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I am interested in promoting good health and wellbeing,i have spent most of my adult life trying tro keep the balance, as well as leading by example.I believe very strongly in balance i feel that the martial arts has given me the disciplin to do this .It is easy to be come side lined and distracted with chasing money and living a hectic life style.trying to maintain balance in a country that tries to squeeze every last ounce of strength out of you is demanding keeping the faith and staying strong is the only way forward.

Monday, 16 September 2013

Top 3 Reasons Behind Diets That Work


Were you to talk with 10 people, you could find 10 distinct diets that they follow to shed pounds. That seems to show that there is absolutely no "right way" to shed body weight and lots of distinct approaches are fine. However there are many typical things that you will find most of the time after you talk with someone who has gotten good results getting healthy as a result of an eating plan. You could be surprised that this emphasis isn't on meals right here.
Find Your Ambitions
When you create an objective for yourself, you put yourself on the path to a win. You'll discover you move in a direct line towards objectives, flying to obtain what you long for, rather than going about aimlessly and eventually being irritated that you just haven't achieved anything.
An objective may be anything at all, it's your decision. If you wish to decrease health risks, eliminate 8 pounds or give up eating a whole lot of unhealthy food you can do it. Begin a log of your target and also keep records about how you are advancing.
A sample intended for somebody who would like to eat less unhealthy food could write the following, "First full week in October - had the following foods, 2 pints of ice cream, 3 chocolate bars, 2L of soda plus a chocolate cake, totaling 6630 calories". Together with your objective to boost your eating habits you can adjust your diet plan in the future and eat a smaller amount. After a month or two the results will be evident.
Don't Worry Be Happy
Going on a diet isn't a definite science. You can't simply consume a specific quantity and eliminate a specific amount of excess weight, or obtain the specific end result you would like. Thanks to the instant gratification thinking a lot of people have today, this is very frustrating.
Bear in mind, that it's probably taken many years to find yourself in the body you happen to be at this point, the one you wish to transform. You won't have the capacity to change things right away. A confident mind-set will be crucial to ensure you stick with it.
It is very important start with the best facts so you can make good choices, but it is also important to enjoy yourself. With time you will begin to discover results, so stick with it!
You Need to Think That It's Great
An eating plan that you don't adore is not going to be one which works best. That is the problem of yo-yo diets, you start one a couple of weeks which are almost all work and a hassle. When it's complete and you discover the results, the diet program will get tossed away and then the pounds will come back again.
The trick is that you actually need to always be feeding on the things you want, having enough so that you aren't hungry continuously and also so you are happy with life.
The longer you adhere to a great eating plan the greater the benefits you will see, and the longer they will last. Look for a completely new eating plan forever, not just a couple of weeks.
Bringing it Together
Eating a proper, well-balanced diet should be a lifelong objective that will improve your overall health, get you feeling wonderful and help you delight in your days. Though there are tons of different programs and ways of eating you can stick to for success, these 3 points will help you out available no matter which one you decide to follow.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7986450


Tuesday, 3 September 2013

Eating Healthy Foods - The Key to A Long Life


Everyone wants to have a long and healthy life but there are few who want to actually do what it takes to get them there. Eating healthy foods is one of the most important keys to a long life. Lack of this can easily lead to premature death. This is because there are so many conditions that can arise from prolonged eating of unhealthy foods.
Healthy Fats
Choose foods which contain healthy fats over those with unhealthy fats. To avoid being overweight, make sure you consume fats moderately. Saturated fats are known to cause heart disease and should be avoided. Foods which have saturated fats include fatty meats, butter, regular milk and cheese.
Avoid foods which contain trans fats or cholesterol. Instead, eat fiber fruits. These include fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains. When it comes to proteins, get them from egg whites, nut butters, nuts, beans, egg whites and turkey. Instead of frying, choose to boil, bake or stir-fry your food. This will steer you away from an intake of too much fat.
Drink Moderately if You Have To
Do not start drinking alcohol if you have never taken. If you have been drinking or you still decide to start, make sure you do it in moderation. Drinking increases the risk of heart disease. The risk increases in proportion to your level of drinking. Therefore, reduce your intake of alcohol as much as possible as you continue eating healthy foods and exercising.
Drink Plenty of Water
It is important to drink plenty of clean water. The average recommendation is that you should drink at least 8 glasses or approximately 1.8 liters of water. There are further studies which have shown that the amount of water you take may depend more on your age, sex and state of health among other conditions. Nevertheless, try to drink as much water as possible.
Water helps to control calories, balance body fluids, energize muscles, keep the skin looking great and maintain normal bowel function. It is also good for the kidneys. With all these benefits, there is no doubt that drinking plenty of water will help you live longer and healthier.
Replace Unhealthy Snacks with Healthier Ones
Are you a fan of snacks? To live longer, you may have to cut down on the unhealthy ones. Instead, find something healthy that can replace each one of them. You can start by making a list of your preferred fruits and vegetables. Choose the ones which you are comfortable to snack on. Whether you'd prefer mangoes, bananas, pineapples or any other fruit as a replacement for snacks, stick to these and avoid unhealthy snacks as much as possible.
Go Big on Fruits and Vegetables
Yes, your mom was right when she continually insisted that you should eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. They have healthy vitamins which will help your immune system, therefore reducing your chances of regular sickness in old age. Each fruit and vegetable has many health benefits that will be good for your organs, your mental well-being and your overall health.
Remember To Exercise
Eating healthy foods alone will not cut it when it comes to health. Exercise is inevitable. In fact the people who live longest are mostly the ones who don't drink, exercise regularly and eat healthy. There is no need for you to suffer in old age or die prematurely; observe these tips and secure a long, healthy life.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7934729

Monday, 26 August 2013

Successful Tips To Help You Take Those The Pounds Away!


Is weight loss a struggle for you? There is no magic pill for weight loss. There are tips and tricks, though, that can make weight loss a much easier process. With a little knowledge, some patience and hard work, you'll see just how easy successful weight loss can be.
Try to drink anywhere from 64 to 96 ounces of water a day. It might sound like a lot and, of course, you want to spread the consumption of it out over the day. Drinking water does burn calories though and is a great way to speed up your metabolism.
A great way to lose weight is purchasing a few instructional fitness DVDs. When it comes to fitness DVDs, the variety is endless. You can go with dance fitness programs or you can even ones that focus on stretching or balance. You'll also be able to workout from the comfort of your own home.
Brush your teeth after every meal and snack. Brushing your teeth will actually become a subconscious sort of cue at that point. It will signal to your body that it is done eating. It will also remove the taste of food from your mouth and keep you from snacking.
A great tip to help you lose weight is to leave the house and just go for a walk whenever you feel the urge to snack. Sometimes it's just about distracting yourself when you're hungry. Leaving the house and going for a walk is a great distraction from hunger.
Many new diets involve completely eliminating carbohydrates from your diet in order to lose weight. From a nutritional standpoint, this is not the best idea. We all need carbs to function properly, especially athletes. Carbs provide the long term energy needed to compete in sports, so don't cut down on them if you are physically active.
An easy way to restrict your calorie intake is to simply eat more slowly. Stop, chew, and savor your food. Do not finish a meal within five minutes of sitting down with it. If you eat too fast, your brain won't be able to send the "full" signal to your stomach in time. You will end up overeating and most likely gaining weight if you eat too fast.
Weight loss no longer has to be a struggle for you. Losing weight can happen, and you can be very successful at it. If you will follow our helpful tips you will have no trouble losing the extra weight that has been hanging around for a little too long.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7950673

Monday, 12 August 2013

What Are The Best Weight Loss Programs You Can Try


There are a lot of cities in the world where a lot of wealthy and sophisticated people visit. There is also a place where most businesses become successful and a place where most people experienced a stable way of living. And so, you will see a lot of stylish and sophisticated people strolling in huge malls and grand hotels. Who wouldn't want to look good in this kind of place?
Well, for you to look good, you have to start first with a healthy and fit body. Even if you have one of the most beautiful and angelic face, if you don't take care of your body, it would still ruin your whole look. Imagine a beautiful girl with flabby arms and tummy bulges, no matter how pretty her face is, her whole appearance would still matter. Having a perfectly proportioned body can really make you look attractive. You can wear any type of clothes you want without having to worry about sizes.
And that is why many people today strive for weight loss. A popular city has its reputation as a prime destination for the world's elite including those really good-looking ones. Those who love to travel can find facilities that offer many program options for slimming. Everything from first class gyms to hi-tech wellness centres are available. Really popular these days are the services of targeted body shaping experts. If you want to appear better sculpted, these are the professionals to approach.
Some of the services they offer are LPG, PowerPlate and HYPOXI. These are effective solutions available to help you achieve that perfect figure you would truly be proud of. HYPOXI involves equipment and treatments that target fat loss in regions such as the stomach, hip, buttocks and thighs, promoting improved skin tone and texture, increased metabolism, better circulation and lymph drainage.
LPG on the other hand involves technologies that deal with the treatment of connective tissue. Through cell stimulation, body shaping is achieved in a natural and non-aggressive manner.
PowerPlate is a line of equipment that functions as a virtual trainer. It comes with customized workout programs and exercise videos, providing a completely unique and effective fitness solution.
So, with the abundance of weight loss options available, local residents and visitors can find one or two choices that will suit their specific fitness needs perfectly. Before long, they'll have a body they can show off. In a world where image is everything, a fit body certainly makes an excellent starting point.





Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7919314

Tuesday, 30 July 2013

Empower Yourself To Be Wealthy, Healthy And Free



At least 25 years ago, It was suggested there was a correlation between one's financial health and one's physical/emotional health. Since then, I have taken a special interest in the subject and, after learning a great deal from a nutritionist co-worker and trainers and doing a lot of research, I believe more than ever in the link between bad health and bad finances. I believe our ultimate goal should be to empower ourselves to live the life we desire without having to worry about our health or money.
I sincerely doubt that I made history back then with my uneducated theory and there is evidence that other better qualified folks have made the case since then. In fact, in 2009, well-known financial expert Suze Orman appeared on the NBC TV show Biggest Loser in a segment about assessing each player's finances. She advanced the notion that the players who had the best credit scores would be the ones most likely to win the contest by losing the most weight. As it turned out, the player who she deemed had the best grip on his finances did actually win the title. Danny got his financial house in order before going on the show suggesting that when you improve your financial situation, health benefits will follow.
Exercise is often overlooked, and even avoided, when someone is trying to get back on his or her financial feet. Have you ever known anyone who thinks, "Once I'm bringing money in again, then I'll have time to exercise. Exercise doesn't pay the bills, you know"? Despite one's best intentions, it's hard to adopt a workout regimen when you are 3 months behind on the mortgage or your roof is leaking, right? You become obsessed with keeping yourself afloat and, quite often, your health suffers as you do nothing but work... or look for it.
When folks are stressed, they often react by doing things that feel good to them. Unfortunately, many of these things are not healthy or beneficial. One such activity is overeating. Emotional overeating can be triggered by many factors but one of the most common is stress over money problems. According to weight loss experts and nutritionists, people under stress will gravitate toward processed and sugary foods as a way to cope with their anxiety. If the stress is caused my money problems, people will more likely buy cheaper, processed foods, as well. Such foods are now considered to be the most detrimental to good health and, as argued on a recent Dr. Oz episode, they can be as addictive as cocaine due to their effects on brain chemistry. As people gain weight, they begin to also stress about their health which simply continues the cycle.
So how does one get both his physical and financial health in order to stop the cycle? How does one finally empower himself to succeed? The answer, it seems, lies with the individual. For some people, improving their health, looking and feeling better, gives them the confidence to apply for a better job or seek out financial advice and take action. They take better care of their money because they suspect they will be around longer to appreciate it. For others, a better income opportunity relieves anxiety and encourages them to make the most of their comfortable lifestyle by getting healthy. If one puts off health improvements until she has more money, she runs the risk of never realizing her dreams. On the other hand, if one has enough money but is in poor health, the same outcome may occur.
Can improvements be made in both areas simultaneously? Human nature suggests that most folks have a hard time with that. They tend to focus on one task at a time. If you are disciplined, however, an optimal exercise/eating plan can co-exist with a job hunt or financial improvement endeavor.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7888715

Thursday, 25 July 2013

Foods That Help Fight Disease, Pain and More


In addition to being delicious, foods like cherries, coconut, beans and peppermint have healing properties that can soothe achy joints, sore muscles, and even aid in heartburn. These foods can be just as effective as medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen and are extremely healthy for you without having any harmful side effects, not to mention being completely delicious. Having a diet that is high in foods that have healing capabilities can help reduce or even cure the underlining problem causing pain.
People suffering from achy joints should eat lots of cherries and turmeric. Recent studies suggest that eating about 20 tart cherries can be as effective at reducing joint pain as taking an ibuprofen. Eating about 45 cherries a day can reduce C-reactive protein by about 25 percent. C-reactive protein is a protein found in blood that responds to inflammation. Turmeric can also aid in pain reduction. The spice Turmeric contains a compound called curcmin. Like cherries, curcmin has been proven to reduce joint pain. In one study on osteoarthritis in the knee, participants experienced the same pain reduction from curcmin as they did with ibuprofen.
Ginger has been proven to aid in sore muscles. In a study on ginger's healing properties, participants experienced 25 percent less post-workout muscle strain after consuming ginger. In addition to aiding sore muscles, ginger contains an antioxidant called gingerols. Gingerols is an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and pain releasing capabilities.
While beans may cause gas problems, they can most certainly aid in heartburn issues. The high amount of fiber in beans moves food through the digestive system so quickly that it prevents acid reflux issues. In a study preformed by the "Gut" journal, participants with high fiber diets experienced about 20 percent less pain from gastric reflux issues.
Along with beans, peppermint and coconut can help with aiding in digestive issues. Peppermint has a multitude of healing properties. Peppermint oil contains a carminative, which works as a compound that heals gas problems and also aids in acid reflux issues. In addition to gas and acid reflux, peppermint can act as a muscle relaxer and can help with muscle cramping and spasms. Coconut also has healing properties. Pure coconut has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can be very helpful when dealing with diarrhea issues.
Eating the right foods can alleviate all kinds of issues from muscle pain to acid reflux without the need of medicines. In addition to being delicious, these foods are incredibly healthy and have healing properties without the negative side effects of chemical medications.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7862852

Thursday, 11 July 2013

How to Experience the Power of Choice


In life, three factors affect are often influence the process of decision making of every man lies all around a location. We always know the significance of living without any sense of guilt or fear especially in your residence location. This gives you power to stay and at the same time socialize with those people living in your neighborhood.
Many people often think that they probably grew in those locations that could lead to their deaths. This is one of the misplaced priorities by these people (mostly in men). For instance, think about those refugees in war prone areas who often change their places of residence. The experience of moving from one place to another due these factors such as wars, diseases, drought among others can sometimes frighten you, but in the end, it can be a source of hopefulness as well as excitement. I know all people who undergo the same difficulties would definitely feel the same.
It is significant for an individual to be opportunistic at the same time be intentional in those places that you probably would like to spent the rest of your lives living in especially for emotional and practical reasons. Irrespective of the gloom and doom that are aired in most of the western media, we have several countries that are experiencing economic growth together with booming and are waiting for self-motivated, hungry men to utilize the opportunities there.
A woman is another well-noted point. We all know that different countries as well as towns are equally created in terms to women number. You will experience a new dating life once you change your place of residence especially when you move from a small town to a big town.
You will always discover that more friendly and beautiful women per one square mile in Sweden or Serbia, for instance, when compared to any city in US. Furthermore, I believe that there many other countries where women appreciates those men who provides them with a drink at the same time would not give you any attitude after approaching and talking to them.
Many people may sometimes think that a woman can represent all those women from other countries. There is no proved theory that can explain this concept. Quality of life as well as lifestyle is another important factor to consider. This gives you an opportunity to listen to yourself before making a decision to live in those places that satisfy your needs as well as interests, not basing the decision on the past.
It is important to create a short list of those places that you would consider living. Secondly, you must visit the places for a week or even a weekend before making a decision to move in the following year. Your friends, family members, peer groups can sometimes give you wrong advice, but never listen to them.
Once you relocate to the new place, there are often frightening experience and challenges, which will harden you. I know with time you will be strong enough to overcome the challenges and begin to appreciate your decision. Remember you have the power to choose the battle field where you can win your war.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7849067


Thursday, 27 June 2013


How Awareness And Compassion Can Change You... And The World


What does a blissful life look like? Is it fulfillment and satisfaction in everything we do? How about confidence, healthy relationships with our friends and loved ones, a nurturing environment for growth and happiness? All of this is available to us beyond our circumstances, environment or opportunities. So, how do we achieve this? By returning to the simplest elements of who we are - by simply weaving awareness and compassion into our life.
Awareness and compassion has the potential to blossom out of a culmination of experiences in our life. These experiences can produce a life changing realization - that everything is interconnected; that in a very simple way we are the same and the way we choose to see the world guides us in how we live it. It seems like such a natural concept but have you ever really asked yourself, "Am I living an aware and compassionate life?"
It's not too often we reflect on our level of awareness, so here are a few questions that can help reveal how aware we actually are:
Does your mind wander off and get easily distracted?
Can you constructively express in words how you're feeling?
Do you tend to do several things at once rather than focusing on one thing at a time?
Are you aware of physical sensations such as muscle tension or simply the air on your skin?
We can boost our level of awareness by being mindful. Mindfulness is a hot-topic in some of the top academic institutions worldwide and is one of the most powerful practices in self-awareness that we can do. It provides us with the ability to respond skillfully rather than react, express ourselves effectively, and to keep ourselves focused on what we're doing and where we are without placing judgment on what is happening.
Compassion consists of many aspects as well, like love, affection, kindness, gentleness and generosity towards both ourselves and others:
Do you genuinely accept and appreciate who you are?
Do you notice thoughts of judgment or expectation towards yourself? How about your loved ones?
When you've been angered, can you let go of the tension and anxiety that you feel towards that person?
Compassion takes practice by viewing others with the understanding that "this person is just like me, striving to be happy and free of stress or pain", then going deeper and visualizing that they find happiness and success in what they do, that their emotional and physical pain is eased, and that they live in peace. This along with other acts of openness, generosity and kindness to others and ourselves provide the conditions for a deep acceptance and appreciation of each and every present moment and a shift from a stressful self-focused view of "what can I get" to a relaxed and selfless one of "What can I do?"
We all have the ability to embody this way of being, which leads us to a happy and emotionally successful life. What is very exciting is that this dream is quickly becoming a reality. Research supporting the benefits of cultivating awareness and compassion in our workplaces and schools is on the rise, showing the ability to create healthy work environments, building effective teams, increasing attention and cultivating healthy relationships. In our personal lives awareness and compassion provide the skills needed to effectively deal with life's hardships and joys.
So, if you care to, let's take a few moments to pause, take a few breaths and ask ourselves now "What can I do to bring awareness and compassion into my life and the community that surrounds me?" Whatever arises for you, no matter how small, has the capacity to spark an experience that will create a shift within you and ultimately, the world.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7821960

Saturday, 22 June 2013

Too Much of a Good Thing: Check Those Portions


Every week I meet at least a few new clients who are having trouble losing weight, despite making healthy food choices. When it comes to those food choices, you can get too much of a good thing.
Being able to recognize what makes a normal portion is essential if want you to maintain your health and your weight. Some people are just eating too much, or at least, enough food to keep their weight right where it is... not budging at all!
It really is about how much you eat of any food.
One quick and easy way to determine portion size is to use what is known as the "plate method".
This method has received a lot of attention recently and it is one of my favorite ways to show clients how to zero in on those portions.
My Plate is the new guide for healthy eating. To use the plate method:
Start by dividing your plate in half. Fill half of the plate with vegetables or fruit. Divide the remainder of your plate into two quarters.
One quarter of the plate is used for a protein food (meat, fish, beans, etc.) and the other quarter is used for a whole grain or starchy food (potato or rice).
Visualizing the plate in this way makes it easy to learn about healthy portion sizes, especially for those who don't want to measure their food.
One thing you must consider, however, is how big are your plates? It is not unusual for standard size dinner plates to come in sizes of 10 inches or more. A nine inch plate used to be the standard. Unfortunately, if you start with a larger plate, the tendency will be to fill it up. Portioned food on a large plate looks like you aren't getting enough food! So if you have large plates, think about scaling down to a 9 inch size.
Besides using the plate method, weigh or measure your food portions from time to time. Big portions are everywhere, and we get used to seeing too much food on the plate no matter where we go. It's easy to lose sight of reasonable portions. I recommend getting a food scale or using measuring cups every few months to "revisit" portion control.
Here are some basic guidelines for correct portion sizes:
  • Protein foods: (such as lean meat, fish or poultry): 3-4 ounces
  • Vegetables: 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked (try to eat at least 4-5 portions daily!)
  • Fresh fruit: 1 piece is one serving. Berries or Melon: 1 cup.
  • Juices or canned fruit: 1/2 cup.
  • Starchy foods or whole grains: 1 portion is usually 1/2 cup or 1 oz. if a bread
  • Non-fat milk or yogurt: 1 cup
  • Fats: (oil, butter, mayonnaise): 1 tsp.
Maintaining reasonable food portions, and "checking in" on the amount you put on your plate from time to time is one of the most effective ways to get back on track with weight loss. If you eat healthy but your weight is stuck, check to see whether you are getting too much of a good thing!






Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7798281

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

The Benefits of Keeping A Healthy Diet


The significance of keeping a balanced, healthy diet can never be overstated. Preparing balanced meals everyday will not just prompt proper sleep and weight control but will also help prevent diseases naturally. Many people, especially women, resort to food deprivation as a means of losing weight. Little do they know that this gravely affects women's health and can even lead to various health issues such as anorexia. Make sure that you meet your nutritional needs in order to fully enjoy a quality life.
Meeting Dietary Needs
Food intake must include fruits, grain, vegetables, oils, beans, protein, and milk or other dairies. Eating at least six grain servings, two fruit servings, and three vegetable servings; also two dairy or protein servings is rendered most beneficial for the health. Oils and fats must be avoided or eaten rarely.
Eating healthy foods that contain minerals and vitamins will help boost the immune system. This also naturally protects the body from common illnesses.
Disease Prevention
We all know how expensive it is to be sick these days. So you can protect your body from getting diseases such as heart ailments, diabetes and those associated with aging, make sure to take in balanced meals everyday. It is a bad idea to excessively eat products of one food group. Eating only vegetables which are considered healthy food items can still leave you unprotected from diseases.
Your body highly needs minerals and vitamins that are found in other food groupings for it to remain healthy. Eating balanced meals will ensure proper body function as well as boost your body's energy level.
Weight Control
Overweight individuals will benefit so much from maintaining a healthy diet as this is the basic step to weight loss. Taking part of popular fad diets will not really guarantee you long-term loss of weight. You will eventually find yourself gaining back what you worked so hard to lose once you return to your original eating habits.
The main point of keeping a healthy diet is to continue providing your body with its nutritional needs. It may take you a longer time to achieve the lighter weight you desire but remember that this approach is for long-term. It is guaranteed safe and much more effective than starving yourself, which can cause certain ailments and bad eating habits in the long run. Know that diets are not solely for overweight people, nonetheless. These can also bring benefits to underweight individuals.
Proper Sleep
Excessive eating of particular food products can prevent people from sleeping comfortably. Foods that are high on sugar content, like candies, are among what should be avoided. Eating heavy and oily foods will make waking up during early mornings difficult as well. Balanced diets will not just help you sleep easier without the need of sleeping pills, they will also help you feel well rested after waking up.
Appearance
Other than achieving an ideal body weight, eating healthy will also bring out the glow in people. Proper sleep can reduce eye puffiness and vegetable intake can help improve eye vision. Vitamins and minerals will also contribute to maintaining the vibrancy and youthfulness of skin. In addition, skin dryness and sensitivity can be reduced by eating lots of fruits.
Quality of Life
The benefits a balanced diet can bring goes beyond just positive effects on women's health. It will also bring you an enjoyable life. Because you will feel less stressed and more energized, you can accomplish more things in lesser time. You can also save on costs as fewer illnesses can mean lesser medical bills. Keeping a healthy diet is the key to attaining good well-being and great health.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7724264

Thursday, 23 May 2013


The Best Carbs to Burn Body Fat Quickly



For those who want to burn body fat quickly, you probably could use some assistance with determining which foods to consume and the foods to keep away from. Some diets recommend you to keep away from carbs, but if you want to burn body fat quickly, there are an abundance of great carbohydrates you can eat, which will actually help.
As a rule of thumb, carbohydrate sources that are the closest to their natural make up are your best bets to shed body fat quickly. Essentially, you are looking for carbs that can be tossed into your plate right from the source.
Still, that is a little too basic, given that this is such an elaborate topic so here are some other things to bear in mind when deciding on a fat burning carbohydrate:.
o Refined carbs will do NOTHING to aid you in burning body fat. Foods that include white flour or with high white sugar content are categorized as refined carbohydrates. Refined carbs are known to increase blood sugar levels, aside from containing little or no nutrition, and instead of helping you burn body fat they will increase it.
o If you want something to aid you to burn body fat, consume some veggies. They are a low calorie and high bulk choice. You can eat large servings of vegetables without adding meaningful calories to your diet.
o Unrefined starches such as whole grains, potatoes, and oatmeal are also good decisions if you wish to burn body fat. They have an abundance of high fiber and nutritional value and when eaten with a lean protein source, they present even greater benefits.
o Fruits are only okay if you are consuming three or fewer servings each day. If consumed earlier in the day, fruits can aid you in burning body fat, despite the fact that they are absorbed rather quickly into the bloodstream and are fast releasing.
If you are looking for carbs to help you burn body fat, fresh vegetables and unrefined starches should be your first preferences. As a rule of thumb, if you want to burn body fat fast, stay with vegetable sources. By eating vegetables alone not only will you burn body fat, you will also refill your vitamin, antioxidant, and mineral stores. You can burn body fat faster if you eat this low calorie, high nutrition choice in a greater proportion in correlation to other food sources.
Since vegetables are bulky, you will feel full before you can cross your calorie limit. Also, green vegetables aid in regulating blood sugar, making them even better choices. Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, zucchini, and celery are great vegetable choices if you are looking to burn body fat fast.
Your maximum carbohydrate bulk needs to come from green fibrous vegetables followed by the following carbohydrates: yams, white potatoes, barley and rye, brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, and lentils and breads.
Bananas, apples, apricots, cherries, oranges, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, fresh peaches, plums, pears, nonfat yogurt, and skim milk are carbohydrate decisions that should be consumed in moderation.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3181750

Sunday, 12 May 2013



An Amazingly Effective Healthy Diet For Weight Loss



I used to be a weight loss counselor and personal trainer and I can give everyone a diet where you can actually eat as much as you want and still lose weight hand over first and at the same time get all of the nutrients that your body needs to thrive for years and years to come. Wouldn't that be fantastic?
The diet that I am referring to consists of eating lots of lean proteins (turkey/fish/chicken) plenty of vegetable such as sweet potatoes and carrots and as much sugarless oatmeal as your heart desires (do NOT go for out of the box Quaker Flavored Oatmeal, there are many better options as Quaker Flavored Oatmeal contains tons of unnecessary sugars). Sounds yummy right?
Don't worry, we are just getting started. The key to this diet is to completely eliminate refined sugars, and salt (as much as possible... use Mortons light salt) from your diet. If you are looking for a bit of a 'sweet' kick, opt instead for Stevia for sweetener. In addition to the preceding, absolutely NO condiments, butter, heavy salad dressings, fats and cheeses. The final key to this healthy diet for weight loss is to limit the dairy in your diet. Don't you think this incredible diet sounds more possible and more plausible than a lot of other 'fad' diets you may have come across recently?
Here are some meal examples to get you started on the right track to killing your extra pounds, murdering excess body fat and finally giving you the body transformation that you totally deserve. Have a look at the sample menu below:
1. Breakfast - oatmeal cooked, 1 bowl with egg whites
2. Lunch - Grilled chicken over salad with oil and vinegar
3. Snack - Apples and pears..
4. Dinner - Fish or chicken baked with salsa and a yam. NO butter!
If you are able to consistently stick to this diet for one week straight, AND drink a gallon of water each and every day on top of it (this is actually much easier than it sounds once your body becomes accustomed to the extra fluids) your belly will flatten considerably and you will begin to feel much much better physically especially in the early to mid afternoons when the typical 'office lethargy' tends to hit in full force. How amazing will that be? How much better will you start to feel?
The final key to this revolutionary diet/exercise program is the exercise part. As tempting as it may seem, do NOT attempt to start a sit-up program until you really drop most of the fat from your midsection, otherwise your belly will start to grow in size undoing all of the hard work you have already put in! That is the last thing you want, right?
Instead of sit-ups, do 20 - 30 minutes of moderate to intense cardio three times a week. It may seem difficult to plan ahead for these workouts at first if you aren't accustomed to a regular exercise plan, but believe me, it is the absolute most important thing that you can do for your body at this point to help carry and keep the momentum of your new diet program going.
This is the one simple diet/exercise program that is extremely effective and finally going to get your health and lifestyle headed in the right direction. I am really rooting for you.
.
Don't delay and don't get left behind. You deserve it!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.c


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7689391

How To Lose Weight In A Healthy Way



Do you need to get in better shape? You should develop your own weight loss program to get the silhouette you always wanted. Keep reading to learn more about weight loss and the different efficient methods you can use to get in shape.
Stay away from diet pills, crash diets and other similar methods. You will get good results on the short term with these methods but it is best to focus on transforming your lifestyle step by step to make sure you never go back to your unhealthy habits. You can only use a diet pill or a crash diet for so long and will put some weigh on again unless you adopt healthy habits for good.
Do not try losing weight too quickly. Losing two pounds a week is healthy but keep in mind that losing only one pound a week is an excellent result too. If your metabolism is not fast enough, focus on losing a pound a week. Losing more than two pounds a week is too much and your body might respond by store fat to compensate for the weight loss. Besides, you might feel weak if you lose more than two pounds a week.
Adopt a healthier lifestyle. You might be overweight because you spend too much time watching TV or sitting in front of the computer. You need to find some new hobbies to be more active. If you need to sit all day at work, find ways to be more active when you get home. You could also take advantage of your breaks to walk or do a few simple exercises on a yoga mat.
Transform your diet. If you tend to eat more than your daily recommended caloric intake, find healthy foods that will satisfy your hunger instead of eating empty calories. Eat slowly and avoid distractions so you can realize when you are full. If you tend to snack between meals, try eating five or six times a day. Prepare some small meals and spread your caloric intake throughout the day to avoid snacking.
Working out will definitely help you lose weight. Find some exercises you really enjoy and exercise at your own rhythm. It is important to start slowly, for instance by working out for twenty minutes a day. You will quickly notice an improvement and become more resistant. Once you get in better shape, look for ways to make your fitness program more challenging. You could for instance join a gym or sign up for an aerobics class.
Set some weekly or monthly goals for your weight loss program. You should focus on precise goals such as losing a specific number of pounds. Choose reasonable goals and do not feel bad if you cannot reach them on time. Reward yourself when you meet a goal, for instance by purchasing some new clothes or a gym membership. This is a good way to stay motivated throughout your weight loss program.
Follow these tips to develop your own weight loss program. You should soon reach a much healthier weight if you are properly motivated.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7710191

Monday, 6 May 2013



Ladies, You Can Eat Pizza and Still Lose Weight


It's well established that in order to lose body fat and body weight, you need to bring your daily calorie intake below your maintenance level for a certain time period. At first you lose weight, then your progress slows and then you hit a plateau where you seemingly can't lose any more weight. If you reduce your calorie intake even further, now you start to lose muscle in addition to losing fat due to your insufficient calorie intake. Again, that's not good because this will lower your metabolic rate, making it even harder to lose fat. Also, when you restrict your calorie intake for a period of time, your body starts to think that you're starving and reacts by lowering your metabolic rate and increasing your appetite.
Researchers believe that the reason your body does this relates to levels of a hormone in your body called leptin. The role leptin can play in keeping you lean is yet another reason not to banish carbohydrates (carbs) from your diet, since occasionally overfeeding on carbs can revamp your leptin levels.
If you're on a reduced calorie diet, leptin levels will begin to fall in your body. When leptin levels fall in the body, this effectively reduces your resting metabolic rate (RMR), triggers increased cortisol production (a catabolic hormone that promotes muscle loss and makes it hard to lose fat), and also increases your appetite, essentially promoting body fat gain. It is your body's defence mechanism because it thinks you are starving. To keep your leptin levels normal and hence your appetite sated and your RMR at optimal levels, it is helpful to have occasional overfeeding days (particularly of carbs). This could be one day a week where you forget all about your diet and eat whatever you want in whatever quantities you want. Most likely you're going to consume a lot of high carb foods, which will aid in increasing your leptin levels.
Try to make the majority of your overfeeding day comprised of carbs but avoid sugary foods such as fizzy pop, sodas, biscuits, and other sources of high fructose corn syrup. Also, try to go approximately 1000 calories higher than your maintenance calorie intake for the overfeeding day to assure a good response.
You could still lose a lb a week even with the overfeeding day. For example, if you stay at a 750-calorie per day deficit below your maintenance level during the other 6 days per week and you're 1000 calories over your maintenance during the overfeeding day, that's still a 3500-calorie deficit for the week (+1000 - 750x6 = -3500). Since the overfeeding is only one day per week, it will not ruin the benefits of the other 6 days per week where you're following a good diet and will actually supercharge your metabolic rate to make sure you keep your fat loss or weight loss efforts on track. What you're actually doing is tricking your body into thinking that food is plentiful once again and it doesn't have to lower your metabolic rate since it no longer thinks it is starving.
Besides being important physiologically for maintaining continual fat and weight loss, the overfeeding day is also very important mentally by giving you that one day a week to look forward to where you can overeat and not worry about it.
NOTE that for a smaller individual with lower daily calorie requirements, you need to modify the calorie deficits and surpluses to smaller amounts.
Personally, my typical overfeeding day includes a large pizza and a cake! I may also have the occasional glass or two of red wine or even a couple of pints of beer. I look forward to my treat day as it gives me the opportunity to let my hair down (for those of you who know me, I have very little hair but you get my drift!!).
When you initially undertake a weight loss programme, I wouldn't recommend the overfeeding day until you have reached at least your short-term goals. Otherwise, you just think it's OK to eat pizza and drink wine a lot. Only incorporate the overfeeding day WHEN you feel ready.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7680050

Wednesday, 1 May 2013


Healthy Foods To Eat For A Healthy You


We all know that in order to be fit, we need to eat healthy foods. Yet, with all the different choices available in the market, sometimes it could be hard to choose which the healthy foods to eat are. Below are some of the foods you must eat if you want to enjoy good taste and obtain optimum nutrition.
Coconut
Coconut is not just good to eat when you are stranded on a tropical island, just like what are depicted in films. Coconuts offer carbohydrates and fats, which are also needed by the body to stay healthy. Coconut oil can help lower heart disease rate. Also, coconut oil also provides lauric acid that aids the immune system in fighting infections from viruses and bacteria. What is also great about coconut is that no part of the fruit or of the tree goes to waste because they can also be used appropriately.
Fish
Fish, particularly the saltwater kinds are the healthiest sources of protein. Unlike cattle that are fed with foods grown with artificial fertilizers, fish feed on minerals contained in water, such as iodine. Plus, fish also contains omega-3. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce or effectively convert; but is required by the body in order to function well. Omega-3 helps ease inflammation present in the body. The best fish to eat are, of course, those that are fresh.
Kelp
Kelp is an algae or large seaweed that contains great amounts of potassium. Apparently, kelp offers more than potassium because it also contains substantial amounts of protein, iodine, magnesium and other types of minerals at amounts greater than those contained in many vegetables grown on land. You can also obtain EPA, a kind omega-3 fatty acid, from kelp.
Mushroom
This is a kind of food that is so versatile you can add it in stews, soups and even salads. Mushrooms grow in rich and organic substance. They can offer protein and iron and a lot of other nutrients. Eating mushrooms can help boost your immunity to diseases and infections. Furthermore, mushrooms have been used in many clinical and laboratory studies because experts say that there are compounds contained in mushrooms that can aid in the fight against breast cancer. If possible, always ensure that what you are buying are mushrooms that are grown organically.
Watercress
Watercress is an excellent source of iron and it contains more iron than the spinach. Also, powerful antioxidants are also contained in watercress that can support the fight against lung and breast cancer. Only about three ounces of watercress in one day can already improve the levels of specific antioxidants in the body. While you might not usually find watercress in the market, perhaps you could consider growing them on your own via hydroponic gardening so you could ensure that you will eat watercress that is free from synthetic fertilizers and plant chemicals.
Honey
This is a food that will never get spoiled despite many years in proper storage. Natural honey has hormone-like properties that make it an excellent addition to your diet. Instead of using refined sugar, use honey to sweeten your foods and drinks. Honey contains antioxidants. It can also be used as natural wound antiseptic. Phytoestrogen is even found in Greek honey that dampens breast, endometrial and prostate cancer growth.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7682291

Sunday, 28 April 2013


The Healthy Vegan Raw Food Lifestyle - Why You Should Adopt It


There are so many sick and unhealthy people in the world today. For the majority of these people, their diet is shockingly unhealthy and they really don't care what they put into their bodies. Sometimes it's not that they don't care, but it's that they have little knowledge on healthy eating. So, what happens to these people if they keep eating junk food over a long period of time?
These people eventually go from being merely unhealthy to very, very sickCan their sick bodies ever become healthy again? I mean, so much damage has already been done by gorging themselves daily on fast foods, fatty foods, and not to mention, too much food. Well, guess what? They can become healthy again - it is possible. But how?
Become healthy again with a Raw Vegan Lifestyle
It's all about adopting a new lifestyle and healthy eating plan - a complete lifestyle overhaul. What I highly recommend to achieve this is venturing down the road of a healthy raw food vegan diet. Hear me out please, since this way of eating can seriously reverse all of your body damage and major health problems. I call the vegan raw food diet the "Mother of All Diets". All other diet plans do not even come close!
Amazing Health Benefits
You see, eating raw living foods gives the body ridiculous energy boosts, clears up skin problems, helps the body get rid of excess fat, makes a person feel more mentally stable and at inner peace, and gives a person an amazing newfound zest for life. How do I Know this? Well, I personally eat a high percentage of raw foods and super-juices in my diet on a regular basis, and I feel absolutely great by doing this! When I eat these amazing living foods, I seriously never want to eat anything that would harm my body again. I just want the feeling of pure health and natural bliss to continue. I truly feel like I'm on cloud nine when I eat large doses of these superfoods.
But hang on, raw foods taste disgusting, right?
Wrong.
Raw foods taste GREAT!
I kid you not; raw foods really have a superior taste and freshness than any cooked food ever will. Try making for yourself a Super-Salad with sprouts, mungbeans, avocado, corn, onion, carrots, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and grated beetroot. It is to die for! And you will have an energy boost that will last all day long! Or why not try eating just fruit for breakfast and morning tea? Maybe even treat yourself to some freshly squeezed orange juice. Your skin will start to clear up and weight will start to fall off - just because you decided to eat only fruit in the mornings. How cool is that!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7602751

Sunday, 21 April 2013


8 Fiber Rich Foods for a Flat Beach Belly!



Researchers are doing an amazing job at promoting the importance of fiber intake on a daily basis. It's recommended to consume over 30 grams of fiber per day and the average person is only consuming 9-11 grams of fiber per day. Needless to say, this is not enough.
There are several health benefits associated with the consumption of dietary fiber to include preventing and or treating internal and external hemorrhoids and constipation. Fiber is also known for reducing cholesterol levels. Low cholesterol levels will also decrease the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Fiber is great for helping to manage a healthy body weight.
Diets rich in the right type of fiber will also yield amazing body shaping results as these foods will activate the body to burn fat in the midsection. Fiber stops the conversion of calories into fats, specifically around the tummy. The following are 8 fiber rich foods to help you realize a nice washboard tummy!
Berries, Berries, and more Berries!
Berries are key foods to consume when you are seeking to shed the abdominal fat and will have you well on your way to a strong, washboard tummy.
Berries play a major role in the diet and are known for their wonderful antioxidant. At the same time, berries are absolutely fabulous to help with fiber intake. The fiber per calorie yield is very high when consuming berries. The seeds of the berries are the main source of fiber. Blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and currants make great additions to a salad, cereals, and cups of yogurt. Consuming the berry treats in a natural, unprocessed form will ensure you receive the most nutrients the berries have to offer.
Veg Out
Eating vegetables has multiple benefits. Vegetables are high in natural fiber content along with other essential nutrients needed to maintain your overall health. Vegetables are also a great source of fiber for babies too.
Vegetables are a great source of cleansing, especially the colon. Your body will eliminate weeks and months of debris stuck to the walls of your colon, which could cause bloating and defeat the opportunity of realizing your ripped tummy goals.
Avocados, tomatoes, and artichokes are excellent, fiber rich vegetables that will also help with flattening the stomach.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are packed to the brim in fiber. The consumption of whole grains is said to help with the reduction of inflammation in the body, which is usually associated with water retention. Whole grains will also help regulate your blood sugar.
Finally, whole grains are a great fiber rich food that will help decrease belly fat. Foods such as whole grain cereals, breads, quinoa, and barley are superb choices.
Go Nutty
Nuts are great fiber rich foods that are also an excellent source of Vitamin E. Nuts are a great source of energy and will keep you feeling satisfied. You will also notice a nice and tight stomach.
Nuts are full of good stuff. The oils in nuts make them a heart healthy treat that you should snack on often. Great nut choices are sunflower seeds (it is baseball and softball season), walnuts, and flax seeds are all excellent choices. Ground flax seeds or in their natural state can be added to breads, smoothies, and other homemade treats.
Bran-tastic
If you want to have a quick and easy way to increase your intake of fiber, bran is the way. Bran is extremely rich in fiber and is a fiber rich breakfast food. Bran can be found in several commonly consumed foods to include your soluble fibers like oat bran and cereal. There's also the insoluble fiber, which is key to the prevention of constipation. Foods such as corn, rice, and wheat bran are great sources of insoluble fiber.
This source of fiber will help to increase the elimination process which is key to decrease opportunities for bloating, thus helping you toward achieve a washboard, flat tummy.
The Magic of Beans
Beans are super rich in fiber in its natural form and an excellent source of protein as well. Beans have a starch resistant component, which is key to fighting the belly bulge. Beans don't absorb in the body like sugars, rather is runs through the system without being digested. As a great source of fiber, beans act like a fiber during the digestive process.
Beans are easily incorporated as you can replace your meat options in comfort foods like chili, soups, and stews with beans. You can also add different types of beans like kidney beans, chickpeas, and more to your salad to add the fiber, belly reducing punch you need.
Edamame Crazy
This Asian inspired excellent source of fiber and protein will have your taste buds jumping for joy and your tummy flatter than ever. This low calorie, low fat treat is derived from the soybean and contains about 9 grams of fiber per serving.
You can get your edamame fix by adding the soybeans to salads, dips, and other easily prepared appetizers.
Peas in a pod
Peas are a tasty treat that can be prepared with great diversity. This is an inexpensive source of fiber. When consumed in its natural form (uncooked) peas will give you a fiber boost of 16.3 grams per cup. Even cooked, you will benefit from approximately 8.8 grams of fiber. These little pearls pack a mean punch in the fiber department.
This food is also very low in calories, easily prepared, and will yield amazing results on the tummy.
Your journey of achieving a flat, washboard tummy is made much easier when tapping into such fiber rich, nutrient packed food options. I know it does not seem easy, but in reality, it is. Fiber is everywhere around you and with increased consumption, you are sure to realize many health and body shaping results. Your body will be summertime ready and your tummy will be ready for showing off. You simply need to learn and understand what foods are high in fiber and your diet will improve, resulting in a sexier you. Make the few simple dietary adjustments and you will be well on your way to walk the most beautiful beaches.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7653635