Archive for the ‘Weight Loss News’ Category
Weight Loss Using Low Carb Dieting
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008Low carb dieting become fashionable especially with the publication of the Atkins diet in the mid seventies. Today losing weight is an obsession for so many people. And also envogue for some strange reasons is the need for quick and easy way to lose weight. Being thin is so popular that some people that do not need to lose weight at all still get stressed over a couple of pounds. While others that have as much as a hundred pounds or more look for more aggresive means to lose weight like surgery.
There exist many versions of low carbohydrate diets. Whether strict low carb diets like Atkins or alitle lax, the truth is that most of them will achieve weight loss if they are followed correctly. This of course does not mean you always have to do what the diet says every moment of every day. Infact what is more important is how you deal with the inevitable occasion when you eat too much or the binging session when you feast too much on foods you should not.
If you can write this binging session off and return to the plan without giving yourself a hard time, you are likely to succeed. What you should realise is that everybody has those days – the important thing is to let them go. You need to accept them as just another step on the road to permanent weight loss.
It is also important to find a low carb diet version that you can easily follow. The advantage of low carb diets is that the rules are quite simple. This suits many people. As the name suggests, the diet consists of avoiding or limiting foods that are high in carbohydrates. Such foods include bread, pasta, potatoes, rice and other grains. Sugar is also a carbohydrate. Once you understand what these foods are, it is a simple matter of choosing dishes that avoid them.
Alot ot the criticism of low carbohydrate dieting is based on the fact that the dieters are forced to get most of their daily calories from meat, dairy and other high fat products. This poses a risk as it can lead to high cholesterol and other problems related to a high intake of saturated fats. Due to the severity of carbohydrates in this low carb diets a qualified doctors opinion is advised before starting this type of diet.
Another criticism is based on the fact that often weight loss is good in the early stages. But people cannot handle the restrictions in the longer term and start to deviate from the diet. This many times lead to weight regain as thay fall prey to their earlier habits.
The biggest problem that many people have with low carb dieting is the elimination of bread and pasta. No more toast, spaghetti or pizza! Many of the foods that are quickest to prepare are based around carbohydrates like burgers in their buns, fries, sandwiches, pasta and sauce.
Beer and other alcoholic drinks as well are eliminated in low carb diets because they are high in carbs too. It is true that alcohol is generally restricted on any diet, because it is high in calories and very low in nutritional value, but low carb diets is particularly emphatic on this.
Still there are many foods as well as version of the forbiden foods that can be enjoyed on a low carb diet. But if you are fond of meat you will relish the opportunity to consume beef, chicken and other animal products quite often.
The popularity of low carb diets is clear from the length of time that they stay on the bestseller lists. It is really just a matter of what suits you best because low carb dieting works for some people.
Dietary omega-3 fatty acids
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008The majority of the people within the United States and Europe consume “dietary supplements,” as a socially acceptable structure of health maintenance. Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and herbs and other botanicals. The continual use of dietary supplements has not been linked to any unfavorable health effects, and many studies show that supplements present significant health benefits in certain cases. For example, it has been studied that omega fatty acids aid in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes as well as aiding in the development and maintenance of the nervous system.
Scientific studies confirm that a diet higher in omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risks of heart attack as well as strokes and sudden cardiac death syndrome. Natural omega-3 fatty acids are found in the oils of fish.
The benefactors of omega-3 fatty acids reach far beyond further than just protecting against heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are also accredited in guarding against heart healthiness in general, mental health, child development, cancer, diabetes, inflammation, and many other health concerns.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
To maintain an optimized healthy lifestyle, the body needs to absorb two of the nutritionally indispensable fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6. These fatty acids cannot be synthesized in our bodies but make up the fundamental structural and well-designed mechanism of our cells, and regulate many significant aspects of our bodies metabolism and immune system.
Dietary omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from one of two sources; plants or animals.
Plant Food
a. Fruits
b. Vegetables
c. Oils
d. Grains
e. Seeds
Aquatic Plant
a. Plankton
b. Algae
c. Seaweed
Animals
a. Most fish
b. Shellfish
On the other hand, the omega-3 fatty acids found in the aquatic plants and the animals are far more functional to the body than the plant food variety by itself. The body uses alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—the short-string omega-3 fatty acids from plants—primarily to make a long-string omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In addition, our bodies use ALA to construct a secondary long-string omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
An inadequate quantity of ALA was found in the mainstream of the American diet, most coming from seed oils like soy and canola. This includes far more omega-6 fatty acid thus, creating an imbalance on the nutrimental function of the body. The only significant sources of dietary ALA are flaxseed and hemp seed oils that have become uncommon in the Western American diet.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Linoleic acid (LA) is a short-string omega-6 fatty acid the body utilizes to manufactor arachidonic acid (AA), a long-string omega-6 fatty acid, like omega-3 DHA, is a crucial element of the cell membrane. Linoleic acid is derived from grains, seeds, and vegetables. Meats that include both LA and AA are chicken, beef, pork, and lamb.
How do Omega fatty acids make us healthy?
Omega fatty acids engage in the fundamental and indispensable role within the cells membrane, controlling the fluidity, flexibility, permeability and the response levels of vital membrane dependant enzymes. DHA is selectively infused into cell membranes in the retina of the eye and into postsynaptic neuronal cell membranes, which implies that it takes an important vital role in our vision and nervous system functionality.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also manipulate the creation of ephemeral, a hormone-like composite called autocoids (eicosanoids, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes). These persuasive chemical messengers manipulate major body behaviors such as blood pressure, blood clotting, inflammation, and the cell immune system.
The predisposition of omega-3 fatty acids to hinder inflammation is beneficial because chronic, low-level inflammation produced by a diet high in omega-6 induces cardiovascular disease and cancer and has recently been studied to have an associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids have a tendency to reduce inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mood disorders, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers, while omega-6 tend to increase the risk of these conditions.
The Omega Fatty Acids Imbalance in a Troubled Western Diet
Omega-6 fatty acids are not essentially detrimental in its natural form of balance. The imbalance is in the diets of people largely within the U.S., Europe, and other industrialized countries that socially maintain exceptionally elevated levels of omega-6 fatty acids.
The fact that most Americans and Europeans devour at least 10 times more omega-6 fatty acids in relative to the omega-3 fatty acids might explain why government health establishments on both sides of the Atlantic suggest that their general public boost dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
Most citizens in developed countries would do good to increase intake of omega-3 fatty acid, some experts firmly believe that the same could be accomplished through a sharp decreased intake of omega-6 fatty acids.
Because of the fact that omega-6 fatty acids are so plentiful in common cooking oils, some meats, most poultries, and through preprocessed and commercially prepared foods that dictate the largest part of our contemporary diets, it is less cumbersome to rectify the imbalance by increasing omega-3 intake than it is to suggest restricting omega-6 intake radically, which would require significant changes in a persons behavior in nutrimental choices and their consumption lifestyles.
Techniques For Fast Weight Loss
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008Apart from physical appearance excess weight affects a person in many ways. This includes the overall quality of life, self-esteem, depression, health risk, physical in-capabilities among others. Weight loss then consequently leads into a lot of positive changes once a person experiences weight loss. It is for this reason why a lot of people are searching for a weight loss technique that will surely trim down those fats and get a super slim head turner body.
The first and best thing that an over-weight individual should do is seek a doctor to recommend the best weight loss regimen. This can be done after a full the doctor gives you a thorough physical examination. It is this examination that leads to the determination of proper weight loss technique.
Too lose weight fast and effectively four aspects of life should be changed. These are what you eat, how you eat, and lifestyle as well as activity level.
Below are some fast weight loss tips that can change your life;
Fast weight loss involve a multi-faceted approach that includes the mindset, exercising, and in some cases, diet supplements. Begin by selecting a diet food plan that you can easily be accustomed with. Accommodate an exercise plan that allows even at least thirty minutes a day like brisk walking, running, swimming, and dancing.
Secondly, work with an informed individual to set a realistic approach. Keep in mind that the ability to focus is dependent on a proper mindset. This enables someone on a diet to quickly lose those extra pounds. With a proper mind set you can get the discipline required to stay with it until the job is done. Such a dieter will not be easily discouraged and lose focus.
Thirdly, be attentive to your body’s signals. Different people react differently to different fast weight loss programs and plans. In case on fast weight loss diet plan does not work for you, understand why it did not. Then try substituting that program for another fast weight loss plan without the inadequacies of the first program.
For example exercise program must be suitable to one’s body type. One individual may be able to exercise vigorously while the other cannot. They both however can lose weight fast. If walking is all that can be done, then walk for this is proven the best exercise. Muscles burn more calories than fats so strength training should be an option. Not to mention they make you look good.
The fourth tip involves eating more fibers. Fibers makes a person feel full sooner and tend to stays in the stomach longer, slowing down the rate of digestion. Another advantage is that a single serving of whole grain bread moves fat through the digestive system faster. This will significantly reduce the amount of calories absorbed into the body.
Fifth, is that you need to keep away from fried foods. This is particularly deep-fried as this contains a great amount of dietary fat. Although fish and chicken appear leaner than beef, this white meat can contain more fat than when a beef is fried. Infact it is recommended for those that want to lose weight pretty fast to opt for grilled food as this does not have or contain much less amount of fat after the food is cooked.
Sixth, take lots of fluid. Drinking the recommended six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body refreshed. Keep in mind you need to stagger the glasses of water through out the day. Since weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes, the body must stay hydrated.
Rapid weight loss success depends on discipline and consistency while working a highly calorie deficit weight loss plan. Light dieting, workout, and right amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in faster weight loss. This is opposed to having a massive action only to be followed by a return to old habits as this would only lead to gaining more weight than when the weight loss plan has started.
Are Diet Drugs Dangerous
Saturday, March 15th, 2008In the 1950s until the late 90s, doctors prescribed diet drugs for weight loss. These diet drug works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain that makes the brain believe that the stomach is already full and thus, increases the person’s metabolic rate.
Most diet supplements you find on the store shelves are relatively safe. However, there are some health problems that could result when taking the pills. Studies reveal that diet drugs and weight loss pills can have a significant effect on a user’s blood pressure, overall health and metabolism. Many diet pills are herbal-based while others are synthetic. They are both good in the treatment of obesity.
Diet drugs and supplements have taken over the nutritional need for well-balanced and organic diet. If you have chosen a “safe” diet drug, you’ll be on your way to looking good in no time! With so many forms, varieties and types, these diet pills don’t usually work for everyone since they have different chemical composition as well as the patients have different reactions.
There are several side effects to consuming these slimming pills. Should one decide to stop using the diet drugs, studies have shown that the side effects include noticeable mood swings, hyper-activity, and pain in the stomach, insomnia and nightmares, severe irritability, extreme fatigue, depression, nausea, vomiting and trembling. The side effects of these diet drugs however, do vary depending on the lifestyle and health of the person. It is best to consult the doctor before buying these pills, so as to minimize the side effects. Besides that, if the doctor had chosen for you a weight loss pill that suits you best, you can expect to lose between 5 to 10 pounds within the first month!
At best, these diet drugs should be viewed as short-term aids for the severely overweight dieters. Clinical studies reveal that to be effective, these diet pills should be used together with a comprehensive weight loss program consisting of an exercise regimen and a low calorie diet plan. Without diet and exercise, diet pills are virtually useless.
There are many reasons to proceed with extreme caution when using diet drugs because even healthy people who aren’t taking any other meds have experienced negative health effects from diet pills. While it’s true that sometimes you may actually lose a little weight with them, the pounds return once you stop taking the product.
So, the best way is still to change your eating habits and lifestyle in order to maintain your weight loss, and not to depend too much on the wonders of the diet drugs.



