A Look on Diet Fitness

Many people nowadays are very much conscious about their own health and fitness. In addition to that, these people, and many others as well, are now having that desire to sculpt their bodies to ahieve that magazine-cover look. As a result, gyms, health spas and other fitness centers have proliferated all over to cater to the needs of the fitness buffs and afficionados.

Even on television exercise machines, weight loss products, and other paraphernalia to improve fitness have more or less gained control over the airwaves and made their way into the households. But exerise is not the only way to build that body beautiful. It also entails certain amount of responsibility on the foods one chooses to eat. Being healthy and fit requires one to observe diet fitness.

Diet fitness is as essential as exercise itself. Diet for fitness provides the essential nutrition one needs to restore worn-out muscles and for healthy growth. Diet fitness should never be taken for granted. With the popularity of keeping fit, many different views, methods, programs and dieting strategies have been formulated by many professionals. Among these are high carb diets and high fat diets. Whih one is more effective and which one should one choose to follow?

First thing to know would be the fundamental differences between these two diet approaches. As the name implies, high carb diets concentrates on taking in carbohydrate-rich foods while high fat diets endorses fat-rich foods. High carb diets are utilized to glycogen stored in the liver and muscles. Glycogen is a glucose complex that provides large amounts of energy ready for use in anaerobic exercises.

Fats, on the other hand, is well-nown for being the richest source of calories. It actually contains 2.5 times more calories than carbohydrates and proteins alike. Studies also show that it takes the body 24 calories to metabolize carbohydrates while it only takes 3 to burn down fat. So which one to follow? A person can follow a high carb and low fat fitness diet or the other way around. It is absolutely not recommended to follow both at the same time; unless of course if you want to gain body fat.

But then diet fitness is not all about losing fat, one must also consider his diet in order to keep fat away. Research shows that sustainable loss of weight can only be achieved on a diet which suits the individual food preferences, lifestyle, medical profile and satiety signals.

Diet programs all over can help you shed off excess pounds, but only one diet can help you stay sexy, and it is the one that satisfies you most. Other important aspects of having a fit diet are moderation, balance and variation. One must be careful not to leave out important nutrients and other substances necessary for healthy body functioning. health organizations are clear about the amounts of nutrients an individual should have in the body.

Low fat high carbs, high carbs low fat; the question is not which diet program will work out but which is it that will work for you. Striving for a sexy and healthy body does not have to burden an individual, diet fitness does not have to mean sticking to the same kind of food for life. One may even try to be adventurous and try out new foods out there. Who knows? one may even discover spinach interesting.

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And you thought Yoga Was Just Stretching.

While on the way to spot a friend of mine at the local YMCA, he asked why I didn’t just join the gym and I explained to him that I practice Yoga and occasional calisthenics at home for my exercises and really didn’t feel the need for a gym membership. His response was predictable: “Yoga…isn’t that just stretching?”

I smirked at the familiarity of the question and proceeded to explain to him the theme of this article. As I told him and for those who may not know otherwise: No, Yoga is way more than just stretching or getting into supposedly awkward looking poses and positions.

It is a combination of stretching, breathing exercises, meditation and perhaps the most overlooked limb, adherence to a proper diet.

The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as a "union" or a method of discipline. Its ultimate goal is the union of man with God or the universe in one breath. Furthermore, it aims to liberate the spirit as the mind and spirit are equally involved in its practice.

Yoga is indeed the oldest existing physical-culture system in the world. Besides being a systematic and scientifically proven path to attaining physical fitness, it delays aging, rejuvenates and improves one’s appearance, maintains suppleness and increases vitality and the creative part of life.

With its core warm-up exercises known as the Sun Salutations (which are somewhat similar to the calisthenics exercise known as ‘burpees’), the inversion poses, forward and backward bending poses, balancing exercises for the arms and building focus, the average practitioner will attest to the fact that for attaining fitness, Yoga can stand its own.

Think Yoga can’t help with building strength? Think again. Heck, I challenge the most adept body-builder to hold the simple yet powerful peacock-pose for 90 seconds straight. Bet you they’d crash half-way in its execution-if they make it that far.

Yoga also offers unique breathing exercises which are wonderful for patients with respiratory disorders and even singers and public speakers, moreover with its unique relaxation pose, oft times practiced during and after its execution, Yoga offers a systematic means of deeply relaxing the entire body perhaps the way no other exercise can. (Keep in mind of course that several of the poses give a deep body massage not unlike the ones received in salons…just thought I should throw that in.)

With countless books, DVD’s, videos and classes being offered for all ages, levels of fitness and experience (some of them being actually free for the first couple of lessons to try Yoga out), I suggest you give it a trial and see for yourself what it can do.

One thing I promise you is this; you will walk out of your class and nod in agreement that indeed: “yoga is way more than just stretching.” It is THE exercise.

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7 Important Tips for Yoga Success

Yoga has been proven to relieve stress by using exercises that unify the mind, body, and spirit. If you are new to yoga, these seven tips will start you on the road to a more centered life.

1. Talk to your doctor and explain what type of yoga poses you intend to practice. Show your doctor pictures of the poses for illustration. Your doctor may rule out specific poses if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, a history of retinal detachment, or heart disease. Make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations.
2. Find a yoga class that best fits your abilities. Talk to prospective teachers, and decide whether of not you can handle a program before you sign up. It’s very important to take it one step at a time. Try a few beginner classes before you attempt more vigerous classes. Don’t move ahead too quickly. Allow your body to adjust to your exercises.

3. Listen to your body and be aware of your physical abilities. You don't want to hurt yourself. Make sure the instructor understands your level of experience and any limitations you may have. Don’t allow anyone to push you ahead too quickly. Remember, this is supposed to be fun and relaxing.

4. If you can’t find a class that meets your needs, you can always practice yoga at home. There are many books, programs, and tapes available to help you get started. Search for the best products on the Internet and read reviews. Talk to others for recommenations.

5. Why not try private lessons? You can book some one-on-one sessions with a teacher in your area. Most yoga instructors offer private classes or can help you design your own program. This is a good way to get started. You can always take group lessons or practice at home after you’ve had private lessons and learned the basics.

6. Find a yoga buddy. It’s nice to practice with someone and it will help reduce injuries. It’s also a great way to keep up your enthusiasm and interest.

7. Eat lightly before practice. Wait at least two hours after meals before yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is best, but don’t let yourself get too hungry to think. You won't be able to focus on the poses or enjoy yourself during the relaxation or meditation exercises.

Now it's time to grab your mat and a towel and get the most out of your yoga exercises.

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7 Weight Loss Tips for Kids and Their Families

Here is a sure-fire list of diet dos and don'ts to help your family triumph over obesity:

1. Be a ‘healthy’ role model. The number one thing that parents can do is to be a good role model for their children, Parents so often unknowingly set their kids up for failure.  If there are chips, cookies and Twinkies and no fruit or vegetables when your kids look for snacks, how can they succeed?  Line your refrigerator and cabinets with fresh fruits, nuts, low-fat cheese, easy things for kids to snack on besides ‘junk food’.

In a 2000 survey conducted by the CDC, close to 80% of adults reported eating fewer than the recommended five or more servings of fruit and vegetables daily -- not good role-model behavior.

2. Be positive. Don’t tell your child to ‘lose weight’ say, 'Let's be healthy and start taking care of our bodies’. Focus on the foods you can eat, not the ones that you should limit eating. Say, 'Let's go pick out fruits and make a fruit salad,' not 'Don't eat this or that.' Instead of saying, 'We have to exercise,' say, 'Lets go to the park.' Use positive words and phrases when talking with your kid.

3. Make healthy eating a family affair.  Create family meals together and for the entire family. Do not single out an overweight family member with special diet food.  Your entire family can benefit form healthy eating regardless of weight.

A family that eats together, eats better, according to a recent study in the journal Archives of Family Medicine. The study showed children who report frequent family dinners have healthier diets than their peers who don't.

4. Avoid portion distortion. When serving food you must use portion control, buffet-type or family-style situations tends to promote overeating.  Fill up on salads and cooked vegetables  at meals and always wait 10-15 minutes before having a second helping.  Second helpings should only be taken if truly hungry.

5. Start the day off right with a good breakfast. A bowl of low-sugar cereal with low-fat milk, low-fat yogurt with a granola or breakfast bar, or an English muffin with peanut butter, rather than a doughnut or muffin. A healthy breakfast will put your family on the healthy track for the rest of the day.

6. Make time for physical activity. Make physical activity a family activity. Every night after dinner in the summer, go for a half-hour walk and make it an activity that kids look forward to. If you can afford it, enroll your kids in dancing or a sporting activity that they enjoy because they need to enjoy it to keep doing it. Or just turn on some dance music and have a dance party around the house.

7. Try again.  Weight loss and healthy eating is not easy.  There will be times when you and your family will struggle with this new lifestyle.  It is important to keep trying.  Failure is certain if you are not trying.

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Should I Believe The Benefits Experts Claim About Garcinia Cambogia?

By Boris Wirtzfeld

With so many diet pills and weight loss supplements all over the market, it's really hard to pinpoint which ones are worth checking out and which ones are wasting your time. If you've been looking at the news, you may have already heard about this plant called garcinia cambogia. Labeled as the "powerhouse" of all weight loss supplements, pure garcinia cambogia extract might just spark your interest.

Garcinia cambogia is known by many names such brindleberry, gambooge, and assam fruit. It's fruit bears some resemblance to a small pumpkin, and is primarily grown in the Southeast Asian region, and in India as well. A research team led by Dr. Harry Preuss conducted an intensive study on this plant - they were able to conclude that garcinia cambogia can allow people to lose fat while keeping or promoting muscle growth.

What made pure garcinia cambogia extract so much popular is when it has been featured in the show of the renowned doctor actively involved in the pursuit of healthy lifestyle, Dr. Oz. With the multitude of followers he has and the level of authority he has built over the years, it's not surprising why he has become one of the most influential people in his industry.

The fruit and rind is used to make pure garcinia cambogia extract. According to researchers, the secret of the fat-busting power of garcinia cambogia comes from the substance known as HCA, hydroxycitric acid. You should be able to find HCA in many varieties of weight loss and diet supplements and it is due to the fact that it is very effective in blocking the formation of fat in the body.

The way garcinia cambogia works to get your weight trimmed down is by suppressing your appetite and then preventing fat from being created. You can expect fat to be burned during those times that fat is not manufactured by your body. According to studies, it can also help in keeping your stress and depression levels down and therefore helping to prevent the chances of overeating.

With the appetite-suppressing powers of garcinia cambogia, it will be easier to manage the portions of food you eat. And since you are bound to feel full faster, you won't find yourself grabbing something to eat every now and then. It will also help you to make smarter choices when it comes to the food you eat. This fruit is also known to have powerful antioxidants that will help fight off cancer-causing free radicals.

When looking for pure garcinia cambogia extract on the market, you might have a hard time choosing which one to buy. As a guideline, Dr. Oz has recommended that you should look for one that contains at least 50% HCA and has 1000mg of it. It is also important that the product does not contain any fillers, additives, or artificial ingredients that can cause side effects.

Despite all the claims made with pure garcinia cambogia extract, it is still important to remember that there is no shortcut to long-term weight-loss. This supplement is just that - a supplement. Therefore, this product will work best if you combine it with a healthy diet and adequate amounts of exercise. You'll be surprised at how quickly you'll achieve the results you wanted with this formula.

About the Author:

Do you want to catch up on all the latest developments about pure garcinia cambogia extract and how it can change your life? Where do you think would be the best place to buy garcinia cambogia for weight loss? Take action today and drop by http://www.amazon.com/Potency-Garcinia-Cambogia-Extract-Nutrizap/dp/B00E3GCN2A to get those answers you've been looking for.

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Relieve Pain Safely At Home With Portable Ultrasound Therapy

By Kenya File

If the term "portable ultrasound machine" is new to you, you may wish to find out more. This type of product is helping many people find relief from a wide variety of painful conditions. Here are some very good things to know about personal sound technology.

You might not feel like traveling all the way to the doctor's office or an outpatient facility to receive therapy for pain relief. In fact, older people with mobility issues may find it very difficult to travel for therapy. Not everyone has access to transportation on a regular basis, and the entire ordeal can be very inconvenient and sometimes difficult.

When you use your mobile therapy unit, you are free to enjoy the benefits anywhere you go. It is the perfect traveling companion for frequent fliers or business people. These machines are not difficult to use and have complete instructions that explain all you need to know. It will not take long to have a firm grasp on the operating principles.

When you travel to receive pain therapy at a facility, the charges can be extensive. Plus, you may need several sessions over an extended period of time. Not everyone has good health care insurance, and it may be far too expensive to enjoy the kind of pain therapy that you need.

Mobile therapy units are not too expensive as most people find them affordable. This is much easier than paying constant co-payment amounts and dealing with insurance forms. Owning your own unit is the most cost effective way to enjoy therapy.

If you are looking for relief from pain and discomfort from arthritis or other painful conditions, consider buying a portable ultrasound machine. This is a much safer option than resorting to constant use of pain pills, as they only provide temporary relief and many have side effects. These machines are proven to be effective and safe for people of all age groups.

About the Author:

Get a review of the advantages of receiving ultrasound therapy and more information about a reputable portable ultrasound machine supplier at http://www.ezultrasound.com/ now.

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Learn How An At Home Back Stretcher Can Alleviate Back Pain Without Danger

By Javier Luque

Lumbar pain is a recurring problem for many people. A visit to a chiropractor is often sufficient to iron out any major problems, but sometimes repeat visits may prove necessary. This can be expensive, and an Atwood KS back stretcher could be all that is needed.

Before starting to use this equipment, it is wise to speak to a chiropractor first. After this you will have a clearer understanding of the problem, and will also be sure there is no risk of exacerbating your problem. Usually these incredible stretchers will prove effective, and will be able to obviate many trips to a health practitioners.

Mechanical extension of the spine permits the discs to heal and relieves compression of nerves. Healing is also encouraged by extra blood flowing in. These effects relieve any pain and also enhances the healing process, providing great positive benefits in a very practical fashion.

Many people try hanging inverted or lying on an incline to achieve the same results. The stretcher is more targeted and safer, as the alternative techniques can cause dizziness or even unconsciousness if done too long. It can also be used frequently and for extended periods without adverse effects.

The design has been perfected after extensive practical use, so it is extremely simple in operation and the comprehensive instructions are straightforward. It is such a practical design, which nevertheless is capable of amazing results. The relief from pain and improvement in health are remarkable.

Basically the body heals itself, and everything else is simply intended to help it do its job. Your chiropractor will be able to tell you if your particular problem will benefit from the use of an Atwood KS back stretcher. Once its use has been given the go-ahead, you can use it confidently.

About the Author:

Get a summary of the benefits of using an Atwood KS back stretcher and more information about the EZ StretchNFlex device at http://www.ezstretchnflex.com now.

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Choosing A Personal Wellness Coaching Professional

By Harriett Crosby

People that are trying to deal with various forms of health and well being find themselves faced with unique challenges. The daily life of most people today is filled with a tremendous number of strains and complications that could create increased difficulties with being able to lead a more balanced and productive life. Anyone focused on this particular form of assistance should understand the fundamentals of selecting a personal wellness coaching professional to ensure their lives are successfully managed.

Personal wellness coaching providers are equipped with the skills and resources to help people manage their lives in a more comprehensive and balanced manner. Most people focus on these professionals when they have noticed an increased sense of difficulty in managing their health levels in a productive and viable manner. The choices made from available professionals are completed with a great deal of caution.

People in most major cities are offered plenty of professionals to consider when making this particular decision. Consumers often learn that most providers are highly comparable in what is ultimately provided which can be stressful to sort through as needed. Making the right hiring decision is much easier when several factors are carefully reviewed.

Referrals are quite helpful to anyone that is trying to make this choice. Referrals are commonly offered from trusted sources that used the professional for their needs while many consumers are even offered recommendations from their primary care doctors that are versed in this field and are able to help their patients make wise choices. Discussing this information can often lead to pricing reductions that are significant in dollar amount.

People should also focus on the areas of specialty that are managed by the professional. The specific areas of interest typically offered from the professional are based on their education and overall experience with helping others. This information is thoroughly marketed by professionals which can be helpful in making the right decision.

Many consumers are also focused on the gender of the professional in question. Gender factors are largely based on the need to make sure that comfort is established throughout the course of working with them which can be gender specific for most people. Sorting through available listings is typically all that is needed when making sure the appropriate gender is selected.

Assistance formats should also be offered when making this particular selection. The types of assistance offered from the professional are often based on either a direct or virtual format which can both be helpful in working toward effective resolution. People should focus on the providers that are the best matched to their personal preferences.

A personal wellness coaching professional should only be utilized if they are affordable. People often find that paying for this kind of guidance can quickly prove to be quite expensive and should be carefully planned out financially. The lowest prices that are charged for the most effective solutions are helpful to people that are searching for a great deal.

About the Author:

If you are interested in personal wellness coaching in Colorado Springs check out this link to www.impacthealthyedge.com. For details on weight loss assistance, visit Impact Healthy Edge at http://www.impacthealthyedge.com today.

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Eating Carbs Actually Leads To Weight Loss And Health

Carbohydrates are the single most important food you can eat.

 That statement probably goes against everything you've ever heard, so let me explain. If you don't believe me, take this little test.

 Think of a carb! If you're like most Americans, bread, pasta, soft drinks, French fries, sugar, and similar foods probably flew into your mind. Yes, these foods are carbs -- highly processed and refined ones. And if these are the kinds of carbs you consume on a regular basis, let me warn you, (unless you regularly run marathons), you're most likely either overweight or heading down the road to weight gain. You may like them, you may consider them "comfort foods," you may think that they couldn't be so bad since they are so predominant in our current diet. But the biological bottom line is that human beings have not evolved to metabolize these types of carbohydrates.

 They slow down your metabolism and contribute to every one of the major diseases associated with aging including diabetes, heart disease, dementia and cancer. In most, cases they are also "empty" calorie foods-the worst possible combination -- high caloric foods, low in nutrients.

They deprive you of vital nutrients as well as burden your body with the task of digesting food molecules that aren't giving you anything you need. Eating them (especially in excess) is a prescription for weight gain. But they're not the end of the carb story. If you're like most people, you may not realize that the wide world of carbs is actually much, much bigger than this limited crowd of processed carbs.

 In contrast, natural carbohydrates, which come to your table just like Mother Nature made them, contain many essential nutrients and specialized chemicals that turn up your metabolism via newly discovered plant chemicals call phytonutrients. So you have a choice: use phytonutrients to spark your metabolism into action, or drown your metabolism with indigestible nutrient-poor carbs.

 Our genetic nutritional template goes back 20,000 years. Our ancestors foraged for wild food, like wild berries, grasses, roots, and mushrooms to find life-giving phytonutrients that all humans are designed by nature to eat. On a recent vacation I found myself in a sea of phytonutrients in the wild islands of Southeast Alaska. I was foraging along with the grizzly bears for bog cranberries, blueberries, nagoonberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

These scrumptious berries, bursting with phytonutrients, were smaller, richer in color and taste, (and lower in sugar) than their domestic berry cousins. Here's a tip: The greater variety and the deeper the color of plant foods you eat, the higher their concentration of phytonutrients.

The key is to learn which phytonutrient-dense foods can prevent disease and promote weight loss. Want phytonutrient power? Here 's a small sample of the many superfoods that contain these powerful phytonutrients: isoflavones in soy foods, lignans in flax seeds, catechins in green tea, polyphenols in cocoa (yes, chocolate!), glucosinolates in broccoli, carnosol in rosemary, and resveratrol in red wine. And there are hundreds more that can help you unlock the secret to natural weight loss.

All of these compounds -- and dozens more -- will help you fight disease and obesity. These special compounds literally communicate with your genes and turn on messages of health and weight loss. They are key to the success people experience in losing weight on a program I've developed during my 20-years practicing medicine, called UltraMetabolism. Before you reach for that Cinnabon, know that phytonutrients only occur in whole, unrefined, unprocessed plant foods. All vegetables (and many fruits) score high in phytonutrients, while processed carbs, like bread and pasta, have virtually none.

 Here's a shorthand to distinguish between the metabolism boosters and the processed carbs that will only weigh you down: Anything that has been packaged or put through a machine is processed (like a potato chip). Anything that comes right out of the earth is natural (like a plum). Don't let all the terminology -- high fat, low-fat, high-carb, low-carb, high glycemic index, low glycemic index, complex carbs and simple carbs -- confuse you. The key is eating whole, real, unprocessed, food found as close to nature as possible.

Now you know why your grandmother always told you to eat your vegetables! Folk wisdom passed down the generations showed how to give the body what it needs. In the early twenty-first century, that wisdom is being confirmed in the research of leading edge scientists. So you can follow these recommendations I offer with total confidence that the latest medical science backs them up. This new science reveals why you should never do what some ill-advised diets suggest: cut out all carbs.

Not a good idea-because you also cut out all the phytonutrients (and the fiber) that only comes from whole plant foods. Along with their obesity fighting chemicals, vitamins, and minerals to accelerate your metabolism, most whole carbohydrates are filled with healthy plant fiber to slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. And for super fast weight loss, you'll want to eat some special "super" fiber foods which I use as my secret weapon with many patients who have had difficulty losing weight. Once you incorporate them into your diet, you'll feel full, experience steady energy, and will never be tempted to overeat.

 Here's a guarantee: If you've been consuming highly processed foods such as sodas, chips, and crackers, and you decide to boost your intake of those powerful phytonutrients that I've reviewed, you'll be taking the first step towards re-programming your body for automatic weight loss and health.

 My dirty little secret as a doctor is that I never treat anybody specifically to lose weight; I simply help them become healthy using these and other techniques and the weight automatically comes off. So remember, eat your carbs, but make them the right carbs!

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End The Battle With Your Body

We're no longer shocked by the celebrity photos that show protruding hipbones, bony breastplates, countable ribs, and collarbones practically piercing through the flesh of their shoulders. It looks normal to us now. It's the look we're supposed to achieve. The media sounds a loud alarm over the celebrities who get too thin. And then they go right on showing us image after image of the very same women as beauty icons. It's insane.

The hottest boutique in Los Angeles, catering to the stars, carries only sizes 0-8.
The average American women wears a size 12 or 14.
The usual waist size for a celebrity's pair of jeans is 28.

The average woman wears a size 34 jean. In a recent celebrity magazine, the following heights and weights were listed for five well-known performers:

Terri Hatcher 5-6, 109 pounds
Kate Bosworth 5-7, 107 pounds
Lindsey Lohan 5-5, 102 pounds
Victoria Beckham 5-6, 105 pounds

Joan Allen 5-10, 110 pounds All are severely underweight. This is starvation imagery. Anorexic-type bodies regularly presented as the beauty ideal. Today's female body is expected to be slim, trim, lean. Tight, toned muscles. Six-pack abs. Hard bodies. Sounds like a description of a man's body doesn't it? The only feminine characteristic remaining on today's "perfect woman": fake, plastic breasts. The real ones disappear when a woman is underweight. The ideal female body looks like a young, very thin, muscular prepubescent boy with large breasts. This is where 100 years of media brainwashing has left us. "Brainwashing" seems like too strong a term until you consider that most females see 400 to 700 media-generated images of thin women every single day. Rounded bellies, padded hips, curvy thighs. These are "problem areas" to be worked on. In reality, they are beautiful, natural qualities of a healthy female body. It's time we define our own style. Make our own rules. Turn our backs on the media and embrace the beautiful bodies we were been born with. It's time to live with grace and beauty instead of self-hate and struggle. Too many of us have learned to dislike our own bodies:

53% of 13 year-old girls,
78% of 17 year-old girls, and
80% of adult women spend every day disliking the only bodies we will ever have.
 How about a world where all body types are appreciated…

*Where naturally thin bodies are considered beautiful.

*Where naturally curvaceous bodies are considered beautiful.

*Where the thin aren't trying to get plump.

And the curvy aren't trying to get skinny. Let's live in a world where the bodies we were born with are the best, most beautiful bodies we could each have. How to do that?
Stop buying from companies who advertise their products with starvation imagery.

Don't go to movies that star emaciated actresses.

Make your voice heard. Email or write companies to complain about their irresponsible imagery.

Swear off TV shows, fashion magazines, and other media that depict only thin women. (Just 5% of American women are naturally underweight. Among the actresses on television…it's 87%.)

Reinvent your sense of female beauty with images of all types of women. Old art is one of the best choices. Go out of your way to view old paintings and sculptures to help get you started.

Reeducate your eyes to appreciate the natural, average female body.

Don't talk about your own weight loss or gain and don't comment on others' bodies in that way.

 Appreciate the women in the world around us. Practice seeing without the anorexic eyes we've been trained to view the world through. There is beauty in our natural curviness.

Move with grace and pride. You are beautiful. Reject the propaganda of starvation imagery. Love the body you're living in, it’s the only one you get and it deserves your love, honor, and affection.

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Easy Weight Loss With Healthier Meals

Meals at home and with family do not have to be fat-laden affairs. Nor do they have to be boring, tasteless times of celery mashing around the table. A few subtle adjustments in your food choices will make a big difference on the scales.

 Think Lean Meat Don't give up meat, just make smarter choices in buying it. Meat is much leaner today than it has been due to trimming efforts on the part of meatpackers. Beef labeled as "loin", "round" and "extra lean" are your best choices. According to The Wisconsin Beef Council, cuts like top round, tenderloin or sirloin qualify as lean, healthy selections. Roasting, baking, grilling, braising and broiling are healthy meat-cooking methods. Use non-stick pans and choose cooking sprays over oil or butter during preparation. Another way to reduce fat is to strain cooked ground beef and rinse it with hot water.

Drain it well before you continue the recipe. Lean Chicken Choices When we think lean we often look to chicken. Be smart. Many of us turn a potentially diet-friendly staple into something considerably less than healthy. Say no to fried patties, chicken fingers, nuggets and franks. Switch to broiling, roasting, baking or steaming fresh chicken.

Use a non-stick pan with cooking spray, broth or wine. Keep in mind that poultry dark meat contains about twice as much fat as white meat. Also, the skin is full of fat. You can remove the skin before cooking or choose skinless varieties. Simply make a rule or take off the skin before you eat it. Lean Turkey Is A Smart Choice If you're preparing a turkey, why not cook the stuffing separately? You will reduce its fat content by preventing the turkey fat from soaking into the dressing.

Try to use less butter or margarine when preparing the stuffing. Don't forget to skim the fat off of the gravy with a gravy separator or by refrigerating it. Leave the drumsticks for the kids. As with chicken, choose light meat over dark and you'll save quite a few calories. Steam It Green Serve steamed vegetables instead of heavy casseroles or cheese-based dishes. Steaming or microwaving veggies means you don't have to add any fat during preparation; choose lemon juice, herbs, or vinegar over margarine. Use herbs and spices or imitation butter sprinkles as seasoning instead of butter, oil or cheese.

If steamed vegetables don't suit your taste buds, reduce the amount of oil you use if you sauté them. Broth or flavored vinegar makes a great substitute for oil. Grains Are Great Whenever you have the chance, choose whole grains as your bread choice.

For example, you could choose whole grain breading for stuffing preparation, whole grain dinner rolls, whole wheat bread for sandwiches, and wild rice instead of white. All types of white bread are high in refined sugar and pack in more calories than grains.
These refined sugars are some of the "bad carbs" we hear so much about these days. If you still crave white bread occasionally, choose a "lite" or diet version, which will save you a few calories.

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Best Diet - 3 Key Ingredients For Ultimate Weight Loss Success

So you've made the resolution that THIS is the year you're going to lose weight and get in the best shape of your life. You're not going to settle for second best - you're going to achieve that dream body you've always wanted. Great news - this is actually the best time to make that commitment.
Why? Because you can take advantage of the powerful momentum and energy a New Year brings to achieve your weight loss dreams. But there's nothing worse than committing to lose weight, only to get lost among the 5 gazillion diets out there. It can get confusing - you may end up wasting a lot of money and effort. You may end up wondering which diet is really the BEST diet for you.

 You may even end up feeling so frustrated that you give up on your dream of becoming slim and healthy. But it doesn't have to be that way. In order to have rapid weight loss success, you have to find the best diet for you (a.k.a. the diet that will speed you towards your dream body at lightning pace). There are millions of diets - but only a few that are best for you and your lifestyle.

 The best diet for you will have the 3 key features listed below. Choose your diet with these 3 key features in mind and you're already halfway to your weight loss dreams.

  1 Proven Success Rate Are there before and after pictures of people who have lost weight with that particular diet? Are there customer testimonials? Have there been independent studies done on the diet's success rate?
 The diet you choose doesn't have to have all three of these but try to find at least some kind of proven success rate before choosing that particular program. Finding a diet with a proven success rate not only lets you know that the diet works but it also helps give you the confidence that the diet will work FOR YOU. Confidence is one of the most underrated factors in a successful weight loss program.

 If you've tried and failed with diets before you especially need that extra boost of confidence to carry you through the more difficult times in the diet. By reminding yourself that this diet has been proven to work - you'll be able to keep going and reach your weight loss goals. A related feature that gets extra points is if the diet has been recommended by an expert or a physician. Again this boosts your confidence that the diet is safe and effective.

  2 Affordable. Losing weight should not cost you thousands of dollars (unless we're talking about surgery here and that's an entirely different article). The best diet will be affordable for the average person. If the diet costs too much, be very suspicious and look elsewhere. There are too many shady diets out there and as a consumer, it pays to be cautious. I'll give you an example of what I mean: A close friend of mine went to a well-known weight loss clinic in our area and was told she had to pay the yearly fees up front (around $1000 NOT including food). They also told her she had to buy their food in bulk (like $500 for a year's worth of chocolate).

When the chocolate gave her heart palpitations and she had to take it back, they told her it was non-refundable. She was out the money for the chocolate. Plus, she feels she can't leave the program because she's paid the yearly fees (which, you guessed it, are also non-refundable). She unfortunately made the mistake of ignoring her instincts and paying way too much money for a diet program. If you notice you're being asked for hefty fees right out of the gate, warning lights should be flashing in your mind.

 Now on the other hand, the best diet WILL cost you something. It actually is better if you put some cash on the table for your diet program. Why? Because when we invest in something we're more likely to stick with it. When we invest in something we are more likely to follow through and get the results we want. For example I did a liver detox several months ago.

 I'm not really into liver detoxing but I read an article and figured I'd try it. The detox kit cost me a whopping $50 and when I opened the instructions they told me I had to give up junk food for two weeks. In any other universe I would have laughed and simply forgotten about detoxing my liver. But because I'd shelled out $50, I was invested - I decided that I hopefully wouldn't starve from lack of junk food over two weeks and suffered through it. If I'd gotten the detox kit for free there's no way I would have followed those instructions. But because I was invested, I followed through and now have a healthier liver thanking me for it. So when searching for the best diet, putting out some money on yourself and your dreams of a better body is actually a healthy thing. Just keep in mind that you shouldn't have to spend thousands of dollars on it.

 3 Compatible with Your Tastes and Lifestyle This is THE most crucial step however it's the one where most people go wrong. When choosing a diet, they simply pick one and go, without considering if it is compatible with their tastes and lifestyle. For example, if you hate feeling deprived or empty you might want to choose a program that lets you eat many times during the day so you don't feel hungry. If you get bored easily you want a diet program that gives you tremendous variety and flexibility. If you don't do a lot of cooking or food preparation, you'll want to look at a program where the food is pre-made for you. Diets are like cars - there are hundreds of different models out there, each with their own unique features.

And they can get you where you want to go. But your personality might gel better with certain features than others. Dieting is hard enough. Don't make it harder on yourself by choosing a diet not compatible with who you are. Setting yourself up for success will also guarantee that you'll stick it out until you reach your goal. And one other thing, the best diet will be one that you can get excited about.

Choose a diet that you enjoy, that you believe in, that may actually be - gulp - fun. Emotional excitement will fade in time, yes. But it can give you enough of an emotional push to get you over the initial hump. By that time your first few pounds will have come off and will serve as your continuing motivation.

 So those are 3 key considerations when looking for the best diet. Keep them in mind and you will progress in leaps and bounds towards your dream body. Remember, planning now may seem boring - but it's the key to your future weight loss success.

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Body Wrapping And Obesity

Many spas and salons offer a process called “body wrapping.” This procedure claims to remove inches from the waist, thighs, hips or other parts of the body. The process includes the use of special wraps or clothing and can sometimes be used with special lotions or creams that are applied to the skin. Customers are usually told that they can lose “inches” as opposed to pounds and that fat will melt away bringing about a loss of inches in about an hour. One of the claims is that wrapping will work because cellulite is “water logged fatty tissue.” What overweight person wouldn’t love to find a product that will render them slim and trim while they sleep? Unfortunately, many people think that body wrapping is a relatively “new” procedure and jump on the bandwagon quickly.

 The truth is that the body wrapping craze has been around for some time. Over two decades ago, government “watchdogs” reported: “Who can blame the fretfully flabby for being lured by the promise of losing inches without doing anything more strenuous than popping a pill or wrapping up the offending flesh? Who can resist ads for body wraps that promise ‘to burn away fat even while you sleep,’ to ‘lose 4-6 inches the first day?" What do these wraps consist of? Some are plastic or rubber garments worn around the waist, some cover the waist, hips and thighs, and others cover nearly the entire body. Some are to be worn while carrying out routine activities, others while exercising, and some while sleeping. One is inflated with air from a vacuum cleaner. Another uses an electric hair dryer to blow in warm air. Some are used after a cream, gel or lotion is applied or after the wrap is soaked in a solution.

 The garments and wraps, with or without lotions and creams, say that they reduce body dimensions by removing fluids. Most medical experts agree that such treatment will cause a loss of inches and perhaps pounds due to profuse perspiration. But the reductions are temporary.

The fluid is soon replaced by drinking or eating. Remember, rapid and excessive fluid loss is potentially dangerous because it can bring on severe dehydration and can upset the balance of important electrolytes in the body. Reputable spas are aware of any potential hazards such as this, so do your homework and select a spa with a good reputation. Some people have tried using “plastic wrap” as body wrap material. In fact, that was a very popular practice several decades ago. Body wrapping has evolved since those days, becoming much more sophisticated. Prices for a body wrap range anywhere from $40 an hour up to as much as several thousand dollars at some of the upscale spas. Some advertising claims that body wrapping will eliminate, or at the least reduce, cellulite but we’ll leave that up to you to determine.

What we can tell you is that visiting a spa or salon for body wrapping may be a wonderfully rejuvenating experience, leaving you rested, relaxed and refreshed. And who wouldn’t like to have a few hours being pampered and fussed over in a relaxing environment regardless if it helps the cellulite problem. Some spas advertise herbal and other natural wraps. In fact, the methods and products applied are widely varied. Let’s explore some of the components that make up a good “wrap” experience.

 Herbal wraps. Some of the higher end spas go so far as to grow their own “herbs” for use in their body wraps, but that isn’t necessary for a good body wrap experience. Herbs can be fresh, or dried and usually organically grown is best. Each herb has a specific effect. Some increase circulation, another may soothe the skin and so on. The herbs are steeped in very hot water (almost boiling) then special muslin sheets are soaked in the solution. It is these herb-infused sheets along with other insulating layers that wrap around the body.

 How the treatments work is interesting. The goal is to create a condition not unlike your body when you have a fever. We all know that when we have a fever, our body eliminates toxins by sweating. It’s the same principle with body wraps. The results vary. Some people report a very intense detoxification while for others it might be mild. Methods of application and content vary as well. Seaweed, mud and salt are popular body wraps. Most often, the subject is wrapped from neck to toe with the arms set close to the sides of the body.

This can be uncomfortable for someone who suffers from claustrophobia. The easiest correction for this is to keep the arms free from the wrap. Most people who are claustrophobic find the works and that all they need to be able to feel free to remove themselves if they choose. Whatever type of body wrap you select make certain that you feel comfortable with the spa and that a technician is always close at hand.

 Care should be taken when selecting a salon or spa. Some things to consider: How long have they been offering body wraps? Do they have a licensed clinician whose sole purpose is massage and/or body wraps? Where do their herbs and other contents come from? Do they offer any special pricing for new clients? Will they allow a tour of their facilities prior to purchase? Have they had any unresolved complaints reported by the Better Business Bureau? Do they have any package pricing for multiple visits?

 Watch your local publications for coupon offers. This can be a good way to try out a service at a bargain. Ask your friends if they have had a body wrapping experience and whether they enjoyed it and what kind of results did they experience. You may even want to check for “two for one” specials and try it out with a friend! Whether the experience reduces your cellulite or not, if you follow the guidelines you are in for a pleasant experience. Who knows, you might just like it enough to include it in your long term personal care budget!

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Are You Looking For Fast/Quick Weight Loss?

Except the sun and the moon, everybody seems to be in a hurry! We can predict by mathematical calculations the time of sunset after 1000 years and the time of moonrise on the same day. Through calculations, we can predict it today! The natural forces are not in a hurry! Everything is unfolding as it should! In a set pattern! Nature evolves with a method and it is in not in a hurry to prove and disprove anything! You don't learn something from nature, though you are a part of the nature! When you disobeyed the laws of nature and went on an eating spree, you never thought of the consequences

    that your body will grow and expand like a Bo-tree one day. Now you want a fast/ quick weight loss program! Better late than never! You have woken up at the right time! Can you ever achieve by weight loss that picture-perfect figure, that was you 20 years ago? fYour goal is achievable, provided you make certain firm decisions! A morning-walk schedule is best to start with! On the first day, you may feel tired! On the second day, you may feel extremely tired! On the third day, you are bound to have joint pains! On the fourth day, your weak will power, may advise you

   okay, please skip today's schedule -sleep for another two hours! And you have ignored this advice and had a pleasant walk- your will power is gaining ground and stabilizing! When you are walking alone, thus, you know that you are walking. There is another type of walk, one in which you do not know that you are walking, and yet is a double-benefit scheme! Your ever faithful dog! Dog ownership nearly doubles the amount of time you spend in your walks! By now, you must have shed some grams of your weight, if not some kilograms! Well done! You can think about the realms of higher adventures now! Read and understand the texts like Ashtanga Yoga and Bikram Yoga. The procedure is foolproof ! Ashtanga Yoga was authored by a realized soul and hence, undoubtedly faultless! Our eating menu need not be that extensive and contain matchless spices! Just go back to your own history

     human history! Life at the earlier stages was not all that complicated! How did our ancestors cook before the advent of fire? Look at the animals -they eat raw, that which is available in nature and according to their own nature! Only man has taken to the habit of cooking! Do animals have these many diseases and so many hospitals? Therefore the cases of obesity among birds and animals are rare! Man, discover yourself! Ponder deeply! Fast and quick weight loss is a possibility within your range!

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5 Simple Ways To Lose Weight

Losing unwanted body weight does not have to involve prolonged workout sessions at the gym or self-defeating fad diet regimens. In fact, most people find that without a sustained lifestyle change, any weight that is lost during a period of diet or extreme exercise is gained back once the activity is no longer practiced. If you would like to lose pounds and keep them off, then you need to invest in a lifestyle adjustment. By altering only a few important patterns in your diet and exercise routine, you can literally lose weight without much effort. Here are some tips to help you quickly drop those extra pounds:

 1. Walk for 30 minutes each day. Walking is not only a stress-reducer, but it is also more effective in inducing fat loss than a 30-minute jog. Here’s why: running helps you burn calories and quickly tone leg muscles because of the repeated flexing and force exerted on the leg muscles. However, because running increases the heart rate to aerobic levels, the heart rate also drops quickly once the activity has been stopped. Walking, however, increases the heart rate to the fat-burning level. Any activity performed at the fat-burning level will have a longer-lasting impact. Thus, while you might flex and strain your muscles less during a 30-minute period of walking, the heart rate will stay elevated for a longer period of time.

 2. Cut the portion in half. Whether you are eating a cheeseburger or plate of fries, divide the dish in half. If you are tempted to nibble on more than half, then give it away to a friend or have it wrapped up to take home (if you are dining out). Cutting your meal in half will not only decrease your calorie and fat in take dramatically, but it will help your body to become accustomed to smaller portions of food.

 3. Get a full night’s rest. Many people find, and most doctors know, that getting a full night of undisturbed sleep not only leaves you feeling energized for a new day, but it helps your body metabolize your food much more efficiently. When they body is in the resting state during sleep, it actually works much harder to process energy than if you were to sit on the sofa watching the television. Furthermore, if you are fully rested, you will be more likely to take on projects with more vigor and energy the next day (which will help you burn more calories.) So go on – get those zzzz’s.

 4. Call your mother. And take care of other items on your to-do list before they pile up. Undue stress has a very negative physiological effect on the body and contributes to fat storage in the cells. By reducing small amounts of stress in your life, you can quickly and simply reduce fatty deposits on your body, especially in the stomach area. So go ahead: call your loved ones!

 5. Drink plenty of liquid. Liquid hydrates your cells and helps them push harmful toxins through your body more efficiently. By drinking plenty of liquid, such as water, juice and even tea, you will help your cells function at their best without much effort at all. If you drink tea and coffee, be aware that they contain caffeine, which can increase your metabolism while it is in your system, but tends to slow your body down once it leaves.

Caffeinated beverages should always be consumed with an extra glass of water to ensure that you do not end up depleting your body of necessary liquids. To ensure that your lifestyle alterations become lasting, practice them with friends and loved ones. Adjusting to any changes can be easier if you have a friend with whom you can share the journey and help to keep each other on track.

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10 Killer Tips For Rapid Weight Loss

In order to make the most of your weight loss program, finding the most effective ways to burn fat will maximize your results and minimize your waistline! Follow these 10 tips for fat burning if you want to lose weight and lead a healthier way of life.

 1.) Drink More Water One of the best weight loss secrets is to ditch the sodas and stick to water! Experts say you should drink approximately eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy. Instead of turning to calorie-laden or sugar-rich drinks, grab a refreshing glass of water. In addition to flushing toxins out of your system, drinking water encourages you to build muscle.

 2.) Eat More Meals A traditional three-meals-a-day plan just will not cut it if you are in the market to burn fat. Your body is not able to metabolize large meals and will quickly turn any excess into fat. Many experts believe you should eat six small meals a day. Be sure you cut back on your food consumption at each meal, or else you will be doubling your intake—and doubling your fat storage!

 3.) Work Out with Weights One great way to maximize the amount of fat you are burning is to add a weight program to your work out routine. Weight training will not only tone your physique, but will strengthen your body and improve your general health. Lifting weights will also burn calories and fat more quickly than traditional exercising, and it will also boost your metabolism.

 4.) Choose Protein Choose protein-laden foods for boosting your metabolism and enabling your body to burn fat rapidly. In addition to burning fat, consuming a protein-enriched diet will help you rebuild muscle after work outs and maintain leanness of that muscle. Wisely choose proteins for your diet. Take great care to pick proteins low in fat so you do not consume extra calories.

 5.) Cut Calories Wisely It may be tempting to drastically cut your calorie intake when starting a healthy lifestyle. Instead, use a step method when cutting your calorie intake to minimize risk. Reducing calories too quickly results in your body rapidly burning all available calories, which will lower your metabolism. Furthermore, you are more likely to maintain your healthy lifestyle through this step method.

 6.) Reward Yourself When it comes to successfully dieting to burn the most fat, be sure to reward yourself. Everyone has temptations and favorite treats—so allow indulgence. You will be less likely to cheat on your new diet if you grant yourself small rewards. If you are a chocolate lover, treat yourself to a small square of chocolate or single chocolate kiss each evening.

 7.) Avoid Marathon Work Outs The biggest mistake people make when looking to burn fat and lose weight is to have one long, extensive work out session. Instead, break up your work out plan into small chunks throughout the day. Take a brisk walk in the morning, enjoy a work out at lunch, and then exercise more in the evening. In addition to staying active all day long, breaking up your work out will better maintain your metabolism.

 8.) Mix It Up Choosing to engage in a variety of quality exercises will keep your interest and best allow you to maintain your goal of burning fat. Instead of doing the same exercises each day—mix it up! Opt to swim laps one day, jog another, and bike the next. Rotating your activities will not only allow you to experience a variety of athletics, it will also allow you to better tone your body.

 9.) Skip Happy Hour For those individuals who want to burn fat quickly, avoid alcohol. Rich in sugars and carbohydrates, alcohol is a calorie-rich substance. These empty calories can add up quickly and take away from necessary nutrients that should be included in your daily diet. Furthermore, alcohol acts as an inhibitor for burning fat, allowing your body to store it more quickly.

 10.) Try a Low GI Diet A low GI diet is an excellent method of burning fat quickly. This diet encourages individuals to consume high amounts of foods with low rankings on the Glycemic Index. These foods are nutritious and will aid your body in burning fats and calories at a quicker pace.

This diet includes many of your favorite fruits, vegetable, meats, dairy, and grain products.

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5 Fun Ways to Get In Shape

The market is saturated with low-fat, low-carb and sugar-free foods. But despite the popular diets, "magical" pills and the latest, greatest fitness machines that all promise to melt away the pounds, more than half of American adults are overweight. For true weight-loss success, health experts stress the importance of changing your lifestyle for the long term and exercising regularly. Here are some creative ways to make fitness fun again and help you win the battle of the bulge once and for all.

 * Take "healthy" vacations. Make fitness part of your travels. Head to a spa where, along with a little pampering, you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, kickboxing, aqua aerobics and yoga. * Walk or run for a good cause. Training for a 5K charity walk, for example, may be all the motivation you need to get started on a regular fitness routine. Best of all, you'll be helping your favorite charity accomplish its goals. * Dance. Join a ballroom or hip-hop dancing class. It's a great way to shed the pounds, learn how to dance and have fun.

 * Strip the weight away. New DVDs featuring Carmen Electra help you spice up your regular workout routine and provide a fun new way to tone your body right in the comfort of your own living room. "Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease" and "Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease - Fit to Strip" are fast becoming wildly popular. With the help of fitness experts, Electra teaches viewers how to trim down with high- and low-impact dance and fitness techniques. The strengthening moves are designed to help tone the hips, thighs, buns and abs. The DVDs' special features include a pop-up video display with workout tips and a customizable music track.

 * Do Pilates. Find out what makes Pilates the workout of choice for countless celebrities, and why your gym's Pilates classes are always full. The "MTV: Pilates Mix" DVD, hosted by renowned Pilates and yoga instructor Kristin McGee, is perfect for those who want to add a more cutting-edge beat to their workout. The DVD features two half-hour workout sessions that focus on toning the arms, legs and abs, with a music mix that motivates you to get up and work out. The DVDs are available online and in stores nationwide. - NU

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