Wednesday, January 31, 2007

8 Proven Weight Loss Tips

There are a lot of "crash" diets out there that promise that you'll drop a considerable amount of weight in days or a week.

I have tried a few of these, and in my experience the weight always comes back on, just as quickly since the weight loss tips given are not something that will work with your body.

One thing you don't want to do if you are actually serious about losing weight is to follow these fad diets and their ridiculous weight loss tips.

After their ineffectiveness has been proven time and again, people will start to wise up to that particular diet, and will head off in search of a new craze.

Lets be honest, people are always searching for new weight loss tips because they want to lose pounds and they want immediate results, but this is just wishful thinking.

To lose weight permanently and effectively it will be a rather slow progress, all depending on your metabolic rate and how much you need to lose.

There are however some proven tried and true weight loss tips for aiding in the weight loss process, and I can make you familiar with them.

Weight Loss Tip 1
Don't skip breakfast. Whatever you do follow this advice, because otherwise you are much more likely in fact prone to binge later in the day.

Weight Loss Tip 2
Don't eat anything for at least an hour before going to bed.

Weight Loss Tip 3
Don't snack while watching TV. It's acceptable to eat a meal while watching television, but never is snacking at this time acceptable.

Weight Loss Tip 4
Substitute fruits like; bananas, watermelon, plums, peaches, and oranges for sugary treats like; cookies and candy.

Weight Loss Tip 5
Substitute honey for sugar, and carob powder for chocolate in all recipes. These taste just as good if not better when used properly.

Weight Loss Tip 6
Eat more vegetables. This can even be enjoyable if you have a good cookbook like Good housekeeping's latest edition.

Weight Loss Tip 7
Avoid unnecessary high calorie foods. Instead of a high calorie salad dressing for instance try cottage cheese or yogurt to improve the salads taste and peel of the pounds.

Weight Loss Tip 8
Exercise at least a half hour each day for five days out of the week. Biking on a stationery bike while reading is a great form of exercise to slim legs.

In conclusion there is nothing stopping you from losing weight except yourself. Get off the "I can't do anything about my weight problem" bandwagon and start dropping pounds today!

Source: http://thebestarticles4u.50webs.com

Sunday, January 28, 2007

9 Great Tips for Losing Weight

Not many people can follow a strict diet for a long time. Instead, focus on choosing the right foods, organizing your day and cooking the foods in a healthy way. Also, it will be easier to keep your weight where you want it or lose weight when you follow these 9 great tips:

1. Chose fruits instead of juices.

There are fewer calories in fruits than in juices. Because you have to chew a fruit, the eating process is longer and cellulose is digesting slower. It will give you the feeling of being full.

2. Do not eat sugar substitutes.

Artificial sugar increases your appetite. The calories you try to avoid will come back with bigger portions of food. Eat sweets, but just a little.

3. Alcohol gets in the way of dieting.

Alcohol decreases your body’s ability to burn fat. Also, when you are drinking alcohol you can not control yourself as well as usual and you probably will eat more than you normally do.

4. Start your meal with water.

Often people think they are hungry while they are dehydrated. You will eat less after a glass of water.

5. Take a break.

Most people start eating when they think they are hungry. Give yourself 20 minutes. If you are still hungry, you can eat. Wait 20 minutes after the meal to get the feeling of being full.

6. Prepare your dinner in the morning.

Before going to work make sure you have a healthy low calorie dinner in your refrigerator. This way you will not eat too much or eat the wrong foods when you come back tired and hungry.

7. Know your portion size.

It is very important to put the right size portion on your plate. You can follow these rules: a piece of chicken, meat or fish should be the size of an audiocassette, a portion of vegetables should fit in 1 glass and pasta or cereal should fit in ½ glass.

8. Rainbow on your plate.

Use different color foods, like green, red and yellow. The more colors in the food, the more healthy substances there are. And you will get fewer calories and fat. Of course, I mean natural foods and not artificially colored foods.

9. Do not go too far.

Not getting enough calories in your diet leads you to metabolism disorder. You should get a minimum of 1200 calories a day. If you get less, your body will switch to a hunger regimen. Your metabolism, your body’s ability to burn calories and your digestion will slow down. Even if you get back to normal dieting, your body will store fat just in case you go on a strict diet again.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Hoodia Gordonii Review

Hoodia Gordonii is no Miracle Weight Loss Diet Pill



If you've read much about hoodia gordonii—the natural appetite suppressant herb now gaining widespread popularity as a potential weight loss pill—it all sounds rather convincing: lose weight without feeling hungry. What could be easier?

But is it really true?

Hoodia Gordonii Weight Loss Study



Let's take a hard look at the science and reality of using hoodia. First, there's the problem that there's only one decent study on hoodia, and it was conducted on a small number of people, all of whom were obese. Even if the results of that study hold out for larger numbers of obese people, it doesn't mean it will necessarily help people lose that last ten pounds of body fat. As you approach a greater level of fitness, your body chemistry adapts, and going from 20% body fat to 15% is nowhere near as easy as going from, say, 30% to 25%.

Clearly, the science is sparse on hoodia far. That doesn't mean it doesn't work, only that the level of research conducted so far does not convince me that hoodia is useful for appetite control across the entire population. We need a lot more research before arriving at that broad conclusion.

Hoodia Gordonii Side Effects



Secondly, there have been no widespread clinical trials examining the safety of hoodia as a nutritional supplement. Although no problems have been reported to my knowledge, and the African tribesman apparently chew hoodia with no ill effects, the fact is that hoodia may have side effects we do not yet fathom when distributed to the public at large. Although there's nothing in the research that shows hoodia to be dangerous for people who wish to experiment with this appetite suppressant, there's also nothing to show that it's 100% safe for everyone (you can research hoodia gordonii articles and other information free at www.webseed.com).

This isn't a traditional Chinese herb that has thousands of years of medicinal use to back it up, for example. It's not something that comes with a convincing amount of evidence for long-term use by indigenous cultures. Even the San tribesmen only used it sparingly. They weren't taking this herb every day like many Americans plan to. And what is the safety of this herb for pregnant women? I don't think that question has been sufficiently addressed. My own experience with hoodia In addition to my skepticism about the studies conducted on hoodia so far, my own experience with hoodia uncovers some additional questions. Naturally, I tested hoodia on myself for quite some time (several months). During that time, I carefully noted my level of hunger three times a day (rating my appetite on a scale of 1 to 10), and noted my dosage of hoodia gordonii. Here's what I learned:

    • Hoodia does help suppress your appetite, but there are many caveats, as you'll see below.

      The dosage of hoodia necessary to truly suppress my appetite was far, far larger than the dosages claimed by many websites selling hoodia. While some hoodia formulas contain only 100mg of hoodia per serving, I found that I needed 1000mg of hoodia three times a day to have any real effect. That's three grams of hoodia per day, and the cost adds up quickly.

      Hoodia does not counteract the blood sugar drops that occur following the consumption of refined carbohydrates like soft drinks, cookies, white bread, white rice and other simple carbohydrates. In fact, on days that I ate carbs, my appetite wasn't lowered at all. Hoodia only appeared to work in conjunction with a controlled carbohydrate diet. And some would say that a controlled carb diet works by itself anyway (which is partly true, but in my case, I also have to give some credit to the hoodia).

      Hoodia in no way stops your body from feeling intense hunger after a heavy workout. When I engage in strength training, I feel ravenous within minutes. Of course, I train harder than 99% of the people out there, but let this be a lesson: if you work out hard, you're still going to feel hungry, hoodia or not. In other words, hoodia doesn't cause your body to lose its mind. Your muscles still scream out for calories.



  • In other words, in my experience, hoodia was a help, but it was not at a miracle pill. It didn't just shut off my hunger like a light switch. It was an aid, yes, but I had to take a lot of hoodia to have any effect, and I still had to control my food choices or the hoodia offered no help whatsoever.

    With this said, it is notable that I still use hoodia, and here's how: I now use the tincture exclusively, and I use it in the evening to help control late-night cravings. Even though I'm skeptical about the safety of long-term use of this product, I consider it safe for occasional use — but that's just my own opinion, and I know I have stronger liver function than most people. Your results may vary. I personally believe hoodia to be perfectly safe, and I have chosen to make it part of my collection of nutritional supplements that I use to maintain ideal health and body weight. Whether you make the same choice is entirely up to you.

    Hoodia Gordonii Plant Extract - Weight Loss



    Hoodia does not release you from responsibility. If you choose to purchase hoodia, make sure you have realistic expectations about what will really be required to lose weight. On the Internet, hoodia is frequently promoted as a magic bullet solution. "Lose weight almost like magic!" But in reality, it isn't magic, and weight loss isn't really automatic. Let me explain.

    Taking hoodia is not a license to eat. If you keep eating like you always have, you're going to gain weight. Hoodia doesn't change the laws of physics. What is does is suppress your hunger, allowing you to take control over your eating instead of letting your genes do the driving.

    The only way you're going to lose weight is to eat less. Hoodia, in large enough doses, may give you the tool to do that, freeing you from the prison of hunger pangs. But hoodia can't control your arms, your mouth and your tongue. If you keep on eating, you're gonna get fat, plain and simple.

    Also, hoodia isn't going to get you into shape. If you really want to lose weight, the best thing you can do for your body is boost your resting metabolism. And the number one way to do that is to add some lean muscle mass to your body by engaging in cardiovascular exercise (walking, jogging, and so on) and strength training.

    Just because the people in the hoodia study sat on their butts and still lost weight doesn't mean that's the best way to do it. I suggest you go do something while taking hoodia. With your hunger turned down and your metabolism turned up, you just might find yourself burning 1500 calories a day or more, causing even more rapid weight loss!

    Hoodia Gordonii Diet Pill



    One more warning for the truly desperate: I know there are a few people out there who are thinking, "I'll just take a mega-dose of hoodia and turn off my hunger completely. I won't eat for days, until the fat disappears, and then when I'm slim and trim I'll start eating again."

    This sort of plan is not only medically dangerous, it is utterly stupid. Only a fool would attempt to lose weight in such a radical way. Don't even try it. Fact is, if you're losing more than a pound a day, you're ill in some way and need to feed yourself some healthy nutrition!

    Don't mega-dose with hoodia. If you take twenty pills or drink an entire bottle of hoodia tincture, chances are you will just make yourself sick and waste your money.

    Don't be stupid with this: lose weight gradually. Drink a lot of clean water, exercise regularly, lay off the refined carbs, and take hoodia in reasonable doses (I take around 30 drops of hoodia tincture each evening).

    And, as always, get some medical advice from a competent practitioner. If your goal is to lose weight, educate yourself about nutrition first. Do your homework. Be healthy, okay?

    Source: http://www.webseed.com

    Friday, January 26, 2007

    Your New Year's Weight Loss Resolution

    Many people make New Year's resolutions each year, and many of those resolutions involve weight-loss and fitness. After overeating during the holidays, a New Year's resolution to lose weight and become more physically fit is the obvious choice, but unfortunately, a great number of those who make a New Year's resolution to lose weight give up before the end of the month.

    Make this year the year that you stick to your New Year's resolution and succeed. The key to keeping your New Year's resolution is making a resolution that is reasonable and achievable, and by following a few simple steps, your New Year's resolution will be a big success. Get started today on achieving success in the year to come by changing your eating and exercise habits. It's your resolution, and you really have nothing to lose other than excess pounds.

    Choosing Your Objective

    Don't sabotage yourself by choosing a New Year's resolution that's nearly impossible to keep. When considering a weight-loss goal, remember that losing between one and two pounds a week is a healthy and reasonable amount of weight to lose. If you have fifty pounds to lose, it wouldn't be sensible or safe to make a New Year's resolution to lose the weight by spring, but you could easily and safely lose the weight by summer. Carefully consider your weight-loss objective before making your New Years resolution so you actually have a chance to succeed.

    Rethinking Your Strategy

    If you find yourself struggling with dieting, don't give up on your New Year's resolution. Rethink your strategy and alter your resolution. Maybe it wasn't as reasonable as you originally thought, or maybe your circumstances have changed. Take everything into consideration and give it another go. There isn't anything wrong with changing the rules in the middle of this game. Your New Year's resolution is a promise to yourself, and you can change it to meet your preferences and your lifestyle at any point you desire.

    Be True to Yourself

    Although it's perfectly acceptable to change your resolution at any point, it isn't acceptable to give up altogether. If at any point after New Year's you consider throwing in the towel and giving up on your resolution, think again. Stop and consider why you made the resolution in the first place. You wanted to look better and feel better by dropping a set number of pounds, and even if you don't reach your original goal, you will be able to say you tried. You have all year to achieve your objective, and even if you wanted to lose fifty pounds and only lose ten pounds total, you will still be much better off than you were when you made your original New Year's resolution.

    Source: http://www.smartdiets.info

    Thursday, January 25, 2007

    What is the truth about Hoodia Gordonii?

    If you want to loose weight you have likely already heard the praise being given to the latest in natural cures - Hoodia Gordonii. So, is it as good as they say? How does it work? And most importantly - will it help you loose weight?

    STUDY SHOWED HUNGER PAINS TURNED OFF

    The most frequently reported study to promote Hoodia Gordonii as a weight loss supplement was conducted with obese individuals who were given Hoodia Gordonii and left in a room with little to distract them except TV, reading and eating. This group consumed on average 1000 less calories a day than the control group given a placebo.

    The active ingredient in Hoodia Gordonii appears to tell the brain that the stomach is full. No hunger pains could mean less eating, which would naturally cause a loss of weight.

    AFRICAN BUSHMAN USED HOODIA TO STAVE OFF HUNGER FOR LONG TRIPS

    Hoodia Gordonii is an African cactus that grows naturally only in the Kalahari desert. For thousands of years the bushman of this region have eaten Hoodia Gordonii with no apparent ill side effects, like the racing heart experience of Ephedra or other supplements.

    In fact, the only known side effect seems to be an overall good feeling. However, the bushman used the Hoodia Gordonii sparingly and further studies are required to examine the possible side effects of regular doses over a long period of time.

    WILL THE HOODIA GORDONII HELP YOU LOOSE WEIGHT?

    The molecule that has been linked to the appetite suppressing abilities of Hoodia Gordonii, now called P.57, appears to affect both humans and animals. One study showed a decrease in appetite by 30-40%. There are documented personal experiences showing the immediate effects of eating Hoodia Gordonii.

    It is important to note that the molecule isolated in Hoodia Gordonii does not necessarily affect the appetite when eating high carbohydrate or sugar diets or when hunger is caused by physical exercise. While P.57 can signal to the brain that the body is full, the sugar drops and physical requirement for nourishment can counteract these effects.

    As with any weight loss program it is necessary to adapt diet and lifestyle to experience the most profound changes. Suppressing the appetite should not be a replacement for good nutrition and healthy living.

    Article Source: http://www.101weightlossarticles.com