Weight Loss Issues - Can You Be Cellulite Free?

One thing I really must say at the outset of this article is, that if you were to ask the majority of men to define cellulite they would most probably be completely baffled. 

 

Then after you explained it to them in detail and told them that you suffered from it, more likely than not the reaction would be to look at you as if you were slightly mad, shrug their shoulders and say that they had actually never noticed it. 

 

So one consolation I suppose, is that most men apparently just do not see it and do not know what all the fuss is about! 

 

(They can be wonderful sometimes can't they!)

 

From a woman’s point of view however, cellulite is at best something which restricts what she can or cannot wear, or at worst in extreme cases something which can be downright unsightly.

 

If we are being brutally honest, dimples on our cheeks can be really cute, but dimples on our thighs and our buttocks most certainly are not. 

 

It has been described as the dreaded "orange peel look" especially in relation to female thighs and buttocks.

 

Many women can literally spend absolute fortunes to try and find ways to eliminate it.

 

Having established that it is a big problem (for the majority of women at least), I find myself coming back to the question in my title - Is it possible to be totally free of cellulite!

 

In truth, I think sadly that as things stand at the moment, probably not, but there are many steps that can be taken to minimise the unsightly look of cellulite, and my intention in this article is to outline just a few of them.

 

It does really help if we try and understand some of the main causes of cellulite, and what if anything we can effectively do to both reduce the unsightly appearance (in our eyes at least), and even to try and banish it completely.

 

We should remember that the primary cause of cellulite is weight gain, and if a woman does gain excess weight the layers of fat under the skin expand, but sadly not in a smooth uniform way. 

 

We have the female hormone oestrogen which promotes fat on the thighs and buttocks to thank for this. 

 

When fat cells start to build up on the lower half of the female body, they are more likely to multiply and press against the skin. This process creates the bulged and dimpled look of the dreaded cellulite, and with very very few exceptions, it is completely a feminine problem.

 

Another important factor is that as we age our skin also tends to lose its tautness, particularly so if we do not take any forms of regular exercise. 

 

So having now determined the main causes of cellulite, let us look in some detail at some of the choices available to us to try and minimize the effects of it.

 

The first choice is that you can learn to live with it! 

 

Yes, I do actually mean that!

 

At the end of the day it is not going to detract from you as a woman, and there is no reason whatsoever why you cannot still be very attractive. 

 

Do not let it become an obsession under any circumstances!

 

The second and for me personally, the most important choice available is to make a seriously determined and long term effort to lose those unnecessary extra pounds. I strongly recommend a low fat diet as the first and vital step to take if you are to succeed in fighting this battle. 

 

Make it a top priority to become much more active! 

 

Simple changes such as walking more frequently, taking up a sport that you really could enjoy(perhaps something you did in the past), or alternatively taking the time to join a few exercise classes, are just some examples.

 

Join those exercise classes which concentrate primarily on hips buttocks and thighs. This will greatly help in improving and toning up those areas affected by cellulite. 

 

Your third choice is to try out some of the many creams that you can purchase. Use these with a deep massaging technique which will help improve the overall appearance of the cellulite areas. 

 

The fourth and most drastic choice is liposuction which removes excess fat. Another such process is Endermologie, a mechanical massage that will smooth out the dimples.

 

These methods can be really expensive, so you will have to be prepared to dig deep for them.

 

Useful Quick Fix Tips To Disguise Cellulite

 

Fake Tan - Apply the fake tan normally, but just before you are going to show your legs, rub a layer of hair serum (yes the stuff you use to stop frizz), along your shinbone. This makes the thinner area of your shinbone much more prominent, and will therefore help to disguise those parts which are less firm in appearance.

 

Wear The Right Shoes - Heels or wedges will make your legs appear much longer, but beware of ankle straps and flat shoes. They really do make your legs look considerably shorter and fatter. 

 

Take a tip from the celebrities - They wear heels with trousers and jeans, and have them made so that the trousers end about an inch below the ankle. The effect of this is to make their legs look really long and slim.

 

Draw The Eyes Upwards - If you are wearing your jeans on a night out for example, by either wearing a bulky necklace, a glittery scarf, or maybe even a Wonderbra and a V Necked top (if you are feeling slightly daring), you will distract attention away from your thighs. 

 

Wear dark colors as they make your bottom parts look much slimmer.

 

Try out a Fast Fix Treatment - Treat yourself by going to a beauty salon, and indulge in one of their cellulite instant fix procedures. These can be very expensive but they really do make your thighs look smoother and sleeker.

 

Unfortunately though, these procedures only last for a short length of time.

 

The majority of women would love to have thinner cellulite free thighs, but do please remember that it is your overall appearance which matters most. 

 

If you look and feel attractive in yourself that will be the way that others will also see you. 

 

Remember that the aim here is for improvement not perfection. Cellulite has been a feminine curse (as women see it), since the beginning of time. As yet no one has come up with either an instant or indeed permanent cure.

 

However until they do, and one day somebody just might, stay focussed on your overall health, take serious and meaningful steps to lose weight, and maintain a good exercise program.

 

That way you can at the very least keep the whole thing in perspective, and in so doing, maintain your self-confidence and self-esteem at a much higher level than it would otherwise have been.

Weight Loss Instructions

Obesity is a growing concern in today’s world. By following the given weight loss instructions you can lose weight and maintain a steady weight throughout.

 

Chinese Diet Tea

 

With the intake of Chinese diet tea one can reduce weight and can live slim and trim. Chinese diet tea causes rapid and substantial weight loss. Chinese diet tea prevents the formation of body fat. Experts say that intake of Chinese diet tea significantly increase energy expenditure and also significantly effect on fat oxidation. Chinese diet tea does not contain caffeine that’s why it does not affect heart rate. So it is safe and highly helps in weight loss.

 

Water

 

Intake of water helps weight loss. Water has no calories, cholesterol and fat. Studies showed that a high consumption of water does not allow more fat to be deposited inspite of being metabolized into energy and helps in weight loss. So, increasing of water consumption will prohibit fat deposition and in this way you obtain weight loss. Eight to twelve glasses of water help in weight loss.

 

Free Diet Plans

 

Free diet plans are also helpful in weight loss for those people who are busy and don’t have time for shopping and preparing their own meal. Free diet plans are mostly prepared on the recommendation of dietician and nutritionist. Hence, these are specially organized for athletes and dieters as they contain less fat and calories. As a result, by using free diet plans you can lose weight and maintain it steadily.

 

Balanced and Nutritious Diet

 

With balanced and nutritious diet one can lose weight. Balanced and nutritious diet should be according to your own body need. If you want to take balanced and nutritious diet then you must take exclude fat from your diet and should include juicy fruits, green leafy vegetables, roughages, cereals and brown bread which is free from fat and full of proteins.

Weight Loss Helps Prevent Diabetes

A few months ago (March 2005), the American Diabetes Association announced the findings of the comprehensive Diabetes Prevention Program. The DPP was conducted at over 25 medical centers nationwide and involved thousands of participants who volunteered to have their habits monitored and to follow dietary and exercise recommendations. All participants had been diagnosed with 'pre-diabetes', a condition where the blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet in diabetic ranges. Untreated, more than half of those people diagnosed with pre-diabetes will develop full-blown type 2 diabetes within a decade. 

 

For the study, the participants were divided into two groups. One half were given dietary recommendations. The other half got the same dietary recommendations, plus the recommendation to exercise at least 30 minutes daily, five times a week. 

 

The results? Those who included daily exercise in their routines and followed the diet recommendations cut their risk of developing diabetes by 58%. The reason? Those who made the recommended changes in their lifestyle lost 'a moderate amount' of weight. Even more important, researchers found something that they didn't expect. Those in the treatment group had a substantial chance of reducing their blood sugar level to normal, something that had been assumed was impossible. 

 

Apparently, losing weight not only prevents a worsening of diabetes, it reverses the damage that obesity causes to the cells that produce insulin. 

 

How much weight loss does it take to have an effect on the progression of diabetes? The key is in the definition of 'a moderate weight loss' - 5-7% of your body weight. In other words, depending on your body weight, a loss of as little as 7-10 pounds can make a difference! 

 

The recommendations suggested by the American Diabetes Society for a healthy diet to prevent diabetes is an ideal diet for steady, gradual weight loss - the kind of weight loss that stays lost. The diet includes the following suggested daily diet allowances: 

 

• Grain - 6-11 servings per day (Bread, Cereal, Rice, Pasta) 

• Vegetables - 3-5 servings per day 

• Fruits - 2-4 servings per day

• Milk - 2-3 servings per day 

• Meat - 4-6 ounces per day (Meat, eggs, fish, dried beans, nuts and peanut butter) 

• Fats, Sweets, Alcohol - Occasional treats 

 

(Recommendations for portions are based on gender and activity level. For instance, a sedentary 40 year old woman needs fewer portions than an active 25-year-old woman.) 

 

Look familiar? It's also the dietary recommendation for the Heart Healthy diet from the American Heart Association, and the recommendations from the USDA's new MyPyramid. The results just keep coming in, but the message is clear: losing weight, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet can help prevent most major health problems. Why wait till you're diagnosed? Start today - and it may never happen.

Weight Loss for Couch Potatoes - Don't Get up, I'll Explain...

Summary:

 

How to use emotional re-programming (natural self-hypnosis) to transform food cravings into exercise cravings. Explains how behavior patterns are created and how to change patterns to achieve effortless and permanent weight loss.

 

Article:

 

You're fat and you know it! Now I'm going to tell you something you don't already know. 

 

You think you already know why you're fat but you don't. You think it's because you just don't have enough time and motivation to exercise. You think it's because you love food and don't quite have enough willpower to cut back sufficiently. You don't have a clue!

 

The real reason you're gaining weight is going to shock you: it's because you have the mind of a well-trained athlete. Don't laugh quite yet. Have you ever noticed how fast athletes gain weight when they retire from competition? It's freakish. The same reason that athletes are good at sports later causes them to bloat -- they have especially "trainable" subconscious minds. If you understand the mechanism then you can learn to control your weight without diet, suffering or an inhuman exercise schedule.

 

Weight Loss and your Athletic Mind

 

Before I continue, I should say that it is true: the immediate cause of weight-gain is what you eat and how you live. I'm not preaching any pseudo-science here. However, controlling what you eat and how you live is elusively difficult and I will show you why. If you think you can change your behavior pattern with sheer willpower -- then you just haven't really tried yet.

 

Sure, you and I pride ourselves in being rational adults, in control of our choices and our destiny. But that's just a load of crap. In truth, we rarely ever do anything that brings us discomfort in the short run. You think otherwise? Go take a straight-cold shower just to prove who is in control. Go without solid food for two days. It won't hurt you, but it will make your body angry. And the fact of the matter is that we are usually slaves to response patterns established by our bodies. Sorry but it's true.

 

The Key to Controlling your Body is to Control Your Mind

 

Training your body is all about training your mind. We're not talking calculus here, we're talking about your sub-conscious mind -- where deep emotions, established patterns, habit and instant responses live. You are a trinity of sorts, 1) a lazy body, 2) a clever and fickle conscious mind and 3) a lumbering but steady subconscious that does most of the work around here.

 

You probably know already that the subconscious mind provides emotional responses to reinforce "good" behavior (like eating pizza) -- but what you might not know is that the subconscious is also responsible for all athletic ability. Even the simple stuff like walking or typing is a constant interaction of conscious commands and unconscious responses. For example, when you learn to shoot a basketball, what you are actually doing is using the conscious mind to burn in a pattern which develops into a subconscious skill-set. When you've truly mastered a move, you "no longer have to think about it". If you're still thinking about the mechanics of a dance step -- it's a sign that you have not "learned it" yet. That is, your subconscious cannot yet take over. Once you have "learned" the skill, your conscious mind need only call out the command and the subconscious does the action.

 

To better understand your psychology, let's liken your mind to a couple animals: imagine a Chimp riding on the back of an Elephant. The subconscious mind is like a slow dumb strong elephant while your conscious mind is like the clever fast chimp.

 

Chimp (Conscious Mind)

• Fast

• Clever

• Creative

• Forgetful

• Thinks he's in control

 

Elephant (Subconscious)

• Slow

• Not creative

• Slow learner with a vast memory

• Awesome reflexes (ok so the metaphor's not perfect)

• Usually in control 

The Willpower Myth

 

The nice thing about this little metaphor is that it allows me to point out the absurdity of the whole concept of "willpower" in the sense of the conscious mind overwhelming the subconscious with a show of brute force. Seriously, just imagine the chimp wresting the elephant. Where's the "brute force" of the chimp? The elephant's just going to sit on him and the game is over. That, by the way, is exactly where every diet ends when supported by willpower alone. The subconscious is a powerful part of your mind. You can control it through persuasion but not with brute force.

 

The Elephant, the Stick and the String

 

In Indonesia, elephants are used in construction work because they are so powerful and yet obedient. All day long the elephant moves hundreds of tons of stone and wood and at night he taken to his bed of straw and tied up. Do you know how big the rope is required to hold an elephant? It's just a little string tied to a stick driven into the ground.

 

You see, when the elephant was very young, he was tied with the same stick and string -- and he was too little to pull free. For the rest of his life, he remembers this and never questions the superior strength of the little stick and string. Think about it.

 

What are you really capable of? To be blunt, you have no idea. Your limitations are defined by childhood experience -- and bear no relation to your adult capabilities. Like the elephant, you are emotionally tethered by childhood ideas. Most of your adult personality is just a protective cage built by a scared child. What would you give to have the power to redefine yourself?

 

Now for the good news: you're not just an elephant, you're also part chimp! That could have sounded better but never mind. Your mind has a small, clever, conscious aspect that gives you the ability to reprogram your entire mind. That's right, your conscious mind (the chimp) has the ability to completely re-write and take control of your entire mental reality.

 

This ability defines humans -- it makes us the most flexible animals on earth and it allows us to train our minds to do amazing things. From playing concert piano to extreme sports, the vast power of the mind is tapped by this uniquely human capability.

 

Ok, so what does all this have to do with weight loss?

 

Remember, the elephant learns and repeats patterns of behavior that are taught to it - so the real question is "how to teach the subconscious". Here's the simple single trick that people need to understand. If you understand this simple principle then you can be the master of your own mind. You will also understand why our educational system doesn't work (but that's another article entirely).

 

Our subconscious mind ignores most of what we tell it because we bark at it in the wrong language. The language of the subconscious mind is EMOTION. Using the barometer of our emotion, the subconscious mind is able to determine the importance of any particular behavior. For example, say that you're trying to learn a new skill. You're working hard to learn but you are not enjoying the task and your emotions are saying "this sucks, I wish I were elsewhere, how much longer is this going to take?" Well, it's going to take a lot longer because you're broadcasting to your subconscious mind the message "ignore this activity, just move along, there's nothing to see here." What was your emotional state, and how easily did you learn in high school?

 

It may not feel like it but you're in full control of your conscious emotions. And this is the fundamental method of programming the subconscious mind. It is, without a doubt, a form of natural hypnosis. Whereas traditional hypnosis works by moving aside the conscious mind, emotional programming works by using the conscious mind - but to the same effect.

 

Now for the dark side: remember how I mentioned that have three aspects? Body, conscious and subconscious? Well, as it turns out, your body is busy programming your subconscious mind all the time. For example, you're hungry so you bite into a slice of thick cheesy pizza -- at which point your body screams out (on an emotional level) "this is good activity, very very good activity". Food cravings are actually subconscious patterns based on years of such programming.

 

Thankfully, the mind is fully re-programmable.

 

Now that you understand the basic mechanics of programming your mind, you can put it into practice right away. What you are going to do is to replace food cravings with exercise cravings. This technique is fun and very powerful because, rather than working against years of food programming, you're going to do some mental Ju-Jitsu and simply translate an existing food craving into a desire for exercise. Magic? It's better!

 

It's quite simple: first of all you're going to stop eating for a while (non-sugared drinks are ok). This is not a diet plan, we're not yet trying to lose weight. We're just trying to stimulate a hunger response. Now, when you begin to feel the initial sense of hunger, do this:

 

Breathe in deeply, relax, and feel the hunger -- then don't think of food. Instead, imagine yourself doing sit-ups and absolutely loving it. That's right, visualize yourself hungry and doing sit-ups and let a feeling of joy and satisfaction flood over you. Then return to whatever you were doing.

 

In a few minutes, when the next pang of hunger comes, repeat this mental exercise. Keep it up for an hour or so and then go have a light snack. While you are eating (especially while you are eating) visualize yourself doing sit-ups and loving it. Associate in your imagination hunger, food, situps and joy.

 

Hunger, Food, Sit-ups and Joy? He's Crazy!

 

Perhaps, but what you are doing is linking a desirable behavior to a very well established response pattern. You will be amazed at how you can use this technique to stimulate a deep urge to do sit-ups. The mind is truly amazing.

 

By the way, after a few days go ahead and give into the urge to do some sit-ups. As you exercise, make sure to continue the emotional feedback by "letting" yourself enjoy exercise. If you feel yourself not enjoying the process, take control of your emotions right away or stop exercising. It's not worth sabotaging your work to burn a few extra calories.

 

Don't push your body, push your mind! Your mind is the only gymnasium that really matters. Eventually, your mind will push your body and you will be able to enjoy the process.

 

I remember several years ago when I first experimented with this technique. As I started craving sit-ups, I realized that doing sit-ups would physically relieve any sense of hunger for an hour or so. I thought I had stumbled upon the strangest diet plan ever, the "silly, happy, sit-up diet". But really, what I had discovered was the ability to consciously sublimate deep cravings to accomplish a desired objective. If you're interested in exploring this technique I strongly suggest you download a self-hypnosis MP3 audio called "Appetite Zapper". It will step you through the process of taking complete control of food cravings:

 

Appetite Zapper MP3: http://weight-loss.wendi.com

 

The mind is amazing but it just doesn't come with a user's manual. Most of the time it works pretty well on autopilot so we rarely learn to pop the hood and explore its full potential. That's a shame because most of what we want in life - success, happiness, health, good relationships, the satisfaction of achievement - these things are all within our reach and the only thing holding us back is, you guessed it, a string and a stick.

Weight Loss Drug - Ideal Cure for the Ailment Called Obesity

Obesity carries danger of harmful diseases with it. It’s better to cure it at the right time. In this article you will learn how weight loss drug can work as an effective solution to obesity and other aspects of weight loss drug.

 

Nobody likes to be called “obese”. Just because you have few extra pound of body weight, you are counted to be obese. Obesity must have put you into many embarrassing moments, but you could do nothing? Tried a lot many medicines and other weight reducing products, but nothing could help. No need to feel the humiliation anymore weight loss drug is here to cure the obesity. 

 

Weight loss drug as the name implies is the drug tailored to help overweight people lose that extra weight quickly and too with complete ease. Losing weight is no more difficult and horrifying with weight loss drug.

 

One can find several type of weight loss drug in the market namely Phentermine, Xenical, Adipex, Meridia, Ionamine and the list endless. Different weight loss drug have different features that stand them separate from others. Weight loss drug helps in losing weight either by working as an appetite suppressant or fat absorber; it totally depends on you that which one you find the most suitable as per your body requirement and resistance. Consult your doctor on which weight loss drug will satisfy your aspirations to the best. In case you don’t want to waste your time in fixing an appointment with the doctor and visiting him. Online pharmacist or druggist is a perfect alternative who work with various online pharmacy websites. Most of the website will provide you this service free of cost. 

 

As a coin has two sides, same is the case with weight loss drug. Few side effects may occur due to weight loss drug usage but can be minimized by keeping the precautions in mind. Follow the guidelines and reduce weight with ease. 

 

With the invention of Internet the whole scenario has changed. Pharmaceutical industry has also got influenced by it, that too on a large scale. Internet has become a centre place where both sellers and buyers can interact with each other. You can book your order for the needed weight loss drug by just filling a small online form available at various websites. 

 

Always look for quality weight loss drug that are approved by FDA. If you want to get the weight loss drug at a price that suits your pocket to the best. You must collect catalogues from several online suppliers and then compare their offers; this will help you get the desired weight loss drug at the best price helping you reduce that extra pound of weight without pinching your pocket. 

 

Mark an end to all the embarrassments and guilt feelings that you have been facing because of your obesity with weight loss drug. Make sure to follow the instructions and weight loss drug prescription given to you to ensure best results out of weight loss drug.

Weight Loss Discussion - To Be Or Not To Be Fat??

Show me a female who can sincerely admit that she is happy with her appearance in every way. Someone, who wouldn’t change a thing about herself/himself even if it was as easy as just wishing it. Unless that person is a bold one living-on-some-mountain monk, I don’t think that that kind of person exists. 

 

Our physical shape is dictated to us as well as anything else is: dress according to the latest fashion, date the coolest guys (also make sure your parents like them), read the right books, eat the right food. What is the right food, I wonder. Do you open your refrigerator and a carton of milk jumps out of it into your lap, screaming: “I am good for your heath! Drink me! ... And quit staring at that chocolate cake!!!”.

 

No help from groceries? Need not worry, because precisely at this point, tones of real good articles and health books emerge to your assistance. Before you know it, your head is overloaded with useful advises of the greatest diets, best cosmetics and the safest birth control accessories - this is when you lose control instead of gaining it. Your head is spinning, ready to blow up any second, too much information (this would be a good time for me to advise you on a really-really good diet, Just kidding). 

 

This is the point when you should stop. First thing first, take a deep breath. Have you ever considered that perhaps you need not a diet? (Shame on me, I know) But still, could there be any chance at all that all you need is the right nutrition? I’m sure you’ve all heard about dystrophy - an unpleasant disease that turns a beautiful body into a living (in the better cases) skeleton. Dystrophy, as other such mischief, often arises from the notion that if you are not a top-model-skinny-creature, girl, you are fat. Do yourselves a favor, before starving yourselves to death, throw away a couple of fashion magazines, I am sure you’ll feel better right away.

Weight Loss Diets: How To Make Them Work

 

Do conventional diets help us to reduce weight? Does the food composition of weight loss diets matter? How important is support when losing weight? Linda Smith, an experienced dietitian and nutritional consultant outlines the issues and provides answers.

 

As we all know, weight loss diets are big business. And looking at the statistics, it's easy to see why. Currently, an estimated 58 million American adults are overweight (BMI 25+), of whom an estimated 40 million are obese (BMI 30+), 9.6 million are seriously obese and 6 million suffer from super-obesity (BMI 40+). Worldwide statistics on overweight are equally alarming, as reflected in the new word "globesity". In China, the number of overweight people has risen from less than 10 percent to 15 percent in just three years. In Brazil and Colombia, the figure of overweight is about 40 percent - comparable with several European countries. Even sub-Saharan Africa is seeing an increase in obesity, especially among urban women. In all regions, obesity appears to escalate as income increases. And the higher the incidence of obesity, the higher the incidence of weight-related disease, including: type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, and cancers of the breast and colon.

 

Conventional Diet Methods

 

Both the US Surgeon General and the Dietary Guidelines For Americans (2005) issued by the US Dept of Agriculture emphasise the need for calorie control and increased physical exercise to reduce the overweight epidemic, but evidence suggests that conventional diet methods do not provide significant weight reduction, due to poor compliance. Surveys show that annual weight loss resulting from convention diet and exercise programs averages less than 8 pounds per annum, while in a 4-year follow-up study of programs incorporating the use of obesity drugs, behavior modification, diet and exercise, the final average weight loss was 3 pounds. This apparent failure of conventional weight loss methods is often contrasted with the 30-40 percent average weight loss following bariatric surgery.

 

Food Composition of Diets

 

Fashion sells products, and weight loss diets are no exception. First we had low-fat diets, which were promoted as heart-friendly ways of reducing weight. Unfortunately, this message was interpreted by consumers as "all fats are bad, all carbs are good", and led to an unhealthy overconsumption of refined carbs. With the relaunch of Dr Atkins "New Diet Revolution", the fashion pendulum swung the other way. Now carbs were the enemy, not fat.

 

After Atkins came the South Beach Diet, which offered us a more moderate low-carb approach. Now, it is GI diets - based on foods with a lower glycaemic response - that are high fashion and, being scientifically more beneficial, are likely to remain so for some time. However, while the food composition of diets may change, the basic law of weight loss remains unaltered: calorie expenditure must exceed calorie intake. To this extent, provided a diet is calorie-controlled and includes foods from all food groups, the exact composition of foods remains no more than a matter of personal taste.

General Eating and Exercise Habits

 

When assessing the effectiveness of conventional dieting methods, due regard must be paid to general eating habits. In America at least, these do not appear to be helpful. Despite the mounting evidence of weight-related ill-health, social eating habits continue to develop in unhealthy directions. Value-for-money "supersizing" continues to attract customers, while fast-food sales continue to rise. And the continuing demand for "instant" food only inspires the food industry to produce more and more refined food options bulging with nutritional deficiency and calorie-overload. Is it any wonder that levels of diet-compliance among average dieters is so low? Meantime, an estimated 78 percent of Americans do not meet basic activity level recommendations, while 25 percent are completely sedentary.

 

Is Support the Answer?

 

If conventional diet programs remain less than perfect ways of tackling overweight in the face of engrained eating habits, it would be misleading to write them off completely. Not only does research data from the US National Weight Control Registry demonstrate that long term weight reduction is perfectly achievable, a number of diet programs, especially medically-supervised clinic-based programs, are consistently effective. What distinguishes these diets is the level of counseling support which subjects receive. Nowadays, this support can be provided in various ways, including: mandatory group meetings, one-on-one sessions, online forums or chat-rooms. And it seems to work. For example, according to recent studies, the average weight reduction for a 10-12 week clinic-based obesity program involving meal-replacement diets, exercise and counseling support is 5.5 pounds.

 

Finding More Support

 

If getting proper support is one way of improving conventional diets, dieters need to rethink their approach. Instead of focusing attention on finding the optimal eating-plan, they need to look for programs offering optimal support. Weight Watchers is an obvious choice but diets organised around the workplace or other social groupings may also provide natural help. Online programs with forum support might also be considered. In any event, there is no substitute for a reliable dieting partner.

 

Adopting Healthy Habits

 

Given the fact that losing as little as 7-10 percent of body weight can improve many of the problems linked to being overweight, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, some obesity experts advocate a less formal approach to calorie control. They recommend adopting certain healthy habits rather than following a specific diet. An example might be a 200-calorie-a-day reduction achievable by taking a moderate 30 minute walk, and switching from (say) whole milk to skimmed milk. This saves 73,000 calories a year - the equivalent of 20 pounds of body fat. The commercial response to this approach is already visible in programs such as the "Three Hour Diet", which recommends regular eating to maintain a regular rate of calorie burning. Expect to see more weight loss programs like this, which emphasise specific habits.

 

Conclusion

 

Current levels of overweight and obesity require urgent attention. To be effective, conventional diet programs need to provide optimal support rather than optimal food composition, in order to facilitate diet compliance. For people who are unable or unwilling to follow a specific weight loss plan, making small but specific changes may be sufficient to achieve significant improvements in health.

Weight Loss Diets - A Review Of 4 Popular Diets

 

There are a number of diets available, but here I review four which are popular at the moment. 

 

1000 Calorie Diet 

 

Trying the 1000 calorie diet is only advisable for one week, due to your body entering starvation mode and conserving fat. Overdoing the 1000 calorie diet is counterproductive to your body so try to stay on it for only 1 week. After 1 week you will lose between 3-5 pounds. The 1000 calorie diet can be used as a starter diet for a long term weight loss program. Try to aim for 2-3 pounds of weight loss and a good exercise program to begin with. After 1 week on the 1000 calorie diet, try upping your calorie intake or reverting back to a not so severe diet, this will prevent your body’s metabolism from slowing down. Here is a simple 1000 calorie daily menu. 

 

Breakfast 

 

• Banana sandwich made with 2 slices of wholemeal bread and a small banana. 

• Small glass of orange juice 

 

Snack 

 

• 1 pot of low fat yoghurt (preferably fruit) 

 

Lunch 

 

• 1 wholemeal roll filled with tuna and low fat mayonnaise (use tin tuna in spring water) 

• Mixed lettuce salad, red or yellow sweet peppers, spring onions 

 

Snack 

 

• 1 bag of lower fat crisps 

 

Dinner 

 

• Roast chicken breast (without skin) 

• Potatoes, mashed with 30ml semi-skimmed milk 

• Broccoli (all vegetables steamed or boiled) 

• Carrots 

• Gravy (made from granules) 

 

Evening 

 

• 1 low calorie hot chocolate drink made with powder and water 

 

Drinks Throughout The Day 

 

• Diet coke, water, black coffee or tea without sugar 

 

The 1000 calorie diet can be used as a starter diet for a long term weight loss program. Try to aim for 2-3 pounds of weight loss and a good exercise program to begin with. Remember after 1 week on the 1000 calorie diet, try upping your calorie intake or reverting back to a not so severe diet, this will prevent your body’s metabolism from slowing down. 

 

Vegetarian Diet 

 

A well balanced vegetarian diet provides many benefits for the body. Some of those benefits include a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as: 

 

• Obesity 

• Coronary artery disease 

• Hypertension 

• High blood pressure 

• Diabetes 

• Some types of cancer and more... 

 

Your vegetarian diet, must be planned well. If not your body could end up in need of some vital nutrients. Some of these nutrients essential for the body are: 

 

• Protein 

• Minerals (zinc, calcium, iron) 

• Vitamin B12 

• Vitamin D 

 

Protein sources include, tofu and other soy-based products, legumes, seeds, nuts, grains, and vegetables 

 

Experts say that in order for a balanced vegetarian diet, you should eat nuts and whole grain cereals for good sources amino acids. 

 

Greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli are a good source of calcium. 

 

For sources of vitamin b12 which comes from animals, can be substituted with fortified breakfast cereals and fortified soy drinks. 

 

Sources of iron are red meats, liver and egg yolks which are all high in cholesterol. Spinach, dried beans and dried fruits are all good vegetarian sources of iron. 

 

A vegetarian diet is healthier than a meat diet. However this does not mean that you have the right to stuff your face with crisps, chocolate and chips every day. Your balanced diet should include all of the above, i.e. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, dairy produce and soy. Below is a table of some calorie controls in a vegetarian diet: 

 

• Food Group 1200 Calorie 1500 Calorie 1800 Calorie 

• Vegetables 5 servings 6 servings 8 servings 

• Fruits 3 servings 3 servings 5 servings 

• Grains 2 servings 3 servings 4 servings 

• Dairy 2 servings 2-3 servings 2-3 servings 

• Beans, Nuts and Seeds 5oz 6oz 7oz 

• Total Fat 30-35g 40-50g 50-60g 

 

You can find a massive rage of diets on the internet free of charge! A vegetarian diet is an all-round healthier option, and can go a long way to helping you on the road to losing weight. 

 

Abs Diet 

 

The Abs Diet works on the theory that every 1lb of muscle gained, your body intern burns an extra 50 calories per day. So if you can build an extra 10lb of muscle your body will then burn an extra 500 calories per day. Using the Abs Diet your body will burn more energy by eating the correct foods and exercising the correct way. Losing 500 calories per day will lose you 1lb of weight per week. Expect to lose up to 12lb in the first two weeks followed by 5-8lb in the forthcoming two.

 

The Abs Diet allows you to eat 6 meals per day which consist of 12 power foods, such as: chicken, turkey and other lean meat, olive oil, beans and pulses, almonds, low fat dairy products, green vegetables, oats, eggs, wholegrain bread, whole grain cereals, berries, and protein powder. All other food is a not allowed. 

 

For 6 weeks you will eat a series of 12 power foods, which provide the body with all the fibre and minerals you need to stay healthy and build muscle. Along with the diet you will do a 20 min workout three times per week, which will aid in the fat burning. 

 

The Abs diet is mainly aimed at men, however women are encouraged to participate. The range of foods you can eat is still good and you do get an exercise program out of it. Also some very good looking Abs, health and sex life. The full diet book is: The Abs Diet by David Zinczenko from all good on-line book stores. 

 

The Kellogg’s Cereal Diet 

 

One of the simplest diets around at the moment is the Kellogg’s Cereal Diet. It is not a crash weight loss diet which will lose you pounds upon pounds; however it will allow you to get into those jeans that are 1 size to small. 

 

To start the Kellogg’s Diet all you have to do is, eat one bowl of Kellogg’s Special K or Cornflakes for breakfast, and also one for a replacement lunch or dinner. That’s all! Carry this on for two weeks then you will see the results. Expect to lose around 3-6lb. 

 

Whist on your diet, Kellogg’s allow you to have the same drinks and snacks as you usually would, but recommend that you eat a well-balanced meal every day, with more fruit and vegetables. Another tip from Kellogg’s, is to keep a food diary to monitor and keep you aware of your current eating habits.

Weight Loss At Work: Non-Food Rewards

The e-mail comes out at noon. "To celebrate your hard work this week, there is cake and ice cream in the big kitchen at 3 today. Be there!"

 

The universal reward for hard work always seems to be food: cake and ice cream, a catered lunch for in-service training sessions, pizza for the overtime crew, bagels and cream cheese to brighten up a bleak Monday morning.

 

Food seems to be the perennial favorite for any kind of work reward because it is universally accepted. Some of us (we hard core dieters) may pass on the sweet stuff but usually find something allowable. In a world where two thirds of us are overweight or obese, is there nothing else available as a gift that cuts across all individual interests?

 

Recently, we had a whole week at my company devoted to employee appreciation. The primary rewards were, of course, food but other things were added: a company baseball cap, a hiking water container, a lunch bag, and a handwritten note of thanks to every employee from their supervisor. The cap was a bust for those of us with any modicum of fashion sense; the insulated flask and bag were food related, and the handwritten notes were superfluous - good supervisors show their appreciation of hard work constantly while a handwritten note from a harsh supervisor, no matter the "thanks" stated, means diddly squat to a resentful employee.

 

The HAS to be something else, doesn't there? We human beings have few things totally in common and eating is the primary universal. Other common bodily activities such as urination and defecation are not easily translatable into some kind of reward system. We are all involved in physical activity, to some degree, but that is often more a chore than a delight.

 

When it comes to our other senses, we all differ so much that one person's pleasure is another person's pain: music, perfume, pictures, or massages are differential tastes rather than general givens.

 

Money is almost always acceptable but the small amounts that would be individually generated to replace a free dessert or snack would be so minimal that their reward value would be insignificant.

 

So what can those of us on a permanent diet, and alarmed about our co-workers’ increased girth, suggest?

 

How about plants? Small individual pots or a larger department shrub would save our waistlines while adding to the health and aesthetics of our environment. I calculate, just within my call center, that if a plant had been given to each department, instead of an edible goodie, for celebrations over the past 5 years, that I would now be working in a lush rain forest of exotic plants where the stale re-processed air conditioned air would be purer, more humid, and a thousand times fresher. Morale booster and health benefits in one fell swoop!

 

How about the gift of time? In our overly busy pressured lives, who would not be immensely grateful for a free hour here or there. Rotate it through each department, letting one or two people leave early on a Friday afternoon. That would means something and would carry no cost so upper management should be ecstatic.

 

Instead of a handwritten note, how about getting Supervisors to perform their subordinates work duties for an hour or so, once in a while? Can you imagine the morale boost for an employee to get off the telephone, or the machine, or the computer, and shoot the breeze with friends for an hour while their duties are performed by their supervisors? And if mistakes are made - so much the better. It creates a sense of equality and inter-relationship between workers and supervisors that is generally lacking in a corporate environment.

 

How about free "Get out of jail" cards for every line worker? Each person gets one free card and additional cards can be given by supervisors for outstanding work, ensuring that the better workers have more cards. The cards can then be used as excuses for small transgressions - coming in a little late, leaving early, making minor mistakes. With the use of the card, a worker avoids verbal coaching, warnings, or being put on report. And let employees use their cards for co-workers who may need them - think of the teambuilding that would accomplish!

 

Flexibility of hours, assignments, and days, is another area where workers will universally respond: not to money, or food, but to accommodation of individual needs. Give each employee a wish card and then allow them to use it to get something they need.

 

What does all of this accomplish? It allows for employee rewards without fats and carbohydrates. Now isn't that worthwhile?

 

P. S. I'm recommending this to my company. I'll let you know if they buy it!

 

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Weight Loss As An Added Bonus

The truth is that the astounding weight loss being achieved on the green tea diet is just one of the numerous miracle-like benefits of simply drinking green tea. Green tea diet is also widely recognized as a substance that can protect against many different cancers such as stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, cancer of the colon, oral cancer, prostate cancer, and breast and cervical cancers. Another antioxidant in green tea diet is also being studied as a potential cure for cancer. The green tea diet is actually a dietary supplement which is composed of natural ingredients such as green tea. 

 

Due to the popularity of recent findings, green tea has almost become synonymous with weight loss and diet. For instance, instead of drinking coffee and cream which area high in calories, green tea weight loss programs can not only save you from taking in too much calories but also let you take in several healthful substances like polyphenols and flavonoids. There are a large number of remedial benefits of drinking Green Tea and research has confirmed that consuming a small amount like just one cup of Green Tea a day can greatly assist in weight reduction and fat burning. The great thing about the weight loss benefit of green tea extracts is that it does not have any adverse side-effects. 

 

Green tea diet supplements are all the latest rage in the weight loss industry today. With its countless health and weight loss benefits, these dieting supplements are fast replacing ephedra as the leading weight loss product in the market. Although green tea weight loss supplements also contain caffeine this doesn't seem to have the negative effects found in other products with caffeine. People who use these supplements in studies will lose approximately 2 1/2 pounds per month. Yes, believe it or not, more and more often you’ll find green tea (or green tea extract) included in the compilations of many of the more popular weight loss supplements today. 

 

As opposed to black and oolong tea which undergoes full oxidization, green tea diet is only gently steamed, preserving the natural antioxidants in its original form. A green tea diet is one of the easiest lifestyle changes to make. The green tea diet is no different that it not only recommends but requires the use of simple exercises to be completed along with the consumption of the dietary supplements.