Tips For Healthy Eating

Healthy eating is a way of balancing the food you eat to keep your body in great health. With healthy eating, you'll have energy all day, get the vitamins and minerals you need, stay strong for activities you enjoy, and maintain a healthy weight.

Below, you'll find tips designed to help you with healthy eating.

1. Don't skip any meals

Eating 3 meals with snacks in between is the ideal way to maintain both energy and a healthy weight. When you skip meals and get hungry, you're more than likely to choose foods that aren't very good for you.

If you are eating away from home, take food with you or know where you can buy healthy food from.

2. Learn about how to prepare foods

Instead of deep frying, try grilling, stir frying, microwaving, baking, and even boiling. You should also try fresh or even dried herbs and spices to add flavor to your food. Before you eat any type of meat, be sure to trim the fat and skin off of

it.

3. Avoid a lot of sugar

Drinks that contain sugar are a major source of empty energy. What this means, is that the drinks contain a lot of energy that your body may not need, and it doesn't contain any vitamins or minerals. If you plan to drink sugary drinks, don't go overboard - limit yourself to 1 a day.

4. Avoid thinking about diets

There are no good food nor any bad foods. All food can be a part of a healthy diet, when eaten in moderation. You don't need to buy any low carb, fat free, or even diet foods, as these foods normally have lots of other added ingredients to replaces the carbohydrates or fat.

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Healthy Breakfast Ideas

A lot of studies and research has shown that kids who eat breakfast perform better in school and have a healthier diet. Eating breakfast will help promote the proper growth and maximize school performance as well.

Breakfast is often times a victim of the morning time crunch. Even though you may be tempted to skip breakfast, you can simplify your morning routine by following these 8 tips:

1. Finish homework and pack school bags at night.

2. Decide on what your children will wear to school before you go to bed and locate

lost shoes for the following day.

3. In the morning, get up 15 minutes earlier.

4. Give up computer games and morning television.

5. Have healthy foods on hand. You should also shop for breakfast foods with your kids and take into account their personal preferences.

6. Set the cereal out the night before. For younger children, fill a zippered plastic bag with her portion, then add the milk in the morning.

7. Allow your children to use the microwave often, as most breakfast foods can be

prepared in under 5 minutes.

8. Allow your kids to eat in the car or on the way to school.

There are several foods that you can eat for breakfast, even leftovers from supper if they are sufficient. You can eat bagels, pizza with fruit juice, pretzels, or the normal bacon and eggs that breakfast is known for. Most foods are a snap to prepare, and won't take you but a few minutes.

The next time you are in a hurry in the morning, remember that you are probably about to skip the most important meal of the day. If you follow the tips above, you'll find that you have plenty of time for breakfast.

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Eating Healthy On The Run

Whether your traveling on the go or around the home, you don't need to give up healthy eating simply because you are on the run. The fact is, healthy eating is even more important when your trying to keep up with a busy schedule.

Having a good diet will help your body to handle stress better. As you hustle about, a healthy meal is probably the last thing you think about. The following tips can help you eat when your on the go.

Restaurants

With tempting menus, large portions, and a festive atmosphere, it's easy to skip healthy eating. It's okay to splurge every now and then, although you'll pack on a lot of weight if you make it a habit. When you eat out at restaurants, always be smart

about it.

Airports

An airport can be a very stressful place, although you shouldn't scrap your diet because of it. Eat because you are hungry, not because of stress, boredom, or to kill time.

In your car

Keep some healthy snacks in your car at all times, so that when you get hungry - you have them.

At home

Evenings and mornings are busy times in most homes. Making the time to eat can be hard, although you shouldn't run out the door without eating breakfast first. Cereal with milk, a banana, muffin, or even a bagel is a great way to start the day.

Anytime you are on the go, always make sure that you make the right food decisions. You can take healthy food with you if you need to, so that you have it when you need it. Eating healthy on the go is easy to do, once you know how. Never sacrifice healthy food for junk, as your body will regret it later.

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Eating Healthy For Vegetarians

The vegetarian way of eating can be a very healthy style of eating. The rules still apply with healthy eating, although you should add variety, balance, and moderation.

A vegetarian is someone who avoids all types of meat, whether it be hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, or even fish. Vegetarians are also sometimes classified by the type of food they are or aren't willing to eat. For example, Lacto-ovo vegetarians will avoid animal flesh yet they will eat eggs and most dairy products. A Vegan on the

other hand, will avoid all food that has any trace of animal origin.

Because they don't eat meet, vegetarians will often wonder how they'll get enough protein. Although you may not realize it, the average American actually consumes more protein than he actually needs. For the lacto-ovo vegetarian, dairy products are an excellent source of protein. Vegans on the other hand, get their protein from nuts, seeds, and soy products.

Along the lines of beans, there are several to choose from, including green or red lentils, peanuts, split peas, pinto, soy, kidney, and many more. Some of them you are already familiar, such as kidney beans in chili, refried beans in Mexican dishes, red beans and rice, and pinto beans. Although some beans taste good as they are, others are available with different flavors to help enhance their taste. Nuts are hihg in protein, although they deliver a lot more fat than beans, which means you should enjoy them in moderation. By having one cup of cooked beans, you'll get the same amount of

protein as eating two ounces of meat!

The nutrients of concern for vegans, who avoid all types of animal food, are vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D. In the average North American diet, the primary source for B12 is animals. To have an adequate intake of B12, vegans should reguarly consume vitamin B12 supplements or foods, which contain vitamin B12, such as soy products or milk.

For calcium, vegans can rely on orange juice or soy milk, as they are fortified with calcium. Beans and leafy green vegetables will also contain some calcium as well.

Although all types of vegetarians rely on simple food groups, controlling your vitamins and calcium intake is something you should always do. This is very important for eating healthy, as well as staying healthy. If you control what you eat, you'll have many years of healthy eating ahead of you.

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Eating Healthy On The Run

Whether your traveling on the go or around the home, you don't need to give up healthy eating simply because you are on the run. The fact is, healthy eating is even more important when your trying to keep up with a busy schedule.

Having a good diet will help your body to handle stress better. As you hustle about, a healthy meal is probably the last thing you think about. The following tips can help you eat when your on the go.

Restaurants

With tempting menus, large portions, and a festive atmosphere, it's easy to skip healthy eating. It's okay to splurge every now and then, although you'll pack on a lot of weight if you make it a habit. When you eat out at restaurants, always be smart

about it.

Airports

An airport can be a very stressful place, although you shouldn't scrap your diet because of it. Eat because you are hungry, not because of stress, boredom, or to kill time.

In your car

Keep some healthy snacks in your car at all times, so that when you get hungry - you have them.

At home

Evenings and mornings are busy times in most homes. Making the time to eat can be hard, although you shouldn't run out the door without eating breakfast first. Cereal with milk, a banana, muffin, or even a bagel is a great way to start the day.

Anytime you are on the go, always make sure that you make the right food decisions. You can take healthy food with you if you need to, so that you have it when you need it. Eating healthy on the go is easy to do, once you know how. Never sacrifice healthy food for junk, as your body will regret it later.

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Weight Loss Camps-Great For Body And Soul

Weight Loss Camps-Great For Body And Soul

Weight loss camps is a great place for people to lose the unwanted pounds they are carrying around. The idea is to get you out of your normal setting to teach you new ways of dealing with food and stress and other everyday problems. These retreat-like programs concentrate on all aspects of weight loss and help you get over the problems you may have with food and give you the motivation or inspiration you need to succeed in your weight loss endeavor. Sometimes a little help is all someone needs to feel like they mean something and be successful.

Good weight loss camps have well-designed programs to assist you in reaching your weight loss goals and making your quality of life better than it has been in a long time. Though there a re several to choose from, you need information to find the one that fits you and your goals the best. Write down your goals first and refer to it when checking out the camps online to be sure to get a good fit.

There is an online directory of adult camps you can use called GrownUpCamps.com. You can enter the state you live in or even the state you want to go to for your retreat and find the camp that fits your needs. You are bound to find the one that will be your best fit.

Search for a camp that provides and holistic approach to losing weight. Holistic means, "whole". The entire body, mind, and spirit are involved and addressed when attending one of these camps. There are instructors that teach natural ways to manage stress and develop a positive body image by exploring your relationship with the food you eat. Many of these camps also encourage spiritual enrichment, as well.

Before making your final decision, ask the director to send you some references and get some testimonials of past attendees. Check the qualifications of the staff they have on hand. You do not want to subject yourself to people who do not really know what they are doing.

The staff should be well rounded out with dietitians, nutritionists, life-coaches, psychologists, and even physiologists or personal trainers. They should all be knowledgeable in how food and stress and exercise affects our everyday life and help you with any and all problem areas.

The camp you choose should give a good balance of personal and group attention and activities. Do not pick one where you will only be part of a group you will not get the satisfaction of seeing what you can accomplish by yourself if you are always a part of a group.

You should also consider weight loss camps that offer some sort of after care. counselors should be available to you after graduating from the camp for emergency support and even just a check up to see how you are doing six months down the road and then a year or even two years depending on how long they want to follow each class.

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Weight Loss Before And After-Tips To Help Stay Motivated

Weight Loss Before And After-Tips To Help Stay Motivated

One of the best ways to measure your success if to take weight loss before and after pictures. You will be able to see the progress you have made by looking at and even displaying the pictures while you are still losing.

Stagger your before and after pictures. Do one at the beginning and then one after a month or two, and then six months. Keep them where you can see them so you stay motivated and inspired.

Other ways to stay motivated and inspired can very well come from other people's weight loss before and after stories. Some of these stories can be quite amazing and the amounts of weight some people have lost is absolutely unbelievable. losing one hundred pounds or more is not ever easy but it is considered quite the feat. Almost super-human actually. To lose as much weight as a normal person usually weighs is incredible.

Many people have followed the story of the world's heaviest man since 2006. Manuel Uribe once weighed 1320 pounds at his heaviest and could not walk. He was bedridden. Since starting the Zone Diet he has lost 592 pounds. He has only one goal and that is to walk again.

He married in 2008 is continuing to lose the weight. He is not completely bedridden anymore but still cannot walk and has had a vehicle outfitted so he can ride around town with his wife. He has plans to lose another 500 pounds before he is through. This is the most inspiring story I have ever read myself and have decided to do all I can to lose the little bit of weight I need to lose to be healthy.

Obviously, there are thousands, if not millions, of other before and after stories to be found on the internet. Whether they have lost the weight naturally or have had some type of weight loss surgery it doesn't matter the stories go on and on.

If you are struggling with your own weight then some of these stories will help you see that it is possible and maybe give you some inspiration to get going and have your own story to publish on the internet. Who knows, maybe there is someone out there waiting for your story to inspire them. Losing the weight and sharing your story can be so liberating. Your confidence will soar and so will the love you have for yourself and every other living thing on the planet. You will feel like you could accomplish anything.

If you have been battling your weight for a long time you may also want to get the help of a counselor to help you with any self-esteem issues you may have that cause you to overeat. To be successful with weight loss and then to be able to keep it off you may need to learn to change your relationship with food not just in the sort term but in the long run, as well. This will almost ensure you have the weight loss before and after you deserve.

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Starting Vegan Diet-Tips For Being Healthy With A Vegan Diet

Starting Vegan Diet-Tips For Being Healthy With A Vegan Diet

More and more people are contemplating a lifestyle change in terms of the foods they eat. It's no secret that in our fast food society many of us aren't eating as healthy as we should be. All foods that come from animals, not just meat, tend to be loaded with fat and cholesterol. This is one of the reasons why starting vegan diet can be good for your health.

There is a difference between vegan and vegetarian. Veganism is actually quite a bit more strict since you don't take in any animal by products. That means no eggs, cheese or dairy of any kind. Anything that is made from some part of an animal, even its' milk, is off limits if you are starting vegan diet.

Because the diet is so restrictive, it's very important that you make sure you get all the nutrients you need. You don't want to actually be eating more unhealthy than you were before.

Here are some tips that will make your transformation into veganism a little easier and a lot more successful:

1. Decide if you should jump into veganism with both feet or if you would like to gradually make changes in your diet. It really doesn't matter, the most important thing is that you pick the option you will be most likely to stick with. If you are the type of person who makes up their mind and then goes for it, you can probably just become a vegan with no transition time.

But, if you think you may need a little more time to wean yourself off of your current diet, you can do it that way too. Again, it's completely up to you. Just choose the path that you will be most likely to stick with to increase your chances of success.

2. Picking up a good vegan cookbook, or two, may be helpful too. Making sure you have enough variety not only for nutritional reasons but just to keep your taste buds from getting bored is a good idea and will increase your chances of success. Another thing that may help is to take into account many of the vegan meals you are already eating. If you like a lot of salads, for example, you may just be able to add more of them to your diet and it won't even require much of a change.

3. Adding a good multi- vitamin to your daily diet is a great idea too. It's not uncommon for vegans to be deficient in iron, protein, zinc and B-12 unless they are careful to add it back in to their diet. This can be done with supplements or by eating other forms of protein like soy, beans, seeds and nuts.

My daughter has been a vegetarian for many years and recently has decided she was going to go totally vegan. I admire her conviction and self discipline. It can make it a challenge to find places where we can go out for lunch, but she thinks it is the right decision for her. If you are thinking of starting vegan diet do all you can to increase your odds of a successful transformation. Also make sure you get all your nutritional needs met. It's not impossible if you are a vegan but it might take a little extra thought.

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Ellens Vegan Diet-Find The Foods You Enjoy

It used to be that anyone who was a vegetarian or vegan was considered a little "weird" and I suppose there are still some parts of the country that would think that way (especially in cattle country, I would guess). But more and more people are making the switch to either a vegetarian or vegan diet. One of those people is Ellen DeGeneres and many people want to know more about Ellens vegan diet.

For those of  you who aren't sure what the difference between vegan and vegetarian is, it is this: vegetarians don't eat meat but they will eat animal products such as eggs, milk and cheese. Vegans, on the other hand, don't eat (or wear) any animal by products at all. No eggs, milk or cheese.

There are a lot of reasons people choose to become a vegan. Sometimes it is a health issues. Cutting meat out of your diet has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Since meat tends to have quite a bit of saturated fat and cholesterol, even cutting back on meat may make a fairly large and positive change in your weight and cholesterol levels.

Another reason many people opt for a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is for ethical reasons. They simply don't think it is right that animals are mistreated while they are being raised for food. In some cases they don't mind the idea that the animal will be someones dinner at some point, what they object to is the inhumane way it is treated during it's life. They just think there is no reason to mistreat the animals.

Whatever your view on the issues are, learning how to become a vegan may be a good choice for you. And learning more about Ellens vegan diet might give you a great place to start. When you first start out your vegan diet there are some points you need to be aware of:

1. For one thing, when you cut meat and all animal products out of your diet, you are greatly reducing the amount of protein you get into your diet. This is easy to overcome, just add a supplement daily and / or eat more nuts and beans. These are loaded with protein and if you eat the right amounts, they will more than compensate for the protein you no longer get from meat.

2. If you ever get hungry for a hamburger (or hotdog or sausage) there are many meat free vegan options on the market today that will replicate the taste and in some cases the texture of meat. This can be a good way to incorporate some variety into your daily food plan.

3. If you have any special health considerations make sure you talk to your doctor before you go on such a restrictive diet. I doubt she will have a problem with it especially if you assure them that you will still get enough protein (but I don't know you and I am not a doctor and cannot give advice on the matter... so ask your doctor).

If you want to become a vegan, don't worry too much about what Ellens vegan diet or anyone else's vegan diet is all about. Find the foods you enjoy.

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Cost Of Vegan Diet-May Be Worth It No Matter What The Cost

If you are thinking of becoming a vegan, no matter what your reasons are, you will be happy to know that in addition to the potential health benefits you will get, you may also save some money. The cost of vegan diet will vary significantly depending on the types of foods you choose and if you buy more processed pre made food or you prefer to buy the raw food and cook your own meals from scratch.

There are a ton of meat substitutes you can incorporate into you daily diet. They have substitutes that taste like hamburger, hotdogs and breakfast sausage to name just a few. There are several brands available on the market today all you have to do is look around.

You can go to a smaller all organic store for your foods, which I can almost guarantee you will increase the cost of vegan diet, or you can go to some larger chain super markets and find a fairly large variety of organic and vegan options that may be a little lower priced than at the local organic store.

Again, it's up to you. If you choose to prepare most of your foods from scratch, you will probably save money when you become a vegan. When I go to the grocery store, I always find that the two groups of products that always seem to cost the most are cleaning supplies and meat. You will still need to get the cleaning supplies but by not buying meat you can significantly cut your grocery bill in a lot of cases (though if you are cutting out meat but adding the soy imitation meat products you may not see a cost savings, you may actually spend a little bit more).

You also need to be aware of some of the nutritional needs that may not being met with a vegan diet. Protein, zinc and vitamin B12 are some of the most common vitamins and minerals that you may not be getting enough of. This can easily be overcome by adding a quality full spectrum multi vitamin to your diet on a daily basis.

You can also eat more beans (pretty much any type you want but black beans are particularly high in protein) or nuts such as almonds, cashews, pistachios and pecans. Just a small handful of nuts for a snack every day may be all you need to do.

Of course, you will also want to check all the labels of the pre made food you buy. There you will get an idea of how much, if any, protein and other vitamins and minerals it contains. At first, this might be a little time consuming but as you get used to your new diet, you won't have to think twice, it will all come naturally.

The cost of vegan diet can vary quite a bit depending on where you get your food and how much processed food you buy in relation to raw food, but becoming a vegan might pay off in so many
other ways it may still be worth it even if it does cost a little more.

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Cholesterol Lowering Diet-Benefits Your Overall Health

Losing weight is not the only reason why people make changes to their diet. The food we eat has an effect on our health, so choosing the right diet can help lower or eliminate certain health problems. A cholesterol lowering diet is good example. If you have problems with your cholesterol, then what you eat can have a positive effect on your overall health.

If you are not yet on medication for cholesterol, then a diet may prevent you from having to get a prescription. In most cases, once you start taking medicine to control your cholesterol levels, you need to keep taking it. So, it makes a lot of sense to do whatever you can to get your cholesterol under control using natural methods.

NOTE: Always consult your doctor before changing your diet, and never change how you take medicine (that includes stopping or altering your dose) without first consulting your personal physician. They will know your personal health history and be able to help you develop a plan of action that's best for you.

Cholesterol occurs in fats known as lipids. It's soft and waxy and serves some beneficial services in the body. It isn't dissolved in the bloodstream, and is moved from cell to cell by lipoproteins. It's these lipoproteins that are measured when your cholesterol is checked. The main ones that are being screened for are high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL for short, respectively).

A cholesterol lowering diet helps to lower the amount of LDL, which is commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol. That's because this is the kind that builds up in the arteries and creates plaque. This slows down the flow of blood to all parts of the body, including the brain and heart. If the flow of blood slows too much or a clot is formed, then it can lead to a heart attack or stroke. For the record, these are two of the leading causes of death, so getting your cholesterol under control could save your life.

The main component of a cholesterol lowering diet is increasing fiber intake. A breakfast of 1.5 cups of oatmeal (don't use instant oatmeal) topped with a sliced banana will give you a great start toward getting enough fiber for the day. Have a salad at lunch and garnish it with an ounce or two of almonds or walnuts for a healthy boost of fiber.

The other nutrient that helps manage your cholesterol is omega-3 fatty acids. The best animal source of these is fish (especially  salmon), while flax seed is the best plant source. Having grilled or baked fish a few times a week, and sprinkling flax seed on various foods will give you a good amount of omega-3s.

The final element of a cholesterol lowering diet is finding foods that contain sterols. Nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes and wheat germ are good food sources of sterols, but it's hard to get all you need every day. The good news is that you can by sterol-fortified margarine, juice, energy bars and cookies. You have to admit that any eating plan that lets you eat cookies is one that will be easy to stick to.

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Best Way To Lose Weight-Takes Time To Figure Out

Best Way To Lose Weight-Takes Time To Figure Out

If you have been battling extra pounds for any amount of time, then you have probably tried more than one diet plan during that time. The hunt for the best way to lose weight takes time and energy. That investment of resources wouldn't be such a big deal if you would only see lasting results. But, because you're reading this, it's a safe bet that you are still looking for the right solution. Here are some things to think about on your search.

While losing weight ultimately comes down to one thing--burning more calories than you store--it can be difficult to find the ideal method for you as an individual. The problem is that we are all different. Think about it, if there was a weight loss plan that worked for everybody, then nobody would ever be overweight again, but this clearly is not the case. What this means is that you will have to go through some trial and error before you find the best solution for you.

The good news is that you can cut down on a lot of this trial and error. How? By knowing what type of eater you are and by being realistic. For example, if you don't care much for meat, then going on a high-protein diet will be very difficult to stick to. Or, you may have health concerns that limit what types of foods you can and can't eat. By knowing these things ahead of time, you can focus your energies on only those plans that fit in with your needs. See, all too often we try to bend ourselves to what the diet promoters say is best for us, and that's what leads to failure. When you remember that the diet should fit to your needs, then your chances of success go way up.

All fad diets claim to be the best way to lose weight, but based on the evidence, that simply can't be true. Does that mean all of them are scams? Not at all. Just about any diet can work, as long as the right person is following it. The problem is that any studies that show positive results may not translate into weight loss for you. There are so many variables that it's difficult to predict exactly which plans will work and which ones won't.

There is a catch to all of this though. You actually have to follow through on any diet you try before you can honestly assess how well it works. Unfortunately, that's the one thing no diet can do. No diet can force you to take action, follow it precisely, and continue using it--that part is entirely up to you. The plus side is that when you find the best way to lose weight for you, then you are the one that gets to take all of the credit for your success. And that's what makes it so worthwhile to find the right plan for you.

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Lose Weight Fast-Watch Out It Will Come Back To Bite You

Lose Weight Fast-Watch Out It Will Come Back To Bite You

If you have been looking for a way to lose weight fast, then there's a good chance you have seen claims like this: "Lose 20 pounds while you sleep!" Sure, that sounds appealing and it would be great if it were true, but we live in the real world, so only real-world solutions will do the trick.

Wanting to lose weight quickly is an excellent goal to have, but you also need to be realistic about how much you can lose within a certain timeframe. The general rule of thumb for losing weight safely is to lose no more than 2 pounds per week. However, some people can lose considerably more; especially in the first week or two. A word of caution: You must talk to your personal doctor before you start any diet, and listen to them if they say anything that contradicts this article.

So why would anybody want to lose more than 2 pounds per week, and is it a good idea? Assuming you get the clearance from your doctor, the more you can lose right away, the better. The reason is that you will start feeling better right away, and you will also see more dramatic results. Actually being able to see that you're starting to lose weight fast can serve as excellent motivation to stick to your diet and exercise plan.

One of the tricky parts of losing a lot of weight quickly is that a large portion of the initial weight loss will be water weight. The body is comprised mostly of water, so if you can dehydrate yourself (which you should never do), then you can give yourself the illusion that you have lost a lot of weight. The problem is that you will gain all of it back once you start rehydrating your body. Not that you couldn't technically get away with it, but it's not a real solution.

Okay, with all of that said, there are some things you can do to help yourself lose weight fast. The first thing you should do is stop drinking beverages that contain calories. These are almost always empty calories, and you need to make sure all of your calories count.

The rule of thumb is that you will lose one pound of body weight for every 3,500 calories you get rid of. You can either get rid of calories by taking fewer in when you eat, or by burning more when you exercise. Another way to look at it is losing 500 calories per day is 3,500 calories per week, or one pound. So, if you want to lose five pounds in a week, then you will have to get rid of 2,500 calories per day for a full week!

You obviously need to eat enough calories to live, so you can't get rid of all 2,500 per day through dietary changes. It would also be incredibly difficult to burn off that amount through exercise, and even more difficult if you're out of shape. Once you know the reality of it, it's easy to see that the best way to lose weight fast is through a combination of diet and exercise. It may not be easy, but it can be done, and it will definitely be worth it once you start taking off those extra pounds.

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Kirstie Alley Weight Loss-Example Of What Not To Do

Kirstie Alley Weight Loss-Example Of What Not To Do

If you have seen her recently on Dancing with the Stars you have no doubt noticed that Kirstie Alley weight loss did not stick when she lost her excess pounds while on Jenny Craig.

All of the food plans work, but just like anything to do with weight loss, you have to want them to, you have to work at it and you have to let them work. Just because she did not keep the weight off does not mean you won't. It just means she allowed herself to gain the weight back, that's all. If she is comfortable with that then that is her perogative.

Kirstie alley weight loss was significant if I recall correctly, somewhere in the range of 40 to 70 pounds, I think. Other actresses have also lost weight by joining the various meal plan programs. A couple of the recent ones that I can remember are Marie Osmond for Nutrisystem and Valerie Bertinelli for Jenny Craig.

Marie lost 50 pounds and Valerie lost 40 pounds and both of them have kept the weight off for well over a year. I believe it has been several years now for Valerie. It very well maybe though, that these actresses and personalities have been approached by these meal plan organizations to promote their product. That does not detract from the fact that the actresses and personalities did actually participate in the program and did lose the weight.

You may be thinking that these meal plan programs are expensive and you would be right. They are several hundred dollars with the price of the food you have to buy. But the knowledge gained and the weight lost may just be what balances it all out. So, if you have the money then go for it. You definitely will not regret it.

You may also be thinking that these actresses and other personalities can hire anyone they want to help them work out and that just isn't fair. Well, it may not be but if you want that kind of financial freedom you could have been an actress as well. You didn't so suck it up and save your money to hire a personal trainer. If you want it badly enough you will make it happen.

Actresses also have to be on top of their game at all times. They always have to be ON. Ready to go at any minute. They work out for hours a day because they have to look good. Not only for the roles they take but just on a day to day basis. They always have to look good or we think they are lazy. How would you like to be under that much pressure every single day of your life. Not me, bucko! They do not get a day off. You can take one anytime you want.

Do not do the same as Kirstie Alley weight loss did. Although she was ultimately unsuccessful you do not have to be.

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Ali Weight Loss-Really Works But Read How First

Ali Weight Loss-Really Works But Read How First

You need to lose weight and are thinking that the Ali weight loss plan can help. You may be right. Alli is sold over the counter and the main ingredient (Orlistat 60 mg) helps both men and women alike lose excess body fat.

It does  not matter how much weight you need to lose the Ali weight loss plan can give you quite the jump start. The makers of Alli claim that for every 5 pounds you lose with diet and exercise, you can lose 2-3 pounds more because of the Alli supplement. What does this mean?

This means you will be able to lose half again as much weight as you could lose on your own.
Sounds good to me, sign me up! Alli helps reduce the amount of fats cells on your body. You probably did not know that you are born with all the fat cells you ever need. The difference is whether or not there is sufficient fat to fill them up. Alli utilizes your body's own enzymes to burn the fat and reduce the number of fat cells in your body.

Now you want to proceed but there are a few things you should do before you get started. The firs thing is to speak with your doctor to see if all of this is ok. It probably is since she has been nagging you for months to lose some weight. Just make sure before you start.

Orlistat can be harmful to you if you have had an organ transplant and can interfere with some vitamin absorption as well as the absorption of other drugs you take. So, talk to your doctor before starting the Alli plan.

When you get the ok from your doctor and then go buy the Alli, read all the information that comes with it. This will also aid in your successful weight loss. There is a companion guide that you need to read in the start up kit. Follow all the directions as they appear in the literature.

If you have prepared and done your homework then you already have revised your meal plan to include a lot of fresh foods and have limited or even eliminated processed foods from your diet. Bad fats, especially. If you do not limit or eliminate certain things you will most likely experience a few unpleasant side effects. This is why you need to read the literature that comes with the program.

There is a healthy eating guide that also comes with the starter kit that you should follow closely until you get the hang of it. The ali weight loss pill can be useful in your own weight loss battle. The guidelines are there for a reason, so follow them closely. Eating healthy and exercising regularly are a part of losing weight safely and effectively.

Losing weight does not have to be as difficult as it seems. If you are diligent and work a little everyday you will be surprised at the quick results you get.

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How To Lose Weight With Master Cleanse Diet Over 10 Days

The importance of losing weight and eating healthier more natural foods has lead many people to consider how to lose weight with master cleanse.  For anyone who isn't familiar with what master cleanse is, I'll go over that in more detail in this article.

A cleanse is when you go on a liquid only diet for ten days to flush toxins and excess body fat from your body. The master cleanse is a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper powder and water. Who ever goes on this plan will drink only this lemon juice mixture for their meals. You an also add tea, clear broth and of course water. Being able to add tea and broth will give you a little more variety so you don't get quite so bored.

Before you go on this or any other diet, make sure you talk to your doctor. Trust him or her to let you know whether or not you are healthy enough to go on this type of diet. This is especially important if you have any health issues. If you have underlying health issues going on this type of diet could actually be dangerous.

If your doctor gives you the go ahead, make sure you prepare yourself to increase the likelihood that you'll succeed. Most people think that this type of diet will be a breeze, but it's actually very challenging to go on an all liquid diet. Taking some time to get your body used to eating slightly less foods and slightly less filling food will make it easier for you to adjust to the liquid only diet.

It's also important for you to be in a 'good place' emotionally.  If you are very stressed you you will have a tougher time sticking with the cleanse. Try to pick a time when you won't have a lot of extra duties to perform of excessive amounts of stress... if that's at all possible.


There are two main factors at work with this type of diet: one the liquid only nature of the diet virtually ensures that you will take in fewer calories than you normally do which will lead to weight loss (some of the weight loss will be water weight, though not all of it. The water weight portion will likely be gained back when you're through with the cleanse but the fat loss won't be).And two, some of the ingredient s of the cleanse mixture will raise your metabolism which helps you burn more calories.

Learning how to lose weight with master cleanse is actually quite easy.. easy to learn but not necessarily easy to do. Just don't get discouraged if you find that you have a hard time getting through the full ten days. It's not easy, but even a few days can make a difference. If your doctor says it's ok you can do a cleanse once a month and after time you'll be able to get through the cleanse with no problems at all.

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How Do I Lose 10 Pounds In A Week

You have an important engagement coming up fast and now you are wondering, "How do I lose 10 pounds in a week?" The best way I know of and can tell you about is cleansing.

You have probably heard about cleansing. It is a mostly liquid diet you go on for up to a week. There are many cleansing regimens around these days and all range in price and effectiveness. One of the most popular is called the Master Cleanse. Master Cleanse contains lemonade and maple syrup to assist your body in flushing out the toxins that prevent your body from operating at it's fullest potential.

Master Cleanse an example of a great product that will not only jump start your weight loss efforts but it will also clear out the toxins in your system. This may be the answer to your question of how do I lose 10 pounds in a week. Many people have been able to do this with ease. There are a few things to keep in mind though. For one, most of the weight you lose will be water weight and when you return to normal eating habits you will put some of it back on. You shouldn't put it all back on but a few pounds is common.

So, if you only have a few pounds to lose then by all means try the Master cleanse or one of the many others available so you can get into that dress for the wedding.
Remember though, if you do start one of these cleanses and there are a lot of restrictions and you may need to take a supplement to get the vitamins and minerals you need.

You are going to want to prepare for your cleanse. Going without solid food for a week isn't as easy as it may sound. It will be challenging and if you don't prepare yourself for it, you will probably fail. Failure is not why your are doing the cleanse to begin with.  In order to make things easier on yourself, take a few days before your cleanse and start cutting back on your solid food intake and drinking more water. Doing this will make it easier for you to get through the cleansing process.

After your week of cleansing is complete, you need to ease back into consuming solid foods. There are two reasons for that. For one thing, if you go from an all liquid diet and rush back into a solid food diet you'll make yourself sick.

The second reason is what we talked about before, why would you go through doing a cleanse just to go back to eating all the junk you did  before and put all those toxins and fat right back into your body? Using a cleanse is one of the best ways to answer the question, "How do I lose 10 pounds in one week?" It is very good for your mid-section and for getting rid of all the toxins that have been holding you back.

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Weight Loss - 7 Outstanding Tips

If you have been struggling to lose weight for longer than you'd care to admit, then you are not alone. At the same time, you have probably been misinformed, and that's not your fault. It can be frustrating. You do everything you think you're supposed to, but you just can't get rid of those extra pounds. The following tips will help you with your weight loss efforts.

1. Exercise - As much as a lot of people would like to avoid it, exercise is one of the biggest boosts to losing weight. Not only will it burn calories when you're doing it, it will also increase your metabolism and improve your overall health. Don't worry, you don't have to run a marathon to reap the beneficial effects of exercise. Just get moving and you will soon notice a difference.

2. Portion control - Give some thought to how much food you are putting on your plate. It's all too common to mindlessly pile as much on our plates as the plate will hold. But we only need enough to fill our stomachs, which is usually much less.

3. Mind power - Keeping your mind sharp, refreshed and relaxed will help you cope with things that would otherwise derail whatever weight loss plan you're on. Things such as meditation and yoga are a good way to do this.

4. Look at labels - When you are shopping for food, look at the nutrition labels. These will help you to select the foods that are lower in saturated fat, calories and refined sugar; and higher in protein, fiber and healthier fats. By doing this, you will have healthier food at home when you get hungry.

5. Grazing - The idea of eating three large meals a day is out of date when it comes to losing weight. The problem is that it gives you too much time between meals to get hungry, and the hungrier you are, the greater the chance that you will consume more calories when you finally eat. If you want to lose weight, then eat several smaller meals throughout the day. You will not only feel fuller longer, but you will also have a steady supply of fuel to get you through the day.

6. Eat, eat, eat - This is similar to the idea of grazing, but it is even more basic. It simply means that you should eat when you're hungry. Of course you still have to give some thought to what you're eating, but other than that, go ahead and eat when you're hungry.

7. Drink water - Be careful here! It was a long-held belief that you had to drink at least eight glasses of water if you wanted to lose weight. However, there is now plenty of evidence that this is not true. But you should still drink plenty of water, just don't think it will cause you to lose weight. Not only is water good for your heath, but it also has no calories, and that's a good thing for weight loss.

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Belly Fat Loss

Odds are if you need belly fat loss you also need to lose weight other places as well.
To me, belly fat is the most embarrassing and unsightly fat you can have. What happens when you put your favorite jeans on? Your belly fat gets pushed up and spills over the top of the jeans. This is called muffin top. How cute, right? Wrong!

I hate it and belly fat loss is also the most difficult to achieve, second only to arm fat. You have to lose weight all over to lose weight in your belly and the best way to do that is to take in less calories than you burn in one day.

I want you to do something, not for me, but for yourself. Start this all off by taking a thirty minute walk everyday. If you cannot go for thirty minutes the first week then work up to it. Walking is the best thing you can do for yourself. Walking will improve lung and muscle function. Your heart will love you for it. Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated especially if it is warm outside. You can sweat out a considerable amount of water and nutrients in thirty minutes if you are not careful.

Losing weight takes commitment to yourself but staying motivated can be a challenge sometimes. If motivation to lose weight was easy to come by, no one would be overweight in our country. We would all be our ideal weights and pictures of fitness.

It's up to you to figure out what things will help you get and stay motivated. Everyone knows the consequences associated with having too much body fat and living a sedentary lifestyle. It's one of those things though that until it happens to you or someone you love, you just stay complacent and think that it will never happen.

Of course, it can and will if you don't take control now. There are a few aspects to  losing weight, such as eating better foods, less junk, and getting a lot of exercise. Believe it or not, for many people the motivation to lose weight will often start with finding a work out you can live with. That is why I suggest starting with walking for thirty minutes a day. It is easy to stick to. You can always incorporate more into a work out, but it pays to start simple.

Another great way to get and keep your motivation is to find a like minded friend to exercise with. It can be as simple as  the two of you taking  a class together, joining a gym, or just going for walks, having a buddy can make all the difference.

One thing you don't want to do is put yourself under a lot of pressure by setting up an unrealistic time frame. Don't wait until a few weeks before a wedding, or vacation. If you do, you'll just be setting yourself up for failure. It will be virtually impossible for you to achieve your belly fat loss and once the event comes and goes you'll probably be done working out. Instead just make a commitment to yourself to get healthy, that is the best motivation to lose weight.

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3 Tips For Choosing A Weight Loss Program

Statistics make it very clear that the population, as a whole, is getting heavier and heavier. The problem with this is that it comes with a lot of bad consequences on our health. Perhaps that why so many people are trying to lose weight. One of the most common ways for doing this is to find a weight loss program that sounds interesting. If you are looking for a weight loss program, then you are aware of how many different ones are out there. In fact, there are so many that it can get downright confusing, but that should never be an excuse for not losing weight. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you choose the best weight loss program for you.

1. Research. There is no way around it, this is going to take some time. As mentioned, there are a lot of different programs out there, and they often contradict one another. However, one of the main things you are likely interested in is results. After all, it doesn't matter how good a program is supposed to be if it doesn't work for you. The first thing you can do is read how each particular program has worked for those who have tried it. Pay extra attention to any claims of the diet not working, and why it didn't work for that person. It can still work for you, but you will have more realistic expectations once you begin.

Next, look for any endorsements from organizations and professionals. Of course you will give extra importance to people and groups you have already heard of and trust. At the same time, watch out for endorsements from people you have never heard of. Either way, it is up to you to do your due diligence to see if the people are qualified to make an assessment of any weight loss program.

Furthermore, part of that research has to include talking to your health care provider. They will be aware of any potential problems you may run into, and they will also be able to add recommendations of their own.

2. Cost. The truth is that we all have different budgets, and that may prevent us from doing certain diet programs. For example, some plans include having ready-made food delivered to your home. While they may work, they also cost a lot of money. If you have the money to spare, and you would like to do such a plan, no problem. However, if you can't really afford it, but try it anyway, you will start to feel angry if you don't see immediate results, and that won't help you to lose weight.

Not to worry, though. The effectiveness of a weight loss program isn't measured by how much it costs. So, keep looking and you will find a plan that fits into your budget.

3. Think logically. Sellers of diet programs are experts at getting you worked up emotionally, but don't fall for that trap. That's why it's so important to do the previous steps; they will help you to look at various weight loss programs logically. And, that means you are more likely to choose the one that's the best for you.

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Weight Loss Tea - Very Important For Losing Weight

If you are overweight and looking to lose those excess pounds, try weight loss tea. The most popular tea used for weight loss is green tea but there are others that may be even more effective especially if you combine them or drink different teas at different times of the day.

Recent studies have shown that drinking tea can be a very important aspect of any weight loss plan. So if you are serious about losing weight, get serious about drinking tea. I have heard that all teas come from the same plant and get their different names by when the leaves are picked, where they are grown and the method of processing.

There are four main categories of tea: white, green, black, and oolong.

White tea is the earliest picked from the Camellia sinensis plant and is the least processed of all the teas. It has the most antioxidant properties which help detox the body and help prevent cancer, lowers cholesterol, and is the best tea for healthy skin. White tea has very little caffeine and is very light in color and flavor.

Green tea is the most popular weight loss tea. The lighter flavor of green tea is easily mixed with scent from flowers or fruit to create different flavored teas. Green tea has a high level of cancer fighting antioxidants, lowers blood pressure, fights gum disease and cavities, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. With only 5-10% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee, you can enjoy this tea throughout your day and not have to worry about not being able to sleep at night.

Black tea has been around forever and was the first tea ever introduced to me by my Scottish grandmother. Fully fermented, black tea has a bold flavor and has 20% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee, so still will not keep you awake. Black tea reduces the risk of heart disease by helping prevent the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream, helps prevent gum disease and cavities and regulates blood sugar and blood pressure. Grandma always had tea and a snack in the afternoon not to mention for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Grandma never drank coffee it was always tea. She would have us drink tea with honey and lemon when we were sick. I still do that today and tea just makes me feel better.

Oolong tea is flavorful and has a sweet aroma. Not as fermented as black tea, oolong tea only has about 15% of the caffeine a cup of coffee does and is the tea mainly served in Chinese restaurants. Oolong tea increases your metabolism and aids in digestion, burns body fat and actually blocks carbohydrates.

All teas aid in  digestion, just some more than others. The weight loss properties also vary with Oolong being the most effective tea I have researched. I do believe I have to go get me some of that tea. There are so many types of tea available you could get overwhelmed with all the choices and trying to keep all the health benefits of each one straight. That's why I have only listed the four most popular types of weight loss tea here.

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Weight Loss Management - Be All You Can Be

You can achieve weight loss management several different ways all it takes is some dedication and motivation. If dedication and motivation were easy to come by, there would be no overweight people. Everyone in the world would be their ideal weight and healthy as horses. Here are some tips you can follow to keep up the dedication and motivation factors.

Understand that no one can be dedicated and motivated for you, it's up to you. Of course, everyone whose ever been to a doctor knows the consequences of having too much body fat and living a sedentary lifestyle. I am sure that your doctor never misses a chance to let you know how he feels. It's just one of those things that until (or unless) it happens to you or someone you love, you just stay ignorant and think that it will never happen to you.

Of course, those consequences are just waiting to strike when you least expect it and will if you don't take control now. There are a few aspects to losing weight, such as eating healthier foods, cutting out the junk food, and getting plenty of exercise. Believe it or not, for many people the motivation to lose weight will often start with the very first work out.

I know that may sound ridiculous, but if you get past the idea that a work out is all about going to the gym and sweating your butt off (you hope) you may begin to understand what I mean. For instance, if you enjoy dancing think how much fun you'd have going to a dancing class (how about learning to line dance to country music?) What you might not realize is that dancing is a great way to lose weight!

If you like being outside, grab one of your friends and go for a bike ride, or take your dog for a walk. If you do not have a dog, borrow one from your neighbor. When you realize that work outs do not have to be boring, just some form of physical activity that you can actually enjoy you'll see that weight loss management is easy.

Having a friend to exercise with can be just what the doctor ordered. A friend to exercise with can help pass the time and make the work out go faster. It can be as simple as the two of you taking an aerobics class, joining a local gym, or just going for walks.

One thing you never want to do is put yourself under a lot of pressure by setting an unrealistic goal. Don't wait until just a few weeks before that friend's wedding, or your family  vacation. If you do, you will just be setting yourself up for certain failure. It will be virtually impossible for you to meet your goal and once the event has come and gone you will probably stop working out all together. Instead just make a commitment to yourself to get lean and healthy, that's the best weight loss management strategy of all.

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Discrimination Against Obese People Still Exist

With all the forms of discrimination around today, one that we rarely think of, or even realize exists, is discrimination against obese people. Unfortunately, just because we rarely think about it doesn't mean that it isn't alive and well.

It's actually more than a little odd, more and more of the population is obese, yet discrimination is on the rise. You would think since obesity is actually kind of the 'norm' today that no one would be discriminated against, but that's not the case.

Unlike with other types of discrimination such as race, age, gender and sexuality, virtually no one seems to care if obese people suffer from discrimination. There are few safeguards in place, other than just the generic ones that cover everyone.

Discrimination can be overt or a little more subtle. Often people will make 'fat' jokes and no one would complain (try doing that in many work places today but instead of a fat joke make a 'black' joke, a 'gay' joke or something of the like and just see what would happen. You'd be called in to the H.R. department so fast it would make your head spin).

Other times the discrimination is more subtle and harder to prove such as being passed over for a promotion or making less money than other people at the same firm doing the same job.

Since it's against most companies policies to openly discuss how much you earn, it's hard for the obese person to prove that they are earning less than their counterparts. The only people who know that are the managers who are allowing the practice to go on in the first place.

The problem is a society wide bias against fat people, interestingly many people who are overweight themselves tend to think of overweight people as lazy and stupid.

This widespread bias carries over into the workplace and is part of the reason overweight people make less, the managers may 'honestly' think that the 'fat guy' on the team isn't really pulling his weight because he's lazy. Not to defend the manager, but he may not ever realize he's doing it and that is the problem.

Since discrimination against obese people isn't even recognized by the equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws except in California and Michigan, your best bet to avoid this type of bias is to look for companies that have a very well known diversity policy. Typically any company that welcomes all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, won't tolerate bias against anyone, even though it may not be spelled out by the law.

It always takes the laws, and the mindset of people, time to catch up with the realities of society. Eventually discrimination against people because of their weight will be part of the EEO as well, but until then try to find a company that is very diverse.

If you are employed by a company right now and you are the victim of discrimination try to document as much as possible and talk to your manager or the H.R. department. Sometimes people do it without even realizing it, if that's the case just mentioning it might help realign the way people think and you won't have to put up with discrimination against obese people.

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Extreme Obese Women - Workout At Home

Being one of the extreme obese women in today's society can be a challenge, to say the least. Everything is harder when you are obese. Finding clothes, caring for yourself and your family, even dealing with work place prejudices can take it's toll physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The good news is that no matter how over weight you may be, there is help and I'm not just talking about surgery. Many obese people turn to surgery but just as many, or more, don't want the risk associated with surgery or they just can't afford it.

For those people there are options to lose your weight and begin a more fulfilling and healthier lifestyle. First things first, though, talk to your doctor. Not only can he provide you with some nutrition and exercise ideas, he can also advise you of any limitations or modifications you may need to make based on your current state of health.

Once you've got the O.K. from your doctor it's time to get started. At this stage you have many options. You can join a gym and enlist the help of a personal trainer. If that isn't a comfortable option for you, you can hire a trainer to come to your home or you can just buy a workout DVD and work out in private at home.


There are just so many options for working out that you really don't have any excuses. If you're not comfortable going to a gym, than don't go, just find something else to do. It doesn't matter if you're just taking your dog for a walk... do something and do it on a regular basis. That is  step one.

Next, you want to eat better. Forget about the old 'three squares a day' mentality, that is outdated thinking. Today it's recommended that you eat 5 to 6 small meals throughout your day. This is the best way to keep your metabolism firing hot all day. That way you can lose weight no matter what you're doing, long after your daily exercise is over.

When it comes to eating stay away from overly processed foods since they have little to no nutritional benefit. Instead eat whole grains. Also eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables. If you can get organic than get organic, you don't need all the added pesticides and growth hormones.

Eat plenty of lean protein. Eating things like tofu, skinless boneless chicken, fish and extra lean beef (only once or twice a week) are great ways of getting a lot of lean protein.

Drink plenty of water. Most people don't drink enough water and are in a state of dehydration. If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated, ideally you should never feel thirst. You should drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day.

Of course, use sugars sparingly and try to not eat too many sweets, though if you don't want to get frustrated and give up you have to be realistic and don't expect to be perfect. If you set up such high expectations you will only get frustrated and give up.

Being an extreme obese women today isn't easy but it doesn't have to be permanent. There are many things you can do to improve your health and quality of life.

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3 Quick Tips For Weight Loss

If you have ever struggled with losing weight, then you may have come to the conclusion that it is virtually impossible to do so. The reality is that it doesn't have to be all that hard. On the other hand, if you think that taking off those extra pounds is a quick and easy process that doesn't require any effort on your part, then you are going to be let down. If you're sincere about weight loss and you're ready to follow a sensible eating plan, get moving and changing your attitude, you will lose weight more quickly.  

Sometimes it seems as though diet and weight loss plans are a regular part of our lives; coming and going more often than we would like to admit. These are often fad diets that we latch on to in the hopes of finally finding the one that "really works". However, it's not a good idea to start any diet before you fully understand. The good news is that there are diet programs that have stood the test of time, and have been proven to work. Another thing that you may want to consider is that weight loss is not a one-time physical act. Instead, it's a lifestyle change that you incorporate into your life.

Let's be clear, there are many reasons why people don't stick to weight loss programs, but lack of motivation usually isn't one of them. What's needed are some basic ways of increasing the odds of success. Here are some things you can do to put the odds in your favor.

1. Maintain your focus - A lot has been said about willpower and its lack of effectiveness. The problem with willpower is that it sets up the wrong mindset. When you think about it, you only need willpower when you are feeling deprived. Once you start thinking about things you can't have, or how hard it all is, you are setting yourself up for failure. You need something better, and that's where focus comes in. It's the opposite of willpower. Focus on why you want to lose weight, what your ultimate goal is, and how you will feel once you reach your target weight. When you're focused, you are thinking about the positive aspects of your weight loss plan, and that's a good thing.  

2. Get moving - Some people like to call this exercise, but at the same time, that word has negative connotations for a lot of people. Regardless of what you call it, you need to get moving if you want to increase your chances of success. The key is to participate in activities that you enjoy. This could be going for a walk, bowling, dancing, gardening, or playing frisbee. Just remember that any extra activity equals extra calories burned.

3. Effort - Yes, weight loss takes effort. There is no way around it. Fortunately, the more effort you put in, the more weight you will lose.

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Flattering Fashion For The Obese - Looking Good

When it comes to finding flattering fashion for the obese you need to forget a lot of the concepts you've been living by and open your mind to new ideas. Women, throw out the muumuu's and men burn those sweat pants. Whether you're a man or woman the truth is that you have more options than ever and you can still look stylish even if you're heavy.

The whole trick is to downplay your 'bad' areas and play up your better features. For example, if you carry all your weight in your midsection but you have great legs, or a pretty face, or even great hair, wear styles that draw the eye away from your waistline and focus it more on your good features: your legs, your face or even your hair.

To put this technique into practice here are a few guidelines for you to follow:

1. Get over the idea that you are camouflaging anything by wearing big, baggy clothes. I don't mean to burst your bubble, but you're not fooling anyone. All you are doing is making your whole body look bigger and presenting a 'sloppy' image. That is the last thing you want to do.

2. Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are smaller than you really are. Wear clothes that fit you well but stay away from anything that looks like you'll need the jaws of life to get out of.

3. Don't worry about the number on the label, that's just dumb. Even a slim person can vary in the size they wear depending on the style, the manufacturer and the type of clothing it is. Instead focus on the styles that look best on you.

If you get caught up in having to fit into a 12 you run the risk of buying clothes that aren't really a good fit for you and that will only accentuate what you'd rather hide. Find your size, whatever size that may be, and stick with it.

4. Wear darker colors on the bottom and lighter colors on top. This means that men and women both should wear black, dark blue, or dark gray pants and skirts and use brighter colors in shirts, ties and blouses. Not only can adding the right color around your face 'lighten' your face, it will also draw the eye away from your heavier mid section.

And don't make one of the most common mistakes by heavy people, don't think that you have to wear all black all the time. True, black is slimming but it can lead to a very boring wardrobe, instead mix things up a bit not only with colors but with some patterns as well.

It might take a little trial and error but you can find a fashion style that will compliment your body type, no matter what that body type is. Don't think that you have to settle, there is a flattering fashion for the obese that will help you look your best all the time.

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Free Weight Loss For Teens - Safe And It Works

Believe it or not there are free weight loss for teens programs available to help your teen get fit. According to studies, 30% of the country's teenagers are overweight or are at risk for becoming overweight. If your teen is one of the 30% they run the risk of being one of the millions of adults who are also overweight which increases their chances of having heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers.

One program is called Slim Kids and provides free weight loss for teens and children online programs to help them learn to manage their weight. The program educates teens on how and why they have become overweight and shows them what steps to take to take off the weight. Slim Kids advises and encourages eating healthy and in moderation, with a sample meal plan included, and learning how to get regular exercise. As I said there is a free version available for teens and if your teen wants to get more in depth on the site you can upgrade for them for a reasonable cost.

SparkTeens is another free program available for teens. SparkTeens is an offshoot of SparkPeople, an adult weight loss program. This interactive program allows your teen to track their weight, caloric intake and exercise every day. It is proven that if your teen tracks their progress they will have more success and stay motivated. Progress is highly rewarded with praise and earning "stickers". There is a community forum where your teen can find others who are in the same boat so they know they are not alone and they can find support. Connecting with peers and keeping on track can be a big boost to your teen during their weight loss journey.

Sometimes the best program is the 'Mom And Dad' program. Try to get your teens to go for walks with you. Offer to sign them up to your gym so the two of you can workout together, if they don't mind being seen in public with you, they are teenagers after all. Encourage your teens to get more involved in buying and preparing food. All of these things will help them learn valuable life long healthy habits.

Do not let your teen take this journey all by themselves. Chances are if your teen is overweight, you are too. Join SparkPeople as your teen joins SparkTeens and track your progress together. I am not saying that your teen is overweight because you have made poor choices but we all know our children emulate us and take what we say and do as gospel.

There is plenty of free information online even if you do not want to join these programs. Come up with something that works for you and your teen together with advice from your teen's doctor. Your teen's doctor actually is the first place you should go to for advice on your teen losing weight to rule out any health problems even before they start losing weight.

As a concerned parent I'm sure that you are happy to learn that there are many options for free weight loss for teens. Just pick out the one that works best and work with your teen to make permanent lifestyle changes.

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How To Correctly Calculate BMI

I'm sure you've heard of BMI or Body Mass Index but have you ever wondered how it is actually worked out?  It really isn't that a complicated formula and if you have ever used Wii Fit or an online BMI calculator then you will know that you put in both your weight and height for the computer to give you a BMI figure.  The online calculator or Wii Fit will then tell you whether you fit within the healthy weight range, are underweight or whether you are overweight.  That is the great benefit of computers - they do all the calculating for you, you just enter a couple of numbers and it gives you the result.  But getting an instant answer doesn't let you know how it's worked out and what it all means.  So let's  first take a look at what BMI is and how the BMI number is calculated.

BMi measures body mass by comparing your height and weight.  It divides your weight by your height squared and you are then left with a single number.  It will depend on where that number falls on the chart as to whether you are underweight, in a healthy weight range or overweight.

BMI calculations can often be inaccurate because of the fact that it doesn't measure body fat.  For athletes, football players and anyone that has a lot of muscle, they will get an inaccurate result.  Muscle actually weighs more than fat and the BMI formula doesn't take this into account.  But if you are an average person with an average amount of muscle and body fat, then the BMI formula will be quite accurate.

How is BMI calculated?

The basic formula for calculating BMI is kg/m2.  This is your weight (in kilograms) - divided by your height (in meters), squared.  So for example, if a person is 1.7 meters tall then you would square that number (times it by itself) which is 1.7 times 1.7 which equals 2.89.  Next you divide the persons weight, so if that person weighed 68 kilograms you would divide 68 by 2.89 which equals 23.5.

A healthy weight range is between 18.5 and 24.9 so if your BMI results is lower than 18.5 then this indicates that you are underweight.  If you fall between the range of 18.5 and 24.9 then you have a healthy weight.  If your BMI results i between 25 and 29.9 then this indicates that you are overweight.  If your BMI result is over 30 then this indicates that you are obese.

If you work in pounds and feet rather than kilograms and meters then you can just change the formula to suit.  You would
  then multiply the weight of 150 pounds, times 4.88 which equals 732.  Then divide the height of 5.5 feet squared, which is 30.25.  So it would be 732 divided by 30.25 which equals 24.1.  This is a slightly higher result than the metric result but not too much.

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Is The 12 Day Grapefruit Diet The Answer

There has been a diet plan that has been around since the 1930s. That makes it anything but a fad diet. What we are talking about is the 12 day grapefruit diet. Grapefruit has a lot of benefits for dieters. It's fat free, low calorie, high in fiber and is packed with vitamin C.

The grapefruit diet itself is incredibly simple to follow. All you do is eat one-half of a grapefruit before each meal. There also appears to be enzymes in the fruit that keeps your appetite in check, meaning you will eat fewer calories overall. Grapefruit is also believed to speed up metabolism which helps to burn more calories. So, not only will you take in fewer calories, but you will also burn more off. Both of these things are key to losing weight. In fact, some tests have shown that it's possible to lose ten pounds in two weeks by changing to the 12 day grapefruit diet.

So what's the catch? Even though it has been a round for as long as it has, the 12 day grapefruit diet is still classified along with fad diets. That's because it relies on making only one change and doesn't incorporate other necessary elements of weight loss.

You can do the diet, but that doesn't give you a free pass to stuff your face with all kinds of junk food. You still need to watch what you eat, trying to eat a variety of healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. If you really want to shed pounds, you also need to exercise. That doesn't mean you have to jog 10 miles a day, or hit the gym for 3 hours. Instead, find activities you enjoy and try to get moving for 20 to 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week.

At the same time, you should be changing your habits. Changing how you prepare food can have a big impact. Opt for grilling, steaming and baking instead of frying food. Eat 5 or 6 smaller meals throughout the day instead of 3 larger meals. Another good rule of thumb is to eat food in as close to its natural state as possible.

But does all of this mean the 12 day grapefruit diet is bad? Not at all. While you should still make all of the changes we just discussed, the grapefruit diet can help you lose weight quickly. It isn't practical to think you could stick to such a diet, but it could give you a great start. Losing a few pounds in a week or two can be very motivating and will give you a better chance of weight loss success.

Finally, combining all of these things is the way to drop those extra pounds. Do the 12 day grapefruit diet, exercise, eat right, and make other habit changes and you will lose all the weight you need, lose it for good, and you won't drive yourself crazy in the process.

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Metformin Weight Loss - Type II Diabetes Weight Loss

If you have tried and tried to lose weight and have failed every time, you may want to talk to your doctor about insulin resistance and Metformin weight loss possibilities. Some studies have shown that taking Metformin can help you lose weight. Especially if you have been diagnosed with Type II diabetes.

It is not clear if people who do not have Type II diabetes can lose weight by taking Metformin but it is being prescribed for women and girls who have been diagnosed with PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome and have put on a lot of weight in a relatively short time and cannot lose it no matter how much they exercise and watch what they eat.

Metformin weight loss occurs when, with the help of the medication, your body learns to respond appropriately to the insulin that is released into the bloodstream and reduces the amount of glucose that the liver releases into the bloodstream in response to what you eat.

After 40 years of being prescribed by doctors to treat Type II diabetes, other uses for other conditions have come to light and weight loss is one of them. Metformin has been shown to reduce the death rate of people with Type II diabetes by a whopping 36%.

Side effects include indigestion and diarrhea with some people developing lactic acidosis, but this is rare. Most side effects are mild and may even disappear with continued use of the medication. Lactic acidosis is very rare, 1 in 30,000, but has been known to be fatal in approximately 50% of cases if it develops.

If taken with a meal, as it is usually prescribed, side effects should be minimal. If not, then maybe a switch to the extended release oral medication would help alleviate any potential side effects.

The most common side effects experienced are nausea, a metallic taste, vomiting, abdominal bloating, cramping or a feeling of fullness, and weight loss. You should see your doctor immediately if after beginning you Metformin regimen you begin to feel weak, have heartbeat changes, chest pain, or an allergic reaction. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is also possible and should be reported to your doctor as well.

Some other conditions the may be affected by taking Metformin are B12 and folic acid deficiencies. So, making sure you are getting all the nutrients you need in your diet is very important or if you are not sure then you can take a supplement to get what you need. You may want to take a supplement anyway just to make sure.

Obviously, the best way for anyone to lose weight is to exercise and eat right but for some of us that just doesn't get it and we need to figure out, with the help of our doctor, what will work. If that means taking a medication like Metformin to help our body use it's own stuff better then that's what we need to do. Metformin weight loss, here we come!

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