Best Health News - Weight Loss

Home Exercise Equipment: The Best Gym at Minimal Price!

root — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:38:45 +0200

Quality (56)

Helpful (69)

Exercising at home can be just as successful as training at a gym if you know what you’re doing. There are all types of domestic exercise equipment out on the market and every one of them claim to be answer to your prayers. The truth is, all exercise equipment are not created equal. Some can provide great variation in your training program whilst others are quite limiting. Knowing the difference before you purchase anything can save you plenty of time and money. The equipment you buy will depend greatly on what your goals are. If you need to lower your body fat you need a cardiovascular fitness program, to build muscle you need a resistance training program, and to tone your muscles you may need a combination of these. Cardiovascular Equipment This type of equipment includes bikes, treadmills, cross-trainers, and step machines. This is the best piece of equipment to buy if your goal is weight loss or you need to increase fitness. galore people are hesitant to buy cardio equipment because of the price. If this is a concern consider leasing. You should also look at garage sales, auction sites (eg, ebay), and your local newspaper as there are always bargains to be found. One thing to remember when you buy cardio equipment is that you get what you pay for. If something is really cheap, then chances are it won’t last long. Weights Weight training equipment is probably the most diverse of all home exercise equipment. It can be used for building muscle, fat loss, muscle toning, and injury rehabilitation. The unsurpassed thing about weights is they last forever. Buy them today and your kids could nonmoving be using them in 20 years time. The best weight training equipment to buy is a bench, adjustable barbell, and adaptable dumbbells. Most benches have galore attachments that will not single ad support but also more more variety. The adjustable barbells and dumbbells mean that you don’t have to buy hand weights or bars at all dumbbell interval (eg, 5kg, 10kg, 12.5kg, etc). You just buy the plates and change the plates as you change the exercise. Swiss Ball / Fitball These have been old throughout Europe by physiotherapists since 1960 but have currently become the latest fitness fad. They provide great variety in your program but it shouldn't be the only piece of equipment you buy. If you want to strengthen your abdominals they are great, but if you want to reduce your tummy then you’re better off protrusive to cardiovascular training. Imagination This is probably the superior tool you have and the better it is the little you’ll need to spend. Use the things you have at your disposal. If you have stairs or a yard that is on a slope use those for extra cardio training. Household items such as chairs, tables, and hand railings can also be used for unnecessary variety. If you’re not sure, buy a book or get a personal trainer to come over to your house and design a circuit using single what you have available.

The Whey To Weight Loss (Part II)

root — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:08:45 +0200

Quality (57)

Helpful (52)

Effects on serotonin, blood sugar regulation, and more! Although the above would probably be the major mechanisms by which whey could help the dieter, there are single secondary effects of whey that may assist in weight loss. For example, whey’s effects on serotonin levels. Serotonin is probably the most studied neurotransmitter since it has been found to be involved in a comprehensive range of psychological and begotten functions. Serotonin ( also titled 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is up to my neck with mood, anxiety, and appetite. Elevated levels of serotonin can cause relaxation and reduced anxiety. Low serotonin levels are associated with debased mood, increased anxiety (hence the current popularity of the SSRI drugs such as Prozac and others), and poor appetite control. This is an extremely short description of all the functions serotonin performs in the anthropomorphous body - many of which have yet to be fully elucidated - but a engorged explanation is beyond the scope of this article. Needless to say, magnified brain serotonin levels are related with an improved ability of people to cope with stress, whereas a decline in serotonin activity is associated with depression and anxiety. Elevated levels of serotonin in the body often result in the relief of depression, as well as considerable reduction in pain sensitivity, anxiety and stress. It has also been theorized that a diet-induced increase in tryptophan will increase brain serotonin levels, while a diet designed for weight loss (e.g., a diet that reduces calories) may lead to a reduction of brain serotonin levels due to reduced substrate for production and a reduction in carbohydrates. galore people on a reduced calorie intake in an attempt to lose weight find they are often ill tempered and much anxious. Reductions in serotonin may be partially to blame here. One recent study (The dull protein alpha-lactalbumin increases the plasma ratio of tryptophan to the other large neutral amino acids, and in vulnerable subjects raises brain serotonin activity, reduces cortisol concentration, and improves mood low stress. Am J Clin Nutr 2000 Jun;71(6):1536-1544) examined whether alpha-lactalbumin - a major sub fraction found in whey which has an especially high tryptophan complacent - would increase plasma Tryptophan levels as well reduce depression and cortisol concentrations in subjects under acute stress considered to be vulnerable to stress. The researchers examined twenty-nine "highly stress-vulnerable subjects" and 29 "relatively stress-invulnerable" subjects using a double blind, placebo-controlled study design. The study participants were exposed to experimental stress aft eating a diet enriched with either alpha-lactalbumin (found in whey) or sodium-caseinate, another milk supported protein. They researchers looked at: * Diet-induced changes in the plasma Tryptophan and its ratio to else large neutral amino acids. * Prolactin levels. * Changes in mood and pulse rate. * Cortisol levels (which were assessed before and after the stressor). Amazingly, the ratio of plasma Tryptophan to the other amino acids tested was 48% higher after the alpha-lactalbumin diet than after the casein diet! This was accompanied by a decrease in cortisol levels and higher prolactin concentration. Perhaps most important and relevant to the average person reading this article, they found "reduced sad feelings" when test subjects were put under stress. They concluded that the "Consumption of a dietary protein enriched in tryptophan increased the plasma Trp-LNAA ratio and, in stress-vulnerable subjects, improved coping ability, probably through alterations in brain serotonin." This effect was not seen in the sodium-caseinate group. If other studies can confirm these findings, whey may turn out to be yet other safe and effective supplement in the battle against depression and stress, as well as shrunken serotonin levels due to dieting. Although there is a long list of hormones involved in appetite regulation, some of which have been mentioned above, serotonin appears to be a key player in the game. In general, experiments find increased serotonin availability or activity = reduced food consumption and decreased serotonin = increase food consumption. If whey can selectively increase serotonin levels preceding that of other proteins, it could be very helpful to the dieter. Other possible advantages whey may confer to the dieter is improved blood sugar regulation (Frid AH, Nilsson M, Holst JJ, Bjorck IM. Effect of whey on blood glucose and insulin responses to composite breakfast and lunch meals in type 2 diabetic subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1):69-75.) which is yet another key area in controlling appetite and metabolism. Finally, calcium from dairy products has been saved to be associated with a reduction in bodyweight and blubbery mass. Calcium is thought to influence energy metabolism as intracellular calcium regulates fat cell (adipocyte) lipid metabolism as well as triglyceride storage. It’s been incontestable in several studies the superiority of dairy versus non-dairy sources of calcium for improving body composition, and the whey fraction of dairy maybe the key. The mechanism responsible for increased fat loss found with dairy-based calcium versus nondairy calcium has not is not fully understood but researchers looking at the issue theorized "... dairy sources of calcium markedly attenuate weight and blubbery gain and accelerate fat loss to a greater degree than do supplemental sources of calcium. This augmented effect of dairy products relative to supplemental calcium is likely due to additive bioactive compounds, including the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and the wealthy concentration of branched-chain amino acids in whey, which act synergistically with calcium to attenuate adiposity." It appears components in whey - many of which have been mentioned above - are thought to act synergistically with calcium to improve body composition (Zemel MB. Role of calcium and dairy products in energy partitioning and weight management. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 May;79(5):907S-912S.). Conclusion Taken in isolation, none of these studies are so powerful that people should run dead and use whey as many form of weight loss nirvana. However, taken as a whole picture, the bulk of the research seems to conclude that whey may in fact have some unique effects for weight loss and should be of great use to the dieter. More studies are clearly necessary however. So what is the practical application of all this information and how does the dieter put it to good use? Being the appetite suppressing effects of whey appear to last approximately 2-3 hours, it would seem best to stagger the intake throughout the day. For example, breakfast might be 1-2 scoops of whey and a bowl of oatmeal, and perhaps a few scoops of whey usurped between lunch and dinner. If whey does what the data suggests it does in the above, that should be the most hard-hitting method for maximizing the effects of whey on food (calorie) intake on subsequent meals as well as the other metabolic effects covered. If working out, the schedule may be contrasting however and people should follow the pre and post nutrition recommendations made in my ebook "Muscle Building Nutrition" or advice easily found on the 'net via the many sports nutrition and bodybuilding related web sites.

Technorati Tags: Fitness # Weight Loss # anxiety # appetite control # begotten # blood sugar regulation # dieter # engorged # ht # low serotonin levels # poor appetite # prozac # serotonin neurotransmitter # ssri drugs # whey # #

The Whey To Weight Loss (Part I)

root — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 23:08:45 +0200

Quality (57)

Helpful (57)

Regular readers of my work have come to expect articles about the power of whey proteins to potentaily fight cancer and improve immunity among its many benefits. The ability of whey to fight cancer, improve glutathione levels and immunity, is well documented. Additional research suggests possible medical uses for whey that are quite unexpected and different from whey’s traditional role as an immune booster and anti cancer functional food. For example, whey may be able to reduce stress and lower cortisol and increase brain serotonin levels, improve liver function in those troubled from certain forms of hepatitis, reduce blood pressure, as healthy as other amazing recent discoveries, such as whey’s possible effects on weight loss, which is the focus of this article. What is whey? When we talk about whey we are actually referring to a complex milk-based ingredient made up of protein, lactose, fat and minerals. Protein is the known component of whey and is made up of many small protein subfractions such as: Beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins (IgGs), glycomacropeptides, dull serum albumin (BSA) and peanut peptides such as lactoperoxidases, lysozyme and lactoferrin. Each of the subfractions saved in whey has its personal unique biological properties. Modern filtering technology has improved dramatically in the past decade, allowing companies to separate some of the highly bioactive peptides - much as lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase - from whey. Some of these subfractions are only found in very careful amounts in cow’s milk, normally at less than one percent (e.g., lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, etc.) The medicinal properties of whey have been celebrated for centuries. For example, an expression from Florence, Italy. Circa 1650, was "Chi vuol viver sano e lesto beve scotta e cena presto" which translates into English as "If you want to live a wholesome and active life, drink whey and dine early." Another expression from Italy regarding the benefits of whey (circa 1777) was "Allevato con la scotta il dottore e in bancarotta." Which translates into English "If everyone were upraised on whey, doctors would be bankrupt." Is whey a weight loss serviceable food? A few years ago, I might have said no. Now I am not so sure. Although there was a smattering of studies suggesting whey had definite properties that might assist with weight loss, a number of recent studies appear to far support the use of whey as a possible weight loss supplement. Most interesting - at least to nerds like me - the effect appears to be not by a several mechanism, but several. This article will briefly explore a hardly a possible pathways by which whey may assist the dieter. "I’m hungry!" Human hunger and appetite are regulated by a phenomenally complicated set of related feedback networks, involving a long-life list of hormones, psychological factors as well as physiological factors, all of which are nonmoving being elucidated. It’s a precise intensive area of research word-perfect now, with various pharmaceutical companies looking for that "magic bullet" weight loss breakthrough they can bring to market. One hormone getting attention by researchers looking for attainable solutions to obesity is cholecystokinin (CCK). Several decades ago, researchers found CCK largely responsible for the feeling of fullness or satiety experienced after a meal and partially controls appetite, at least in the short term. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a small peptide with multiple functions in both the central nervous system and the periphery (via CCK-B and CCK-A receptors respectively). Along with else hormones, such as pancreatic glucagon, bombesin, glucagon-like peptide-1, amide (GLP-1), oxyntomodulin, peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP)., CCK is released by ingested food from the gastrointestinal tract and mediates satiety after meals. Such a list would not be complete without at least making mention of what many researchers consider the "master hormones" in this milieu, which is insulin and leptin. If that’s not confusing enough, release of these hormones depends on the concentration and composition of the nutrients ingested. That is, the type of nutrients (i.e., fat, protein, and carbohydrates) eaten, the amount of each eaten, and composition of the meal, all effect which hormones are released and in what amounts... Needless to say, it’s a topic that gets real complicated real hurrying and the exact roles of all the variables is farther from fully understood at this time, though huge strides have been made recently. Whey’s effects on food intake. This (finally!) brings us to whey protein. Whey may have many unique effects on food intake via its effects on CCK and other pathways. Many studies have shown that protein is the most satiating macro-nutrient. However, it also appears all proteins may not be created coequal in this respect. For example, two studies using human volunteers compared whey vs. casein (another milk supported protein) on appetite, CCK, and other hormones (Hall WL, Millward DJ, Long SJ, Morgan LM.Casein and whey exert different effects on plasma amino acid profiles, gastrointestinal hormone secretion and appetite. Br J Nutr. 2003 Feb;89(2):239-48). The early study found that energy intake from a buffet meal ad libitum was significantly less 90 minutes after a liquid meal containing whey, compared with an equivalent amount of casein acknowledged 90 minutes before the volunteers were allowed to eat complete they wanted (ad libitum) at the buffet. In the ordinal study, the same whey preload led to a plasma CCK increase of 60 ( in addition to large increases in glucagon-like peptide [GLP]-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) following the whey preload compared with the casein. Translated, taking whey before people were allowed to eat all they wanted (ad libitum) at a buffet showed a decrease in the amount of calories they ate as well as considerable increases in CCK compared to casein. Subjectively, it was saved there was greater satiety followed the whey meal also. The researchers finished "These results implicate post-absorptive increases in plasma amino acids unneurotic with both CCK and GLP-1 as potential mediators of the increased satiety response to whey and emphasize the importance of considering the impact of protein type on the appetite response to a mixed meal." single animal studies also find whey appears to have a noticeable effect on CCK and or satiety over other protein sources. It should be noted however that not all studies have found the effect of whey vs. else protein sources on food intake (Bowen J, Noakes M, Clifton P, Jenkins A, Batterham M.Acute effect of dietary proteins on appetite, energy intake and glycemic response in overweight men. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2004;13(Suppl):S64.). It should also be noted that although studies find protein to be the most satiating of the macro-nutrients, certain protein sources (e.g. egg whites) may actually increase appetite (Anderson GH, Tecimer SN, Shah D, Zafar TA. Protein source, quantity, and time of consumption determine the effect of proteins on short-term food intake in young men. J Nutr. 2004 Nov;134(11):3011-5.), so protein sources appear worth considering when superficial to maximize weight loss and suppress appetite. How whey achieves this effect is not fully understood, but research suggests it’s due to whey’s high glycomacropeptide and alpha-lactalbumin content, as well as its high solubility compared to else proteins, and perhaps it’s superior percentage of branch chain amino acids (BCAA’s). Whey’s effects on bodyfat, insulin sensitivity, and fat burning... . So we have some studies suggesting whey may have some unique effects on hormones involved in satiety and or may reduce energy (calorie) intake of subsequent meals, but do we have studies showing direct effects of whey vs. other proteins on weight loss? In animals at least, whey has looked like a promising supplement for weight loss. Although high protein diets have been saved to improve insulin sensitivity, and may be superior for weight loss (with some debate!) past higher carbohydrate lower protein diets, it’s unclear if all proteins have the same effects. One study compared whey to beef (Damien P. Belobrajdic,, Graeme H. McIntosh, and Julie A. Owens. A High-Whey-Protein Diet Reduces Body Weight Gain and Alters Insulin Sensitivity relational to Red Meat in Wistar Rats. J. Nutr. 134:1454-1458, June 2004) and found whey shrunken body weight and tissue lipid levels and increased insulin sensitivity compared to red meat. Rats were fed a high-fat diet for cardinal weeks, then switched to a diet containing either whey or beef for an additional cardinal weeks. As has generally been found in other studies, the move to a high dietary protein reduced energy intake (due to the known satiating effects of protein compared to carbs or fat), as well as reductions in visceral and subcutaneous bodyfat. However, the rats getting the whey, there was a 40 reduction in plasma insulin concentrations and increased insulin sensitivity compared to the red meat. Not surprisingly, the researchers concluded "These findings support the conclusions that a high-protein diet reduces energy intake and adiposity and that whey protein is more effective than red meat in reducing body weight gain and increasing insulin sensitivity." else studies suggest taking whey before a workout is superior for preserving/gaining lean body mass (LBM) and maintaining fat burning (beta oxidation) during exercise over else foods taken prior to a workout. The study called "A preexercise lactalbumin-enriched whey protein meal preserves lipid oxidation and decreases adiposity in rats" (Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 283: E565-E572, 2002.) came to some precise interesting conclusions. One thing we have celebrated a long time is the composition of the pre-exercise meal will affect substrate utilization during exercise and thus might affect long-term changes in body weight and composition. That is, depending on what you eat before you workout can dictate what you use for energy (i.e. carbs, fats, and or proteins) which alters what you burn (oxidize) for energy. The researchers took groups of rats and made the poor buggers exercise two hours daily for over five weeks (talk about over training!), either in the fasted state or one hour after they ingested a meal enriched with a simple sugar (glucose), whole milk protein or whey protein. The results were quite telling. Compared with fasting (no food), the glucose meal increased glucose oxidation and belittled lipid oxidation during and aft exercise. Translated, they burned sugar over body fat for their energy source. In contrast, the whole milk protein and whey meals preserved lipid oxidation and increased protein oxidation. Translated, blubbery burning was maintained and they also used protein as a fuel source. Not surprisingly, the whey meal increased protein oxidation more than the whole milk protein meal, most likely due to the fact that whey is thoughtful a "fast" protein that is absorbed rapidly due to it’s high solubility. As one would expect, by the end of the cardinal weeks, body weight was greater in the glucose, whole milk protein and whey fed rats than in the fasted ones. No shock there. Here is where it gets interesting: In the group getting the glucose or the whole milk protein, the increase in weight was from bodyfat, but in the whey fed group, the increase in weight was from an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in bodyfat! Only the rats getting the whey before their workout increased muscle mass and decreased their bodyfat. The researchers theorized this was due to whey’s ability to rapidly deliver amino acids during exercise. Is this the next big find in sports nutrition or those simply looking to preserve muscle mass loss due to aging? Hard to say at this time being it was done in rats, but if it turns dead to be true in humans (and there is no reason people can’t try it now) it would indeed be a breakthrough in the quest to add muscle and lose fat.

Exercise Clothing: The Secret to Success!

root — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 19:38:45 +0200

Quality (62)

Helpful (67)

When you first start exercising finding the right clothes to wear is important for some comfort and safety. Should you wear the latest Nike joggers or are sandals ok? Should you wear lycra or track pants? Fashion may be important to some but the most consequential thing is to get finished each session so that you can follow up with much exercise tomorrow. The key to success in weight loss is consistency. Being able to exercise regularly. Wearing the right clothes will make this possible. effortful the wrong type of shoes could give you blisters or shin splints, and wearing the wrong type of pants could cause excessive rubbing of the thighs. If you’ve had some of these things happen to you then you know it’s tough to exercise the close day. Let’s start with the shoes. This is probably the most consequential piece of clothing and therefore this is where most thought should be given. You need to wear something supportive, with a flexible sole. Cross-trainers or running shoes are best. Make sure that the shoes are not too tight. Next are the socks. It is important to wear cotton socks. They allow your foot to breathe and they cause less friction on your heal. If you like the low cut socks, make predictable they won’t slip down into the shoe or you may get blisters. The pants you wear essential comfortable. Depending on the temperature, you should wear shorts or track pants. Just make predictable they are cotton and not nylon. Cotton will allow your pants to breathe, whereas nylon will cause an increase in your body’s temperature. This in turn will make your heart beat faster which means the exercise will be harder. If you have large thighs past you may also want to wear lycra pants as well. This will eliminate rubbing and chaffing. Your shirt should be cotton too. If you are going to be out in the sun then it’s a good idea to wear something with sleeves as this will reduce the risk of sunburn. Make predictable it is light fitting as well as this will help to keep you cooler. Other accessories you should consider if exercising external is a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle. A wide brimmed hat gives the best shade, sunglasses will reduce glare, sunscreen will protect against ultra-violet rays from the sun, and the water will help keep you cool.

Technorati Tags: Fitness # Weight Loss # blisters # consistency # cross trainers # exercise clothes # joggers # lycra # nike # rubbing # sandals # shin splints # shoes # thighs # track pants # #

Hoodia As An Aid To Weight Loss

root — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:38:45 +0200

Quality (64)

Helpful (65)

What Is Hoodia? It is more than 2 years now since hoodia became well known in the public domain. Television programmes on both sides of the Atlantic in 2003/4 saw to that. If you have not heard of hoodia before, or have but do not really know what it is, let me explain. Hoodia is a cactus-like succulent. I have seen it described as an ugly cactus, but as cacti go, I would say it is about average in the looks department. Not that its looks really matter; you will not be going up to it and giving it a loving hug. You might, however, want to give it a little bite, whether dead of curiosity, or because you have heard it can help you lose weight. I should be a little more precise before I continue. The hoodia plant that has recently been associated with weight loss potential is hoodia gordonii, one of a queen-size group of succulent plants titled Asclepiadaceae. How Can Hoodia Help You Lose Weight? Hoodia Gordonii grows in the Kalahari desert in Africa, and has done for thousands of years. It clearly thrives in precise high temperatures, but it also takes many years to mature. Also living in the similar region are the San Tribesmen, or Bushmen. The San are amongst the world’s oldest and most primitive tribes. The San have been eating hoodia plants for thousands of years. Now, I am sure your vision of an African desert tribe would not be anything like obese Americans or Europeans, for whom hoodia has been mooted as a possible weight loss aid. In fact, you probably imagine quite the opposite, a lithe and slender people struggling to survive on desert morsels. You would be right. How, then, can the San's inclusion of hoodia in their diet have anything to do with weight loss aids? The answer is in the reason they have, for all those generations, been eating the hoodia cactus. Their quest for food in the shifting sands of the Kalahari Desert has always meant going on long hunting expeditions. Instant gratification for hunger pangs was not usually on the menu, so with their hunting trips lasting for days, they ate hoodia gordonii because it suppressed those hunger pangs for long periods. No hunger pangs meant no overwhelming desire to eat. That made the whole hunting process that more more bearable. You are probably now opening to see how hoodia might come to the aid of the obese and overweight. Those who have trouble controlling their eating urges may have a close ally in Hoodia Gordonii. If a dose of the plant can suppress their desire to eat, to stop them feeling hungry at meal times, then surely they will find it easier to cut rearmost on calorie intake? That was the theory that sparked scientific studies of Hoodia Gordonii.

Technorati Tags: Weight Loss # Weight_Loss # cacti # hoodia cactus # hoodia gordonii # kalahari desert # lose weight # loving hug # public domain # queen size # size group # succulent plants # television programmes # ugly # #

Green Tea For Weight Loss

root — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 10:38:45 +0200

Quality (64)

Helpful (64)

There’s recently been quite a stir in the health news about green tea for weight loss. Green tea’s weight loss effects have been causing more and more people to start sipping the ancient Japanese brew. But just how does green tea help you lose weight? And does it really work or is it all just hype? present are the real facts about drinking green tea to lose weight. Advantages of Drinking chromatic Tea for Weight Loss: 1) Green tea revs up your metabolism A study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a metabolism 'boost'). The researchers also concluded that that over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%. These effects are probably payable to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols found in chromatic tea. These work to help intensify levels of blubbery oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories). 2) Green tea inhibits fat absorption and helps glucose regulation Experts tell us that the catechins in green tea help to inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells. chromatic tea may also act as al glucose regulator. It helps to slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal. This prevents high insulin spikes (lots of insulin promotes fat storage) and the later fat storage. 3) chromatic tea may help reduce appetite Scientists at the University of Chicago saved that green tea caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight. Rats injected with a chromatic tea extract lost their appetites and consumed up to 60 percent less food after cardinal days of daily injections. This may have something to do with the blood sugar regulating effects of green tea. 4) Green tea can help you save calories on your morning brew. We are a nation crooked on our java. Be it the regular double-cream, double-sugar standard or that mocha, dappa, frappucinno, the calories we ingest just to get our morning caffeine is wreaking havoc on our waistlines. If you want to save mega-calories in the morning but still get your caffeine fix, try substituting green tea for coffee. Or have a green tea in the afternoon instead of that 700 calorie mocha-chillate dream. You’ll definitely notice the difference in your waistline after a few weeks. So there are 4 ways that green tea can help you with weight loss. But how much do you actually have to drink to get these amazing metabolism boosting effects? Experts vary but the general consensus seems to be that 3 – 5 cups of green tea per day is optimal. Doing this can help you burn an extra 70 calories per day which amounts to 7 pounds per year. Pretty good for not exercising or cutting calories, right? However, 3 – 5 cups can be a lot for some people, so you might also want to consider green tea extract, chromatic tea pills or a chromatic tea patch. Disadvantages of Drinking Green Tea For Weight Loss: #1) Green tea is not a magic bullet While some people will tell you that green tea is the be-all-end-all for weight loss success, I think the keyword here is balance. You’re not going to eat 5000 calories a day, drink a cup of green tea and make it all go away – it just isn’t going to happen. A healthy diet and increased exercise will go a long way in helping you lose weight and keep it off. #2) Be cautious of the caffeine if you have health problems For some people that have heart troubles, high blood pressure or stimulant sensitivities, the caffeine in green tea may not be the best idea. If you’re worried about the caffeine from green tea, try taking chromatic tea extract. Most chromatic tea extract is made from decaffeinated green tea so you can still get the weight loss benefits without the caffeine. If you think the caffeine may be a problem, make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea for weight loss. Also make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Bottom Line: Green tea helps you with weight loss by boosting your metabolic rate, regulating your blood sugar, suppressing your appetite and giving you something other besides that high calorie, superior sugar coffee beverage to drink in the morning. While it's not the magic bullet, it can definitely give you a boost in weight loss and in your overall health!

Gastric Bypass Surgery, an Overview

root — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 21:08:45 +0200

Quality (59)

Helpful (58)

With the number of people suffering from obesity rising so rapidly in America it was only a matter of time before the miracle cure for those who were morbidly obese. Is it all really as simple as stapling your stomach? The gastric bypass has suffered both constructive and negative press since it's availability to the general public. We've heard the fatal horror stories resulting in death months down the line after the surgery, but we've also detected the success stories by hundreds of satisfied and much trimmer people! The surgery sounds simple, the surgeon will tie off part of your stomach creating a re-route around the rest of the stomach which reduces the amount of food the person can take in, causing them to feel hungry after only a few bites. Its clear why the gastric bypass works and why weight loss is precise rapid after the surgery. While it sounds simple on the surface the gastric bypass is actually a very complex procedure, both for the surgeon and the patient, mentally and physically. The inflexible diet a patient must stick to afterwards could be difficult and there are important nutrients to take. You should always seek nonrecreational advice if you're thinking about having the gastric bypass, and remember there are many else ways of weight loss. fast-growing surgery always carries a risk.

Technorati Tags: Health # Obesity # Weight Loss # gastric bypass # horror stories # matter of time # miracle cure # morbidly obese # people # sounds # stomach bypass # success stories # suffering # #

Gastric Bypass Surgery, an Overview

root — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 08:38:45 +0200

Quality (60)

Helpful (70)

Technorati Tags: Obesity # Weight Loss # Weight_Loss # gastric bypass # horror stories # matter of time # miracle cure # morbidly obese # people # sounds # stomach bypass # success stories # suffering # #

Gastric Bypass Surgery – What Happens Afterwards?

root — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:08:45 +0200

Quality (59)

Helpful (63)

After patients have had gastric bypass surgery comes a precise challenging and demanding few months ahead. It isn’t easy, no matter what those success stories on the adverts tell us. It requires a great deal of mental and emotional toughness. Unfortunately these assets aren’t always seen in the morbidly obese, and must be developed to ensure a healthy life and weight loss after the surgery. Sticking to your dietary guidelines is extremely important to reduce the risk of developing dumping syndrome, which can cause sweating, diarrhoea, bloating and dizziness. Always listen to what your surgeon, physician and nutritionist is telling you. It’s your life and long-term health we’re talking about. Right after the procedure you will be required to stay in hospital for 4 to 6 days, and generally you can get back to your normal activities within 6 weeks. You should lose generally between 8-10lbs per month in the first 2 months aft gastric bypass surgery and achieve a stable weight after 2 years. The first year is critical and will require you to see your physician regularly were you will be evaluated – this includes your mental health too. Exercising and eating properly are crucial to your health afterwards and there’s still a long way to go after surgery, it certainly isn’t a quick fix for obesity and carries real risks. Remember what your doctor has told you, stay strong, adjusted and you’ll do just fine.