Calcium – The Key To Quick Weight Loss

Calcium – The Key To Quick Weight Loss
by: Priya F Shah

Are you dieting your way to bone loss?

Are you aware that the diet you follow may be depleting your bones of essential nutrients and increasing your chances of developing osteoporosis? Popular diets may promise quick weight loss, but calcium and other important nutrients are often missing from the menu, which can lead to bone loss.

And women who consistently limit what they eat to avoid gaining weight may undermine the health of their bones, according to a study by ARS researchers in California. (1)

The study looked at the eating behavior of women between the ages of 18 and 50 and found that those classified as “restrained eaters” had significantly lower bone mineral density and bone mineral content (key indicators of overall bone strength and health) than women who said they weren’t concerned about what they ate.

“Exercise and eating a well-balanced diet with adequate calcium, are two of the best ways to keep your bones strong and healthy.” advise the researchers.

Calcium is not only good for your bones but can help you maintain a healthy, low fat diet too. There has been increasing media coverage about numerous studies showing that a diet rich in calcium helps reduce body fat.

Why is calcium important in weight loss?

Calcium is a fat burner. High-calcium diets seem to favor burning rather than storing fat. Researchers say this is because calcium stored in fat cells plays an important role in fat storage and breakdown.

Calcium changes the efficiency of weight loss . In fact, study after study has shown that the people with the highest calcium intake overall weighed the least, and the people with the lowest calcium intake had the highest percentage of body fat. (2,3,4)

When overall calorie consumption is accounted for, calcium not only helps keep weight in check, but can be associated specifically with decreases in body fat. A low daily calcium intake is associated with greater tendency to gain weight, particularly in women. (5)

Researchers found that adolescent girls who consumed more calcium weighed less and had less body fat than girls who consumed the same amount of calories from other sources. (6)

Previous studies have shown that a higher calcium intake can block body fat production in adults and preschool children (7), but this was one of the first studies to show that it might have the same effect in body-conscious preteen and teenage girls.

But aren’t dairy products fattening?

Some dieters consider dairy products to be fattening, but the evidence suggests the opposite is true.

Consumption of calcium-rich dairy foods can actually help to reduce and prevent obesity. Over 20 recent studies show that milk products actually contribute to weight loss.

A new study in obese adults, presented at the First Annual Nutrition Week Conference, showed that increasing calcium intake by the equivalent of two dairy servings per day could reduce the risk of obesity by as much as 70 percent. (8)

The study provided clinching evidence that calcium in low-fat dairy products can help adjust your body’s fat-burning machinery and help keep your weight under control.

In another study, obese subjects placed on a high-calcium diet, with yogurt as the calcium source, showed markedly greater fat loss than those on a low-calcium diet. (9)

Numerous studies have shown that dairy calcium is more effective in reducing body fat than other forms of calcium. (10)

Why does diary calcium work so well?

Researchers believe that other nutrients found in milk products act in synergy with calcium to reduce fat more efficiently.

Glycomacropeptides (found in whey proteins derived from milk) in particular, are known to create feelings of satiety and fullness and decrease food intake. (11,12,13)

Foods that are a good source of calcium include cheese, milk, ice cream, baked beans and other dried legumes, dried figs, broccoli, most dark-green leafy vegetables, and soft fish bones like those in canned salmon.

Disclaimer: If you are under 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems, consult your physician before starting any weight loss plan. The information here is not provided by medical professionals and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.

References: Dieters May Lose Bone Density. April 1999; Agricultural Research magazine Regulation of adiposity by dietary calcium. Zemel MB et al. [2000. FASEB J 14:1132-1138.] Regulation of adiposity and obesity risk by dietary calcium: mechanisms and implications. Zemel MB. 2002. [J Am Coll Nutr 21: 146S-151S.] Effects of dietary calcium on adipocyte lipid metabolism and body weight regulation in energy-restricted aP2-agouti transgenic mice. Shi H et al. [2001. FASEB J 5:291-293.] Calcium intake, body composition, and lipoprotein-lipid concentrations in adults. Jacqmain M et al. [2003. Am J Clin Nutr 77:1448-1452.] Higher dairy intake is associated with lower body fat during adolescence. Novotny R et al. [2003. Poster Presentation, Experimental Biology Meeting, April, San Diego, CA.] The role of dietary calcium and other nutrients in moderating body fat in preschool children. Carruth BR and Skinner JD. [2001. T Int J Obesity Relat Metab Disord 25:559-566.] Calcium and Dairy Acceleration of Weight and Fat Loss during Energy Restriction in Obese Adults. Zemel MB et al. [Obes Res. 2004 Apr;12(4):582-90.] Dairy (yogurt) augments fat loss and reduces central obesity during energy restriction in obese subjects. Zemel MB et al. [2003. FASEB J A1088:679.3] Calcium and Weight: Clinical Studies. Heaney, R.P., Davies, K.M., Barger-Lux, M.J. [Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 21(2), 2002, pages 152S-155S.] Cholecystokinin decreases food intake in rats. Gibbs J, Young RC, Smith GP.J Comp [Physiol Psychol 1973 Sep;84(3):488-95] Cholecystokinin antibody injected in cerebral ventricles stimulates feeding in sheep. Della-Fera MA, Baile CA, Schneider BS, Grinker JA. [Science 1981 May 8;212(4495):687-9] Peptides with CCK-like activity administration intracranially elicit satiety in sheep. Della-Fera MA, Baile CA. [Physiol Behav 1981 Jun;26(6):979-83]

A Simple To Follow Weight Loss Program – free article courtesy of …

A Simple To Follow Weight Loss Program
by: Steve Hill

This article gives free tips and advice about how to lose weight. Dieting does not need to be a choir, however many of the weight loss programs that are available make it this way. During the article, I describe an easy to follow diet or weight loss program which has helped me to reach a weight that I am now happy and feel comfortable with.

My background

My name is Steve Hill and I struggled to keep my weight under control for the first twenty-two years of my life. I was often teased at school and found it very hard to meet girls as I believed that there would be no way, that they would want to date somebody as fat as myself.

I was a very negative person and I frequently felt stressed and depressed. I often felt sorry for myself and would feel envious of other people who seemed fit, healthy and happy. During these periods of depression, I would often comfort eat to make myself feel better. I love food and this would temporarily help. The problem I found was that if I ate food for ten minutes, I would feel a sense of guilt for around two hours.

Like many people who are over-weight, I was not happy this way and often looked into different types of weight loss plan or diets. Maybe it is just me, but they seem so unrealistic and for somebody like myself impossible to follow. I needed a simple, easy to follow weight loss program.

The solution to my weight problem

The first thing I had to do was to be honest with myself. I asked myself a series of questions:

Why are you over-weight?

I do not eat the right types of food and I rarely exercise.

How determined are you to lose weight?

Very determined.

Are you willing for this to be a long term project, or are you looking for a quick fix?

The quicker the better, however I realise that crash diets do not work and end up causing more harm than good.

Do you feel you have enough self-discipline to succeed?

I am not sure but I will have to have, to reach my target weight.

The weight loss plan

These are the things I must do:

Eat three healthy meals a day.

Exercise more. This will be achieved by leaving the car at home more often and by walking to certain places, such as my children’s school. I will also take the children to play sports like football and tennis, as often as I can.

Fight the demons in my head who constantly tempt me into eating.

These are the things I must not do:

Snack in between meals.

Eat too many take-aways, I will basically allow myself one a week.

Lie to other people or even myself about what I have eaten.

This sounds so simple and is very easy to follow. I have to admit that it is not that easy to carry off, especially not being able to snack between meals. With determination you can succeed and the sense of happiness and pride you will feel when you reach a weight you are happy with, will make it all worthwhile.

About The Author

Steve Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

http://blog.stop-smoking-tobacco.com/blog

http://www.stammering-stuttering.co.uk

http://blog.radiantyouth.com/blog

info@stammering-stuttering.co.uk

This article was posted on April 07, 2006

Tips for Guaranteed Healthy and Fast Weight Loss by Nathalie Fiset

Tips for Guaranteed Healthy and Fast Weight Loss by Nathalie Fiset

Almost everybody, at some point in their of life, has experienced weight-related problems. Most of us, women and men alike, are not content with what we see. We feel that unless we are wafer thin like the models and celebrities we see on television and magazines, we will never be attractive and beautiful.

On the other hand, there are an increasing number of obese individuals across the world. Becoming overweight has become a trend in both the West and East hemispheres. The increasing popularity of processed and fast foods have exacerbated the obesity situation.

There are many diseases related to being overweight, such as hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, coronary heart disease, to name a few. Thus, you need to find ways to incorporate weight loss activities and good eating habits to our daily routine.

Before you start any type of diet, however, you need to go to a physician first. The doctor will tell you if your weight loss plan is appropriate for your health condition. Furthermore, the physician will also assist you in determining if you really need to lose weight and how much weight you need to shed. Many people develop eating disorders because they do not visit a doctor before drastically changing their eating habits and starting a diet plan.

If you want to lose weight fast, healthy and permanently, you need to follow the tips below.

Maintain a balanced diet

The reason why many people are overweight is partly due to an unbalanced diet. If you eat too much from one food group, you won’t be able to get the vitamins and nutrients that your body need.

A balanced diet is composed of protein, dairy food, a little bit of fat from healthy oil, fruit and vegetables, and good carbohydrates — at least 5 portions every day. Many professionals suggest a diet that is composed of mostly carbohydrate, moderate protein intake, and a little bit of fat.

However, there are many diets espousing a huge amount of protein intake and a dramatic decrease in carbohydrates. Before you apply such diets to your daily routine, you need to talk with a physician first. This high-protein diet may not be ideal for some people, such as those with kidney disease.

Increase servings of fruit and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals that our body need. Such food supplies us with vitamin A that is good for our eyes, vitamin C that boosts our immune system, beta-carotene that helps protects our body from the damage of free radicals, and nutrients.

Most fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and low calorie, so they also help clean our colon and make us feel fuller. Canned fruits and vegetables are acceptable; however, there is no substitute for the real thing.

Stay away from junk food and sugar-loaded drinks

Try eliminating junk food and soda from your diet for a week or two, and you will surely feel and see the difference. Maybe the reason why it is called junk food is due to its poor nutritional value. Try looking at a junk food’s label, not only is it full of saturated fat, but also usually high in salt or sugar, or both.

Aside from water, most of the things you drink are also loaded with calories. Soda and sweetened fruit juices are mainly sugar. Thus, no matter how little you eat, but if you still drink lots of soda and sweetened beverages, you will still continue to gain weight.

Don’t skip breakfast

Even if you are in a hurry or late for work or school, you need to grab a bite. It would be better if your breakfast is healthy – probably an apple, oatmeal and a glass of nonfat milk.

If you miss breakfast, you most probably will feel hungrier the rest of the day. In order for our body function properly, we need energy from the food we eat. If you skip breakfast, or a meal or two, your body’s metabolism will slow down to compensate for the lack of energy supply.

More often than not, people who skip meals, particularly the first meal of the day, will binge later in the day. So, even if you skipped breakfast, you will have a tendency to eat a lot during lunch or dinner.

Start exercising

Many of us spend an extended number of hours in our offices. We get stuck sitting down in front of the computer for more than eight hours. When we get home, we spend another hour or two to check e-mails and chat with friends. Thus, we don’t expend most of the calories from the food we eat and those excess calories go straight to our belly, arms and thighs.

If you want to increase your metabolism, you must start exercising. Brisk walking is a good way to start your exercise routine. If you do not have time to go to the gym, you need to find ways to increase your activities. Try sports activities that you will enjoy – boxing, badminton, or spelunking. There are many to fat burning activities to choose from.

The tips above will not let you lose 10 pounds overnight. However, in the long run, such changes will help you become healthier and fitter. The weight loss you will experience will be more permanent.

Natural Weight Loss – 5 Tips Can Make Your Plan Successful

Natural Weight Loss – 5 Tips Can Make Your Plan Successful

One of the major health problems found nowadays is the issues related to lifestyle. Obesity is growing by leaps and bounds and hundreds of thousands of people across the world suffer from overweight one or the other way. Again, the culprits are many; right from improper dietary pattern (including irregular meal timings, consumption of junk, canned, packed foods and foods with preservatives) to hereditary factors and from bad and harmful lifestyle (such as sedentary) to lack of proper body care.

There are many ways to lose the weight. The options include surgeries (such as liposuction), modern medications, fitness exercises, special physical workouts, proper dietary pattern, lifestyle modifications, consumption of healthy and specially designed foods, intake of herbal medications or natural products etc. More and more people now prefer to undergo natural weight loss as modern options may come up with other complications and unwanted effects.

Let us learn natural weight loss tips-

Natural weight loss tip 1: To lose weight, one should not go for any quick weight loss. This is because a sudden drop in a weight may make body weak and dull. It also harms body systems and organs. One should plan not more than 10% of the body weight to lose in one week. The first thing that comes to lose weight is dietary restriction. Junk food, spicy food, oily food and foods with preservatives are to be given up. Include dark, green and leafy vegetables and fresh fruits (preferably citrus and not so sweetish) that help in fat metabolism and also help in cleansing the intestines so body remains a toxic-free zone.

Natural weight loss tip 2: The nature has gifted us with lots of herbs that possess natural anti-obesity action. They help in loosing and then melting down the body adipose tissues (the body fats). Herbs such as garcinia, guggulu, haritaki are said to have good results in obesity and overweight. One can consume such herbs as a single supplement or can go for some herbal formula that contains the blend or combination of these herbs.

Natural weight loss tip 3: Honey, lukewarm water and lemon juice work wonderfully. To prepare special solution out of it, take one glass of lukewarm water and add 1 tsp of honey along with 1 tsp of lemon juice. Consume this healthy drink preferably on empty stomach on a regular basis. The solution helps in cleansing the intestines and also helps in losing the weight.

Natural weight loss tip 4: Exercises do play significant role in lose weight. Aerobic exercises, cardio, jogging, early morning brisk walking etc are considered to be useful in losing extra pounds those have been accumulated in various parts of the body.

Natural weight loss tip 5: Change in lifestyle is necessary and is very important factor in natural weight loss campaign. Park your vehicle a bit far away from the office and take a walk. Likewise, prefer climbing the stairs than to go for elevators. Giving up sedentary lifestyle helps in shedding off extra pounds from the body.

By: Bryan Len

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more useful information visit Natural Weight Loss and Herbal Weight Loss at www.herbal-supplements-for-you.com/

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (arna) : The Biggest Loser Or The …

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (arna) : The Biggest Loser Or The Biggest Winner?

The biggest winner is “The Biggest Loser” in a compelling weight-loss reality drama in which two celebrity fitness trainers join with top health experts to help overweight contestants transform their bodies, health and ultimately, their lives. With over 11 million viewers each week, the show is easily NBC’s most popular. So, that is twenty-two contestants working their asses off at some ranch in Simi Valley, California while 10,999,978 of us sit at home wishing there was just some ‘magic pill’ to help us lose weight.

Lorcaserin (APD-356) is a serotonergic weight-loss drug that just might make that wish come true. On or around March 30th, 2009 there’ll be an announcement of FDA results for Lorcaserin that could create a very high return on investment for those who dare to play in the risky field of biotech.

According to published statements, Lorcaserin is a selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist, and in vitro testing of the drug showed reasonable selectivity for 5-HT2C over other related targets.5-HT2C receptors are located almost exclusively in the brain, and can be found in the choroid plexus, cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, amygdala, thalamus, and hypothalamus. The belief is that the activation of 5-HT2C receptors in the hypothalamus promotes weight loss through appetite suppression, and this is supported by animal studies, but it is unclear whether the dose range used in human trials will be sufficient to demonstrate the same level of weight loss. While it is generally thought that 5-HT2C receptors help to regulate appetite as well as mood, motor behavior, and endocrine secretion, the exact mechanism of appetite regulation is not yet known.

The drug has successfully cleared both Phase 1 and 2 FDA clinical trials:

The company states that “data from Phase 2 clinical trials of Lorcaserin demonstrated that patients who received the drug experienced significantly greater weight loss than patients who received placebo.” At the end of 12 weeks, the groups which were administered Lorcaserin lost an average of 4.0 pounds (10 mg/day), 5.7 pounds (15 mg/day), and 7.9 pounds (20 mg/day). The placebo group lost an average of 0.7 pounds, despite the fact that all groups received no diet or exercise instruction.

Upon discontinuation of Lorcaserin treatment, lost weight is regained. In Phase 2 clinical trials, patients were tracked for 2 weeks post trial completion, and all groups regained weight more rapidly than they had lost. In pre-clinical trial studies, lab rat weights returned to control levels.

The company is taking care to demonstrate that Lorcaserin does not cause heart valve damage in the same way as previously withdrawn serotonergic weight loss drugs such as fenfluramine and chlorphentermine. They stated that the Phase 2 clinical trials, the participants of which had been pre-screened to exclude valvulopathy, show that Lorcaserin “has no effect on heart valve regurgitation at 12 weeks.”

We are just weeks away from the announcement of Phase 3 results, the last trial before it could become ‘a billion-dollar drug’, according to Forbes Magazine. Plugging those kinds of sales figures into the company that owns this drug could make the $5.98 share price rise by almost 1,000% after March 30th, 2009. The projected release date for Lorcaserin is 2010.

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Ticker Symbol: ARNA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering and developing innovative therapies offering significant medical advances and new options for patients. They are focused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral drugs in four major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, central nervous system, inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Their lead drug candidate, Lorcaserin hydrochloride, is intended for the treatment of obesity and is being evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical trial program.

Arena has developed a marketing plan to target the massive base of overweight and obese consumers, including pre-launch marketing and brand positioning that commenced in 2007, packaging, support, and internet development that started in 2008, and a “Speaker’s Program” beginning in 2009 during their New Drug Application process with the FDA. This plan predicts an initial number of prescriptions of 10 million for revenue potential of $1 billion.

Latest News

SAN DIEGO, Feb 04, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARNA) announced today that the company is scheduled to present at the BIO CEO & Investor Conference on February 10, 2009 at 1:45 p.m. Eastern Time (10:45 a.m. Pacific Time) at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City. Jack Lief, Arena’s President and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to provide an overview of the company, including its clinical development and discovery programs.

SAN DIEGO, Jan 08, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARNA) announced today that the company is scheduled to present at the 27th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 14, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time (6:00 p.m. Eastern Time) at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. Jack Lief, Arena’s President and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to provide an overview of the company, including its clinical development and discovery programs.

At the end of March, FDA results will be announced, but early results from the Phase 3 trial, show that Lorcaserin beats the placebo (no drug) by 500%, and has successfully treated almost every single one of those on drug among the 3,000 patients currently enrolled in the clinical trials.

Remember that Lorcaserin has already cleared the Phase 1 and the Phase 2 trials. In other words: all that’s left is the red tape of filing it with the FDA. That’s why most new drugs usually see their biggest returns long before the FDA gives official approval.

As I was writing this article, CNBC released this report with Jack Lief, Arena Pharmaceuticals chairman/CEO and CNBC’s Mike Huckman:

Targeting Obesity
‘A major focus in the biotech industry is the worldwide epidemic of obesity and drugs being developed to address it’

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1027447539

Not a day goes by in this country when there isn’t some new study or news report detailing the negative effects of obesity. The bottom-line is: The number of overweight people in America is attracting the notice of medical professionals everywhere, and even 11 million weekly viewers of NBC’s ‘The Biggest Loser’.

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Ticker Symbol: ARNA) has developed a drug it thinks will transform America’s bodies, health and ultimately, their lives. Lorcaserin could transform their wallets and create ‘The Biggest Winning Investors’. But, be careful. Biotech is a very risky play, and it has been known to bite. There is also potential to shed dollars and the wrong kind of pounds.

By: Mark Ripple

10 Tips For Shopping For Weight Loss – free article courtesy of …

10 Tips For Shopping For Weight Loss
 by: Donovan Baldwin 

Everybody is different. What works for your friend might not work for you, or might work better for you. Therefore, these suggestions for shopping for weight loss are presented as helps, and I hope you will find something of use to you. With just a little thought and creativity, you should be able to come up with several more tips yourself.

 

1. Always use a list when you shop, and stick to it. Almost any other food item you put in the buggy will be something that does NOT fit in to your weight loss plan.

2. Plan ahead. Decide what your meals are going to be, and what ingredients you will need. Include portion sizes in this planning. If you just buy a pack of steaks, you will probably cook all those steaks at once and there is a chance they may be eaten all at once. Planning your meals will help you prepare your shopping list. Plan also for meals such as lunches you carry to work.

3. Take someone with you who you can trust to be on your side. By "on your side", I mean, of course, someone who understands and supports your weight loss goals. While this person should be aware of what you are trying to accomplish, YOU must understand that they ARE trying to help you, and YOU must give them permission to express their honest thoughts about purchases you are making…especially if you are deviating from your list.

4. Have this trusted friend or family member HELP you draw up your shopping list.

5. Always eat before shopping. It is a fact that shopping when hungry increases your tendency to put extra items in your shopping cart.

6. Learn to read the labels. Almost every food you buy has a label outlining nutritional content and levels. Knowledge of nutritional needs is important, but does not need to be daunting. Basic information is easy to obtain.

7. Avoid convenience foods. Most have additional calories, fats, or carbohydrates. Although they may taste great, this is often a direct result of those very attributes.

8. Plan PREPARED meals. Cook from scratch. Not only will you probably enjoy the meals more, but having to prepare a meal helps prevent you from indulging yourself with a quick and easy snack or meal.

9. Avoid buying "empty" foods. These are foods such as chips, cookies, or candy. An apple may have as many calories as a piece of candy, but it contains a much higher level of nutrition, and provides factors such as fiber, for example.

10. Buy foods you really like. Eating in a healthy manner does NOT have to be a boring or unrewarding experience. Types of meals enjoyed in Japan, for example, can be tasty and a different and inviting experience, but they can also be very good for you. Again, be aware of portion sizes. Just because it is "good for you" doesn’t mean you ought to go back for seconds or thirds.

There you are, 10 hints for shopping for weight loss. Since portion sizes was mentioned twice, let me leave you with this thought. Most Americans eat portions much larger than recommended sizes. A discussion of portion size is more than can be incorporated into this small article. However, people in France tend to eat very rich foods yet do not have the obesity problems found in America. People in Japan who eat a traditional Japanese diet tend not to have an obesity problem such as is found in America. As diverse as these two cultures and their diet are, a common factor is portion size. They typically eat much smaller portions than Americans.

Copyright 2006 Donovan Baldwin

About The Author

Donovan Baldwin’s interest in fitness and health began in 1970 when he first read Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s "Aerobics". Find more weight loss tips at http://nodiet4me.com. You can find additional articles on fitness, health, and weight loss at http://nodiet4me.blogspot.com.

This article was posted on January 17, 2006

More Tips To Improve Your Weight Loss – free article courtesy of …

More Tips To Improve Your Weight Loss
 by: Gary Matthews 

If you are like me you are probably totally sick of dieting because every time you stop the weight comes flooding back on and you just cant stop it!

I have put together 10 more weight loss tips to try and sway you away from the dieting run around and to try and put you on a more steady and healthy course of weight loss.

Lets have a look at them:

Move More – Take every opportunity to expend more energy. Don’t drive if you can walk, don’t walk if you can run. See activity as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience. General moving burns a big 70% of your daily calories so try to Eat Less and Move More.

We keep looking for a fast, magical, fat loss, weight loss, health and fitness miracle but what would happen if we applied the simple concept of eating less and moving more.

Eat less junk food, eat more fruit and veggie foods, Get some regular cardio based exercise, Get stronger to protect your body, improve your quality of life and turn your body into a fat burning machine and stick with it rather than giving up after one week.

Don’t Diet – If you’re thinking of going on a diet to lose those extra pounds think again. Long-term weight control through dieting is near impossible, for the simple reason that diets promote only short-term solutions.

On a diet you’ll certainly look lighter on the scales, but in most cases this is because you’ve dumped a few pounds of body fluid, and not because you’ve lost any significant amount of body fat.

Diets Don’t Work – One of the main reasons diets don’t work is because they send the body into starvation mode – a survival mechanism for times when humans faced periods of famine.

Cutting back on our energy intake causes the body to lower its metabolic rate, which reduces its ability to burn fat. At the same time, hunger signals increase and we quickly start to crave high energy foods loaded with fats and sugars – the exact foods we are trying to do without!!!

Diets Put On Weight – Alarmingly, research has shown that repeated dieting actually makes it harder to lose weight and easier to put it on!!

This is because when you dump the diet and return to normal eating habits, the drop in metabolic rate caused by the diet means that your old eating habits actually represent excess in calories. Not only do you regain the fat stores just lost, but also you may even gain a bit extra.

Diets Are Unhealthy – A cycle of rapid weight loss followed by weight gain can lead to loss of lean tissue from your muscles and calcium from your bones.

It also strips the body of essential vitamins and minerals. Too little food means not enough energy for physical activity. Dieting causes your body to conserve energy, making results harder to achieve.

Diets Make Food The Enemy – Food provides nourishment and comfort. Diets can make you afraid to eat, depriving you of one of life’s pleasures.

Going from one failed diet to the next can leave you feeling depressed and create a cycle in guilt battles against food.

A Lifelong Plan – Regular physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet aren’t as glamorous as the quick fixes, but they do get better results.

Start with one extra exercise session and one less fatty takeaway meal per week, and gradually work towards a lifelong plan for achieving your best weight.

Sticking With It – If you change the way you eat or exercise to lose weight, ask yourself this question. Can I see myself sticking to this routine for life!! If the answer is "No" then it’s time to change what you’re doing.

Be Realistic – A realistic weight loss plan is around one to two pounds per week. Fast weight losses are not fat loss but glycogen and water. If you lose weight quickly then you will probable return back to the weight at which you started as quickly as it was lost.

Healthy Eating – Increase the amount of fruits, vegetables, non-fat dairy products, whole grains and beans that you eat. Eliminate calorie-dense foods such as cookies, sugary desserts, chips, fries, pizza, candies, crackers etc.

Research on people who have successfully lost a lot of weight and kept it off long term, shows that the vast majority succeeded by consuming a low fat diet high in fibre coupled with strength training and cardiovascular activity.

Your goal is to start utilizing these tips into your everyday weight loss regime to start losing weight consistently and for good.

Healthy Weight Loss Program: Your Personal Exercise Prescription …

Healthy Weight Loss Program: Your Personal Exercise Prescription … 

A fat burning exercise prescription is a MUST for the long term success of any healthy weight loss program. Guidelines for healthy weight loss related to exercise and physical activity have been steadily improving over the last 20 years.

Along with the 1996 Surgeon General’s recommendations, the American College of Sports Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association have all issued statements on the importance of regular physical exercise in a healthy weight loss program.

The diet industry also endorses exercise as a beneficial component in any healthy weight loss plan.

In fact, look at the disclaimers of any fad diet, special weight loss pill, or fat reducing fruit nectar and you’ll see where, in addition to the "unbelievable benefits" of their product, the practice of proper nutrition and consistent aerobic exercise are highly recommended to achieve optimal healthy weight loss results.

In other words, these companies are telling you that eating right and the incorporation of moderate aerobic exercise have more to do with the overall outcome of the healthy weight loss plan than does their "miracle pill".

Overview

1. Determine your age adjusted maximum heart rate (220 – your age = maximum heart rate)

2. Determine your optimum fat burning exercise heart rate range (maximum heart rate x .6 = minimum heart rate; maximum exercise heart rate x .75 = maximum exercise heart rate

3. Exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times per week, keeping your heart rat between 60% and 75% of your age adjusted maximum heart rate.

4. Perform the flexibility exercises listed below 2 – 3 times per week.

Exercise Prescription

Exercise, by definition, means purposeful movement. Although many kinds of exercise exist, certain exercises may not be necessarily therapeutic for you. Remember, an exercise prescription is just that; it’s a prescription. Very little benefit will be obtained with nonspecific, over the counter exercise programs. Your understanding of the purpose, principles, and adherence to each prescribed exercise technique will be essential to the development of a positive outcome.

The purposes of an exercise prescription are to:

1. Increase muscular flexibility
2. Normalize and balance muscle tone by increasing oxygen rich blood flow to the tissue
3. Integrate muscle activity
4. Restoration of functional movement
5. Restoration of functional muscle strength and endurance

The exercise principles listed below serve as a guideline for proper application. Study the principles carefully in order to maximize the effectiveness of your exercise program.

Exercises designed to improve flexibility should be performed several times per day. Each exercise should be held for 30-60 seconds to allow the tissue to elongate.

Exercise prescribed to improve strength, mobility, and endurance should be performed at a pace that would enable you to complete the prescribed number of repetitions in one minute. If multiple sets are prescribed for each exercise session, a 90 second rest interval should follow each set.

Never hold your breath during exercise. Your therapist will instruct you in the proper breathing technique that will facilitate a better exercise outcome.

You may experience a slight ache or discomfort following your first or second exercise session. This is a normal reaction referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and should go away in a day or so. This type of muscle soreness is not a cause for stopping your exercise program.

If the exercise reproduces a specific pain or makes an already existing pain become more widespread, stop the exercise and inform your physician immediately.

Allow yourself enough time to complete the exercise as prescribed. Exercise sessions that are rushed through with little attention paid to technique will be ineffective and will prolong your symptoms. If time becomes an issue, perform a few repetitions several times throughout the day.

Don’t be in a hurry to advance to more strenuous exercise. Remember that tissue adaptation to new forms of stress takes time. In some cases it took years for your condition to develop. It is unrealistic to expect that the condition will be resolved after just a few exercise sessions. Compliance with your prescribed program and patience will result in the desired outcome.

In combination with a healthy diet and nutrition plan, a fat burning exercise prescription is a necessary component of any healthy weight loss program.

Before beginning any healthy weight loss program, it is strongly advised that you consult with your physician.

By squidoo

Handy Tips For Healthy , Permanent Weight Loss by Stefania Townsend

Handy Tips For Healthy , Permanent Weight Loss by Stefania Townsend

The key to successful healthy weight loss is to make some permanent, realistic eating and lifestyle changes.

Don’t starve yourself.

Eating small healthy meals throughout the day lessens the chance that you’ll start snacking on candy or fat-laden fillers. Try to eat five small meals per day, instead of three large ones. That way you avoid becoming too hungry and there’s less danger of you reaching for something sweet when your blood sugar levels are lower.

Never skip breakfast.

A good breakfast actually helps to kick-start your metabolism. And by eating right first thing in the day, you’ll be less likely to pick unhealthy choices later on. So make the time in your morning to eat a balanced meal before tackling your busy day. It will not only give you the energy you require, it will also help you stick to your weight-loss plan

Diet foods.

Learn to read labels to identify the total fat and sugar content of food. Don’t be mislead by claims of ‘low cholesterol’ or ‘low in saturated fat’. Many foods still have a high total oil or fat content. ‘Lite’ is another term that is misleading, and may mean light in salt, flavor or color rather than low in fat and calories. Often total calories may be high due to added sugars.

Watch out for portion sizes.

The amount of food you eat, even if it isn’t junk food, can still affect your weight. You can follow a smart eating plan by choosing the right foods, but if you aren’t watching the amount of food, you’ll find it difficult to lower your calorie intake and reach your ideal weight.

Supermarket tips.

Write your grocery list in advance – and stick to it

Never shop on an empty stomach. It will only encourage you to splurge on unplanned treats Leave the kids – and the potential for impulse buys – at home. Avoid the confectionery aisle. The easiest way to avoid temptation is not to encounter it in the first instance!

Eating out and going about your normal social life when you’re trying to lose weight can be difficult. You can still achieve your goals by following a few simple guidelines.

Don’t go to parties or functions hungry.

It takes roughly twenty minutes for your brain to recognize that your stomach is full. When you’re hungry you tend to eat quickly which can lead to overeating. Having a nutritious snack before going out will make it easier to say no to fatty, sugary party foods.

Change your focus.

Isn’t the point of a great party to socialize? So try to catch up with as many people as you can. The more occupied you are, the less time you have to think about the food! Not only will your clothes thank you but you might also make some new friends!

Stay hydrated.

Most people have a hard time telling if they are hungry or just thirsty. Going to a function dehydrated is just setting you up to overeat. Try breaking up your drink of choice by alternating it with water

Party drinks.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that party food is your only enemy in the weight control war. Alcohol and soft drinks are both calorie-packed carbohydrates. Drinking too much of either will lead your body to store the excess calories as fat tissue.

Food cravings.

If you find yourself drifting off to the food table too often, ask yourself why. Are you really hungry, or are you just bored? It’s also worth considering motivations such as nervousness or stress. Ask yourself, will this food really make me feel better?

Clever menu choices.

If there’s a great new restaurant you’d like to try remember it’s still possible to enjoy your meal and keep your weight-loss program in track.

* Choose tomato-based sauces instead of creamy sauces.

* Try ordering an appetizer as a main meal.

* If you must order condiments like sour cream and salad dressings, order them on the side and use only half of the amount they give you. Or try toppings like salsa or low-calorie dressings to add flavor with fewer calories.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE

Regular exercise is an essential part of sustainable weight management. It builds bone and muscle strength, wards off conditions such as diabetes and hypertension and supports a healthy heart.

Being fitter also helps you take part in more of life’s pleasurable activities, such as keeping up with your children, joining in more outdoor activities on the weekend, and enjoying food and drink without the guilt and consequences!

Adding a quality weight loss supplement to your diet and exercise plan will really lift your energy levels and kick-start your exercise plan.

Try to think of exercise as an opportunity to treat your mind, body and senses – not just a way to keep off the pounds. Think of all the good you’re doing your body. If you just think of exercise as a chore then you’ll find it hard to stick to a healthy exercise routine.

Take opportunities to exercise as part of your daily routine by adding a little more activity into everything you do. Take the stairs rather than the elevator. Park the car a little further away than usual in the mall. Walk the dog for an extra twenty minutes.

Don’t find excuses not to exercise. You may have a lot going on in your life but if you "think" you don’t have time to exercise then you won’t change your mindset. Remind yourself of the benefits of fitness. If you’re stressed a 45-minute break at the gym will actually make you think more clearly. Exercise is also great remedy if you’re feeling lethargic as it gets blood pumping through your body, which gives you more energy, helps you work more productively and sleep better.

Be consistent. In order to see results and reap the health and weight loss benefits you must exercise regularly. Every day is ideal but at least three times a week is essential if you’re serious about getting results.

Don’t worry about how you look. The thing with gyms is that everyone is much more concerned with how they look than how other people look! Just ignore everyone else and turn your music on, watch the TV or think about what you’re doing on the weekend. Avoid working out in front of mirrors which will only magnify your feelings of being watched. It’s important to choose a gym where you feel comfortable, and one which is close to home will help as well. Some gyms even offer childcare or classes that involve running with prams so now you can’t use the kids as an excuse!

A Scam Or Can Phentermine Help You Lose Weight?

A Scam Or Can Phentermine Help You Lose Weight?

Overview, Phentermine resin received FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval in 1959 as a prescription appetite suppressant for the short term treatment of obesity. Phentermine Hydrochloride became widely available in United States in the 1970′s. It is approved as an appetite suppressant to help diminish weight in obese patients when used short-term and combined with exercise, diet, and behavioral modification. It is typically approved for individuals who are at increased medical risk because of their weight and works by helping to release certain chemicals in the brain that control appetite.

Phentermine, like most available weight loss medications, is considered an appetite suppressant medication. Appetite suppressant medications like it promote weight loss by lessening appetite or increasing the feeling of being full. These medications reduce appetite by increasing serotonin or catecholamine, which are two brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite.

Phentermine is used in the short term treatment of obesity. Because the appetite reducing effects of Phentermine tend to decrease after a period of a few weeks, as well as other sympathomimetic appetite suppressants, are only used during the first few weeks of a weight loss program. Phentermine can lend a hand to an individual in losing weight while developing the understanding, skills and new behaviors required for long term weight loss.

In the US, Phentermine is currently sold under the brand names Ionamin (Medeva Pharmaceuticals) and Adipex-P (Gate Pharmaceuticals). It is also available as a generic medication, known as simply ‘phentermine’.

What we like about this plan. Phentermine is a short term obesity pill that is supposed to aid the obese dieter until he or she can manage a weight loss plan. It is required that you eat a calorie reduced diet and begin an exercise program while taking Phentermine. It can be of great boost to an individual who are at increased medical risk because of their weight. If your weight has given you medical concerns and/or attributes to conditions or diseases that can become more manageable if your weight gets under control, then 12 weeks on phentermine, with your doctor’s help, might be a new beginning. What we dislike about this plan. There are many different side effects to this pill. These side effects are usually not serious and will usually disappear after the first couple of weeks taking Phentermine. Most common include dry mouth, blurred vision, heartburn, headache and/or nausea. Because phentermine acts through sympathomimetic pathways, the drug may increase blood pressure and heart rate. It may also cause palpitations, restlessness, and insomnia.

Furthermore, phentermine has the capability to cause physical and psychological dependency. The 12 week maximum prescription is not only due to drug tolerance, it is also due to dependency for the drug. Testing or clinical trails have not been done on phentermine in decades It is time for studies to determine the potential for carcinogenesis, mutagenesis or impairment of fertility.

How Healthy is this Plan? This plan is not for persons that have severe high blood pressure, history of drug or alcohol abuse, hyperthyroid diseases, and /or kidney disorders. If you are obese, dealing with medical issues that your doctor concludes are safe conditions to have while taking phentermine, this, along with a healthy eating plan and exercise can be a healthy start to a lifestyle program.

Here is the Bottom Line. This can be hope for obese individuals who need a little help to get started. As with all drugs, there are risks to side effects. This one has been on the market since the 50′s, is at a lowest cost appetite suppressants in its category, and has a website with information, success stories and community forums.

2008 – 2009 Which Weight Loss

By: Craig How

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