3 Reasons Why Pregnant Women Should Not Use Garcinia Cambogia

A lot of women are so concerned with the amount of weight that they are gaining as they go through pregnancy. Basically, there are a lot of women who experienced a lot of difficulty bringing their old body shape back right after giving birth. Some go through huge lengths just to get their body back to shape and some even put their body through tons of risks by undergoing cosmetic surgeries.

Oftentimes, a lot of women ask me if it is okay to take weight loss supplements such as Garcinia Cambogia during pregnancy and my response would always be no. Before I could explain why women shouldn't use weight loss supplements such as Garcinia Cambogia or Raspberry Ketone during pregnancy, it is important to bear in mind that during pregnancy, you need to eat a lot in order to provide the essential nutrients for both the mother and her child.

The main reason why I don't want to recommend using Garcinia Cambogia during pregnancy is because it is so effective. If you want to bring back your old form, then I suggest using it after you're finished with the breastfeeding stage for your baby.
Here are 4 specific reasons why Garcinia Cambogia is contraindicated for pregnant women.

1. It suppresses your appetite effectively

One of its main benefits especially with regards to weight loss is that it can suppress your appetite effectively. Being a pregnant woman, it is important that you keep on eating foods which are recommended by your obstetrician or nutritionist. Failure to do so, could cause certain health problems for your baby.

2. It burns fats so fast

It is important that you have a good amount of energy as you go through pregnancy. The stored fats in your body serve as energy banks as you go through the entire process. Aside from that, it is important that you maintain a good amount of stored energy especially when you are about to go into labor.

3. It may decrease the amount of nutrients for your baby

Since Garcinia Cambogia is so effective when it comes to utilizing the calories that you get from the food you eat and converting them into energy, there is a chance that you might be depriving your baby with the much needed nutrients for its development. Though researches are still being conducted with regards to this, it is better to be safe than sorry. Always remember, that you are not only taking care of yourself during pregnancy but also your baby.

4 New Weight Loss Terms and What You Need To Know

I have spotted some new IMPORTANT stuff I wanted to share today.

I'm trying to remove the confusion which seems to surround the whole area of exercise and nutrition.
This has meant that I have spent a lot more time reading - researching books, scientific journals and the internet.

Every now and then I come across a new word or term which I have never seen before.
They all relate to your health and weight loss efforts.

If you can get your head around this lot then you will have a better idea of what you need to do to lose weight.

So in this article I will share with you 4 new terms relating to weight loss and health, which you will find useful.

1. Diabesity

This one has been popping up on my radar the longest out of this list.

This info relates to type II diabetes or diet controlled diabetes.

Diabesity is a term used to describe a certain type of combination of having diabetes and obesity, 2 for 1 as it were!

The good news is it reversible.

Diabesity can range from mild insulin sensitivity to full on diabetes.

Diabesity is caused mainly by:

Poor lifestyle

Bad diet

Lack of exercise

Environmental toxins

Insulin Resistance

This is the bit you need to understand to control your weight.

Insulin is the worst for people wanting to lose weight.

When you eat anything, your body releases insulin to convert your food to energy (glycogen).
When your diet is packed with sugar, refined carbs (pasta, bread, cereal) your body will slowly start to become resistant to the effects of insulin. Insulin resistance.

This is bad.

Insulin is a massive growth hormone, and makes you fat.

The higher your insulin level is the worse your insulin resistance is.

Insulin resistance can lead to premature aging, cancer, heart disease and a lot more!
The good thing is that Diabesity was caused by your lifestyle it means it can be reversed by changing your lifestyle.

Firstly you should see your doctor and see what he suggests.
The usual advice is to eat less do more.

You then need to look at your nutritional habits and change them for the better by ditching the bad foods, sugary processed foods and switching them for natural, clean whole foods.

Also add more exercise to your life and keep some time free to relax and unwind and you should start to see the effects of Diabesity reverse.

2. Toxic Load

Your toxic load is the amount of "toxins" you are personally exposed to.

The amount you have coming into your body from all sources(Food, air and water), and the length of time you have been exposed to that level.

The higher your toxic load the larger the negative effect it will have on your body.

Our body is not designed to handle all of these toxins that life throws at us and it all adds up until we inevitably crash.

Hundreds of diseases are linked to toxins but the majority of people don't see the link and therefore do nothing about it.

You can't live 100% toxic free, it's impossible but you can do a lot to reduce your toxic load and improve your health.

How to reduce your toxic load:

Eat more organic food

Go on a detox

Switch to green cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda

Aim to drink filtered water

Install an air purifier at home

Aim to use glass instead of plastic containers to store food

3. Endocrine (Hormone) Disruptors

Endocrine disruptor is a term used to describe harmful chemicals which cause a variety of different problems in the endocrine (HORMONE) system - including birth defects, asthma, autism and ADD.
Any system in the body controlled by hormones, can be wrecked by hormone disruptors.

Manmade toxic chemicals as you know cause a variety of damage and are found in everything from the air we breathe, the toiletries you use to the plastic containers we keep food in.

None of these harmful chemicals were in anyone's bodies 100 years ago but now they are everywhere.

I believe, an overload of these chemicals will literally destroy our body, it will lose its ability to fight off disease, think clearly and basically function properly.

The critical period of development for most organisms is between the transition from a fertilized egg, into a fully formed infant. As the cells begin to grow and differentiate, there are critical balances of hormones and protein changes that must occur. Therefore, a dose of disrupting chemicals may do substantial damage to a developing fetus (baby). The same dose may not significantly affect adult mothers. (Wiki)

4. Obesogens

Related and very similar to endocrine disruptors.

Obesogens are as the name suggests, are closely linked to obesity.

Obesogens are foreign chemical compounds which affect our metabolism.

The Obesogens disrupt normal development and balance of fat metabolism; this can sometimes leads to obesity as you struggle to maintain a healthy weight.

Obesogens wreak havoc in our body by causing an imbalance and affecting fat storage, they disrupt energy, appetite, change your metabolism and make you store FAT!

These can often enter the body through pharmaceutical drugs, which are meant to make you well, not sick.

Obesogens can make it difficult to lose weight and could be one of the reasons why many people who try hard, still struggle to lose weight.

These obesogens or toxins get stored in the liver and FAT CELLS.

The higher your levels of toxins the more difficult you will find it to lose weight.

Obesogens are found everywhere in life and people interact with them every day. You can find them in water bottles, microwavable popcorn, plastic toys, pesticides, kitchen pans and shower curtains!
To lower your obesogen exposure you need to try and avoid things such as:

Plastic containers

Air fresheners

Non stick pans

Pre packaged foods

Avoiding those plus eating as much organic foods as possible will dramatically lower your exposure to obesogens and unlock your ability to lose fat.

It has been suggested that early exposure to obesogens in a person's younger years will increase their chances of becoming obese when they are older. If a child is obese, the research says it's likely they will be obese adults.

So there we have the four fairly new terms, to keep you in the loop as it were.
I hope you have learnt something and have found this info useful.
Thanks for reading.
Take care,

Weight Loss - The Magic Money Spinner Of Health Industries!

Some of us are spending money and trying to keep that ever expending waistline down while others make fat profits on others misfortune. But what we didn't know is that the same food companies are feeding us fatty sugary foods, profiting from us not only once, but twice.

There are two global food companies in particular producing food without the best interest for health or nutritional values. At the same time they own other companies for weight watchers where they are profiting from, in attempt to bring the weight down of which they are the ones that caused it in the first place.

What can we call it? Is it double dipping, double standard, or just outright cheating without any conscience?
It seems the heat is starting to build up and is becoming uncomfortable. One of the companies has already sold and the other announced a week ago that it will sell the weight-loss company to a private equity firm.

Big market's and profits!

The market for weight-loss products and equipment is huge with big profit margins and yet, money is often spent with little results.
Money for gym membership and personal trainers is another boom industry, often with extension to weight-loss counselling sessions, medication, pills, sugary sport drinks and maybe some protein-bars chucked in for good measure. It's just another tool of manipulation to the ones who are trying in desperation to get that extra weight off. At the same time, if not all, but most of the gyms are displaying cold drinks: What drinks? Sugary soft drinks, coke, diet coke, sports drinks and concentrated sugary fruit juices which are not helping you to take weight off, they are helping to keep it on.

This is just an example to become aware of the temptation that profit-seeking companies put in front of our noses every day and most of us fall for it hook, line and sinker!

Stay trim and do it from home!

Some years or decades ago gym or weight loss programs were hardly known or heard of; there was no need or demand for them. Now we all must have that work out to stay fit and lose weight. Losing those kilos or pounds is not necessarily achieved through extreme exercise. Anyone who has tried to lose weight this way would agree. Exercise and being active is certainly a large part of staying healthy and fit, and by simply regularly walking out in fresh air it has a positive effect on your mind and thoughts. To lose weight or improve your health is not a matter of costing you an arm or a leg; it is a matter of making better decisions about what you eat and spending more time on preparing nutritious meals at home. We have become lazy and unhealthy at the same time; we want everything, ready-made meals, remote controls, all as effortless as possible, but not for the benefit of our health or wellbeing. We're far too smart to fall into this trap, spending time to travel to and from a gym or fitness centre to pay money to those who caused most of the problem in the first place.

Think about the changes you can make!

Changes are not as hard as you may think: There is much free information on how to make better choices, how to take little steps to get to that goal. You'll learn how to integrate these methods in to your daily life; you will gain knowledge and therefore better overall quality of life.

In whichever way you are going to do this, make it enjoyable so it's sustainable for any length of time. Remember: It is your health, your life and you are the one responsible for it, no one else!
Select from the food nature been giving us over thousands of years; this is what our body needs. We don't need any of the gadgetry and processed food, sugary drinks and medication only to make things worse. It's time to take action for the need of real transformation, action that actually can make that difference to your life.

This is not science fiction; most of it boils down to plain common sense. It doesn't need a doctorate in medicine like some would like us to believe, just a basic understanding of knowing where to start and how to go about it.

The most important step to control your weight and leading a healthier life is the change to a healthy diet. Get more information from the FREE copy of my e-book report. The power of knowledge will give you the health you want to have.

Great Tips To Lose Weight Naturally

Alright so lets dive right in but before we do let me ask you a few questions.
Have you ever?

Been ashamed of your physical appearance
Felt like losing weight was impossible?
Wanted to live a healthier life?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions or any related questions, then I will be glad to help you every step of the way to achieve success.

We all know losing weight isn't the easiest thing in the world and it definitely takes time to do so. Losing weight can be severely boring and can really tire you out quickly after a hard day at work. In order to lose weight naturally I recommend these 3 quick tips that 1, do not require any time consuming effort, and 2, don't require and extreme exercises.

Drink A LOT of water (dump soda/carbonated drinks)
Drop beef/hamburger (eat more chicken/fish)
After every meal eat 1 cup of fruits/veggies
Doing just these three things can actually really begin to jump start your metabolism and get you to begin your journey on your weight loss. Now we can begin to look at some more of the work out methods that not only one has helped me, but 2, I was a skinny guy back in the day and this really help me bulk up and lose weight naturally.

Lifting weights- This actually can turn into a hobby just don't lift the same body part every day you will hurt and cause damage to your muscles, however as stated in the first three tips eating chicken will actually help you drop that weight and replace it with muscle.

Power walking/running. The main error that I see daily when people power walk is their pace and breathing habit. When power walking keep a steady pace all the time and don't breathe in and out your mouth, instead try this, breathe in your nose and then out your mouth, this will help you keep balance and allow you to have more energy while exercising.

Just lose weight naturally. This maybe important tip I can provide. There is no such thing as a miracle pill or miracle surgery that will just miraculously make you drop the weight and keep it off. This step is basically everything listed above in one large step which is why the term naturally is within lose weight naturally.

Now more and more people everyday I see subscribe to weight loss forums or a email list that gives you every day tips to lose weight naturally. The fact is while many of these can be useful, 90% of the tips it gives you is 100% wrong. There are people online that I know have dropped 10 lbs in just two weeks. That is a lot of weight and the best part is they dropped all of it in a normal and natural way.

Now we are at the end of our weight loss journey, check out my author page to learn how to lose weight naturally fast and easily and take the steps for success to change your lives forever. Thanks for reading I hope I was able to help out each and every one of you.

Top 16 Tips To Get Rid Of Cellulite Fast

Most women have cellulite on their thighs, legs or butt, and they always look for the best treatment hoping that they will get rid of cellulite fast.

Because the creams and lotions do not work, they always end up spending a lot of money and still having it. But using my tips you can banish cellulite or at least reduce your cellulite in just a few weeks.

I have used these tips to get rid of my cellulite and even if you don't use them exactly like I recommend them, you'll still see results.
Read them, and try to implement them in your life, because they will make a huge difference over time.

How to get rid of cellulite tips

1. Drink 2-3 liters of water with lemon juice each day. This will make your skin elastic, clean your liver and flush all toxins out of your body. The lemon juice has a lot of C vitamin, great for boosting your metabolism. This might be the best cellulite tip ever, and if you only apply this tip, your results will be incredible and you'll see how you reduce cellulite very fast.

2. Throw away all the junk food from the house. Eating junk food will only make your cellulite worst, and since you don't want your family to eat it either, because it is not healthy, the best thing to do is to give it all to the dogs, or take it to the trash. This way there will be no temptations for you!

3. Do not eat cookies, cake, snacks, chips... They are bad for you; they contain a lot of carbohydrates and sugar, which will only transform into fat deposits, making you fatter and with more cellulite.

4. Do not eat white bread, rice, fried foods, chocolate, potatoes... They are all simple carbohydrates, which breaks down in energy very fast and if you don't use this energy, it will transform into fat deposits. Fried foods are filled with cholesterol, which over time will make your circulation bad, and the areas affected will have cellulite...

5. The only carbohydrates you are allowed to eat are complex ones from fruits and veggies, and oat cereals. They contain fibers, which are great for digestion and will boost your metabolism. Because the body needs to burn a lot of calories to digest them, you will lose the fat from under the skin. Also, eating them will fill your body with minerals, nutrients and vitamins, which are all a must if you want to eliminate the cellulite from the thighs.

6. Do not drink coke, sweetened beverages and soda... Not only that they contain lots of sugar, but also contain carbonic acid, which is very bad for your body, making it age faster. They also contain a lot of chemicals which will only boost your cellulite.

7. Eat only salads made with raw veggies and fruits, grilled lean meat and olive oil. This is the way to eat in order to burn fats and lose weight fast. This way you will fill your body with antioxidants and fibers, and it will start burning fats. Olive oil is also filled with Omega 3 which is great for you.
8. Apply coffee ground wraps on your cellulite areas daily. They are simply fantastic for cellulite reduction. They increase blood flow in treated areas and make skin elastic. Make them with green coffee and use olive oil; for best results do them twice daily.

9. Create a daily routine and follow it for at least 2 months. This way you will be sure to do these actions daily, and in 2 months you can get rid of cellulite. This is the most important aspect of getting rid of cellulite: to work daily for your goal. Not doing it decreases your chances of having a cellulite free body with more than 60%.

10. Drink 2 glasses of fresh juice made from carrots and beet-root. They contain a lot of antioxidants, especially beta carotene, which protects your skin against sun damage and makes it elastic. Also gives the skin a nice glow and people will think you are tanned.

11. Take good quality dietary supplements. Your body needs minerals, nutrients and vitamins. If you supplement your diet with good quality vitamins, you will only help your body on the long run. Vitamins like B 6, Magnesium, C vitamin, Selenium are all a must. I also recommend whey protein shakes. They are fantastic for building muscles and burning fats.

12. Exercise for 10-15 minutes daily, and do mostly squats. This will tone your muscles, make the skin firm, boost metabolism and dissolve the fat deposits. Variations of squats will tone all your muscles. Do this for one year and people will not recognize you!

13. Eat a lot of forest fruits; they are filled with vitamins and fibers. You can go pick them up yourself, and even freeze them. Eat at least 50 grams of them daily!

14. Make sure you consume a lot of Omega 3 in your daily diet; the best source of Omega 3 is krill oil. Even salmon is OK. Omega 3 increases blood flow, makes the skin elastic and smooth. You can even buy Omega 3 supplements.

15. Consume only sea salt, and not table salt. Table salt is filled with chemicals, which only leads to cellulite and water retention. Sea salt is filled with nutrients and is great for cellulite reduction.

16. Do not consume un-natural products. Most of the foods you buy from supermarkets are filled with chemicals and will make your condition worse. I refer to pre-cooked foods, the so-called natural juices, packaged foods, even most of the dietary supplements available on the market or the deserts.
Now you have the same tips that helped me get rid of cellulite naturally. Implement them tonight and keep doing them for at least 2 months. I promise that by the end of these 2 months you will be amazed by your new body.

How will your life be, if you could start wearing shorts in weeks? If you take action NOW, you can go back to wearing a bikini at the beach in 2 weeks!

Chris Powell Carb Cycling Solution Review

Chris Powell has gained popularity for his Extreme Weight Loss television series where he takes obese individuals through a one year journey to get fit both inside and out. While many people would love to work with Chris personally, the odds are quite slim that someone will get picked by him to appear on his show. Knowing that more people could benefit from his help, Chris has published a few books that outline his approach to getting fit. His book Choose to Lose: The 7-Day Carb Cycle solution, offers an eating plan designed to help people to lose unwanted pounds without starving themselves. In this article, I'll review Chris Powell's Weight Loss plan and offer suggests about how to move forward.

In his Weight Loss book, Chris Powell provides an overview of the concept of Carb-Cycling and how to leverage carbohydrates to lose unwanted body fat. He calls it the "Carb-Cycling Solution" and makes the claim that it is a unique twist to a long standing weight-loss method. In Powell's plan, you alternate high carb days for low carb days and thus the body begins to burn fat for fuel versus carbohydrates. Once a week you are given a free day to eat whatever you want without worrying about carbohydrate consumption. By alternating low and high carbs and having your free day, you keep the body guessing and thus avoid the all-to-common plateau associated with always following a low carb diet.

Chris Powell's book is easy to understand with a simply designed program. Powell uses portion control and eating from the "approved" food list rather than calorie and carb counting. There is little consideration to body size and exercise frequency so people who are very active would need to alter this program to meet their unique caloric needs (someone who works out daily, for example, would be severely under eating following Powell's recommendation). That being said, for the average dieter the program hits the mark and participants should see a steady weight-loss by following his program.

Overall, Chris Powell's Carb-Cycling Solution is a decent program with a layout that should be easy to follow. Not having to count calories means having the freedom to eat without worry, so long as you eat from the approved list. Dieters can look forward to their free day giving them the option to eat whatever gluttonous goody they are craving. If you are looking for a program that does not require calorie counting or serious restrictions take a look at Chris Powell program. If you are already active and are looking to shed a few pounds you will want to modify the program to account for your activity level so that you are getting enough nutrition.

 

Weight Loss While Breastfeeding

You've put in nine long months carrying a child and you're tired of feeling over-weight and unwieldy. You wish to know about weight loss while breastfeeding and don't understand where to start. Here are some answers to probably the most common questions relating to weight loss during this period.

Do Breastfeeding Mothers Shed Weight More Quickly?

For the large majority of women who chose to breastfeed the answer to this query is yes. Of course, several other factors need to be taken into attention. Sticking to a healthy eating plan is first and foremost for breastfeeding moms. Your baby needs a fixed amount of calories on a daily basis and your body can prepare those calories for baby as a result you'll be losing weight as long as you sustain an appropriate diet.

If I Don't Breastfeed May I Still Lose Weight?

Yes obviously you can. You'll just need to work a bit harder compared to a breastfeeding mother does. You'll have to watch your diet, and also put in some exercise on a daily basis in order to burn off those extra few pounds that you put on when you were pregnant.

Do I Need To Work On Losing Weight?

If you're breastfeeding your baby you likely won't even have to consider losing that extra weight. You'll basically find that baby is taking in a good amount of calories and you're beginning to drop that baby weight. Remember, it took you 9 months to gain the weight therefore you won't be losing it overnight.

How Quick Does Weight Loss While Breastfeeding Take to Work?

Frankly speaking once baby is around three to six months of age you'll recognize that you've lost most of the weight. Needless to say, each baby gains weight in a different way and you'll lose weight differently as compared to someone else would. It is best to at least notice a general change in your weight by this period though on average.

What Happens If I Breastfeed Longer?

The longer you breastfeed, the extra weight you'll lose. As long as you aren't raising your calorie count this will likely work until baby is six to 8 months of age. After that time period babies generally begin to take solid food products and you generally plateau on your unwanted weight unless you add in some physical exercise.

What Calories Will I need to have?

Most breastfeeding mothers will require 1800 calories per day. In case you're on a diet of less than 1500 calories every day you shouldn't go lower than that it could possibly affect your health which in turn of your baby.

Can I Crash Diet To Boost My Weight Loss?

This isn't a fun time to start any sort of crash diet plan. You might be losing useful calories for baby and you are going to be missing out on important nourishment for your body's needs.
Focus on a healthy diet plan of no more than 18 hundred calories and no less than 1500 ( except if your doctor states otherwise ) and also drink plenty of fluids. It's advisable to drink a glass of water at each nursing session to protect against dehydration.
Weight loss while breastfeeding is a proper way to lose that extra baby weight.

 

 

How Much Do You REALLY Weigh?

Makes you think of the scale, right? 115, 130, 150 pounds. Yet the part of us controlling everything - how we eat, think, act, move, live and love - weighs only three pounds.

Stepping out of the Three Pound Bound, aka the limiting part of your Brain, is key to vibrant living. "Ahh, that's just the Three Pound Bound" you tell yourself, once you're in the know - but left unnoticed, and unattended, the Three Pound Bound wreaks havoc in your life. It controls your emotions and your behavior - in other words, your entire life.

Raising your awareness is the first step to really Letting Yourself SHINE! It allows you to detect and dissipate the limited thinking causing limited lives.

For example, let's say your brain generates negativity on a regular basis. You're going about your day, and all you hear kicking around your Three Pound Bound is 'life's too hard' and 'here goes YET ANOTHER day I'm not rich/skinny/in love' and 'when will I EVER catch a break?'

A small part of you wonders if you just might get lucky the next day - but every day, again and again, you get more of the same. The negativity. And you just can't figure out why!

It's because our thoughts directly create our experiences. What we think about creates how we feel, and what we feel determines what opportunities are available to us.

Since we cannot see inspired opportunities when we are bound by negativity, they are not available to us. This means we need to do whatever it takes to stay in a place of positive expectation.

This is different from "positive thinking," which can be imbalanced if it only takes into consideration one side of your circumstances. "Positive expectation" is the balanced way to go. It says: "No matter what is happening around me, I'm positively expecting great results. The Universe is realigning itself for my highest and greatest good, right now."

You'll know when TPB has its hold on you, because at any given time, the circumstances in our external lives show us how we are doing. TPB delivers "hard" lives, with poor bank accounts, unhealthy bodies, and taxing relationships.

On the other hand, when we are in a consistent state of Positive Expectation, magic and miracles happen. We attract more money than we ever could have before imagined. We live in our dream home. We attract our dream mate. Our health is better than ever. We feel joyous and fulfilled and grateful and nothing or nobody can knock us off our path or create chaos in our lives.

So, how do we make the shift if our TPB lives aren't producing the wonderful realities we desire?
We learn how to step outside of the bound of our negative mindset, and stay out.
The first step is understanding our power to dissipate anything and everything that feels limiting in our field.

Imagine all the perceptions and experiences and possibilities in our lives fitting into categories, or bands, organized hierarchically, one on top of the other, like rungs on a ladder. The lower rungs are heaviest: negative, depression-inducing thoughts, those feelings, and beliefs that limit opportunity, health, wealth, and possibility. You know you are there if life feels heavy and dreadful. You know you are somewhere in the middle if you feel neutral and permitting, but not quite willing to do whatever it takes to expand into a higher way of living and being.

Higher rungs are lighter, carrying infinite possibility and endless opportunities for your life. This is where I've lived since healing myself of 17 medical diagnoses and releasing over 150 pounds back in 2009. It's how I expanded my entire perspective on life, especially surrounding what is possible. I reversed my health and created a successful business serving tens of thousands of people, doing what I love - and I invite you to do the same. Join me where the magic happens, so we can co-create a peaceful, joyous, easier, LIGHTER planet for all beings.

Once you get this, and I mean really get this, life is better. You realize that every moment offers a prime opportunity to switch rungs. To get climbing. To change the dial, and tune into a different station altogether. To generate quality perspectives, feelings and beliefs that are aligned with the beauty and magic of who you truly are, and what is possible for you in this life.

You can choose to step out of TPB and into this infinite part of your being, no matter what kind of life you are living. And you can do it right now.
You have it in you, you are THAT powerful!
________________________________________

TIP: Ask yourself this question regularly throughout the day: "what station am I tuned into?" If the frequency is low, start pull out your toolbox filled with exercises, inspiration, tips and tricks to change your mindset in an instant, so you stay healthy, vibrant and light.
________________________________________

Forget the scales, beautiful friends. Tune into truth and ask yourself the wise question: how much do you REALLY weigh, energetically?
with leafy green love, Love

Weight Loss Motivation - Problem Solving

Problem Solving

Finding motivation by utilizing innate human abilities
I know that when you read the title of this page some of you might get nervous and think that problem solving means having to do fractions again. Rest assured that there is no math involved and there will not be a quiz at the end. When I use the term "Problem Solving" I'm referring to every human's innate ability to solve problems (big or small) on a daily basis.

So right now the problem that you find in front of you is that you are lacking the motivation to lose weight. No matter how much weight you want to lose, those pounds are going to seem like a formidable opponent if you aren't properly armed with the motivation and skills to win the fight.

Arming yourself

I'm going to give you a scenario and I want you to think of exactly how YOU would handle this problem if it was happening to you. You walk in to your bathroom one morning (or whatever time of day #1 or #2 start pestering you) and you notice a small puddle on the floor under the sink. You look at the pipes and don't see anything leaking. So you wipe up the puddle assuming it was just a weird random occurrence and you move on with your day. The next time you return to use the facilities you notice another puddle under the sink but this time it is bigger. Still no noticeable drip.
So there are several different ways you could handle a problem like this:

1. You call a professional (plumber) to come handle the problem.

2. You know a little bit about plumbing and you like to tinker so first you go online and lookup the problem. You find out what you think the problem is and how to fix it. You go to the hardware store and pick up the necessary parts to fix the problem.

3. You have a friend or family member who is good with fixing things so you call him/her and ask them to come help fix the problem.

4. You do nothing and just ignore the puddle hoping that it won't get worse.

So choose one of the solutions shown above (or one I didn't think of) and write it down. Now think about these different problem solving strategies and turn the problem from "puddle under the sink" to "lose amount of pounds". Most likely you automatically knew how you would solve the puddle under the sink problem and you didn't feel overwhelmed about it. The strategies that you use to solve everyday problems can be adapted to losing weight. Here is an overview on how the solutions to the puddle problem can be adapted to losing weight:

1. You can also call in a professional to handle the problem. There are several doctors that specialize in healthy weight management and there are most likely programs available in your area.

2. You've tried to lose weight before so you aren't a weight loss neophyte. You can browse the internet and find thousands of articles, programs, and products to help you lose weight.
3. You have a family member or friend who has successfully lost weight and kept it off. Talk to them to get some useful tips and motivation from someone that you trust.

4. You can also do nothing and not try to lose weight. I'm sure now you are expecting me to start you on a guilt trip by telling you about all of the crazy, horrible, dangerous things that will happen to you if you don't do something about the problem soon. I'm going to tell you that it is perfectly acceptable to ignore your issue with weight until you feel equipped to deal with it. Trying to start losing weight when you have nothing but a pit in your stomach and guilty feelings about the whole thing is not going to lead you to success.

So I hope these examples have helped open up your thought process about your specific situation and enabled you to apply your natural problem solving abilities to a personal foe (weight loss) that once seemed like a formidable opponent. So now that you are more properly armed and your brain juices are flowing (go get a bucket to catch the extra) you are getting nearer to starting on the road to successful weight loss. Since you will be traveling soon I suggest you start packing a few essentials such as your blankie, several new pairs of underwear, and some toilet seat covers. The road you will be traveling on is made out of yellow bricks so you may also want to bring a dog and wear bright red shoes.

 

 

Your Mirror: Friend or Foe? 15 Pertinent Points

Many people start working out because they don't like what they see in the mirror. When desired results don't come fast enough quitting follows.

Don't quit. Realize that a mirror has two faces- friend and foe. It can be truthful or lie. It can encourage or discourage.

At first your mirror can't and won't reveal the truth about what's happening to your body.
If you just started your fitness habit you likely need encouragement. Checking too soon for visible results may discourage you. Times like this your mirror is anything but a friend.
These 15 ideas may give you a fresh and helpful perspective:

• Remind yourself often of this: It would be impossible not to see visible results in your mirror if you stick with a good fitness plan.

• Checking with your mirror too soon will feel like you're not making progress. Checking too often is like watching the minute hand on a clock- it's the best way to make time drag.

• Hide your mirror for a while because it's judging you unfairly. A mirror is blind to what's happening to your body internally. Important changes from exercise happen on the inside first.

• Dealing "appropriately" with mirror issues is especially important because whether you just started exercising or are a veteran, encouragement remains a powerful force. Get plenty of it wherever and whenever you can. If you don't like what you see, limit your looking.

• Good changes are guaranteed to appear. The question is not "will they appear" but "when will they appear." Seeing may be believing but believing comes first.

• Use your mirror for practical purposes but don't expect body improvement to show immediately. You can't expect all your wishes to come true within 3 weeks. Check your buttons and make sure food isn't stuck in your teeth. Get validation that your outfit looks good- then put the mirror away.

• As with much in life, the truth is not apparent at first. A beautiful truth will emerge with time if you don't abandon your workout plan prematurely. Fitness is a process and a lifestyle. Live it to experience it.

• In the beginning you have to be your own best friend. Eventually the mirror will be your friend and you will like what it's telling you.

• The encouragement and validation you want from your mirror can come from within you because your intelligent self knows the truth. You are living a fitness lifestyle and improving every day.

• Focusing on fast results is not wise. But if that's what you believe you need, then choose weight training. Training with weights will give you visible results fastest.

• Your minimum goal is to get some exercise- work out each day. Believe that every day can be fabulous if you accomplish your workout goal. Be proud of yourself because you're sticking to a goal that you set for yourself and because you're being good to your body by doing so.

• Have faith and know that your good habits can only produce good results.

• Know this: the more consistent you are about working out, the easier it gets and the better it feels. Always use moderation alongside an intuitive approach. Soon when you exercise you'll find yourself saying "this feels so good."

• Sometimes looking into a mirror can motivate you to nip something in the bud. That's your mirror being your friend. You might observe changes in your body that you don't like and get motivated to take action. Maybe the appearance of the back side of your thighs tells you dead lifts are in order. Thanks a lot, friend!

• The appearance of some muscle adds natural beauty to a body. Practical benefits from maintaining strength over the span of your lifetime are immeasurable.
If looking into a mirror encourages you then use a mirror. If it discourages you then hide it for a while. Either way, the mirror can re-emerge later.

Baby Boomer Exercise for Joint Health

Shake, rattle, and roll! If that reminds you more of your joints than music there's a good chance you're over 50. A decades of activity and different experiences are bound to cause some joint stress.

Movement doesn't have to be painful. There are so many options for physical activity you can find some way to achieve physical activity even if you have to deal with chronic conditions. It is worth making sure that your joints are playing the right role in your movement before you move into action however. Some joints are meant to move and others should be stable. When the roles switch pain is usually a symptom.

Your body moves with all joints in unison and rarely one joint at a time. This is referred to as your kinetic chain. Each joint plays its unique part. Your feet should be stable. Your ankle is a mobile joint. Even when you're standing still small movements in your ankles are keeping you upright and helping you balance. For older adults the ankles sometimes lose mobility and become stiff with reduced range of motion. That can make you more vulnerable for falling, if not in your nifty-fifties or sassy sixties, inevitably later.

Working your way up the chain, your knees should be stable. They're meant to hinge and only have slight rotational ability. Your hips, or pelvis should be mobile and your lumbar spine, in other words lower back should be stable.

Above the lumbar area your thoracic spine in the upper back should be mobile. Your shoulder blades should be stable and your glenohumeral joints, your shoulders, should be mobile.

Often pain that shows up in one joint is an indication of a problem in another joint. Usually pain occurs in a joint that should be stable and has been compromised because another joint isn't as mobile as it should be.

The lower back is one example. Lower back pain could be telling you that your upper back or your hips are not as mobile as they should be. Injury or inactivity can cause that to happen. The chronic sedentary positions we're in at work and leisure can also contribute.

The knee is another joint where older adults commonly experience pain. Often knee pain is due to immobile ankles or hips.

With so many options where should you start? The most important thing, in any structure including your human body, is the foundation. Two areas that you want to make sure have good mobility are your ankles and your hips. These will have the greatest combined effect on your balance and ability to right yourself on unstable surfaces.

You can ask a fitness professional for assistance with stretches and exercises that will enhance these areas. You could also try a yoga class or one that focuses on stretching. Make sure if you're experiencing pain during movement you get some one-to-one assistance modified to your specific needs.

7 Good Weight Loss Foods

A substantial part of dropping weight is regulating the number of calories that you eat. Nevertheless, good weight loss foods are not simply those which are low in calories. There are likewise foods which can kick start your metabolic rate, or help you to control your yearnings by satiating your hunger for longer. Right here are 7 of the best foods to add into your diet plan if you are trying to reduce weight.

Beans

Beans are an excellent means of adding protein into your diet. Their very high fiber content makes them slower to digest than other types of protein, which helps to keep you feeling fuller and pleased for longer. In other words, beans can avoid you sabotaging your diet plan with hunger.

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and pecans are packed filled with antioxidants and health enhancing vitamins. Significantly, studies have revealed that individuals who treat on nuts eat smaller sized part sizes at meal times, making them very good weight loss foods.

Dark Chocolate

Lots of chocolate enthusiasts will have heard that dark chocolate benefits people on a diet plan. This is partially since dark chocolate has health benefits, offering it is eaten in practical quantities. But scientific researches have actually likewise shown that it might lower hunger too. Participants who snacked on dark chocolate, rather than milk or white, taken in over 15 percent less at their next meal.

Soup

Having a soup starter prior to your main meal can considerably lower the total calories that you consume. This is since soup is extremely rewarding and fills you up, but tends to be reduced in calories. However, cream based soups ought to be prevented due to their high calorie and fat material.

Pureed Vegetables

Moms and dads have actually long been hiding pureed veggies in their children's food, but now researchers think that dieters ought to be doing the exact same to their own meals. Including pureed vegetables into dishes such as mac and cheese was discovered to decrease the quantity research participants consumed by approximately 400 calories. It is thought that the added fiber caused them feeling fuller quicker.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit - either whole or in juice type - can assist to kick start the metabolic process. It was discovered that individuals who consumed half a grapefruit prior to their morning meal and lunch dropped 3 pounds more, during 3 months, than people who didn't.

Yogurt

Harvard performed an extensive 10 years study into the eating practices of people, and the result on their midsection. Of all the foods, yogurt was found to have the most significant impact on the quantity of weight which was lost.

Integrating good weight loss foods into your daily diet plan can considerably boost your efforts when it comes to shedding excess pounds. Studies recommend that individuals are also more most likely to make healthier food selections throughout the rest of the day.

Video Weight Loss Secrets

Many dieters who are ready to shed the pounds are ready to sign up for a very expensive gym membership, shell out dozens of dollars for diet pills, and hire a nutritionist in order to plan diet-friendly meals. However, all of these costs are actually not necessary in order to get a tight, toned body that people love to look at. You don't need to subscribe to different diet plans to get the weight loss you want. In fact, a good work out video/fast weight loss guide can teach you all you need to know about losing weight to really succeed where other plans have failed.

With the right video, fast weight loss guide books can't even compare. Videos show you how to exercise in a visual way, making it harder to misinterpret directions given by guides. Some videos even offer dieting tips from the pros, as well as recipes, exercise advice, and encouragement. Videos are also a lot more fun to use than books, and offer viewers the ability to receive workout instruction without having to leave the home. Moreover, you can stop the video and rewind if you feel you haven't mastered a move quite yet.

When you get a good work out video/fast weight loss guide, losing fat isn't the only thing you'll learn how to do. Work out videos can provide a great way to learn new skills too. Have you ever wanted to learn how to samba? or how to hula hoop with a performance hoop? What about learning how to master a good yoga move? If you want to learn a new cool sporty skill, you need to check out one of the many work out videos out there. They will be able to teach you the moves you want to know, and they won't cost as much as classes typically run.

A very good work out video/fast weight loss guide will also explain the importance of having a good diet. You should pick up a video guide that tells you what you should eat to drop pounds, and what meals you should avoid eating at all costs. Some guides might also tell you quick weight loss tips that you can apply to meals you love. You also might end up learning some excellent new recipes, as well as advice on how to spice up otherwise bland diet foods.

If you invest in the right workout video, fast weight loss is bound to happen - but only if you actually work out while you watch it. Most of the videos out there are great to use as an exercising guide twice to three times a week. However, it's important to switch up your exercise routine otherwise you may end up getting used to it, and will not be a challenge to your muscles anymore. Because it's very easy for muscles to adapt to certain moves, it's a good idea to switch up between 2 to 4 videos every two weeks. (Don't worry, though - you can use the same four tapes from month to month!)
As a whole,really high quality video is an excellent choice for dieters who are on a budget, but want to have all the tips, tricks, and instruction of a high-end dieting coach. Great videos can unlock the secrets of weight loss just as well as a professional trainer and nutritionist but at a small fraction of the price. Best of all, you never have to worry about having to drive over to the gym to get the workout that you need when you're using a video guide. So, why not take a look at some of the great videos we have on sale?

An Excellent Fruit Diet Weight Loss Program

When my physician recommended a fruit diet weight loss strategy, I thought that he had actually gotten his info from an additional world, however when he described it to me, it started to make even more sense. Fruits are wonderful detoxifiers to our bodies, and contaminants are exactly what triggers us to have a great deal of our conditions and weight issues. Much of the contaminants that our bodies keep stay in the fat in our bodies, in addition to the product that remains in our intestine. Fruit assists us remove a bunch of that, and we purify.

On the fruit diet plan that was recommended by my physician, it enabled me to consume fruit whenever I desired, if I felt starving. I was shocked to see how rapidly I felt complete, and my cravings simply sort of vanished. There is no fruit juice needed on the first day of the diet plan. It is necessary to consume 10 glasses of water daily on the diet plan. This diet plan is meant to lose 10 pounds in 7 days.

Each early morning the diet plan asked for a glass of gentle warm water, with 2 tbsps of honey and 3 tbsps of newly pressed lemon juice. It needs to be well blended together, and afterwards it needs to be drunk prior to morning meal each of the 7 days.

It is very important to understand that fruits are very crucial to our wellness, as they are fantastic detoxifiers along with being amazing recovering representatives. The very best type of fruits are the citrus fruits. Best fruit for our fruit diet weight loss strategy is the grapefruit as it is reduced in sugar and includes a lot of fiber which assists to clear out our intestinal system.

There are numerous kinds of apples, the larger ones taste much better, however the smaller sized ones are much better for you. Apples consist of a compound called pectin, which develops a slimy compound on the intestine wall, mimicing a defecation and the phosphorous and potassium in the apple assists to cleanse us out from the bowels to the renals. Apples themselves do not truly assist the weight loss, other than they keep us running efficiently from the inside out.

Eco-friendly tea is among the healthiest weight loss beverages that exist. Simply consuming 3 cups of green tea will burn 80 calories, so the green tea is an offered.

An example of a day's food would be on the first day, you can consume all sort of fruits, other than a banana. Fruits such as apples, watermelon, and any type of citrus fruit are exactly what you must be shooting for.

Attempt this: 2 apples and a pomegranate, or you can have an apple, an orange or a pomegranate. At the end of the day you need to have eaten the equivalent of four oranges, four apples, a watermelon and at least 2 pomegranates. Naturally, you will wish to cut these fruits up into bite-sized parts.
Continue on with this kind of pattern on the following 6 days with your fruit diet weight loss strategy, and differ the pattern so that it produces a range. Mix the order, or chomp on the fruits as you are doing something else, or till you are complete.

7 Good Weight Loss Foods

A substantial part of dropping weight is regulating the number of calories that you eat. Nevertheless, good weight loss foods are not simply those which are low in calories. There are likewise foods which can kick start your metabolic rate, or help you to control your yearnings by satiating your hunger for longer. Right here are 7 of the best foods to add into your diet plan if you are trying to reduce weight.

Beans

Beans are an excellent means of adding protein into your diet. Their very high fiber content makes them slower to digest than other types of protein, which helps to keep you feeling fuller and pleased for longer. In other words, beans can avoid you sabotaging your diet plan with hunger.

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and pecans are packed filled with antioxidants and health enhancing vitamins. Significantly, studies have revealed that individuals who treat on nuts eat smaller sized part sizes at meal times, making them very good weight loss foods.

Dark Chocolate

Lots of chocolate enthusiasts will have heard that dark chocolate benefits people on a diet plan. This is partially since dark chocolate has health benefits, offering it is eaten in practical quantities. But scientific researches have actually likewise shown that it might lower hunger too. Participants who snacked on dark chocolate, rather than milk or white, taken in over 15 percent less at their next meal.

Soup

Having a soup starter prior to your main meal can considerably lower the total calories that you consume. This is since soup is extremely rewarding and fills you up, but tends to be reduced in calories. However, cream based soups ought to be prevented due to their high calorie and fat material.

Pureed Vegetables

Moms and dads have actually long been hiding pureed veggies in their children's food, but now researchers think that dieters ought to be doing the exact same to their own meals. Including pureed vegetables into dishes such as mac and cheese was discovered to decrease the quantity research participants consumed by approximately 400 calories. It is thought that the added fiber caused them feeling fuller quicker.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit - either whole or in juice type - can assist to kick start the metabolic process. It was discovered that individuals who consumed half a grapefruit prior to their morning meal and lunch dropped 3 pounds more, during 3 months, than people who didn't.

Yogurt

Harvard performed an extensive 10 years study into the eating practices of people, and the result on their midsection. Of all the foods, yogurt was found to have the most significant impact on the quantity of weight which was lost.

Integrating good weight loss foods into your daily diet plan can considerably boost your efforts when it comes to shedding excess pounds. Studies recommend that individuals are also more most likely to make healthier food selections throughout the rest of the day.

Intimidated At The Gym? Don't Be: 10 Points To Ponder

You've likely been astonished or shocked by incredible feats of strength and agility at the gym. Maybe you've been demoralized by the sight of someone's better body. Maybe everyone seemed young and fit and you felt old and out of shape.

Many spectacles seen at the gym could cause someone to feel intimidated. The U.S. Constitution proclaims that all men are created equal- but not when they're at the gym working out.

Dumbfounding feats don't lay a foundation for fitness so don't feel intimidated when you see them.
Realize this: what you observe on any given day at the gym is sort of like reading only one page of a book. One page does not tell the whole story.

Moderation, consistency, and an intuitive approach to working out are your best choices, can happen in any setting, are available to everyone, and are not intimidating. Add perseverance to the mix and you'll be unstoppable.

Going to the gym is sort of like going to church. People who go there aren't perfect, but they are trying to do the right thing.

Regardless of anything else try not to feel intimidated. These ideas will help:
• Not every example should be emulated. Some examples are put in front of us to teach us how not to behave.

• Respect and your own journey. Someone else's journey is just that. Your journey is yours, and that' the way it should be. Regard you challenges as learning opportunities.

• Observing someone's behavior doesn't establish it as wise- regardless of physical appearance.

• Will it withstand the test of time? What you may never know is how long the individual will sustain what he or she is doing and what the condition of his or her body will be perhaps 30 years from now (or by the end of the day) if that pace is maintained too long.

• If lifelong fitness is your objective then excess works against a body and is not a good thing. Find your tipping point for what will build you up but won't wear you out- prematurely.

• Moderate workouts paired with consistency- over a span of time- can create a healthy level of fitness. Extremes should be avoided if your purpose is to sustain a lifelong fitness habit.

• Approach your workouts intuitively and make adjustments based upon the moment you're experiencing.

• Love your unique journey- treat your body lovingly.

• Athletes use fitness as a means to a goal-they're trying to achieve something way beyond fitness. We don't all need to be super athletes. Quite often athletes will go beyond what is healthy for the sake of achievement.

• Even though we are all on a fitness journey we are taking different modes of transportation and we're at different mile markers. Don't hop off too soon. Everyone who tries to be fit is a winner.
Fitness means different things to different people. Maybe you just want to keep your moving parts moveable or look better in your clothes while someone else is trying to become a champion body builder. The point is to do what's within your personal power to be as healthy as you can be.
The gym is a great resource especially if you've been injured because a variety of equipment provides alternate ways of working out specific muscles.

We learn primarily by imitating behavior yet we shouldn't imitate everything we see. Guard against following an example simply because you observed it- particularly at the gym.
Use the gym to suit your purpose. Or don't use the gym. You can be fit without ever stepping foot inside a gym. The secret of fitness success for each of us is to learn what works for us and what doesn't.

Be sure to include strength training along with your cardiovascular conditioning. If you train with weights then review your form from time to time. Going years without checking your form is a mistake. Even slight corrections can make results significantly better.
Don't be intimidated at the gym. Instead, love your unique journey. You are a work in progress.

Understanding Your Physiology to Maximise Your Training

Understanding your physiology is important to getting the most out of your time spent training. With your trainer or by yourself. Every muscle in your body is made up of individual cells called muscle fibers. These may run the entire length of the muscle and join tendons at each end, or may run diagonally for short distances and join connective tissue strands that eventually connect to the tendons.

This muscle architecture has a major effect on the way the whole muscle contracts, on how much force it can generate, how much it shortens during contraction, and how it is used during different activities.

Another factor in how a muscle performs is fiber type. The individual fibers in a muscle may be classified as either fast twitch (white muscle) which generate a large tension rapidly but fatigue quickly, or slow twitch (red muscle) which generate lower maximum tension at a slower rate but do not fatigue easily.

These properties determine the types of activity that each type of fiber contribute. Some of your muscles may contain a large percentage of fast twitch fibers, while the same muscles in another person may contain mostly slow twitch fibers.

If you have mostly fast twitch fiber in your leg muscles you should have an advantage in events that require large forces to be developed quickly for short periods of time like sprinting and jumping. If you have mostly slow twitch fibers in the right muscles you'll probably excel in sports like distance running or swimming. However not matter how much percentage do the both fibres you still able to develop And progress towards higher levels do strength if that's your goal.

We all have the ability, regardless of gender or age, to increase our strength and muscle size within certain limits. It may come as a surprise, however, that age, gender and body build do affect our overall potential for muscular development we must say.

Encouragingly, studies on strength exercise indicate that older adults (seniors) can build muscle tissue at the same rate as younger adults. In one study adult and senior adult participants showed an increase in strength performance of 50-60% over an 8 week training period, whereas youth participants showed an increase of 60-75%.

Properly performed strength training is a safe and productive form of exercise for people of all ages. The average male does have more muscle mass than the average female and men are genetically programmed for more muscle and less fat than women, however, when analyzed on a pound-for-pound lean weight basis, men and women are very similar in their capacities for strength and can benefit equally from sensible strength training.

Body type is another factor to take into account. Each of us have inherent tendencies towards high or low fat development and high or low muscle development. By taking a personalized approach towards strength training, aerobic exercise and proper diet you can assure yourself of getting the most out of your fitness program.

How to Stay Sane During an Insanity Workout

The Insanity Workout. When exercise sounds this intimidating, you might wonder if you can survive Shaun T's 63 day challenge.

The good news is, it IS possible and countless people from all levels of fitness have managed to beat Insanity and stay sane. If you want to start this journey and last the distance, hold on to these 12 tips to keep you safe, strong and steady throughout the next 63 days.

1. Be honest with yourself.

Many people are so pumped up by the before & after photos posted online that they expect to look as buff as Shaun T by the end of it! Keep your goals high but within reach. Unrealistic expectations will only lead to disappointment which, in turn, derails your motivation. The amount of weight you lose and the extent of muscle definition you gain will depend on variables such as your starting weight, fitness level, genetic make up, the quality of your diet, the flexibility of your daily schedule and how much you can push yourself throughout each workout.

2. Get a medical check-up.

Coming from a sedentary lifestyle, I found Insanity manageable so long as I respected my own fitness limitations. It's always advisable, whatever fitness level you're at, to check that your heart and joints are equipped to deal with the physical demands that come from high impact interval training (HIIT).

3. Count your calories.

Too many calories will undo your hard work. Too little, and your body will hold onto your fat reserves for dear life! The Insanity pack includes a nutrition guide to help you plan calorie-controlled meals. If you can't afford to follow it exactly, make sure you calculate your calorific needs (the calorie calculation formula is printed in the guide) and plan how you will meet those needs within your own budget.

4. Take plenty of 'selfies'.

No matter how embarrassed or ashamed you might feel about your current shape, it's important to take photos of your body before you begin so that you can chart your progress. Take a full body picture of your front, side profile and back. There will come a time when you need a visual reminder of the physical changes that are going on in your body, especially when the scales tell you that nothing's happening. Plus you'll want that Insanity T-shirt when you finish, right? Comparing photographs from different time intervals can be a tremendous motivator. And you'll find that other people often see the changes in your shape even before you do.

5. Don't eat for at least one hour before your workout.

Insanity involves a lot of jumping and power and speed with minimal breaks in between. Don't fill up on food beforehand unless you plan to wear it! If you need to eat first, have a small light meal or better still, down a protein shake to fuel you for the workout.

6. Start slow and build from there.

Insanity workouts generally follow a pattern of warm-up, main circuits and then cool down, with at least three rounds of each drill. Take it easy on the first round and let your muscles warm up. Conserve your energy so that you can push a little harder in the second round and then go flat out in the third round. It's all about progression.

7. Go at YOUR best pace. No one else's.

It can be daunting to watch a team of super-fit people attack these workouts with such finesse and power. Remember, they're there to show you what you can achieve with the same hard work. Ignore how fast they're running. These people are in peak physical condition and you will see in the videos that even they struggle at times! Your only goal should be to push yourself to your own physical limits. This might mean doing more reps, taking less breaks during a particular drill or simply stretching a little further in yoga poses than you did yesterday. By respecting your own limits, you take care of yourself and increase your chances of making it through the next 63 days without injury.

8. Stop when you need to.

Despite Shaun T's constant urging that you should 'dig deeper', he also reminds you to stop when you need to. Digging deeper isn't about digging your own grave! Push when you know you have more to give. Stop when you run out of energy or feel pain. Don't allow yourself to be discouraged if you need to skip a day because of important life commitments. It's only a workout. Keep yourself healthy and protected. Remember, you're not in competition with anyone but yourself. Insanity isn't about being as fit as Shaun T. It's about being the best that you can be right now.

9. Take short swigs of water.

Insanity will make you sweat like never before! Keep yourself hydrated with short swigs of water during breaks. Don't be tempted to take large gulps - you'll feel sick or throw up during the workout. Save major rehydration for afterwards.

10. Write about it.

Keep a workout journal. Start a blog like I did. Share your agonies and triumphs. Do something that captures your thoughts, feelings, setbacks and achievements so that you have a visual reminder of how hard you're working and how much you're continuing to achieve. As you begin to repeat certain drills, you'll find yourself referring back to your first, second and third attempts at this very same workout and you will marvel at your progress!

11. Snub the Scales.

Scales are useful but they won't give you an accurate idea of your progress. Not only will you be shedding fat, you'll also be gaining muscle and your weight will typically go up and down. Don't let scales to discourage and mislead you - use a tape measure instead. This will give you a better idea of where and how the fat is being shed. Notice how your regular clothes fit and feel as you move deeper into the program and write about in your diary or blog. These are the details you need to pay attention to!

12. Get support.

Tell friends, family, co-workers or whoever else you trust that you are doing Insanity. Log onto the Team Beachbody website and join the forums. Direct people to your workout blog. Share your ever-changing profile photos. Supporters will keep you motivated by asking about your progress, keeping you accountable and heartily cheering you on.

So there you have it - 12 tips to survive Insanity. I hope you enjoy the adventure and get the healthy body you deserve!

How to Lose Weight and Get In Shape While Having Fun

You basically have two choices if you want to lose weight. You can change how you eat or increase your activity or exercise. The bottom line to the waistline is always going to be calories in versus calories burned. For most of us the idea of having to commit to an exercise program is difficult but it's the only option if you want to lose weight and get in shape. The fact is that we lose one-half of a percent of muscle per year after we pass the age of 30. That means our metabolism slows way down and it becomes even easier to gain weight. Most of us felt pretty good and looked pretty good all the way up until we didn't. So here is the best sleeping pill, diet pill, and anti-depressant that I know of and you don't need a prescription!

If you can think of exercise as a play date, then it can be something to look forward to rather than something to get done! Find something you enjoy doing, and do it. It could be tennis, swimming, hiking, jogging, walking the dog, weightlifting, Zumba aerobics, dancing, pole-dancing, kickboxing, boxing, cardio barre, Nia, yoga, biking, jump rope, hula hooping, climbing stairs or even just shooting baskets. Think about something you used to love doing and then do it again! If you can commit to anything physical for 20 minutes a day, you can make a big impact on your health and really boost your metabolism! There are so many fun ways to lose weight and get in shape while improving your heart health, reducing stress, increasing endorphins and building muscle.

Here are some statistics if you want to know how long it will take to lose a pound of fat when exercising. If you get on a bicycle for 20 minutes a day, at 70 revolutions per minute, it will take 35 days to lose a pound of fat for a total of 10 pounds per year. If you run on a treadmill for 20 minutes a day, at 4 mph, it will take 26 days for you to lose 1 pound of fat for a total of 14 pounds per year. If you run up and down stairs or use a stair master for 20 minutes daily, it will take 21 days to lose a pound of fat for a total of 17 pounds per year. Finally, if you do kickboxing or martial arts for 20 minutes a day, it will take 17 days to lose a pound of fat for a total of 21 pounds per year. Just by adding activity for 20 minutes a day, it can add up to several pounds of fat loss per year so you lose inches while you lose weight and get in shape.

The way I found a workout routine that I really enjoyed was by trying a whole bunch of different ones. I made a pact with myself that since there were about 10 different fitness centers in a 5-mile radius of my house that I would try something different every week. Most clubs offer at least one class for free or at a deep discount. So I started at one end of the busy boulevard by our home and made my way block by block. I finally discovered kickboxing, a sport I hadn't even thought of trying or knew anything about. It turned out to be a blast and I found a way to lose weight and get in shape while improving my endurance, strength, and muscle tone. I also felt better and had more energy. Working out doesn't have to be drudgery but something to look forward to!

What's the Best Whey Protein Powder for Women?

Whey protein is probably the most important post-workout supplement. This is how you re-fuel your muscles so that you can rebuild, stronger than before. The best part about whey protein, when compared to other protein powders, is that it is absorbed quickly. This means it can get to your muscles very quickly, just when it's needed. If you take it right after your workout, you can make much bigger gains in relation to your workout. This is why it's such a popular supplement for men and women.

In terms of what to look for, you'll want a whey protein powder with a 2:1 ration of carbs to protein. While it is called a "protein" powder, you still needs carbs since your body will be depleted after a workout. Make sure that whatever brand you buy has an appropriate ratio.

Men and women are different and they generally need different supplement products. You should always be cautious of the products that are marketed just towards men, because they are made with men in mind, so may not be as beneficial to women. However, men and women can use the same whey protein powder products. The biggest distinction is that they will need a different serving size.
Women just don't need as much as men. So when you get some of these products with 40 grams of protein, it's just too much. Women need more like 15-20 grams of protein. This is the ideal amount.
You'll generally want to take your protein within 30-45 minutes of your workout. I usually have it at the gym, right after my workout. You don't want to wait until you get home. But you can get specific containers that allow you to bring the protein to the gym, and mix it right there. I definitely recommend getting one of these, since they're so convenient.

Protein shakes shouldn't be overused. One a day is usually enough. They should form part of your diet - they shouldn't take it over. It's a very specific type of protein so you want to make sure you get protein from other sources as well. It's also very quickly absorbed, so you want to get protein from other sources, that are more slow-absorbing.

Overall, the best protein powder for women will be one with a good carb-protein ratio, and has about 15-20 grams of protein. you can pick this up at any health food store. Good luck!

Eating Healthy or Working Out: Which Should You Spend More Time On?

When trying to figure out if you should focus on eating healthy or working out, you need to ask yourself about your goals. If your goals include losing weight or preventing certain diseases, put healthy eating at the top of your list. When gaining strength, improving energy levels or perking your mood are important, concentrate on working out.

Losing Weight

You have no doubt heard of the adage that you cannot out-exercise a bad diet. This is true when your mission it to lose weight. Cutting calories from your diet is easier than ramping up your exercise to accomplish the same deficit. You need a calorie deficit of 3,500 calories per week to lose one pound. This equates to cutting out 500 calories of food each day. Think of all the exercising you would need to do in order to get that same deficit. Find little ways to cut a few calories here and there. Begin by lowering portion sizes, reducing the amount of extra fats you use on your foods and avoiding sugary drinks. Substitute unhealthy candies and cookies for small pieces of fruits, and load up on the vegetables to keep you full.

Preventing Disease

If you are worried about preventing certain diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and most cancers, focus on healthy eating. Foods with high levels of sugar, cholesterol and unhealthy fats have a tendency to lead to these diseases. By following a diet rich in whole grains, lean meats, good fats and plenty of fruits and vegetables, you lower your risk. Increase your omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, to lower your chance of heart disease.

Gaining Strength

Whether you are a body builder or just want to add lean muscle to your figure, adding strength training exercises ensures you see a change in your body. When you strength train, you burn more calories, leading to weight loss. Your body also enjoys muscle because it decreases your risk of osteoporosis, reduces blood pressure, improves your balance and stability along with allowing you to do life's daily activities easier.

Improving Energy Levels

People complain that they do not have enough energy to exercise, when in actuality, working out gives you more energy. Those who workout regularly have more energy to continue to workout. While you exercise, your brain emits neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which make you want to keep moving.

Perking Up Your Mood

When you are feeling depressed, angry, annoyed or stressed out, even a 20-minute workout can elevate your mood for up to 12 hours. Endorphins kick in while you are raising your heart rate, and the changes in your brain during exercise strengthen your ability to deal with difficult situations. Workout out also makes you feel better about yourself, giving you a euphoric feeling similar to that of morphine but without the side effects or unhealthy ability to become addicted to a drug.
When deciding whether to eat healthy or workout, keep in mind what you want to accomplish. If you would like to just become a healthier person, focus on both eating healthy and working out to get the best of both worlds. You will not be disappointed.

How Drinking Water Helps With Weight Loss and Promotes Sleep

There are two simple things you can do immediately to impact weight loss right now.
First, drink a lot of water. I know you have heard this before, but do you know how drinking water helps with weight loss? Most people do not drink enough water and walk around in a "dehydrated state." Mild dehydration will cause a 3% drop in your baseline metabolism resulting in the gain of 1 pound of fat every 6 months (Perricone Prescription). Staying hydrated will boost your metabolism.

Another tip on how drinking water helps with weight loss is that it minimizes bloating and water retention in women. These symptoms are often a result of lack of hydration. Those extra "water weight" pounds can fluctuate quite a bit daily but can be regulated by consistent hydration throughout the day. You should be drinking one-half of your ideal body weight in ounces of water per day. Look for your ideal body weight using one of the many ideal body weight charts found on line. Hydration is especially important if you are exercising regularly and dieting at the same time. Drinking plenty of water is how you flush the fat and toxins stored in your fat cells, and also how you can prevent muscle cramps.

There is a condition called "mouth hungry." This is when your brain signals that you are hungry when you are actually thirsty. If you drink a glass of water, you may find that you weren't hungry after all. Try this first before reaching for food. I have seen, from several sources, the recommendation to drink a full glass of water prior to eating to curb your hunger. If you are going to do this, drink your water at least 15 minutes prior to your meal. Water dilutes your stomach acid and can negatively impact digestion. If you experience digestion issues, you might want to curb your water intake during a meal or wait until 15 minutes after eating.

Remember that, downing your 8-10 glasses of water all in one sitting doesn't cut it. For effectiveness, staying hydrated throughout the day is how our bodies metabolize fat and how drinking water helps with weight loss. Also, when exercising, you should try to drink 3-5 ounces of water every 20 minutes.

Some symptoms associated with mild dehydration are weakness, muscle cramps, headaches, irritability, fatigue, trouble concentrating, heart palpitations, and anxiety.

Second, get enough sleep. I know that this seems so elementary, but many people get less than five hours of sleep per night. Did you know you cannot lose weight if you sleep less than five hours a night? Lack of sleep impacts metabolism and hormones. When you don't get enough sleep, the body produces more ghrelin, which is the hormone that signals hunger, and doesn't produce as much leptin, the hormone that signals fullness. Therefore, inadequate sleep can cause an increase in appetite and a decrease in your feeling of fullness. Studies from Colorado University and the University of Chicago have shown that sleep effects what, when and how much you eat. Sleep deprived individuals tend to eat 6% more calories than people who get enough sleep.

If you have trouble sleeping, dehydration may be one of the causes. Dehydration can lead to a reduction in your production of melatonin. Melatonin regulates sleep and wake cycles. It is estimated that about 70% of Americans are dehydrated. There are a lot of opinions about the ideal amount of sleep. Most can agree that about seven hours per night is ideal. Promoting sleep is another example of how drinking water helps with weight loss.

How Do You Lose 10 Pounds or More in a Week?

So, here are the steps you need to do in order to lose 10 pounds or more in a week!
1.Watch the Calories'. Remember it takes around 3500 calories to burn one pound. So any extra calories that you may have is gonna come right back to you.

Now this doesn't mean you should starve yourself. In fact this would hamper your goal. Starving would surely not let you gain more but it wouldn't let you lose any either. An average human being requires at least 1200 calories per day and you should take that.

Secondly you need to make a diet plan and stick to it no matter what. Your breakfast should be a fruity one. Apple, watermelon and all citrus fruits are the preferred ones but you can have anything of your choice, just not bananas. Pair it up with a green tea or lemon juice with honey and you are good to go.

2. Next you need to have a low on calorie but a nutritional lunch. Try and have some fresh green salad and boiled vegetables. Cream, oil and butter is a complete no. One general misconception is that potato increases fatness. Well it doesn't and it should be a must in your diet. Egg White is another good option. Also try to eat at regular intervals.

3. Nothing after dark. That's right complete your dinner before dark and go to bed early. Have oats or sprouts for dinner paired up with a healthy drink. If you feel the hunger crunch at night, grab a glass of water or a cup of green tea.

4. Most importantly have loads of water. It would keep you full and prevent overeating. At least try to have more than 10 glasses of water each day.

Well If you want to lose that fat you need to work that muscle up. Follow a workout regime consisting of resistance exercises paired with cardiovascular workout. Jogging and brisk walking is a must. Set a goal of burning a particular number of calories each day and weigh in daily to see the results.

5. Exercise daily, at least for 30 minutes. If daily is too much for you, do it 5 times per week. This way you will tone your muscles, and build new ones. Each new gram of muscles need 30 times more calories than a gram of fat. This way you'll be sure to lose 10 pounds at least within a week.

How Does Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract Aid Weight Loss?

There has been a lot of interest in pure Garcinia Cambogia extract and its impact on weight management. This plant extract sourced from the fruit of Garcinia Cambogia (also commonly known as brindleberry or gambooge) consists of a compound called hydroxycitric acid (HCA).

Having been the subject of comprehensive research, HCA has been clinically verified to stimulate weight management. This compound helps the body eliminate excess fat through several processes, including blocking fat production, enhancing emotional wellbeing, and reducing appetite.
So let's look at the ways in which pure Garcinia Cambogia can assist with weight management:

1. Blocks Fat:

HCA suppresses the activity of citrate lyase. Citrate lyase is involved in fatty acid biosynthesis. Citrate lyase is the connection between metabolizing carbohydrates and producing fatty acids. When HCA is present in the body, rather than transforming excess sugar into fat, this energy is used to produce glycogen in the liver and muscles. This prevents the formation of fatty tissues.

By enhancing the availability of glycogen in the muscles, the body has more energy available to help muscle growth. As a result, HCA promotes the development of lean muscle mass. Furthermore, the formation of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL) are reduced by blocking the activity of citrate lyase. This helps to lower the risk of atherosclerosis.

2. Enhanced Emotional Well-being:

There are a couple of ways in which HCA promotes emotional well-being.
First of all, this compound assists with stimulating the production of serotonin. This feel good neurotransmitter lessens depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, which is great news for emotional eaters who seek consolation in food when they are feeling low. When mood is improved, the inclination to binge on unhealthy food items is reduced.

The 2nd way in which HCA improves emotional well-being is by lowering the concentration of the 'stress' hormone cortisol. This hormone can build up with time and have a variety of harmful effects, which includes weight gain. High levels of cortisol support the build-up of visceral fat cells in the belly area.

Excessive cortisol levels also impede the insulin-blood glucose relationship. This decreases energy availability and stimulates the brain to communicate food cravings to gain more energy. By decreasing cortisol concentrations, you'll crave less food and begin to lose weight.

3. Appetite Suppressant:

While HCA decreases food cravings by reducing cortisol levels, it also helps to suppresse appetite due to increased levels of glycogen. Increased glycogen levels stimulate receptors in the liver, transmitting messages to the brain that you've eaten enough. This lowers the amount of calories needed to feel satisfied, bringing about healthy weight-loss.

4. Choosing A Supplement:

Undoubtedly taking pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract offers a number of health benefits. However, you should beware when choosing a Garcinia Cambogia supplement. Opt for a supplement that is highly concentrated in HCA; more than 50 % if possible, and a high quality product with no extra ingredients.

Finally, one of the most crucial factors in the effectiveness of pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract has been shown to be how it is taken. It should be taken on an empty stomach approximately 30 to 60 minutes before a meal and with a glass of water. This ensures the HCA has been adequately absorbed before food consumption and will ensure maximum weight-loss benefit.