Archive for the ‘CURATION’ Category

Natural Fat Burners / Fat Burning Foods

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

Lose Weight with natural Fat Burners

Natural Fat Burners can be included in your diet extremely easily. If you want to lose weight one of the best ways is to directly attack your body’s fat reserve. Most of the excess calories that we consume ultimately turns to fat which then causes our weight to increase.

There are a number of products that you can buy that will promote fat burning but there are also a large number of natural fat burners that we can include in our diet.

The article below gives a list of some of the most effective natural fat burners you can use.

Fruit
Along with being good for us and tasting great, most fruits have excellent fat burning properties. Citrus fruit, in particular, has an abundance of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, which is a proven natural fat burner. It also has a high water content and a low calorie count. Citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, limes, grape fruit, kiwi fruit, mandarins, tangerines, kumquats and clementines. Other fruits high in vitamin C include apples, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, plums, grapes and tomatoes.

fresh fruit is one of nature's natural fat burners

Fruit, in general, increases metabolism and reduces bad cholesterol levels, so try to include it in your diet every day. An easy way of doing this is to have fruit for breakfast and if you feel like a snack, make it fruit.

Blueberries, bananas, mangoes, papaya and pomegranates are also natural fat burners. They are healthy, delicious and satisfying fruits and should be incorporated into your diet on a regular basis.

Vegetables

fresh vegetables are natural fat burners

The majority of vegetables are low in calories and contain vitamins and minerals that rev up our metabolism. Most are also fat free and even lower in carbs than fruit. Vegetables that can be eaten in abundance include spinach, broccoli, cabbage, artichokes, beans and peas. Cucumbers, lettuce and celery are also excellent choices because of their very low calorie and high water content. Free Fat Burning advices: Fat Burning Foods for Effortless Fat Loss

If you want to read other articles relating to fat burning foods click on the links below:

There are also weight loss supplements that you can purchase that can help to accelerate the fat burning process. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Photo credit: EraPhernalia Vintage . . . (playin’ hook-y ;o) / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Photo credit: ConstructionDealMkting / Foter.com / CC BY

How Much Exercise do we need to Lose Weight?

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

 

go-faster-stripes II

Image by Norma Desmond via Flickr

Most people who attempt to lose weight understand that weight loss is dependant upon the amount of calories we consume and the amount of exercise we perform to burn off those calories. But how much exercise do we need to lose weight? The popular belief is that the more exercise we do the more weight we will lose.

According to recent research however this theory is being challenged and it is being suggested that we could in fact be exercising too much. So how much exercise do we really need?

Most people who start working out in hopes of shedding pounds wind up disappointed, a lamentable circumstance familiar to both exercisers and scientists. Multiple studies, many of them covered in this column, have found that without major changes to diet, exercise typically results in only modest weight loss at best (although it generally makes people much healthier). Quite a few exercisers lose no weight. Some gain.

Exercise does seem to contribute to waist-tightening, provided that the amount of exercise is neither too little nor, more strikingly, too much. For Weight Loss, Less Exercise May Be More – NYTimes.com

 

The second of the reports examines the relationship between diet and exercise. Simply embarking on an exercise regime does not necessarily guarantee that you will lose weight. The answer to the question ‘how much exercise shouls we be taking?’ is quite complex.

Two groundbreaking new studies address the irksome question of why so many of us who work out remain so heavy, a concern that carries special resonance at the moment, as lean Olympians slip through the air and water, inspiring countless viewers to want to become similarly sleek.

And in a just world, frequent physical activity should make us slim. But repeated studies have shown that many people who begin an exercise program lose little or no weight. Some gain. Dieting vs. Exercise for Weight Loss – NYTimes.com

 

The final article discusses the type of exercise that we should be doing. If we are going to exercise then it is essential that cardiovascular exercises are included.

Counting calories and trying to stick to a strict diet simply doesn’t work as a weight loss plan for most people. In the end, many of those people end up losing a bit of weight, but tend to put it all back on again the moment; they stop their diet. These people then get stuck in a cycle of ‘yo-yo dieting’, which isn’t good for long-term weight loss or your health. However there are a few other routes you can take to lose weight and keep it off. It’s possible all down to one thing: cardiovascular exercise. The Key To Weight Loss – Cardiovascular Exercise


 

OBESITY EPIDEMIC

Friday, September 21st, 2012

Can The Obesity Epidemic be Halted?

Jeans

Image by colros via Flickr

The Obesity epidemic is getting out of control and it is obvious that steps need to be taken to reverse the trend. There have been numerous TV and press campaigns urging the populace to become more active and to be more selective  about the foods they eat.  In a recent press conference however The NYC Health chief is suggesting that more radical action is required…..

“Governments should regulate food companies on unhealthy ingredients in products that contribute to obesity, an epidemic that now affects 1-in-3 Americans and costs the U.S. $150 billion a year, said New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley.”

….More at Obesity Epidemic Needs Government Rules: NYC Health Chief – Bloomberg
 

One of Americas richest men is so concerned about the problems that arise from obesity he is prepared to invest in a new research project aimed at getting to the bottom of the obesity epidemic.

“Why would a billionaire energy trader-turned-philanthropist throw his foundation’s dough behind a new think tank that wants to challenge scientific assumptions about obesity?John Arnold, 38, whose move from Enron to a spectacularly successful hedge fund got him on the list of wealthiest Americans, isn’t crazy about talking to the press. But certainly his decision with his wife Laura to back a newly launched operation called the Nutrition Science Initiative, or NuSI, is an intriguing one.

. But NuSI says large-scale scientific studies that tackle fundamental questions — like how food really affects fat, hormones and the brain — are what’s needed to solve it more than anything else….”

More at Billionaires Fund A ‘Manhattan Project’ For Nutrition And Obesity – WNYC

 

The Trust for America’s Health has just released a report that suggests that the obesity epidemic could affect a staggering 60 per cent of the population by 2030 if it goes unchecked.

“According to a report by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) the number of obese adults, along with related disease rates and health care costs, are on a course to increase dramatically in every state in the country over the next 20 years. This analysis has also showed that states could prevent obesity-related diseases and dramatically reduce health care costs if they reduced the average body mass index of their residents by just 5 percent by 2030. This report says if obesity rates continue on their current trajectories, by 2030, “13 states could have adult obesity rates above 60 percent,…

More at Obesity rates may soar in the U.S.A. by 2030 – Examiner.com

Unusual Tips on Losing Weight / Eat More to Lose Weight

Thursday, September 20th, 2012

There are endless studies that attempt to clarify the best ways to lose weight.  A large number of the tips on losing weight are not new but merely rehashed versions of reports that have been seen countless times before. Every once in a while however someone suggests some unusual tips on losing weight that may be worth investigating.

The four items below caught my eye and I felt the posts were well worth sharing.

 

The first of the tips on losing weight suggests that you should not eat less food but should in fact be eating more. It does however go on to elaborate and describes the types of food that you should be eating.

Eating more to lose weight? It can work

For weight control, it turns out bigger portions — of the right foods — may be the answer. Numerous studies, many at Pennsylvania State University by Barbara Rolls, author of The Ultimate Volumetrics Diet, suggest people are satisfied by the same volume of food at a sitting regardless of how many calories it contains.

 

Fruit Salad with Cacao Nibs

Image by SweetOnVeg via Flickr

So by bulking up dishes with few or no calories, you can have a full, satisfying plate that’s good for your waistline. Here are simple, flavorful strategies for getting more for less….More at Eating more to lose weight? It can work – Houma Courier

 

The second article about tips on losing weight is interesting as it suggests that eating fats can in fact help with weight loss. This is somewhat contrary to the advice that is usually given that suggest that virtually all types of fats are bad for you. Well worth a read…

Fats Help You Lose Weight, Claims Researcher at Hebrew University,

Professor Oren Froy of the Agriculture, Food, and Environment department, Hebrew University, says that a high-fat diet may help weight loss. The trick is to include fats in regularly scheduled meals. We’ve written about different food theories here on Green Prophet, including a debate on if organic food is really healthier. Eating according to schedule, wrote Froy in an article published in the journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, helps the body metabolize food better and burn it up instead of packing it away in the tissues….More at Fats Help You Lose Weight, Claims Researcher at Hebrew University, Jerusalem – Green Prophet

 

The third of the tips on losing weight articles describes how a new smart phone app can help you to lose weight. Given that the whole world is obsessed with technology it is possible to understand how this may become popular.

80Bites: Lose Weight With Revolutionary Smart Phone App

America’s overeating and misunderstanding of what our stomachs need has caused our stomachs to stretch beyond capacity. Large stomachs escalate hunger, which leads to overconsumption and obesity. 80Bites boldly proclaims that eating unlimited amounts of fruits and vegetables stretches the stomach causing it to need more food to be satisfied. Drinking large quantities of water will have the same affect. Its principles challenge popular dieting plans that advocate unlimited servings of fruits and vegetables, and drinking eight glasses of water a day to stave hunger….More at 80Bites: Lose Weight With Revolutionary Smart Phone App – RedOrbit

 

The final collection of tips on losing weight are more conventional but are still worth reading.

11 Science-based Weight Loss Tips

While some fad diets recommend avoiding entire food groups or restricting protein, carbs, and fat to target a “magic” sweet spot for weight loss, there is no evidence that a secret formula exists, according to Joanne Haire, R.D., C.D.E., a New York City-based dietitian. “There is no scientific proof that eating more or less of certain foods will result in weight loss.” Haire explains that if you severely restrict one group of nutrients—such as carbs, protein, or fat—in your diet, you may not be getting enough of the essential nutrients you need to maintain health….More at 11 Science-based Weight Loss Tips – The Daily meal

There are obviously a multitude of opinions regarding which is the best way to lose weight and the above selected articles are meant to demonstrate some of the different approaches that can be taken.

Finally I have included a short video that discusses the merits of some of the natural ‘super foods’ that are considered an excellent addition to your diet.

A good nights sleep can help you to reduce your weight

Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

Sleep and weight Reduction

New studies have highlighted the fact that getting a good nights sleep can help you to reduce your weight. You may find that weight reduction pills could become a thing of the past if you could just get the correct amount of sleep.

Experts have new weight-loss advice that’s sure to be welcome news: Sleep can be just as important to a successful diet as healthful eating and exercise.

“Chronic sleep restriction is pervasive in modern societies, and there is robust evidence supporting the role of reduced sleep as contributing to the current obesity epidemic,” write a pair of obesity experts in the new edition of the Canadian Medical Assn. Journal.

That evidence includes findings that overtired brains prompt people to eat more, and that some hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism don’t work properly in people who don’t get enough sleep.

[048/365] 29th September

Image by charliebarker via Flickr

adults wanting to reduce their weight were put on a diet that forced them to cut 680 calories per day. In addition, one group slept for 8.5 hours per night and the other slept only 5.5 hours per night. After two weeks, study volunteers in the sleep-deprived group had lost 55% less body fat than their well-rested counterparts. They had also lost 60% more lean body mass. The researchers concluded that when the body is tired, holding on to fat becomes a priority….

More at Want to lose weight? Be sure to get enough sleep, experts say – Los Angeles Times

 

 

What causes insomnia and what can you do to get a good nights sleep? A report by the National Sleep foundation have concluded that almost half of the adult population of America suffer from insomnia from time to time.

 

Lack of sleep can leave us feeling grouchy and slower to react and process information. At work this can result in reduced efficiency, productivity, and increased errors and accidents. WebMD also reports that chronic sleep loss can lead to cardiac problems, such as high blood pressure and heart attack, a decreased sex drive, weight gain, impaired judgement and premature aging.

Insomnia can be brought on by many health factors and can be associated with stress, anxiety, depression, drug prescriptions and bad sleep habits….More at How to Get a Good Night's Sleep | Health, Safety & Beyond

 

Here are a few more tips on how to get the sleep you need. 

Think of regular hours of sleep in the same way as a job. Leaping from unemployment to a job that eats up 12 hours a day is hard. After a few weeks of this, the body becomes used to it, and 12 hours isn’t hard to stomach anymore. Now look at the body in terms of sleep. Once the body is programmed to sleep for eight hours between two specified times then it will come to expect it. Introduce a regular bedtime to your schedule and your body will become conditioned to it and you won’t even need an alarm clock anymore! Remember too, it isn’t just about going to sleep at a regular time, but also getting enough sleep. It is recommended that adults should get between 7 and 10 hours of sleep every day in order for the body to re-energise, regenerate and repair….

More at Top Tips for Getting a Good Night's Sleep

More and more it is being suggested that if you want to lose weight you have to look further than just your calorie intake and exercise regime. Your sleep patterns can play a major part in your efforts to lose weight.

tips for losing weight quickly for women

Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

 

Losing weight is never an easy thing to do. It requires dedication and determination if you are to have any chance of reaching your desired new weight.

There are substantially more women than men that actively try to lose weight so we have collated a number of articles that specifically give tips for losing weight quickly for women.

Untitled 

 

 

You want to lose weight quickly

 

You need to lose weight. Your doctor says so and so does your mirror. This may be your first effort to lose weight or the latest in a long series of programs. Success is important, not only to your appearance, but to your health. Here are a variety of tips to help you on your way. Choose the ones that suit you best. Your diligence will pay off.

 

Your lifestyle is the most likely cause for you putting on weight. Your weight will have risen steadily over a substantial number of years but you now want to lose weight quickly.

 

 

Individuals especially Women are increasingly falling prey to the obesity bug largely due to a sedentary lifestyle and good appetite. Also the new- age woman who juggles a hectic work schedule and personal life sees her body undergo metabolic changes. More often than not, such women either skip meals or binge on unhealthy food; all leading to obesity. Apart from your shape, all those extra pounds can also lead to many health problems like heart disease, lipid abnormalities, blood sugar irregularities, hormonal imbalance and problems in conception and fertility. Today almost every age group is affected by weight issues, especially women in their thirties.

 

…More at Tips to lose weight

There are certain aspects of your lifestyle that you can change easily and quickly.

 

 

You can lose weight, and lots of if, by changing a few small details in your day-to-day lifestyle. If you’re already eating healthy and frustrated that you can’t lose weight, give these four simple weight loss tips a try.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Sleep

 

 

 

A recent commentary published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggested that less sleep  = increased motivation to eat.  The connection between sleep and weight loss is nothing new. In fact, numerous studies have linked even modest sleep deprivation (five or fewer hours of sleep a night) with decreased muscle mass and increased overall body fat. Sleep. It does a body good.

Taking the time to spend and extra 10 or 15 minutes in the sauna may seem frivolous,

 

 

 

Tips for losing weight quickly for women after the menopause

Is it possible for women to lose weight and keep it off after menopause?

My immediate snarky answer is yes, unless the law of thermodynamics has been repealed and nobody bothered to tell me.

I’ve just been reading a popular summary of some new research, and the scientists’ consensus seems to be “gosh, it’s hard to lose weight.” This is no surprise to anyone who’s ever made lifestyle changes with the intention of shrinking that muffin top.

What I object to is the implication that “not easy” = nearly impossible. Not the same thing at all.

So let’s look at this study a bit more closely….

Read more of this article by clicking this link Is it too late to lose weight after ‘the change’?

 

More Reading

    food to lose weight faster

    Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

    There are endless studies that attempt to clarify the best ways to lose weight.  A great deal of the information is not new and are merely rehashed versions of reports that have been seen countless times before. Every once in a while however a report is published that catches the eye and is worth reading.

    The four items below caught my eye and I felt the posts were well worth sharing.

     

    The first article suggests that you should not eat less food but should in fact be eating more. It does however go on to elaborate and describes the types of food that you should be eating.

    Eating more to lose weight? It can work

    For weight control, it turns out bigger portions — of the right foods — may be the answer. Numerous studies, many at Pennsylvania State University by Barbara Rolls, author of The Ultimate Volumetrics Diet, suggest people are satisfied by the same volume of food at a sitting regardless of how many calories it contains.

    So by bulking up dishes with few or no calories, you can have a full, satisfying plate that’s good for your waistline. Here are simple, flavorful strategies for getting more for less….More at Eating more to lose weight? It can work – Houma Courier

     

    The second article is interesting as it suggests that eating fats can in fact help with weight loss. This is somewhat contrary to the advice that is usually given that suggest that virtually all types of fats are bad for you. Well worth a read…

    Fats Help You Lose Weight, Claims Researcher at Hebrew University,

    Professor Oren Froy of the Agriculture, Food, and Environment department, Hebrew University, says that a high-fat diet may help weight loss. The trick is to include fats in regularly scheduled meals. We’ve written about different food theories here on Green Prophet, including a debate on if organic food is really healthier. Eating according to schedule, wrote Froy in an article published in the journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, helps the body metabolize food better and burn it up instead of packing it away in the tissues….More at Fats Help You Lose Weight, Claims Researcher at Hebrew University, Jerusalem – Green Prophet

     

    The third article describes how a new smart phone app can help you to lose weight. Given that the whole world is obsessed with technology it is possible to understand how this may become popular.

    80Bites: Lose Weight With Revolutionary Smart Phone App

    America’s overeating and misunderstanding of what our stomachs need has caused our stomachs to stretch beyond capacity. Large stomachs escalate hunger, which leads to overconsumption and obesity. 80Bites boldly proclaims that eating unlimited amounts of fruits and vegetables stretches the stomach causing it to need more food to be satisfied. Drinking large quantities of water will have the same affect. Its principles challenge popular dieting plans that advocate unlimited servings of fruits and vegetables, and drinking eight glasses of water a day to stave hunger….More at 80Bites: Lose Weight With Revolutionary Smart Phone App – RedOrbit

     

    The final piece of writing is somewhat more of a standard list if weight loss tips but is well worth reading

    11 Science-based Weight Loss Tips

    While some fad diets recommend avoiding entire food groups or restricting protein, carbs, and fat to target a “magic” sweet spot for weight loss, there is no evidence that a secret formula exists, according to Joanne Haire, R.D., C.D.E., a New York City-based dietitian. “There is no scientific proof that eating more or less of certain foods will result in weight loss.” Haire explains that if you severely restrict one group of nutrients—such as carbs, protein, or fat—in your diet, you may not be getting enough of the essential nutrients you need to maintain health….More at 11 Science-based Weight Loss Tips – The Daily meal

    There are obviously a multitude of opinions regarding which is the best way to lose weight and the above selected articles are meant to demonstrate some of the different approaches that can be taken.

    Celebrity Endorsed Weight Reduction Pills

    Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

     

    The Truth about Celebrities and Weight Reduction Pills!

    It is generally believed that celebrities will endorse any product providing they are being paid to do so. There are however still large numbers of  ordinary people that are prepared to believe every word that their screen heroes tell them and willingly pay high prices to use those recommended products whether they work or not.

     

    Examples of Bizarre Celebrity Diet Tips

    If you need more proof that most celebs aren’t qualified to give weight loss advice, just take a look at some of the things they’ve recommended over the years:

    ….Read some of the celebrity dieting tips that have been published in recent years… Real Weight Loss vs. Celebrity Weight Lossl

     

    Take a look at the video below to see a bizarre weight loss concept being promoted in Japan. Do you believe it works?

     

     

    If you find that your attempts to lose weight with pills are failing or you are becoming disillusioned with your exercise regime you might find these quotes from celebrities will help to motivate you!
    I’m really proud of my curves and I hope all you curvy girls out there are embracing yours too!! It’s important to work out and be the best version of yourself that you can be, but never feel like you have to be the skinniest girl in the room to be the prettiest. Be confident in yourself and you’ll shine!” Kim Kardashian
    It’s not a diet, it’s a way of life that teaches you better skills. For years, I felt like I could never have ice scream, but now I can eat ice cream occasionally!” Jennifer Hudson
    “With chocolate, you eat only dark. I never dieted, but I’d go off white food for three days — no pasta, rice, sugar, or flour. I’m running around with kids and volunteering at school. I can’t be bothered with complicated diets and weight plans.” Cindy Crawford

    Member of the Donald Dannheim Family Who Operate a Dairy and Ice Cream Store... 

    Losing weight is a serious undertaking. You are not going to lose weight overnight. The secret is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that embraces the right types of food and the correct amount of exercise. You can lose weight with pills to help you but they should not be considered a substitute for diet and exercise. Cutting down on your food intake can be made easier if you use hunger suppressants of some kind.

    Do not be taken in by claims made by celebrities. Remember they are being paid large amounts of money to endorse the products they want you to buy.

    NATURAL HUNGER SUPPRESSANTS

    Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

     

    Control your appetite with natures hunger suppressants

    There are numerous weight reduction pills on the market. Some of them work successfully whilst others fall well short of the claims they make.

    There are however a number of natural hunger suppressants that are available that will help you to control your appetite. 

    Here are a few suggestions that I have found that may be of interest to you!

    The importance of fibre in your diet!

    To lose weight, you have to eat fewer calories than your body is used to consuming. Fewer calories means more hunger, right?

    Fortunately, you can take an effective “appetite suppressant” to control your hunger while strengthening your willpower.

    What is this great hunger halter? Fiber!

    Although fiber is not technically an appetite suppressant in the traditional since, soluble and insoluble fiber adds bulk to your food without adding calories, so you will feel fuller on fewer calories.

    Fiber is not digested, so it contributes zero calories to your food. You can still eat your favorite foods, just eat less of your favorites along with a side of a fiber-rich food. You will be surprised at just how full you will feel.

    Substitute your pastas, rice, and breads with whole wheat pasta, brown rice and whole wheat bread to add fiber to your favorite dishes. Many restaurants even have the whole wheat and brown rice alternatives. All you have to do is ask.

    According to a review published in Nutrients, 2010, although more research is needed, studies suggest that fiber, especially insoluble fiber, may even decrease the amount of calories absorbed. In other words, adding fiber may essentially subtract a few of the calories you consumed in your day.

     

    get more information from:

    Fiber-rich diet helps suppress hunger – The Herald | HeraldOnline.com

     

    Here are some appetite reducers that you may already have in your home:

    1. Water

    Water is perhaps the cheapest appetite suppressant in the world. Drinking more than the recommended eight glasses a day is actually very effective in curbing hunger pangs. At the first sign of hunger, it is advisable to drink water to suppress the appetite. A glass of water (the equivalent of 8 oz.) Before each meal helps to reduce food intake. However, if you are prone to or have gastric hyperacidity, drinking water to curb your appetite is better for the first two episodes of hunger pangs. If hunger persists, it is better to eat a cracker or two with water to prevent the symptoms of bloating, flatulence and acidity in the stomach.

    2. Green leafy vegetables

    savoy 2

    Image by Muffet via Flickr

    Green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, spinach and bok choy are healthy appetite suppressants. Preferably taken as a salad with only 100 calories of added seasoning to taste, green leafy vegetables suppress appetite by filling the stomach and, therefore, turn off hunger signals to the brain. They also have the advantage of being negative calorie foods, in the sense that it takes a lot of calories to digest, yet these foods give off only a few calories to the body’s energy reserves.

    3. Pickles

    The best pickles for appetite suppression are natural organic pickles that can be purchased in health food stores or can be prepared at home using small cucumbers. A jar of pickles organic contains less than 100 calories in all. .

    Get More information at 4 natural appetite suppressants | Left Behind

     
    You do not have to rely on weight reduction pills to help you to lose weight. Try the natural alternatives first.