How To Lose 10 lbs. Or More Quickly And Safely

As reported in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recently published "Calories Count - Report of the Working Group on Obesity", people who are overweight is a serious public health problem in the United States. Since the late 1980’s, adult obesity has steadily and substantially increased in the United States. Today, 64 percent of all Americans weigh too much and over 30 percent are obese; in 1988 through 1992, fewer than 56 percent were overweight and fewer than 23 percent of American adults were obese. The trends for children are even more worrisome. Recent research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 15 percent of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 are overweight – double the rate of two decades ago. As Americans get heavier, their health suffers. Overweight and obesity increase the risk for coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. According to some estimates, at least 400,000 deaths each year may be attributed to obesity. What people must know is that you can improve your health quickly with just a small amount of weight loss. "We know that physical activity along with reduced calorie consumption can lead to the 5 to 10 percent weight loss necessary to achieve remission of the obesity-associated complications," says William Dietz, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to Ken Black, founder of www.weight-loss-discovery.com, "losing one to two pounds a week is safe and recommended by most doctors for most people. This breaks down to 250 to 1,000 calories per day. You can achieve this easily if you follow some or all of the following guidelines" : 1. Use skim milk instead of whole milk or cream in your coffee. 2. Eat low fat yogurt instead of ice cream. 3. Eat more bright colored (green, yellow, orange, red) fruits and vegetables. 4. Eat more lean fish, chicken, or turkey, instead of red meats. 5. Eat whole wheat or multigrain bread, instead of white bread. 6. Use a sugar replacement instead of sugar (avoid Aspartame). 7. Drink water instead of soft drinks. 8. When you eat out, avoid fried foods. 9. Walk or do similar exercises (e.g. Golf, Tennis) at least 20 minutes a day. If you do even just a couple of these every day for the next month, you’ll feel much better and you will lose weight (10 lbs. or more in 6-8 weeks). And if you are concerned about getting hungry all the time, or losing your energy, try taking a safe appetite suppressant, like Herbal Phentermine. This supplement is not to be confused with the drug Phentermine, which has side effects like stomach upset, dry mouth and sleeplessness. The herbal variety is a non-prescription medication and has been tested for years to be safe for most people. It contains ingredients like green tea, acetyl L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, biotin and others, that control your appetite, yet increase your metabolism and energy. However, do not take any herbal supplement without checking with your Doctor first, if you are on any prescription medications, due to possible interactions between the two, or if you have a special medical condition. If you follow these simple steps, you will surely reach your weight loss goals and become a much happier, healthier, and oh yes, lighter person.

How I Lost 51 Pounds In 4 Months Using The Simplest Diet Plan In The World

Like many people I've been on dozens of diet plans over the years ranging from Atkins to South Beach to Weightwatchers to Jenny Craig and lots more besides. In fact, I've eaten enough cabbage soup to satisfy a small country! I'm 5 feet 10 and I used to weigh 230 pounds and needed to lose a good 50 pounds to get myself in some short of shape. And then it hit me. It's seems so logical now and so simple but I had ignored the simplest weight loss solution of all. Here's how I discovered it. I was over in the UK on vacation and saying with an Aunt. We were having tea together and my Aunt was watching her favourite daytime TV show called "Today with Des and Mel." The host, a rather charming guy called Des O'Connor was being asked how he stayed so trim and slim and indeed virile at aged 70 (he had just once again become a father) and he gave me the simplest weight loss solution I have ever heard. In fact you'd be seriously challenged to find a fitter and more vibrant looking 70 year old anywhere on the planet. Des's answer was that he only eats one meal per day in the evening, and in fact eats as much as he wants at that one meal sitting. During the day he may well graze on a bit of fruit and naturally drinks plenty of fluids but he swears by the plan and has done for over 40 years. This seemed so simple and ridiculously easy and I was very doubtful whether it would work for me. However, it's based on pure logic. By missing out on significant calories during the day, the body makes up for it in the evening and then stores up calories to keep you going the next day until your evening meal. However, I'm no scientist or doctor and I'm only interested in results. Here's how it worked for me. Week One was a little challenging. I did nibble on the odd cookie to keep me going with my morning black coffee. I missed the social aspect of lunch but contented myself with knowing that I was doing my health and body a huge favor. In week one I lost 6 pounds and in the first month 15 pounds dropped off my body! However, having been on many diet programs over the years I was worried it could all come back.With this in mind I started a gentle walking program in the evenings after my meal of the day and this really helped me with my energy levels. I really didn't want to visit a gym or stress myself by running. I was eating everything I wanted in the evenings, including ice cream and lots of ribs and fries etc. However, after the first month my body seemed to start regulating itself and I didn't seem to crave these heavy rich foods as much. I think my body started to learn that it needed to eat well and wholesome in the evenings so it could get through the next 24 hours. In month two I dropped another 13 pounds. In month three I lost a further 12 pounds and in month four another 11 pounds making for a total weight loss of 51 pounds in FOUR months. Truly amazing. I'm still staggered by it. I don't recommend this plan for life and have slowly reintroduced a healthy breakfast and a very light lunch. It's a truly great plan for losing excess weight quickly though - and works like nothing I've ever tried before. One year on and I'm still at my target weight of 180 pounds. I still do my walking exercise most evenings and feel 1000% better with loads more energy. I've recommended this plan to dozens of friends and I have to say it's worked for 90% of them. Give it a shot, the odds are that it'll work great for you too! Check with your doctor first though to be safe.

Hoodia For Appetite Suppression And Weight Loss

Occasionally you hear so much about something that you have to get more information. Hoodia is one of the substances that I just keep hearing about over and over so I wanted to do some research and pass it on. Hoodia is a cactus like plant that is found in parts of Africa. Of all the various forms of Hoodia available, Hoodia Gordonii is the one that seems to be touting the appetite suppression benefits. Some people may like the fact that hoodia is not a stimulant but rather it is believed that hoodia causes the brain to send very strong signals that the stomach is full even when it is not. The signals sent are reported to be much stronger than the signals sent by sugar. Hoodia is relatively new on the market so for those of you who are not into experimenting with themselves; you may want to wait for more studies to come out on hoodia. I have not been able to find any studies done on hoodia and weight loss – but I have found tons of anecdotal evidence. Anecdotal evidence sometimes precludes valid scientific findings and sometimes it turns out to be hype. If hoodia proves to be a non-stimulating appetite suppressant, then I could see it benefiting those trying to cut down on evening eating, those who have trouble eating several smaller portions throughout the day, and those who just tend to be overcome by cravings. Remember supplements are only a tool in your weight loss/healthy lifestyle arsenal. If you do decide to purchase hoodia, make sure you purchase from a company that is known to be trusted and reputable. The jury is still out on hoodia and weight loss and appetite suppression but it looks as if the anecdotal evidence is mounting up in a promising way. Sometimes anecdotal evidence leads to scientific studies. (like with creatine and weight lifting) So if you are willing to experiment and your doctor has approved, hoodia may be worth trying. Wishing you the best of health, Bill

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) And Weight Loss

It seems lately that I have come across an abundance of information on the benefits of consuming green tea. Because of this, I have been inspired to compile some of the information - specifically regarding green tea and weight loss. Green tea contains a number of things that are reported to be very healthful for you. Among these are: Tannins, phenols, polyphenols, and flavanoid compounds, the amino acid theanine, and catechins of which egcg seems to be the most beneficial. Some of the reported benefits you will see when researching green tea are: • Protecting skin from ultraviolet radiation • Protection against a number of different cancers • Increased life span • Protection of the brain • Increased antioxidant levels • Theanine has been reported to negate the jittery effect of caffeine, and heighten mental acuity and some have even said give a relaxed but aware state. • Last but not least are increased fat metabolism This increased fat metabolism is what is of most interest to people wanting to lose weight. It simply means the rate at which you burn calories and the body's ability to burn fat. The studies seem to point to a connection between the caffeine in green tea and the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which causes a boost in noradrenaline. Noradrenaline helps your body boost your metabolism and suppress your appetite. Some experts recommend that you take a standardized green tea supplement which contains 90mg of EGCG and 50mg caffeine. Of course you should always consult your physician before taking any supplement, especially one with caffeine. Drinking green tea can be a pleasurable experience. I have tasted some very good green teas and I have tasted some that taste like what I imagine blended grass would taste like. My favorites seem to be the mixture of green tea and lemongrass. The best tasting ones I have found have been in health food stores or online. Don't give up on your first taste. Experiment around and try different flavors of green tea. You may find one or more that you just absolutely love. I generally microwave my green tea and drink it warm. I have brewed several bags at a time using boiling water and then place in the refrigerator for a nice cool beverage as well. Drinking green tea can also be an aid to weight loss if it takes place of another habit such as coffee with sugar or cola. I know many people who start the day with a sugar filled caffeine cola or sweetened iced tea. This is how they get their morning caffeine. Why not substitute green tea for this and enjoy the feeling and health benefits? Replace that after lunch cup of coffee with a cup of green tea. You will be doing something healthy for your body and you won't experience the "drop" that coffee can leave you with an hour or so later. Also enjoy a cup of green tea before your exercise routine, just be careful and do not consume it late in the afternoon. A cup of green tea contains about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. If you are sensitive to caffeine – use caution or avoid all together. I am a believer in a healthy lifestyle to achieve your desired weight. If you know me or read any of my articles you also know that I am a believer in supplements – Only as an aid to a healthy lifestyle. Not a magic solution. I see green tea as an effective tool in your weight loss arsenal. Green tea seems like a wonderful addition to your daily life which may help you boost your metabolism, ward of sickness, and give you a gentle caffeine lift. Wishing you the best of health, Bill

Go Low-Glycemic To Burn Away That Excess Fat!

Obesity -- it is as much the scourge of the developed world as poverty is of the Third World. Thousands in the developed world have been desperately -- and rather unsuccessfully -- trying to shed their pounds, even as thousands in the underdeveloped world have been trying to put some fat into their bodies. The World Health Organization says that the United States is now the fattest country in the world. Ask anyone who has tried to burn away those calories. It's easier to look for the proverbial needle in the haystack! And they will tell you that there are no shortcuts in a fat loss regimen. There are many causes that contribute to weight gain. Often, it may not only be the intake of food. Hormonal factors, side-effects of medical conditions, and many other factors cause weight gain. Recent research has shown that the increased amount of chemicals and toxins in the environment is a factor contributing to obesity. Dieting and fat burning exercises are often considered the only solution for fat loss. But such a regime should be tailor-made for your body composition and lifestyle to be effective. However, many people do not follow professional advice and cause more harm to their body than good while on a fat loss regime. This is where we need to look at the new low-glycemic standard of healthy eating. Glycemic indexing basically measures by how much a given food raises blood sugar and insulin response. This is important because the rate at which your blood sugar rises after eating is important in managing your weight. High-glycemic food causes many negative effects, including weight gain. They increase your appetite, and raise fat in your body system by increasing triglycerides. However, a low-carbohydrate diet is not necessarily a low-glycemic diet as is the popular misconception. Such a diet will only lead to more fat in the body. So what is a low glycemic diet? Fruits and vegetables are low-glycemic food, and you should include them most in your daily diet. However, it is often not quite possible to stick to such a diet. That is where glyconutritionals or glyconutrient supplements come in. Glyconutrients are a class of sugars that are found in fruits and vegetables and are necessary to keep the body ticking along perfectly. The are needed to some the fundamental biochemical process of cell-to-cell communication in the body, and tone up the immune system. Eight of these essential sugars have already been discovered and six of these are not available in our daily diet. Taking glyconutritional supplements made from fruits and vegetables helps in two ways: they help you maintain a low-glycemic diet and also keep your body strong while on a fat loss regime.

Giving Up the Diet

If you're thinking of going on a diet to lose those extra pounds think again. Long-term weight control through dieting is near impossible, for the simple reason is that diets promote only short term solutions not long term. After dieting you’ll certainly look lighter on the scales, but in most cases this is because you've dumped a few pounds of body fluid and muscle, and not because you've lost any significant amounts of body fat. One of the main reasons diets don't work is because they send the body into starvation mode - a survival mechanism for times when humans faced periods of famine. Cutting back on our energy intake causes the body to lower its metabolic rate, which reduces its ability to burn fat. At the same time, hunger signals increase and we quickly start to crave high energy foods loaded with fats and sugars - the exact foods we are trying to do without! Alarmingly, research has shown that repeated dieting actually makes it harder to lose weight and easier to put it on. This is because when you dump the diet and return to normal eating habits, the drop in metabolic rate caused by the diet means that your old eating habits actually represent an excess in calories. Not only do you regain the fat stores just lost, but you may even gain a bit extra. "Five more reasons to stop dieting"  Diets sap energy - Too little food means not enough energy for physical activity.  Diets lower your metabolism - Dieting causes your body to conserve energy, making results harder to achieve.  Diets are unhealthy - A cycle of rapid weight loss followed by weight gain can lead to a loss of lean tissue from your body and calcium from your bones. It also strips the body of essential vitamins and minerals.  Diets make food the enemy - Food provides nourishment and comfort. Diets can make you afraid to eat, depriving you of one of life's pleasures.  Diets cheat your confidence - Going from one failed diet to the next can leave you feeling depressed and create a cycle in which guilt battles against food. Regular physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet aren't as glamorous as the quick fixes, but they do get better results. Start with one extra exercise session and one less fatty takeaway meal per week, and gradually work towards a lifelong plan for achieving your best weight. If you change the way you eat or exercise to lose weight, ask yourself this question. Can I see myself sticking to this routine for life? If the answer is "no" then its time to change what you're doing. Any healthy weight loss plan should include the following:  A wide variety of foods.  Regular and enjoyable exercise.  Enough filling foods to avoid constant hunger.  At least 1200 calories a day.  Flexibility for treat foods and social occasions.  A realistic goal of your best weight (not necessarily your lowest weight.) Fact A realistic weight loss is around one to two pounds per week. Fast weight losses are not fat loss but glycogen and water. If you lose weight quickly then you will probable return back to the weight at which you started as quickly as it was lost. Fiction  Weight loss is quick and simple.  Exercise is not necessary.  Certain exercises can spot reduce.  Carbohydrates (for example, bread, potatoes, rice, and pasta) are fattening. So the way to lose body fat and maintain muscle is to have a food program for life and more energy output. Increase the amount of fruits, vegetables, non-fat dairy products, whole grains and beans that you eat. Eliminate calorie-dense foods such as cookies, sugary desserts, chips, fries, pizza, candies, crackers etc. Research on people who have successfully lost a lot of weight and kept it off long term, shows that the vast majority succeeded by consuming a low fat diet high in fibre coupled with strength training and cardiovascular activity. These are the basics you'll need to aim for. A sound weight loss-eating plan should:  Be nutritionally sound, providing all the nutrients you need.  Never promise fast weight losses.  Offer an eating plan based on real food.  Allow you to eat out.  Avoid expensive meal plans, products and supplements.  Not avoid carbohydrate foods, e.g. bread, rice, pasta, cereals and potatoes.  Make gradual dietary changes.  Provide knowledge.  Allow you to eat all foods  Recommend physical activity. Fat calories are more fattening than carbohydrate calories. Your body can easily convert the fat you eat in food into body fat, so to lose weight you need to cut down on fats and foods that contain it. Consider the following steps to reduce fat in your diet.  Use skimmed or skimmed milk in drinks, cooking and on cereals.  Buy a non - stick frying pan.  Buy a cheese slicer  Cut the visible fat from meat.  Eat very little pastry.  Learn how to read a food label.  Substitute low fat yoghurt for cream.  Remove the skin from chicken and turkey.  Eat fruit as snacks rather than eating chocolate and biscuits.  Eat fewer burgers and sausages.

Five Habits That Can Contribute To Being Overweight

Is your lifestyle contributing to your weight gain? For healthy people – weight gain is caused by simply consuming more calories than you burn. Unfortunately for most of us, our healthy lifestyle education comes in the form of a blaring commercial that is trying to convince us that eating this "lite" food or using that "miracle exercise machine" will lead to a healthy, fun, lean lifestyle! A healthy, lean lifestyle takes effort and education. Hopefully these five steps will get you started on a path to meet your weight loss goals. • Skipping meals and then overeating when you make time to eat. Skipping meals leads to blood sugar fluctuations, moodiness, and can even lead to overeating. Eat healthy meals and snacks at regular intervals. • Not moving your body. The body is designed to move. Period. Exercise can brighten your mood and lighten your body. • Drinking cola or sugar drinks when you are thirsty. When your body is thirsty it is asking for water. • Snacking on empty calories. Being fat free or low carb does not make it healthy. Empty calories (calories void of nutritional value) do nothing for your body. • Watching an abundance of TV. A recent article stated that you use less energy while watching TV than while sitting still! Most of us do these habits and are totally unaware of how unhealthy and destructive they can be. Of course this article is not telling you to never watch TV, or never snack – it is merely trying to raise your level of awareness of some things you may be doing that may be sabotaging your diet efforts. Observe your habits and ask yourself if they are contributing to a healthy lifestyle and an ideal weight or are they contributing to an unhealthy lifestyle and being overweight. Arm yourself with knowledge and achieve your ideal weight. I wish for you the best of health, Bill