Weight Loss Information Blog
Posts tagged Calories
How Lose Weight Fast Diets Mislead You
Sep 7th
Are you wondering how lose weight fast diets work? It’s a legitimate question to ask – and here’s how lose weight fast diets promise that you’ll achieve fast weight loss but usually fail to deliver what they promise:
• Before and After Photos – the photos shown are impressive. Don’t be mislead. Assuming the subjects really lost weight, it was likely with tremendous will power and at the expense of their overall health.
• Low-Fat/High-Carb Dieting – virtually all the diets promise that they are how lose weight fast diets are supposed to work. Somewhere, you’re going to be asked to purchase a product or products. That is the real goal of the diet and its promises.
• Calorie Restriction – how lose weight fast diets rely on limiting calories and they fail to address insulin imbalance and blood sugar fluctuations. What this means is by following the calorie restriction recommendations, you will be hungry most of the time. That’s no way to lose weight permanently. And the weight you do lose in the first few weeks will be water and lean muscle which sets the stage for more weight gain later. What you really want to do is to lose fat (not water and muscle), you want the loss to be permanent and you do not want to be craving food and snacks constantly. You can read how to achieve this kind of weight loss right now.
How lose weight fast diets cannot work to help you permanently lose weight without your being hungry most of the time, and the reason is because these types of diets rely on will power. If you are just strong enough and disciplined enough, the pounds will magically melt away while at the same time, you will not feel hungry. Unfortunately, this is working against the body, not with it. If you really want to lose weight forever, you need to work with nature and your body, not against it.
How can you learn more about how lose weight fast diets do not work and are not the way to permanently lose weight? What you must do to achieve weight loss without being hungry and without having to buy weight loss products that do not work?
There’s a free online weight loss report that explains it all including important subjects such as how much can one eat, what are the good and bad fats and oils, why you get cellulite even if you’re not overweight, how fast should you lose weight, and what about weight loss pills, fat blockers and much more.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
Weight Loss: What is the Best Way to Lose Weight Fast
Jul 23rd
Because we live in such a high paced world everyone today seems to be asking how to lose weight fast.
We all expect a quick fix to everything and seem to be continually searching for the ultimateweight loss cure.So what is the best way to lose weight?
What are the best weight loss programs?Nutritionists will tell you the way to lose weight fast is simply to burn up more calories than you take in. In other words, make sure that your daily activity level is high enough to useup the energy generated by the amount of food that you eat. This sounds easy enough, and today the experts recommend that everyone does at least 30 minutes of reasonably rigorous exercise on most days of the week.
By ‘reasonably rigorous’ they mean that you should still be able to conduct a conversation while you are exercising; it doesn’t mean youhave to jog many miles, or work up a huge sweat at the gym. Maybe just a brisk walk around the block, or riding your bike around the park, is enough.
Of course, there are people who follow these weight loss tips and still fail to lose weight.This is because of the ‘hidden factor’ in weight loss, which is the human mind.
All of our deep held beliefs and convictions are held in our subconscious mind.
Consciously, we might be vowing to shed those kilograms and to lose weight fast, but, if our core belief, in oursubconscious mind, is that we love fatty, sweet food and will always eat them at any chance,then the battle is lost before we even start.
One little-considered weight loss cure is hypnotism. Through hypnosis, professional practitioners can gain a fast track to the subconscious mind, and create a belief in eating healthy, nutritious food and regularly exercising.
You can pay to attend a professional hypno-therapist for this, but a more budget-friendly approach is to regularly listen to recorded weight loss hypnotism sessions at your own leisure, as often as you like, in the comfort of your own home. Many people have discovered that doing this, in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular daily exercise, can pay high dividends in weight loss and, whole not necessarily being the ultimate weight loss cure, can often be the best way to lose weight.
Hypnotism may indeed be, the best weight loss program and a valuable weight loss tip.
Dotties Weight Watcher – What is Dotties Weight Loss Zone and Can it Help You?
Mar 5th
Dotties Weight Watcher site, named Dotties Weight Loss Zone is one of the most popular weight loss resources available on the Internet. What started as a place for one woman (Dottie) to seek help and document her quest to lose weight has since turned into a haven for those looking for weight loss methods/information and to communicate with others in a similar position. This article will detail what the Dotties Weight Watcher web page offers people who are trying to lose weight, as well as how successful the Weight Loss Zone can be.
Firstly some background, as mentioned above the weight watcher site was started by Dottie while she was trying to lose weight. Once she reached her weight goals the site was redesigned as a source to help those trying to lose weight. Still solely maintained by Dottie, the Dottie Weight Watcher Zone has turned into one of the most frequented weight loss pages in the web.
The site includes such tools as a popular forum (message board), where dieters exchange everything to do with weight loss including program reviews, tips/tricks/information that they have come across, support and other life discussions. To supplement this there is also a chat feature in which people can chat amongst themselves. In addition to the community the site also offers valuable information on popular restaurants and the ingredients in their meals (i.e. calories, fat, carbs etc)., as well as offering some of Dotties very own Weight Watching style cookbooks, the Dotties Weight Watcher newsletter with all the latest news as well as direct contact methods with Dottie.
So now we know what Dotties Weight Loss Zone provides, we need to assess exactly how useful it is. To start it is obvious that considering the large number of views Dotties Weight Watcher page receives it has been useful for many dieters. In more detail however there are several beneficial aspects of the site. The message board community and chat feature makes for a great substitute for other commercial weight loss programs meetings (for example Weight Watchers), or if you are a member of a weight loss program using these facilities between your group meetings should help dieters to maintain a strong outlook/will power and confidence.
Now as far as the information provided by Dotties Weight Loss Zone, it has been found to be extremely accurate, and can be quite useful. The restaurant ingredient facts are a great resource for anyone watching their food consumption, but particularly those on a weight loss program that is based around calories intake or other food point values (I.e. Weight Watcher’s Flex Point System). The cook books created by Dottie that are for sale include a variety of healthy recipes, that are both nutritious and tasty, however just as good recipes can probably be found in several other tailored cook books or even for free on the Internet. In addition to these services there is also a weight-loss newsletter that you can sign up for, which is run by Dottie (Dottie’s Weight Watcher Newsletter). This sends informative articles/recommendations and other assorted aspects of weight loss to your email on periodic occasions.
While all these aspects of the site are beneficial to those trying to lose weight, as always you must consider these facts above and whether or not they will suit your individual situation (but by all means check the site out as it is free to do so). Another note to consider is that while Dottie’s Weight Watcher Zone is providing a lot of information and help, it is also making money for Dottie, so keep it in mind when considering her products and recommendations.
In concluding it is clear the Dottie’s Weight Loss Zone is a valuable source of information, as well as support. It caters to a variety of different people, whether you are already taking part in a weight loss program or not. Remember however that everyone is different and it is what suits you and your situation best that will give you the greatest chance at meeting your weight loss goals.
How to calculate Weight Watchers points – Part 1
Aug 15th
Calculating “Weight Watchers points is easy. If you follow the Flex System, you will need to count your points for everything you eat – everyday. If you follow the Core System, you do not calculate points, instead you eat only the specific items allowed in that program. To figure out what the point value is you take the number of fiber, calories and fat in each serving size. I have an easy slider from Weight Watchers that they give you when you sign up. Or you can use the electronic calculator. Either method will calculate the points for you using a basic formula of Calories/50 + Fat/12 – Fiber/5 = Point Value.
Every weight range has a points scale. So your number of daily points will depend on your weight. The higher the fiber count in a serving, the lower the points will be. So look for foods that are high in fiber. Foods that are high in fat, tend to have a higher point value. It is best to keep a food diary so you can monitor your points and so if you eat the same foods often you will know the points value.
Weight Watchers has become so popular that foods now will show you the point value right on the packaging. There are some Progresso brand soups that are zero points, look for these as well as other items in your grocery store with the points value. Applebees has points values on their menus as well.
You need to eat your minimum points in a day. But Weight Watchers understands that you have other things in your life than the normal day, so they give you 35 extra points for the week. You can use these points for anything. If you are going to a wedding, a dinner or just need that extra snack each day.
Or you can always just add those extra 5 points onto your daily points value. But I have found that it is nicer to save those points and use as a “treat” for when you have an event, a bad day or you feel the need to reward yourself. Either way the extra points are there if you need them.
By using exercise you can also “earn” more points. The amount of points you can earn is based on your weight and how long you work out. For example – a 30 minute workout for a 140lb person will earn 1 point. You can then use those points toward the daily point limit. But you need to use exercise points in the day you earned them.
The best thing about the point system is the no points foods, food like salsa, green beans and many others that you can eat all you want of and they count as no points.
Pros and cons of the Weight Watchers weight loss program – Part 11
Apr 15th
Weight Watchers is a 40-year-old program that focuses on helping individuals lose weight through education, companionship, and healthy habits. Well known for its points, Weight Watchers is an option for people who want to lose weight and get in shape, but need the support system of humans, rather than books. Here is a list of the benefits of using the Weight Watchers system, as well as a few reasons it might not be right for you.
THE PROS
Overall, Weight Watchers is based on the idea of healthy weight loss using a plan based on solid nutrition, satisfaction, and fitness. It isn’t designed to be a lose weight quick scheme, but focuses rather on steady, long-term weight loss goals. The program focuses on all the major food groups so it is suitable for vegetarians and won’t leave you craving carbs or meat, or getting bored with your broccoli and salmon options.
Weight Watches is famous for their point system. Each food or meal is assigned a point value, and the participant is responsible for knowing how many points he or she is allowed to redeem, and keeping track of their daily totals. Counting points and having the freedom to budget points can be an effective tool for many people. It allows them the flexibility of eating what they want with the accountability of having a limit. It also negates the need to count calories or nutrient values.
The program is also built around a long-term support system that offers advice, continuing education in eating habits and fitness techniques, and face-to-face motivation from peers and instructors. A few quick searches on the web will reveal hundreds of related resources designed by users of the program. This wide-spread understanding and acceptance of the system makes it easy to implement and share.
THE CONS
For dieters on a budget, the per-meeting fees may be a deterrent, as may the availability of meetings in their local area. Some participants find they don’t like going to the meetings, or aren’t comfortable sharing their needs with others. In the end, the participant must learn to outgrow the points system and make choices based on his or her understanding of healthy lifestyle habits – another hurdle for those who crave structure.
If you are looking for a healthy, well-rounded system that takes the guesswork and (most of the) counting out of the mix, while offering prevalent and optional human support, Weight Watchers is a nationally recognized program that may be worth giving a try.
Lose Weight Fast – Don’t Its Unhealthy!
Dec 17th
Losing more than a pound or two a week is not healthy. Fast weight loss is bad for two main reasons.
Lose weight fast and you will lose muscle
Firstly, if you lose weight quickly you lose muscle along with fat. This is bad when it comes to weight loss.
Muscle burns more calories than fat. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn and this applies to when you’re not doing anything strenuous. Losing muscle is therefore not a good idea.
Lose weight fast and you slow your metabolism
Secondly, if you lose weight too quickly your body will slow down your metabolism.
When we skip meals or crash diet, our body is programmed to think it’s starving and slows down our metabolism to conserve energy.
What is conserved is our fat stores; our weight loss comes from water and muscle.
A Graphic example
For example, studies show that when dieting, the weight we lose is approximately 75 percent fat and 25 percent muscle.
In addition, a relatively high percentage of this weight loss is likely to be water.
Keep in mind, water accounts for about 70 percent of the total body weight of an average person, with muscle tissue containing approximately 75 percent water and body fat containing about 50 percent water.
Losing weight quickly is therefore very difficult as we are simply losing water in the sort term.
The dangers of crash dieting
Crash dieting refers is a method in which we lose weight simply by restricting the number of calories consumed.
This method of losing weight fast is considered unhealthy, and it is rare that people who do it keep weight off.
They cannot adjust to these new unhealthy eating habits and then put the weight straight back on.
Your goal should be long term weight loss
Consider this, if you only lost a pound a week that would be 52 pounds a year and that is a lot of weight.
If you lose weight slowly you will remain healthy and also stand a good chance of keeping it off.
The maximum amount of body fat a healthy person can lose is about 1 or 2 pounds per week.
The human body is simply not designed to lose weight quickly and this is a healthy amount of weight loss to aim for.
Reasons why losing weight fast is difficult and unhealthy
Our bodies are programmed to help us survive in times of starvation.
Our basic body reactions have been set since man first walked the earth and in those days food was not just a phone call, or short walk away.
In times gone by, famine was the biggest threat to mans survival and your body is programmed to protect you.
This is why it won’t ever lose excessive amounts of fat in a short period of time; your body is programmed to conserve fat.
If you drastically reduce your calorie intake, you slow down your metabolism, in order to conserve calories, as we discussed earlier.
This is one reason why we encounter a weight loss quickly is, so difficult as your body actively fights to conserve weight, it’s a survival reflex.
Side Effects of Losing Weight quickly
In addition losing weight quickly has serious side affects that can harm us
Appearance of Loose Skin
If you shed weight too quickly, your skin does not have time to shrink to your new body dimensions.
The only effective treatment for this is to fix the lose skin with surgery.
Gallstones
Studies have shown that people who lose weight quickly, have a greater risk of developing gallstones.
Lack of energy and illness
Depending on the diet there are a host of other complications including lack of energy and nausea for those who cut out carbs and a general feeling of ill health and lack of energy as you deprive your body of food.
Lose weight slowly
Don’t be taken in by quick fix weight loss, its not possible aim for longer term weight loss.
You will lose weight, keep it off and feel both healthier and happier.
Ten Golden Rules to Weight Loss Goals
Dec 15th
During my life journey of safe weight loss struggles. I have found a few things along the way that have kept me focused and on track, I call them the golden rules of any successful diet plan. Staying to a plan is not easy but with a couple of small, SAFE WEIGHT LOSS rules you can help accelerate your weight loss. These are not just rules to lose weight but rules to live by, a complete lifestyle change. Following these rules will help you to get the weight off quickly and safely and keep the weight off for good. Say goodbye to the old you and say hello to the new hot you!
Ten “Golden” Rules to help your diet plan!!!!!!!!
1. Support of Friends and Family is the most important thing that you can have when starting and continuing any weight loss program. Let the people you care about and that care about you know your weight loss goals. They are more likely to jump on board to help rather than tempt you if they know your weight loss plans. If you have this support you have everything, these are the people that will give you encouragement when you’re feeling defeated
2. Breaking your daily food intake into five to six meals instead of three will be beneficial for your weight loss. Doing this will keeps your metabolism high all day long making sure that your body doesn’t feel as though you are starving yourself and store food as fat.
3. Portion size is very important, throw out your scale for weighing food; you have the best tool at your fingertips! Use your fist as a guide, a clenched fist shows you how each portion should be at each of your six meals. A deck of cards also works the same way. This really works trust me.
4. Cold, water based liquids should be consumed with every meal. Ensure you are drinking cold, low calorie drinks; they keep you full, add water to your cells and help you burn calories because your body has to heat the water up to body temperature.
5. Using a calorie shifting method for eating keeps your metabolism on high gear, it helps to make sure that your body never gets used to a routine. It speeds up your fat loss and helps you keep on track by using foods you like in your diet plan.
6. Go for a walk every day. We are not talking about heavy cardio we are talking about a brisk walk to keep your energy levels up and burn calories. Get out from in front of that TV and help stimulate your mind and boost your energy levels at the same time!
7. Throw your scale out six days a week. Don’t look at your weight everyday it will only prove to be a de-motivator as your weight fluctuates while your body adjusts to your new routine. Instead weigh yourself once a week at the same time, don’t forget to record this in your log!
8. Start a log. Write down what and when you eat as well as the activates you do. This helps build a routine. It takes 12 weeks for any new thing to become habit or routine. This helps you get there faster, helps you stay on track and work towards achieving your goals.
9. Set realistic goals and timeframes for weight loss. Do not be heartbroken if you miss your goals, over time you may plateau for short periods don’t worry you can work through this just stay determined. Stay focused
10. REWARD YOURSELF AT EVERY LITTLE GOAL…i.e. WHEN YOU LOSE TEN POUNDS GO TO THE SPA TREAT YOURSELF YOUR WORTH IT!
Remember that you are the only you that you have. You deserve the best; always strive to make yourself better and healthier!
Brandon Arthur
Visit My Blog here! To sign up for my Newsletter filled with tips for a successful weight journey.
Easy ways to incorporate healthy eating habits in your daily life – Part 4
Dec 9th
There are easy ways to incorporate healthy eating habits into your life, with the most important outlined in this article. Whilst covering the concept of food, several myths will also be broken down.
Many people believe less meals equals less calories, which can trick them into storing excess fat. Your body only stores the necessary food needed to remain satisfied until its next feed, with the rest becoming waste. If you eat only 3 meals a day, your body knows it will not be receiving more fuel for six hours, and will store the majority of the food as fat. Moreover, if you yourself know you will not be eating for six hours, you will also fall into the trap of overeating.
On the contrary, lets say you decide to eat 5 small meals per day. Your body will know it will be receiving food in around two and half to three hours, so it will only store a small portion of your meal as fat, and leave the rest to pass through as waste. Also, if you know you will be eating in a few hours, your meal sizes will become smaller and, although eating more frequently, you will consume less calories. Eating more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day will also prevent you from craving calorie rich foods between meals.
Food choice and portion size is also vitally important, as certain foods take longer to be broken down than others, keeping your body full for a longer period of time. This is where Low GI/High GI, Complex Carbohydrates/Simple Carbohydrates and Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fats/Saturated Fats come into the equation. Keeping it simple, healthy eating habits require the consumption of Low GI, Complex Carbohydrates and .Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fats. When it comes to carbohydrates, wholegrain breads and cereals, brown rice and legumes are the best option, whilst healthy fats are found in fish and avocado. When it comes to the portion of your food, meat should be around the size of your palm, with a small amount of complex carbohydrates and a side of fresh salad or vegetables. It is also important to eat slowly, as it takes your brain 15 minutes to realise it s full.
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, with a minimum of 2 fruits and 5 vegetables daily. This is also a healthy choice for mid morning and mid afternoon snacks, with a portion of low fat yoghurt. For those who find it hard not to pick at the night’s dinner whilst preparing it, have a handful of berries, or your favourite fruit near by. It is also essential to consume around 1 litre of water per every 20-25kilos of weight, as water helps flush out waste and harmful toxins from your body.
Therefore, you do not have to starve yourself to live a healthy life. Just choose the right foods and your on your way to healthy and weight friendly eating habits.
Weight Loss After Pregnancy – How to Lose Pounds Rapidly
Dec 7th
Your baby helped you gain your pregnancy weight. Now, it is time for your baby helps you to lose it! The average woman gains between 25-35 pounds during a healthy pregnancy. She can expect to lose 12-14 pounds during delivery. That can leave as much as 20 pounds left to lose after the baby is born.
The good news is that there’s a completely natural way to get rid of that extra weight — breastfeeding! Breastfeeding isn’t just healthy for your baby; it’s healthy for you, too, and can help you get rid of those extra pounds. It will go faster and easier than if you bottle feed.
Moms who breast feed either exclusively or just partially have slimmer hips or weigh less in the first six postpartum months than moms who feed their babies by bottle.
Producing milk to feed your baby takes a lot of work. A mother who is feeding her child exclusively with breast milk can expect to use more than 500 extra calories a day just to support her milk supply. It means that you burn 3500 calories a week. Breastfeeding, coupled with a regular exercise routine and healthy diet, can help a nursing mom lose all of her postpartum weight within 9 to11 months.
While breast feeding may help to kick start your weight loss after child birth, there are a few things to consider:
* The need to eat more. It’s true that some nursing mothers do find it necessary to eat a bit more in order to keep up their milk supply. But, most find that if they avoid indulging in fatty and sugary foods and sweets, they continue to lose weight even with the added caloric intake.
* The need to exercise. Nothing will help you get back into those pre-pregnancy jeans faster than exercise. While many breastfeeding mothers worry that exercise will hinder their milk production, or change the taste of the milk, most experts agree that a reasonable amount of exercise will help you look and feel better than doing without any exercise at all.
* Remember to eat a well-balanced diet. The best way to give yourself and your baby the vitamins and minerals you both need, as well as lose those unwanted pounds, is to fill your plate with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and protein rich foods.
* Take Your Time. It’s hard to be patient to get back to your old size once the baby is born. After all, you probably haven’t felt much like your old self in months, and just want to feel like you again. But remember, it took nine months for your body to grow into the size it is now, and it won’t shrink back to what you consider normal overnight. Give yourself the time to carefully lose those unwanted pounds. Most health experts agree that a 1-2 pounds a week weight loss is the most any mom should struggle for.
Losing weight after having a baby isn’t easy, but you can do it. Using a professional and well-working weight loss method may help you.
Is the Fat Smash diet effective for weight loss
Oct 11th
The Fat Smash diet is known as the Celebrity Diet. Ian K. Smith, MD, pioneered this diet on the show Celebrity Fit Club which showcased Hollywood stars getting in shape according to a fat smash regiment. Unlike common diets, the Fat Smash diet features a lifestyle approach to dieting, which includes eating healthier foods, more satiating foods and getting lots of exercise. Smith’s program offers users a low-calorie plan that includes a long list of foods you can enjoy, some to avoid, along with weight loss tips and 50 recipes. Smith states that “dieting should not be complicated, painful or unrealistic.” Furthermore, the diet is not of the calorie counting variety.
The plan guarantees a change in your “relationship” with food, and dynamic results in about nine days, the first phase of the program, during which users can lose 6-8 pounds. This detox period is designed to rid your body of junk food so that you can prepare your “temple” for training. (You can see why Smith is a celebrity favorite) During this phase, calories are reduced and water is used to flush the body clean. You must eat four to five meals a day without skipping, and the menu should be raw, grilled or steamed. Fats are limited and you get unlimited amounts of most fruits and vegetables. Phase two lasts for three weeks and introduces additional foods, keeping the same schedule of four or five meals a day. Phase three is a construction period lasting four weeks, which adds more foods and larger portions, while phase four: “The Temple” (Don’t laugh) is the final stage and one that the author promises can last a lifetime.
The principles of the Fat Smash diet are portion control, regular meals of 4-5 a day (without skipping) and exercise. How do users of the Fat Smash diet rate the program? While many users have found success with the program (including celebrities!) other users and dietary experts question the first phase for being too strict and even a bit condescending. Another criticism is that the program waits too long the final stage to introduce valuable fat burning exercises. Nevertheless, some experts strongly recommend the plan to dieters who are “addicted” to junk food and who need help in learning to eat right and exercise at a comfortable pace.
