camps, a fitness boot camp designed for busy women. The boot camp program promises better results in half the time for a fraction of the cost of other personal training services.

Mark Haner believes he has the weight loss solution that women in North King and South Snohomish Counties are looking for at only a small fraction of the cost of typical personal training rates. "Personal training services are simply too expensive for most people and don't the results to match their price. My integrated rapid fat loss training and nutrition system is designed specifically to help women burn fat and lose weight fast. My clients typically lose anywhere from one to three pounds of fat per week in the program."

Aim to be Fit Women's Boot Camps accomplish this with their revolutionary fitness model that teaches large groups how to exercise and eat to meet their fitness goals. "My boot camps consist of 30-minute workouts for busy women based on a unique interval training system that burns far more fat than traditional forms of exercise like aerobics. Furthermore, I specifically design the workouts to address any fitness level and find the appropriate exercise progressions and regressions so that everybody can train at their current fitness level within the same workout."

Aim to be Fit Women's Boot Camps are based on the belief that most people are truly motivated to workout because they desire to look better. This is accomplished by losing unwanted body fat and gaining lean muscle mass, which in turn dramatically improves one's health and overall performance. "Very few people wake up early in the morning to prevent heart disease or diabetes, but a lot of them will do it to fit into a bikini or to get into a new pair of pants and that's fine. Some people feel guilty about wanting to look good, but realizing what motivates us is the first step to getting out the door and starting a health and fitness transformation. It's becoming common knowledge that obesity is the main cause of many of the health issues plaguing our society today. By taking care of your physique you will dramatically improve your health," says Haner.

A hallmark of this boot camp is the trademarked nutrition system, Eternal Eating, which features quick-start guides and cookbooks customized for busy women. Haner states: "Nutrition is 80 to 90 percent of the battle when it comes to fat loss. I leave nothing to chance by giving my clients everything they need to get the most rapid and lasting weight loss around." Aim to be Fit Women's Boot Camps further separates itself from the competition by providing this sort of in-depth support during non-camp hours.

Can You Really Burn Fat with Tea?

(Diet & Weight Loss), With all the hype about diet tea and weight loss going around lately, the consumerunderground.com team did some investigating.

Claims from the companies who make tea range anywhere from increased energy, weight loss, cancer prevention, anti-aging, stopping certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, fat burning properties and more.

Joy Bauer, a New York City nutritionist, says (the catechins in green tea) increase levels of the metabolism speeding brain chemical norepinephrine (noradrenaline).

Conducting a little experiment, with three women, ranging in height and weight, each drink a different weight loss tea for 30 days. They each drank 2 cups of tea a day and continued with their normal eating and exercise habits. They were weighed in before starting the tea and after 30 days of drinking the tea.

 

While none of these women reported any miracle disease cures one reported that she felt increased brain activity at work, which she assumed was from drinking the tea. Additionally each one reported some weight loss, which is very positive. Overall, it's safe to conclude that drinking enhanced green tea products to assist your weight loss is a worthy pursuit in your well rounded fitness program.

It also helps, of course, if you lay off the snacks.

Can you really burn fat with tea? Find Out More at Consumer Underground.

Technorati Tags: diets, weight loss, diet tea, tead diets

How To Lose Weight From Your Labor Day Weekend Binge

(Diet & Weight Loss), Weight loss has just gotten much simpler with this new fat loss system. Obese and over weight people now have this surprising new method to lose weight and create a natural balance from the inside-out.

With the Labor Day weekend coming to an end, putting on a few pounds is a dreadful reality that many people will face. Removing that extra weight can be a daunting task, unless one is lucky enough to follow the simple steps outlined in the 'Ultimate Diet Handbook'. This wildly popular fat loss system offers people searching to lose weight a holistic approach to safe natural fat loss. 'The Ultimate Diet Handbook' is a downloadable e-book that shows anyone how to melt away the extra pounds through its simplistic process.

Dr. Banerjee explains that the problem with most overweight people is that they are eating the wrong foods in the wrong sequence. By eating this way their metabolism begins to slow down. If they keep this pattern up for too long they risk permanently damaging their health. That's where 'The Ultimate Diet Handbook' steps in.

This new way of eating is truly amazing because dieters notice fat loss within just 7 days of starting. By eating the right foods at different intervals each day, dieters are able to boost their metabolism for permanent weight loss. Not only will they lose weight, they will finally be able to handle chronic health conditions such as diabetes, adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia and many other health complaints.



Technorati Tags: diet, weight loss, dieters, fat loss, metabolism, fat loss system

Females Would Starve For Fashion?

32% of British females would starve for their fashion, and half of the female population are spending more on clothes and accessories each month than they are on food, according to a celebrity fashion website, prompting the new diet phrase "fashiorexia".

The British public have been gorging themselves on fashion, not food, this summer so far, with nearly half, 49%, of people admitting to spending more on looking good than eating, and 18% of people spending more than half their wages each month on clothes and accessories.

Despite the Credit Crunch and reports that the public are now spending less on non-essential items, 49% of fashion hungry shoppers are spending more on their appearance on a monthly basis than food, according to research of 4,315 female members of the general public by star style stealing website MyCelebrityFashion.co.uk

A huge 32% of the women polled said that they would prefer to go without food if it meant making a fashion purchase, confessing, when asked, to belonging to the term 'fashiorexic', pronounced fash-o-rexic. 28% of people claim that this 'diet' keeps their weight in check. When broken down further, a huge 52% of 18-25 year olds belong to this train of thought.

The study found that the majority of the public; 34%, spend between £100-150 per person on food per month. In contrast, the average outlay of those polled was 11% of their wages, or £173.36.

71% of 18-25 year old females spend £150+ per month on clothing and accessories, of which 16% spend more than half their wages on looking good.

The biggest surprise is in the 31 - 40 year old category, where 21% of women claimed to spend more than half of their wages on fashion, and 56% admit to spending more on fashion than eating.

Speaking about the results, celebrity fashion websiteMyCelebrityFashion.co.uk

Head Fashionista, Jill Tovey said,

"Fashion is clearly still a thriving industry, despite the economy. More people are searching for the best deals and bargains online rather than traipse the high streets, and clearly enjoying themselves whilst doing it!"

"With regards to 'fashiorexia', I and MyCelebrityFashion would never advocate eating unhealthily for the sake of fashion, and believe in balance."

Technorati Tags: fashion, celebrity fashion

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Online Pilates Forum, Hooray

Pilates Digest ,the online community resource for Pilates professionals and enthusiasts, has formally launched a moderated forum. The forum, is designed to be a helpful and dynamic resource for everyone with questions, answers and ideas related to Pilates.

Pilates Digest is an online community resource for Pilates professionals and enthusiasts. Pilates Digest has formally launched a moderated forum.

The forum http://www.pilatesdigest.com/forums/ is designed to be a helpful and dynamic resource for everyone with questions, answers and ideas related to Pilates. The Pilates Digest support team will be posting in the forum regularly, responding to and moderating the topics and posts that the community writes.

Forum topics include asking Pilates Digest team members general questions, business related help for owners and managers, health questions related to the fitness industry, instructional support for trainers, product reviews, sport specific topics for athletes, studio and equipment listings and an employment section with open positions.

How to Ride A Bike For Exercise

Knowing how to ride a bike for exercise is an ideal activity for every body, and it doesn't matter how far you go, it simply matters that you just start riding. Bike riding is also a community sport, so you'll make new friends as you get into the best shape of your life.

Riders can set personal goals for bike riding, fitness and desired weight loss, while saving money and doing their part for the environment. Rides usually consist of 25, 50 and 100 mile routes, each with a certain number of rest stops that usually include refreshments, first aid and maintenance tools. Riding a bike to work and you will save money on gas, automobile maintenance, and maybe even a car payment. Ride to and from work from the late spring to early fall, when the days are longer, giving you more time. As you get used to riding, you’ll want to ride for 45 minutes or longer each time. If you want to lose weight, you need to ride on a regular basis. Another option is to plan family or group rides a few times a week. Plan times throughout your week to fit in a bike ride, such as running errands or visiting a friend.

Cycling while seated is a relatively non-weight bearing exercise, like swimming, does little to promote bone density. Cycling on a stationary cycle is frequently advocated as a suitable exercise for rehabilitation particularly for lower limb injury due to the low impact that it has on the joints. Cycling in traffic is something that seems dangerous, but can be safe as long as you obey the rules of the road and use common sense. Cycling is one of the most effective forms of exercise. Cycling at least twenty miles, a week reduces the risk of heart disease and is an excellent alternative to car ownership with its attendant purchase, depreciation, maintenance, and residential and sometimes off-site parking costs.)

Bicycling is an easy way to get around that's pollution-free and that requires little energy. You’ll get your exercise automatically as you go to or from work. Bicycling is a lot faster than you might think, even if you don't ride very fast. By cycling, you can exercise while you get to work and you can feel good about being a part of the solution. Consider cycling for weight loss in a variety of ways. Bicycling brings you and your entire family together in the great outdoors.

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).

Technorati Tags: Low Carb Diets, South Beach Diet, low carbohydrate diets, Glycemic Index, Mediterranean Diet

(source: prweb)

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.

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

Technorati Tags: Burning Calories,Calories,Exercise,Diet,Weight Loss,Fitness

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

Technorati Tags: best weight loss, diet, fitness, weight loss, exercise

Lose Weight After Pregnancy Experience Natural Weight Loss

(Diet and Weight Loss), Proactol.com has recently received a rise in calls from women who are wanting to lose weight after they have stopped breastfeeding. They discussed how it is hard to get the right advice and often women feel the added support during this period is lacking when trying to approach their new lifestyle and weight loss concerns.



As responsive as ever, Proactol.com has launched a campaign 'Love Your Body After Pregnancy' to help women achieve the healthy weight loss results you want after childbirth. Recent statistics suggest that 82% of women feel less attractive after giving birth to their child, mainly in linkage to their weight gain and feeling less toned than before.

Proactol are offering post pregnant women the chance to lose weight naturally without damaging their health and also, to make sure they take a common sense based approach to weight loss. Ideally, many leading dieticians recommend that new moms should follow the philosophy that if it took nine months for them to put on their baby weight, therefore, it should take nine months to lose those added lbs. We have put together a collection of weight loss tips and advice to give women the post pregnant body they both deserve and crave.

The natural way to lose weight, successful slimmers preferred non-surgical option

At Proactol, we offer a 100% organically grown weight loss pill (made from cactus Opuntia ficus-indica) that helps you to lose weight whilst following a healthy diet.

100% natural with no known side effects, Proactol is medically backed and is a Certified Medical Device, under Directive 93/42/EEC. This natural supplement is clinically proven to reduce your dietary fat intake by up to 28%.

Dr J Gruenwald, a widely known and well respected figure within the medical research field explains:

"Proactol™ offers a healthy way of making it easier to take charge of your weight and eating habits. It also addresses issues beyond weight management, such as lowering cholesterol and balancing blood glucose fluctuations."

Technorati Tags: weight loss, diet, lose weight, lose baby fat