12 Tips to Eat Healthy and Stay Within Your Budget

I often hear that cost is one of the biggest reasons as to why people aren't eating healthy. Today, I thought I would share 12 of the same tips that I use in my own home to keep our food costs down and stay within budget.

First off, let me tell you that I didn't always do this. It's taken some practice and some discipline to do it. But eating healthy is an important factor in how I feel.

After gaining weight after having my girls and then packing on even more due to the medication I was on for my Fibromyalgia and Rheumotoid Arthritis, it was critical that I make changes or end up like many of my family members who are suffering from obesity related illnesses.

And that would lead to more medication, more depression, and not living the life that I knew I could if I just made one choice to start living healthier. And the better I ate, the better I felt. BOOM! I could start living life again!!

Are you ready to start living a healthier life? Simply begin taking these 12 tips and apply. You don't have to do them all at once but even those gradual changes over time will help produce results.

1. Buy Family Size Portions of turkey, chicken or beef.

 Each week, browse through your supermarket circular for what's on special. I'll often plan our family meals around what's on sale and then prepare it in a variety of ways. Ground turkey for example can make spaghetti, burgers, and toppings for a healthy pizza, a super yummy veggie chili or as a meatloaf. To ease into the transition from ground beef, I used a ½ and ½ ratio. And, guess what!?! No one has figured that out in my house yet. That is until today when they read this article. I also use my "Food Saver" storage system to freeze any extra that I can use for later. In fact, you'll often catch me actually cooking and prepping some meals in advance just because I'm saving time down the road. My girls keep me busy; I feel better when I know I can give them a home cooked meal verses a drive by one.

2. Invest in portion control tools.

If you choose to have snacks in your home, like chips or crackers, invest in some portion control tools. I like the little snack size baggies that are perfect for one serving size. Be sure to check out the nutritional label for the exact amount and then place each serving into a baggie. Both you and the kids will know that one baggie is all you get. I also have measuring cups instead of just guessing. Referring to and sticking with the recommended portion size will help you save both money and extra calories.

3. Eat at home.

I'll be the first one to admit that there are times where I just don't feel like cooking. And, we do go out on occasion. Why? Cause this momma needs a break from time to time. But here's the thing... drinks, appetizers and the main meal add up and especially when you eat out. Making a meal at home is much more affordable and you can often find a healthy version of your favorite meal online these days. And that time saving tip in Tip 1 helps me greatly when I don't feel like cooking.

4. Watch what you eat.

 Instead of servings meals on such large plates and in such large bowls, opt for smaller sizes. You'll be surprised at how this one simple tip can help your waistline and stretch your dollar.

5. Simple swaps can add BIG flavor.

 Invest in a few herbs that you can easily plant and maintain all year around. Add to dishes and be amazed at what wonderful flavor these herbs add and for A LOT less that a dried version. Some of what I keep are cilantro, basil, oregano and parsley. Also, swap oils for reduced fat broths or even better, make your own chicken or turkey stock. You can add to brown rice, quinoa, etc for even added flavor or saute veggies.

6. Make your own dessert.

Most store bought desserts a larger dose of sugar than what we need and are way too expensive. You can enjoy homemade fruit popsicles, banana or zucchini breads or Shakeology ice cream without the guilt by eating a healthier version.

7. Cook with whole grain pasta (or a low carb version).

 A box is inexpensive, healthier than regular pasta and you'll eat much less than the portions served out when you combine it with in season veggies. One of my favorites is so simple... pasta, extra virgin oil, diced veggies sprinkled with a little parm cheese.

8. Pack your own snacks.

  If you know that you're going to be out running the kids to practice or you know that you'll want to snack while at work, pack your own snacks. You'll be less tempted to snack on some less than healthier options as well as save money that would end up in the vending machine. I keep Shakeology, almonds, an apple and a P90X bar in my purse so I'm less tempted. I know myself. If I get hungry and let it go for too long, I make poor choices.

9. Make your own flavored coffee at home.

 Once again, you'll save so much money over the course of a year and extra calories. You can then chose the amount of sugar, skim milk verses whole, reduced fat whipped topping and so much more. Plus, it's fun whipping up your own specialty drink.

10. Plan your meals.

When you have a plan in place, it's easier to stay on track. Plan and pack your meals so you'll also have something healthier and less expensive on hand.

11. If you must eat out, skip the super size.

 You might think you're getting the best value for your money but over time, this choice ends up costing many folks. It starts as a few extra pounds then can turn into much more... medications, illnesses, etc.

12. Buy in season and locally.

 Local Farmer's Markets typically have the freshest and healthiest choices and are able to keep costs down because they aren't transporting if from all over. If you're like me, where there are only a few months out of the year where this is an option, your "Food Saver" can come in hand.

I buy fresh veggies, prep and then freeze to use throughout the winter months. There's nothing worse than buying what should be a pack of fresh strawberries and having to toss them because they looked good at the store and then didn't last when you got home.

So, as you can see, these are really easy tips that anyone can apply.

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2 Great Home Remedies for Weight Loss

When travelling around the world it is extremely difficult not to see how many people particularly in 3rd world countries still make use of home remedies to lose weight.

 Always make an effort to do your homework and find out as much as possible about a home remedy before you use it because there are a few of them that are just a waste of time and cash. Another crucial tip to remember before using a home remedy is to only use a remedy that requires everyday home vegetables or spices. 

Most home remedies are natural or organic so they do not have any side-effects however you should always remember to be careful for any changes in your body because some of them do cause mild side effects. Today we are going to look at some of the most common home remedies to lose weight that are easiest to make and don't cost a lot of money to make.

Ginger Tea - It is a common fact that ginger boosts your metabolism, lowers your cholesterol, and it helps to heal wounds. The 1st step in making this remedy is to slice a ginger root into little pieces. The second step is to add the shredded ginger to boiling water and let it boil for another 15 minutes. 

Then in the end you will allow it cool down and drink one cup. Ginger tea does have a bitter taste but you must drink it as it is and you should not add any sweetener like honey or sugar because it will take away its effectiveness. Try to drink at-least 1 cup before all your meals. Several people have claimed to lose 10 pounds after simply drinking this remedy for 2 weeks.

Honey and Cinnamon - is a home remedy that is not exclusively great for weight loss it is also used to boost your immune system, cure cancer, influenza, stomach aches, and it helps to get rid of pimples. 

To prepare you have to add one teaspoon cinnamon powder to a cup of water and boil for 30 minutes. The final step is to add a teaspoon honey but you should first let it cool down. 

Then you should drink one half of that cup before bedtime and drink the other half when you wake up in the morning. It is best to use cinnamon powder and not the cinnamon sticks because it works best.

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The Safest Way to Lose Weight

With a number of crash diets and weight loss supplements available in the market today, it is tempting to lose weight in these manners. These shortcuts to having that bikini body that you have wanted promises to

cut off as much as 10 pounds within three days or 20 pounds for just a short week. However, these crash diets and weight loss supplements are just a more professional way of saying how to starve yourself. Of course, with only a thousand calorie- limit per day, you will really lose weight fast, but the most important question is - is it a safe way?

In order to lose weight in a safe way, avoiding shortcuts is still the best route to go to. It may be long and hard, and you will not see results as quickly as you want to, but it is still the best option because you are changing your lifestyle - which is the most basic element is losing weight.

With crash diets and weight loss supplements, you will lose weight quickly but you will gain them quickly, too. And it is possible to gain twice as much as your weight loss! This is because in trying these shortcuts, you starve yourself and disrupt your metabolism, making you gain more once you finish your diet weak and start eating normal again. Further, it will wreak havoc on your immune system and cause health problems for you in the long run.

To lose weight safely, the first thing to do is to consult your physician, dietitian, or nutritionist. These people are the most knowledgeable in terms of how much weight you can lose per week, how much calorie intake is necessary, and how much physical activity is needed and appropriate for your current health status. But their advice is mere guidance for you to see the overall picture of the lifestyle that you have to follow. With that clear picture in mind, realize that good food and good exercise are the core values of losing weight, and not a low-calorie diet,

no carbohydrate diet, or no dinner diet. So, with a healthy food and exercise combo, you will lose weight safely while gradually gaining more muscle, making you stronger and leaner.

Further, rather than starving yourself, eat more. Studies have shown that eating five to six small meals a day will help you improve your metabolism and will make your body feel fuller, so you will not eat starved during your next meal.
Remember that you do not have to exclude certain food groups in order to lose weight, but rather keep your plate colorful with a portion of all food groups. Calories are energies needed by the body to function well everyday. Without enough calories, your energy will not sustain for even half a day. Learn to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits that will give you a handful of vitamins and fiber, chose lean meat to give you protein for leaner muscles, and drink a lot of water to flush out toxins from your body and keep you hydrated.

And lastly, do exercises - whether it is strength training, cardio, or both. These are still the most effective solution to burn fats and keep them burning even during recovery and resting. If you do not have time to hit the gym or to run, just move around - walk around the house, do some squats while waiting for the egg to fry, do jumping jacks on the next commercial, do household chores - and keep your body busy.

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Weight Loss for Today

It was only relatively recently when I retired that I began to take the subject of weight loss seriously. You see I never considered myself to be over weight and ambled through life without giving the subject of weight loss any real consideration.

 I always looked at others who were heavier than myself and very seldom at those who were fitter looking and slimmer than I was. Even when I began to think that I might have possibly put on some pounds (notice how I said possibly) I still believed that this weight loss business was for others and did not concern me.

The change came about when my daughter in law who happens to be doctor told me one day at the beach that I was definitely carrying excess weight around my middle and that this was a serious risk to my long term health. This was a wake up call for me and I decided to do something about it.

 I decided that I would take up walking on a regular basis. I really believed at the time that this would completely change the way I looked. I thought that this would give me slimmer look as well as being a health benefit something which I secretly desired even though I had locked out this desire from my life.

Having made the decision to start I was now going to give it my best shot. It just so happened that about this time I came across an unopened bathroom scales which showed weight in a digital format. It was however in kilograms and not stones and pounds which I had always used. In spite of this I quickly realized that the new scales had the big advantage of registering kilograms in tenths as for example 86.6 and 86.5 and 86.4 etc. The big advantage of this was that one could see one's weight descend from 75.5 to say 75.4 for example. This was capable of showing progress albeit only small progress but progress nonetheless. I could have never seen this on my previous scales which were impossible to read for such small changes. The feel good feeling that even small changes in weight loss delivered was for me fantastic. There is nothing to compare with real progress towards a goal.

The first problem that I then encountered was that I found the walking boring and after awhile found myself making excuses for not doing my daily walk. However I soon found a wonderful solution to this problem when I started what I call walking with purpose. 

By this I mean finding a purpose for the walk as distinct to walking in circles. In my case I decided to walk to the city's cemetery to visit my late departed family and friends. This was a walk of 3 miles each way which I never found boring because it had purpose and in fact I looked forward to it every day no matter what the weather threw up.

While I made some initial wonderful progress (I think that it was the shock to my body) I soon came to a stand still. It was then that I realized that I needed something extra. I knew that someday I would have to consider what I was eating and drinking but had again tried to fool myself into thinking that I could have avoided this.

I knew that I had to cut out sugar as much as possible in all it's forms. This would be for a start. When I decided to do this it led me into a world of knowledge that I did not know existed. This led me eventually to set up my own website where I could dispense helpful advice to those who both needed and wanted to loose weight.

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Rapid Fat Loss Tips That Promise Visible Results

Losing weight is a normal course of action, but when attempting to a rapid fat loss plan, it becomes a dilemma since you are pressured to lose some inches in a matter of days or weeks. Ordinary steps taken towards weight loss may not be sufficient to provide you with the drastic results you want. What you need are tips that can help you achieve rapid fat loss for that significant change in size, weight, and shape.

-Rapid Fat Loss Tip #1: Get enough sleep.

It may seem funny to start with this tip when discussing losing weight, but a well-rested body is essential in achieving weight loss in many ways. For one, it keeps your hormones at normal levels. You all know that hormones play a big part in maintaining a properly functioning body system.

A slight change can make a big difference. For instance, if your insulin sensitivity is affected, the tendency is you will always feel hungry even if you are not. Sleep is also a means to recharge the body. A good night sleep can make you feel energetic in the morning, thus, making it easy for you to get into your workout sessions.

-Rapid Fat Loss Tip #2: Focus your workout on muscle building exercises.

Strong muscle tissues will help your body burn more fat. So, get into strength training three times a week, but make sure that you target different muscle group each time because you will only get better results if you give them ample rest between training.

Free weights exercises are better than other forms of strength training because they help you work out more muscles as you balance and stabilize the weights. In between your strength training, do other forms of exercises, like cardio or yoga. Putting some variety in your workout regimen will make them more fun to do.

-Rapid Fat Loss Tip #3: Watch what you eat.

If you have been used to eating large meals that are laden with fats, carbohydrates, and sugar, then it is time to make big changes. First, control your portions. You do not have to eat platefuls of food to satiate your hunger.

Chewing fast can also be a culprit because you tend to take in more food before your brain gets the signal that you are already full. So, chew slowly and eat just enough. Make it a habit to eat five to six small meals a day because it will eventually improve your metabolism. Second, add more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Fruits contain natural sugars that satisfy your hunger yet they are not fattening.

-Rapid Fat Loss Tip #4: Drink plenty of water.

Intense exercise will result to a huge loss in body fluids and it is essential that you replace this to sustain your body's ability to exercise. Drink water throughout the day, not just when you are sweating or feeling thirsty.

If you fail to rehydrate your body, there is a tendency that you can suffer some health problems and your energy level can be affected too. Further, a well-hydrated body can also trigger a better metabolic rate. These are just some of the many things you can do to lose weight.

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Green Coffee Vs Green Tea for Weight Loss?

There's been rather a stir since green coffee came onto the scene in late 2012, making supplements packed with natural chlorogenic acid some of the best selling dietary aids in Europe and the States, but how exactly do they compare with green tea products for weight loss.

Green Coffee Ingredients

Green coffee dietary supplements are essentially capsules that include no more than roughly 3 ingredients.

Chlorogenic acid is what's present in the bean in abundance before it's roasted where it loses up to 95% of this anti-oxidant acid.

Whether your dietary capsule contains Svetol which is a product on its own that contains a mixture of chlorogenic acids from various plants, and/or CGA (chlorogenic acid), the overwhelming volume of the capsule will consist of chlorogenic acid.

The remaining few percent is a mixture of vegetable oil, vitamins and sometimes caffeine, but no way on a par with what you find a cup of coffee.

Green Tea Ingredients

Alternatively, it's the catechins in green tea that are a herbal extract form the Camellia Sinensis - green tea leaves, that are what is mostly present in the tea bag, which makes up a cup of specially modified green tea for weight loss.

Additional ingredients may include Pu-erh tea extracts which increase blood circulation, White tea extracts that contain a polyphenol that helps keep your arteries healthy and vitamins and minerals from Oolong tea which provide a number of different health benefits.

Green Coffee Benefits

Due to green coffee capsules consisting mainly of the beans chlorogenic acid, this is obviously where its benefits lie.

Chlorogenic Acid (CGA)

1. It restricts the absorption of high glucose foods:

When rich glucose carbs and fats enter the blood system through digestion they are very hard to break down. The green coffee beans chlorogenic acid prevents normal glucose volumes breaking down meaning they then pass on through and out in your stool.

2. Releases fatty acids from fat stores by increasing your metabolism:

This is an obvious and repetitive claim by so many weight loss supplements, but in essence, chlorogenic acids really do increase your current rate of metabolism as it has been clinically proven to increase fatty acid oxidation and when tested in laboratories, it improves lipid metabolism on high-fat diet-induced-mice.

3. It stimulates fat absorption in the liver:

By improving lipid metabolism, it lowers triglyceride levels in the liver. Triglyceride is laymen's terms is a concoction of three different fatty acids and glycerol, all harmful to your health and contribute heavily to weight gain.

Green Tea Benefits

Green tea benefits are quite different to the effect chlorogenic acid has on the digestion of high glucose foods and the build up of fat stores and glucose levels in the blood.

It's the catechins in green tea that are the anti-oxidants that have for some time been sought after by people pursuing health benefits.

Green Tea Catechins (GTC)

1. GTC anti-oxidant benefits:

The scavenging effect of lipid free radicals or free radicals are one of GTC anti-oxidant qualities. By eliminating lipid-derived free radicals you are essentially instructing your body to lose weight.

It is observed that GTC are 50 times stronger than almost any other catechin extract as they are preserved much better in the green tea leaf than other plants.

2. GTC anti-carcinogen benefits:

Green tea's anti-carcinogenic qualities are intriguing. In recent studies as late as 2012, more compelling evidence supports the fact that GTC block the cell cycle of cancer cells, and inhibit certain cancers such as prostatic cancer.

3. GTC anti-inflammatory benefits:

Most notably effective as an oral hygiene, its anti-inflammatory benefits may also help treat a wide range of inflammatory characteristics and diseases such as diabetes 2.

Green tea should be taken between meals so the body is not deprived from absorbing all its iron minerals.

Bottom line:

Green coffee's chlorogenic acid and green tea catechins or CGA and GTC display different synergistic qualities which are both essential for weight loss.

However, as listed below when pointing out their key benefits, a conclusion could well be drawn that while green tea provides some crucial anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory health benefits - if you want to just strictly just lose weight through the most effective means, then chlorogenic acid derived from the green coffee bean is the more comprehensive supplement for burning fat stores.

(GTC) Green tea key benefits:

• Lowers lipid levels in the blood
• Blocks the cell cycle of cancer cells
• Helps treat obesity related anti-inflammatory diseases

(CGA) Green coffee key benefits:

• Restricts the absorption of high glucose foods when being digested
• Releases fatty acids from fat stores through increased metabolism
• Stimulates fat absorption in the liver

Could Green Coffee Extracts be the new super-powered supplement for losing weight fast?

Well if the supplement contains high doses of chlorogenic acid (45%+) then green coffee bean extracts are very potent, and if you fancy a cup of fresh coffee a day, this will still improve your endothelial function, potentially preventing you from heart disease.

For Green Tea Lovers!

Check out Kou Tea! which appears to be one of the most comprehensive green tea's on the market right now.

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Top 10 Weight Loss Myths - Don't Believe the Hype!

The subject of weight loss is attended by an overwhelming amount of misinformation. Many of the myths originate from fad diets, which offer simple solutions to a complex problem. Keep reading to uncover some common myths debunked.

1. Low-carb, high-protein diets are ideal for losing weight.

Carbohydrates don't make you fat, I fell for that one too-eating excess calories does. Instead of cutting out entire food groups, focus on choosing healthier foods, like whole grain bread, pasta, and rice. The key to successful weight loss is simple; calories in-calories out.

2. Late-night eating will pack on the pounds.

When you eat doesn't matter as much as what you eat. Whether you're snacking in the morning or the middle of the night, your body turns excess calories into fat. Simply focus on burning more calories than you take in on any given day.

3. Drinking cold water will help you burn more calories.

This was something I was told by my P.E teacher in junior high. The extra calories burned by drinking ice-cold water won't help you shed more pounds. It's true that drinking water is a key part of any healthy lifestyle-but increasing your intake of water doesn't have a significant effect on weight loss.

4. You should cut out all your favorite foods.

If you remove your favorite foods from your diet, you'll be more likely to cave into the inevitable cravings. Instead of risking a diet-crashing binge, treat yourself occasionally to the foods you love. A healthy diet is about moderation, not deprivation.

5. The more calories you cut, the faster you'll lose weight.

If you reduce your caloric intake too fast, you actually send your body into starvation mode. When pushed to this extreme, your body will do everything it can to lower your metabolism and retain more fat. Your best bet is to find out the maximum amount of calories you can consume to lose the desired weight and then reduce them gradually until you reach that amount. This will give your body time to adjust to changes in your food intake so that it does not try to store extra fat.

6. Fatty and starchy foods are bad for you.

It's true that fatty and starchy foods, when eaten in excess, are a major cause of weight gain. At the same time, fats and starches are the most satisfying and palatable foods, so if you include them in your diet, you'll be less likely to overeat.

7. Spot-training will result in a spot reduction of fat.

I wish! No exercise regimen will remove fat from a specific part of your body. Your body makes the decisions on where fat goes and where it leaves. If you keep up your cardio routine, you can tone certain parts of your body as long as you incorporate a good weight training program.

8. If you exercise more, you DON'T need to watch your diet.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to choose between exercise and dieting. Eating a healthy diet and exercising several times a week is essential to your well-being. It's very easy to get caught up in the mind trap that tells you that you can eat like a sumo wrestler because you'll work it off in the morning. Don't believe it. If you fail to control your eating, you'll never experience the body you've always dreamed about.

9. Eating negative calorie foods will speed up weight loss.

The idea behind negative calorie foods is that they take more calories to digest than they provide. That's simply not true. While fiber is a zero-calorie food source, it doesn't mean your celery is shedding any pounds for you.

10. You shouldn't snack between meals.

On the contrary, eating small, healthy snacks between meals will keep your blood sugar up and stabilize your metabolism. You will also be less tempted to overeat at your next meal.

As you begin your weight loss journey, keep in mind that there is no secret or shortcut. The only way to start shedding pounds and keep them off is to make long-term lifestyle changes-and that's not an easy task. But like most things that require hard work, the payoff is well worth it.

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Losing Weight, For Good

Losing weight is not that hard. Most of us are able to do it, and do it often. The problem is that usually, that weight comes back.

The reason behind this is because we change our lifestyle to lose weight, but when we do lose it, we go straight back to living like we did when we were fat, and we gain all the weight back, with worst interest than one offered from a loanshark.

None of these work long term

So, we have all these bright ideas on how to lose weight, from eat only carbs to don't eat carbs, from eat a breakfast every day to never eat a breakfast, from eat multiple small meals per day to eat only once a day.

Man, where do these "experts" get off? Yeah, you will lose weight, of course. You will because it all works short term. But, if you stopped eating carbs or ate only carbs for a year, I imagine you would be sick.

The solution is...
 
The solution to losing weight forever is fairly simple, yet most people don't do it for one reason or another.

Basically, all you need to lose weight is to eat less, but still a moderate amount of healthy food, and workout more.

After you lose weight, keep doing what you were doing to lose it! Common sense, right?
All the help you need

You really just need to stick to a natural, healthy program. Eat quality foods, eat enough but not too much, take a walk each day or hit the gym, that's it.

But, in order to stay motivated you may benefit from outside help. You can use your spouse or friends to nudge you in the right direction when you need it, or undergo hypnosis or use the power of positive affirmations.

All of that helps you stay mentally strong and focused, so you don't slip up. Once you do, it is way too easy to go back to the old lifestyle that you "ran" away from in the first place.
Hypnosis
I love to use hypnosis to help keep me motivated. It is a natural way of aligning my subconscious thoughts with my conscious desires. And, it presents a great way to relax, too.

What hypnosis does is help me relax and enter a "hypnotic" state, which basically means that I am completely relaxed and focused.

Then, it would offer me suggestions which I would accept much more easily than if I was tense and nervous. And that's it.

No matter what help you use to stay consistent with your goal, I advise you to take a natural approach and alter your lifestyle slightly so the weight loss becomes permanent.

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12 Best Fat Burning Foods

Excess fat is never good for the human body. It often leads to weight gain or obesity. In any case, it can be reduced through eating healthy diets. One can also control it by following a unique diet plan. There are several fat burning foods one should be eating on daily basis. Let's take a look at some of them.

1. Almonds
Almonds reduce excess weight and also build the human muscles.

2. Cheese
Cheese enhance weight loss. They also build strong bones.

3. Eggs
Eggs are rich sources of protein. They burn fat as well.

4. Lean Meats
Lean meats strengthen the muscle. They also improve the immune system.

5. Berries
Berries are good for sound health. They also prevent cravings.

6. Peanuts
Peanuts build body tissues and also boost testosterone in ladies.

7. Fish
Fish products like salmon, mackerel and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids. They burn fat and also improve the condition of the human heart.

8. Grapefruits
Grapefruit lower insulin and also regulate blood sugar.

9. Green tea
Green tea is gotten from an ancient herbal plant. It's very good for weight loss.

10. Spinach
Spinach and other green vegetables fight free radicals and also build muscles.

11. Whole grains
Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, cereal, and others are good for weight loss.

12. Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes build body tissues and also improve digestion.

These twelve food items outlined above are very good at burning fat. Aside from that, they also have other functions as described above.

Such edibles must be taken on daily basis when looking for quick results. Obese people are expected to follow diet plans that are rich in most of the food items outlined above. They can also follow a recommended diet plan in order to control their weight.

Meanwhile, the food items outlined above are very easy to come by. One can easily purchase them at the food market. Many of them are very cheap. It's important to include them as part of daily diet when thinking of slimming down with ease.

 There are also diet supplements that contain many of the edibles outlined above. Such supplements are often costly because they are carefully processed. In any case, they are highly recommended for everyone that truly wants to lose weight.

In all, fat burning is quite possible through regular consumption of the food items outlined above. However, it's important to consult your dietitian or doctor for further guidance when thinking of following any diet.
 

Healthy eating requires proper direction.

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Diet Tips for Weight Loss - Benefits of Snacking

Planning is crucial to a healthy diet. Know what you are going to eat and when. Your body is a machine, you must keep it fueled to transform it into a fat-burning machine. Make a menu of smart, healthy meals and a menu for your food intake between meals.

 Yes, I am referring to snacking. Once thought detrimental to a successful weight loss plan, it is now viewed as essential, so start snacking your way to a leaner, stronger you.

Jump start your metabolism in the morning by eating a solid breakfast. You have already gone over eight hours without food, so try to eat within an hour of waking up. The sooner you get your metabolism pumping, the better. You must keep it going constantly, when you cut the fuel, you cut the energy and proficiency.

Choose foods full of complex carbohydrates keep your energy levels up throughout the day and protein to help with muscle repair. They will take the edge off your hunger and you will be more apt to make sensible choices for lunch and dinner.

It can be as simple as a handful of nuts or an apple with a slice of cheese. Perhaps some Greek yogurt, a serving of 1%milk or chocolate milk, dried fruit or raw vegetables. Hummus goes well with vegetables or on cracker. Try eating some fresh fruit,

 a serving of oatmeal or granola, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, pistachios or some tuna or chicken salad on crackers. Trail mix is always good (you may even sneak a little chocolate in there), or maybe some Rice cakes or cottage cheese with fruit (peaches or cantaloupe are my favorite). Try a variety of things to find ones that you like and mix it up to keep things interesting.

Decide which snacks you want for the day and have them on hand, that way you can resist the doughnut cart when it rolls around. The best times to snack around 10:00 am and 3:00 pm., approximately two hours before your next meal.

 Following this strategy you may end up eating more, but you'll be less likely to put on weight because you burn those calories more efficiently. Fueling your body in moderate doses throughout the day keeps nutrients optimally available,

your blood sugar levels more stable, and helps avoid the energy crash that affects your mood, concentration and effectiveness. If you wait until you are starving, then you are more prone to make bad eating decisions.

There is nothing wrong with the occasional sugary snack, just don't over indulge in it. If you are one of those types that can have a little something sweet and be satisfied, then go for it.

 Myself, I do better if I avoid them all together. If I have a little, I can't help myself and end up having a lot. The more you avoid, the less sugar your body has to process.

Be sure to drink enough water. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger and causes you to raid the vending machine when all you really needed was a drink.

Think of your metabolism as an engine. When you increase the rpm's, you burn more calories, even when you are idling. So grab a snack and get keep your engine burning throughout the day. Be smart. Make a good plan and stick with it.

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Three Top Tips to Lose Weight

If you could ask a group of people what some of their main goals are, many people would respond that they want to lose weight. By losing weight you will not only be improving your overall health, but you will also be improving your body image which in turn will help you to have more confidence in yourself and your abilities. Losing weight may not always be easy, but if you are prepared to make the changes necessary then it is most definitely doable. This article provides three simple tips that will help you to lose weight.

Get Clear

The first step to losing weight is to get clear on your reasons behind wanting to lose weight. Go deeper within yourself and ask questions such as why you want to do this. Do you want to look better? Do you want to feel better? Do you want increased vitality and energy? Do you want to look great on your next holiday on the beach?

 Often our wants and needs will be a combination of some of these things. By getting clear on what you really want you will be able to set better goals which can be used to transform the way you look, and help you to stay motivated during your weight loss programme.

Set Goals

Now you are ready to set goals regarding your diet and exercise plan. In order to effectively lose weight safely you will need to combine exercise with a healthy eating plan that is best suited to your body.

 Avoid fad diets and instead stick to things which have proven results. There are plenty of products which incorporate vitamins and minerals into delicious and healthy foods. When it comes to exercise you will want to set goals which you feel are achievable. Setting goals that are extremely difficult to achieve will only backfire and cause you to feel anger because you are not getting the results that you want. 

Most people like to start with a set amount of weight that they would like to shed. Once this figure has been set you will want to break it down into small steps that you can take on a daily or weekly basis in order to reach these goals. These steps can include things like working out for a set amount on time per week, attending fitness classes and following a healthy eating plan.

Get Help

One of the main reasons why people fail at achieving their ideal weight goals is that they do not receive the help and support that they need. There are many ways that you can receive help, including by hiring a professional personal trainer, by signing up to a healthy eating or fitness programme or by joining a weight loss group where you can communicate with other people who have similar goals to your own. The help and support will be able to motivate you through the weight loss process, 

and it will help to pick you up at times when you feel things are tough or are not going as planned. Remember, never give up! You have taken the first step to improving your health and fitness by reading this article in the first place. You can do it!

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Top Tips to Help You to Improve Your Body Image

Did you know that approximately 91% of American women are unhappy with their bodies? Your body image refers to the way that you perceive your body and the way that you assume others perceive your body too.

 Your body image can become severely warped; take the example of an anorexic girl who is convinced that other people view her as overweight. When it comes to body image there is one place that you need to start - and that is with yourself and your own thoughts. This article provides some simple top tips that will help you to improve your body image.

Get Clear

The first step to improving your body image is to get clear on what you really think about your current body shape and type. Take a pen and paper, clear your mind, and write down some of the words that you commonly use to describe your body. You can also keep a notepad with you throughout the day and write down any thoughts that you think that refer to your body. If you are concerned about your body image then the chances are you will be thinking negative and critical thoughts about your body throughout the day.

 The good news is that you can change these thoughts. By becoming clear on your thought patterns about your body you are taking the first steps to changing it and creating a happier healthier picture of yourself.

What Do You Want?

Once you have completed the above step it is time to get clear on what you want. If someone could wave a magic wand and you could have your dream body what would it look like? This image may not always be attainable depending on your original body shape and features, but it does give you an idea of the direction that you want to head in. Rather than just saying you want to lose weight, think about it in more detail. How much weight would you need to lose in order to feel happy and confident on your own skin? Do you want to tone up? Do you want to have more energy and vitality? These are all things that all play a part in your body image.

Change Your Thoughts

After you have figured out what you really want you are ready to start changing your mindset to reflect your new thoughts and beliefs about yourself and what you are capable of. When you catch yourself thinking a negative thought about your body stop and replace it with something better. Be kinder to yourself, and know that you are taking the steps to improve both your body image and your overall health and fitness levels.

Set a Fitness Plan

Of course you will not be able to become a healthier person by thoughts alone, and that is why it is important to make a health and fitness plan and to set goals. You can do this by joining a gym, hiring a personal trainer or by joining a health and fitness program to help you to shape up and lose weight.

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10 Secrets for Weight Loss Success

1. Set Goals

Successful people set goals in all parts of their lives and health and fitness goals are no different. Set yourself realistic goals under the smart principles... Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely.

If you have a lot of weight to lose that long term goal may be overwhelming so break it down into monthly and weekly goals and celebrate your achievements. (Be careful not to undo your good work so you will need to choose your celebration wisely!!!)

2. Have a Plan

Write down your eating plan. Plan your meals a week at a time and shop weekly with a shopping list. Avoid the aisles of biscuits, drinks, snacks and processed food. If you stick to the outside parts of the supermarket where the vegetables and fruit, meats and natural foods hang out you won't go too far wrong.

Make an exercise plan or get someone to make one for you and keep you accountable.

3. Make Lifestyle Changes

Healthy eating is a lifestyle and to make the necessary changes you will have to form new habits. You may find some of your friends or family will actually sabotage your efforts to change your habits and this can be difficult to deal with. You may also find you need to be careful to spend time with people who will support your efforts and encourage you. After a few months of persistence you will see the results and this will help with your motivation.

4. Motivation and Support

Changing a lifetime of bad eating habits is not easy!! Find a buddy to work with but make sure it's someone who will keep you accountable and won't listen to your excuses!! If you need to, use online support and there are even people out there who are happy to give you email support and motivation for a small fee. It will be worth it to become a healthier you.

5. Portion Control

One of the easiest ways to reduce calories consumed and thus start your weight loss program is to reduce your portion size, even halve it. Use smaller plates, buy some if you have to, and it won't look half as bad and don't fill it to overflowing!!! We really don't need that extra food. Eat slowly, savour each mouthful and chew your food. Allow your body the time to recognise when it's had enough.

6. Sugar and Fat

Our supermarkets are bombarding us with low-fat options in foods but if you read the fine print they are all loaded with sugar to compensate.

Avoid processed sugar (white, raw or brown) and fruit juice. Sugar is poisoning our society and is hidden in every processed food we purchase. Go on a quit plan if you need to. Your body will thank you, you won't face diabetes and anything sweet will taste horrible after a while. Juice is concentrated fruit with all the sugars and calories and none of the fibre. We physically couldn't eat all the pieces of fruit in a glass of juice. Eat one piece of fruit instead. Google the amount of sugar in soft drinks, sports drinks and sodas. You'll be horrified!! There is about 10 teaspoons of sugar in a can of cola.

Some fats are good in moderation and our body needs them. Omega-3 fats are essential to our bodies' function.

Good fats are found in Olive oil, Avocados, Nuts, Seeds and Fatty Fish.

Bad "Trans" fats are found in Commercially Baked Goods (pies, cakes, donuts, muffins), Margarine, Fried foods, Packaged snacks and Pre-mixed Cake Mixes etc. Avoid these altogether.

There are other fats that fit in between so limit them to very occasional use.

7. Exercise

Move more. Exercise boosts our metabolism and maintains our muscle strength and endurance. Exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes every day until it becomes a habit. Brisk walking is excellent exercise and can be done with a friend. Cycling and swimming are easy on the joints. If you enjoy company and classes try the gym. Strength training is great for building muscle which burns calories faster. Make sure you use correct technique to avoid injury. Don't worry about bulking up. This isn't possible without using extreme weights. Older people benefit greatly from a light weights program. It's always best to seek a doctors OK prior to starting a new exercise program.

8. Best Foods to Eat Are:

A good source of protein, lean meat and chicken, fish, eggs, lentils and beans.

Vegetables, as many as you can eat with as much variety as possible. They can be delicious with simple creative light cooking. Nothing kills the taste and nutritional value of vegetables like overcooking!!! There are plenty of quick and easy recipes and cooking tips online.

One or two pieces of fruit daily.

Wholegrain unprocessed cereals like oats and rice.

Stick to natural unprocessed foods and you'll lose some weight without even trying.

9. Foods to Avoid:

We've already touched on sugar and fat. Avoid all trans fats, sugar, soft drinks, soda and sports drinks. Processed foods, packaged biscuits and crackers, breakfast cereals, white flours, white rice and high carbohydrate high GI foods like these. Keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum. These are empty calories.

10. Avoid Temptation

If there are certain triggers to your overeating or poor food choices avoid the temptation. Don't go near those aisles in the supermarket, avoid fast food places like the plague. It's all about choices and you can choose to make the right choices for your health with a little discipline.

Follow these 10 tips and you'll find you have more energy and confidence, your clothes will look better, you'll avoid the pitfalls of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and falls and fractures. Good luck with your weight loss goals!

Neal Johnston is a qualified and experienced Health and Fitness consultant with a special interest in the health issues of the over 40's. If you are interested in contacting Neal or require further information email longlifehealthandfitness@gmail.com

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Health Benefits of Breakfast And Whole Grain

The health benefits of breakfast has not been taken seriously recently in our society, although we focus quite a bit on steps to remain healthy, we don't take our breakfast into serious consideration. 

We pay attention to personal hygiene, load up on multivitamins, and also enroll in gym memberships in the hope that we will be motivated to regularly get exercise. But then it turns out that one of the easiest preventative steps we can take can be done at home right at the start of each and every day.

In this article, we find out why breakfast is better in our daily life and the health benefits we derive from such important meal of the day.

As a rule of thumb, eating breakfast every day in the morning is essential to our health. Regularly eating breakfast can assist decrease the risk of insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes or coronary heart disease by 35% to 50% compared to your odds if you skip the morning breakfast meal. 

In doing this every morning it boils down to the large number of disease prevention just by paying close attention to one important meal of the day. Breakfast is a vital meal... as our mothers always say. It appears mom was right after all.

Now what's the best choice for breakfast that the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends to gain prevention against the above listed diseases? Building a healthier life free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke? A bowl of whole-grain cereal with milk added as part of a balanced breakfast.

Let's find out why whole grains are better than refined grains and how to add more whole grains to your diet. The fiber in whole-grain cereals and dairy products help protect against obesity and heart problem by improving blood sugar levels and levels of cholesterol.

LIST OF WHOLE GRAINS

The following, are examples of broadly speaking accepted whole grain foods and flours.

• Oats, including oatmeal
• Barley
• Quinoa
• Buckwheat
• Corn, including whole cornmeal and popcorn
• Rice, both brown rice and colored rice
• Rye
• Teff
• Wild rice
• Triticale
• Millet
• Sorghum (also called milo)
• Wheat, including varieties such as spelt, emmer, farro, einkorn, Kamut®, durum and forms such as bulgur, cracked wheat and wheatberries
• Amaranth

Well then, why shouldn't you wait to have whole grain bread at lunch instead? The answer lies in the concentration of fiber content in whole-grain cereals. Grains, especially whole grains, are an essential part of a healthy diet. All types of grains are good sources of complex carbohydrates and some key vitamins and minerals. Grains are also naturally low in fat. All of this makes grains a healthy option.

Better yet, they've been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other health problems. It is extremely hard to match the quality and amount of fiber present in whole-grain cereals with whole-grain bread. The soluble fiber in the cereals is directly associated with reduced risk of cardio disease.

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Safe Weight Loss Products - Tips to Choose

There are so many products out there that aid in weight loss. However, you shouldn't buy just anything that promises to help you shed off those extra pounds. Some of these things contain chemicals or toxins that leave you at risk for more serious health problems.

For your health and wellbeing, choose wisely. First of all, think about losing weight the traditional way. Eat right and exercise regularly. If you've got these two things covered, then your chances of maintaining your ideal weight is high. However, if you depend too much on extra help but you don't do anything about your attitude, you can expect to go back to your old ways and gain all that weight back. To supplement your efforts and to fast track your weight loss, you can turn to weight loss products that are safe for you.

Products to Choose From

Some manufacturers of herbal medicine harp on the fact that their products are organic. However, just because these come from nature doesn't automatically make them safe for consumption. Here some weight loss products that you can turn to if you need help with your diet:

L-Carnitine

This is an amino acid that helps in the breakdown of calories. Aside from that, it's good in cleaning the buildup of toxins in your digestive system. Experts also believe that this supplement supports muscle buildup during exercise.

Cayenne

This contains capsaicin, the very compound that stimulates metabolism during digestion. So, if you want to increase your metabolic rate and naturally burn fat at a faster rate, this helps a lot.

Green Tea

As safe as green tea is, it contains more caffeine that coffee. Avoid this when you're pregnant. Otherwise, this tea contains healthy antioxidant compounds and is very rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. You can take this after every meal and feel how cleanses your system.

Seaweed

They say that the sea is rich in secrets that help you attain health. They were right because seaweeds are high in chromium and iodine. This helps naturally stimulate your thyroid glands so that they work properly. However, if you're currently suffering from thyroid problems, it's best to consult with your physician first.

Acai Berry

This is full of antioxidants and nutrients that promote weight loss. That's because the berry cleanses your body of toxins and boosts your energy levels at the same time.

Ginseng

Ginseng does wonder by boosting your immune system and giving you the energy you need. While this isn't directly connected to weight loss, it does help you stay active should you need to hit the gym.

The above mentioned weight loss products are available everywhere. So, turn to these and know that you're not putting your health at risk.

Reynold Alleen is a regular blogger and an article writer, who writes about weight loss related information and reviews about weight loss supplements.

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Prasouda Diet: A Lifestyle Change

There are a lot of dieting choices out on the market today, and I am not sure about you, but I have always struggled with figuring out which one is best for me. About a month ago my wife introduced me to a new diet that she simply referred to as a lifestyle change. She told me the word diet has such a negative stigma to it and that if we thought of this as more of change in the way we live our lives, then we would more than likely stick to it. You know what? She was right. We are exactly one month in to the Prasouda Diet and I couldn't be happier.

The Basics

The basics of the Prasouda Diet are pretty simple and the resulting benefits (weight loss, more energy, and better looking skin) are stellar. The way the diet is broken out is as follows: 10% bread/cereals, 10% oils (olive), 20% meats (fish and chicken mostly but you can occasionally have red), and the rest, 60% is fruit, vegetables, and dairy.

First of all the Prasouda Diet really does not limit what you can and cannot eat. Of course you shouldn't eat excessive amounts of candy, fast food, fried food, or anything along those lines, but that goes for all diets. With the Prasouda, you are more focused on whole, natural food. If you have ever been to the Italy or Greece, think about the things you found on the restaurant menus: fresh pasta, fruit, salads, olive oil, fish, chicken, and wine (you read that right!).

What makes the Prasouda different from a lot of other diets is that you are not limiting yourself from eating anything. You can still have a moderate amount of carbs, red meat, and pork. Your meals become more of an experience then just another dinner. For example, here is what a typical Prasouda dinner would look like:

• Green salad with chicken stripes, croutons and dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and a glass of red wine.

Does not sound too bad does it? If you take on the Prasouda diet from the mindset of changing your lifestyle, like my wife and I did, you really will find success with it.

The Results

The results have been astounding. I have more energy now than I can ever remember and that is saying a lot since I have a 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter. My wife has lost 10lbs in the first month alone and her acne has begun to clear up on her back. I have only dropped 3 pounds but my goal is not weight loss. Instead I am trying to firm and tone up through an exercise regime of strength training and running.

The great thing I have seen from the Prasouda Diet is the amount of energy that I now have prior to working out. Before, I would literally have to frag myself to the gym, during lunch, and force myself to run. This resulted in inconsistency and I never really accomplished anything that I set out to achieve. Now that has changed and I owe it all to this diet.

So if you were like me and looking to make a healthy lifestyle change, then look no further. The Prasouda diet is a proven diet that will help you achieve your goals of weight loss, fitness, and wellness.

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What To Do If You Are Struggling With Weight Loss

Many moons ago when man first appeared on the planet, life as we know it today was VERY different...

We had to hunt for our meat, brave the elements, and had to grow our own vegetables... There was certainly no grocery store down the block.

So our bodies were designed to protect us and let us adapt to the many harsh conditions... The problem with that is, it is a far cry from how we live today. We have diets of fast and processed foods, and virtually foods that are dead, and no longer holds any nutritional value.

Our bodies are very primal in nature and the reason we gain weight is for protection. Our bodies want to protect us from famine and starvation. Just about 100 years ago, famine was a real threat to most of the world. We needed to survive until a food source was again available. Survival was Job #1!

Our DNA is programmed for this, and has not adapted to the way that we live today. So your body is doing everything it can for your survival.

That is why dieting doesn't work. Calorie restriction along with grueling workouts put your body into fat storage mode... or as what I refer to as "Turning on the Fat Switch ". Once this has happened our body does everything it can to store fat, slow metabolism, and turns on the hunger signal in the brain.

Our body does not realize that there is no real threat of food shortage. Scientists are now studying animals ( in the wild, not domesticated pets ) as to how they stay the perfect weight for their species. Their weight stays in balance even if there is a food shortage, or they have to endure a brutally cold winter. They have discovered this "fat switch" mechanism in them and now they are studying how this also works with humans. You will see that domesticated pets have the same weight problems that humans have.

One major cause of our "fat switch" being turned on is processed food. Processed food affects the body by "turning on the fat switch" for numerous reasons. First of all this food is stripped of any of its natural components which made it healthy and nutritious to eat. This in turn tells the body it is starving, even if you have just eaten a huge meal. It also is laden with chemicals which the body perceives as a threat, so it goes into survival mode.

Your body will fight you when you try dieting, by doing everything it can to store fat, make you more sedentary, it even deadens your taste buds, so that you crave more sugary and salty foods and have to keep eating to feel satisfied.

If you want your body to start working with you instead of against you... you need to learn how to "Turn Off The Fat Switch". Eliminating processed foods is a great start! Try replacing at every chance you can with fresh, whole foods. Your body knows exactly what to do with that!! Your cells will be jumping up and down for joy at the addition of fresh fruit and vegetables, and it will reward you!

To Your Good Health!

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How To Lose Pounds Without Losing Your Mind

Losing weight the conventional way - getting exercise and staying away from your favorite high calorie desserts - can seem anything but painless. Fortunately, if you go about it the right way, the effort needed doesn't have to be superhuman. A few simple changes to your lifestyle can bring big results for your weight loss plan.

The following tips should help you lose those pounds without being driven crazy by too much self-deprivation.

Eat More, Not Less

Diets don't have to be about starving yourself. They don't have to be about bland food, either. There are plenty of healthy foods that can be as great as any dessert. Think juicy cherries and grapes. Throw a handful of these into your breakfast cereal. Not only will your breakfast look luxuriously colorful, the fruit will make it sweet, tasty and healthy. Keep shelled snow peas around at all times. You can add fistfuls to every soup or sauce. They're crunchy and sweet too.

These days diet experts write that losing weight shouldn't be about anything as depressing as self-denial. It should be about giving yourself more of other things. Whether you're thinking of exercise or food, more of everything is a good idea - just as long as what you bring in is helpful.

You don't even need to stick to salads. If you only like pizza, you can still eat it - only, you can get the low-fat version. You won't feel as bad if you allow yourself a low-fat pizza with less cheese as you would, getting no pizza at all. You could also try getting smaller portions when it's really rich food. If you hate diet soda, you don't have to drink diet soda exclusively. You can mix in half a glass of regular soda.

Fill The Void

Denying yourself extra-large portions of all your favorite rich foods can leave you feeling empty inside. Often, though, that's a void that can be filled with things other than food - like new interests. The more activities you have that you genuinely care about, the less need you will have for food.

Cut Out Exercise

In the movie, Back to the Future III, a 20th century Doc Brown regales bar drunks in the 19th century with tales of how, in the future, people will run for entertainment. Truth be told, running and lifting weights aimlessly - the way gyms encourage us to work out - is a depressing way to go about being active.

Instead, you just have to tell yourself to go play. Tell yourself instead that should get up and go splash about in the sea. Pull your dog's tail and run for your life as he chases you - be imaginative. Anything you do that gets you to move can help you lose weight. It is painless exercise. Why should anyone sign up for regular "exercise" when they can do this?

Find Every Excuse To Walk In A Fun Way

There are many ways to get a little more walking done. You should try whatever you seem to like best. Do you have a powered lawnmower? How about getting a manual push mower instead?

Do you enjoy doing charity work? Try volunteering for something that involves much walking - a charity drive, helping the housebound elderly in your neighborhood with chores, volunteering at an orphanage - whatever inspires you.

Being a mall rat is a great way to get some walking done. You don't need to consider it wasted time, walking up and down every level at the mall and drooling over the merchandise. You're actually getting exercise done for free.

Losing Weight Is A Way Of Life

It takes time to learn. It isn't something you can do in time for the party next week when you need to wear that new outfit. Stop setting yourself up with such impossible targets. Instead, give yourself all the time in the world.

It doesn't matter how slowly you move towards a healthier lifestyle. As long as you move in the right direction, it should be okay.

All you'll lose is weight.

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A Guide to Carbohydrates and Weight Loss

Carbohydrates are nutrients that your body breaks down to create sugar. Like other nutrients, carbohydrates also provide vitamins and minerals. But what does this have to do with losing weight?

Why Does The Body Need Sugar?

The cells in our body use sugar to make energy and your brain runs off of it exclusively for fuel. So, just like gas for your car, carbohydrates keeping the motor running. And while it is also true your body can run off fat and protein for a while, it will eventually need to switch back to carbohydrates, otherwise it will start eating its own muscle for fuel - not a good idea when dieting since it lowers your overall rate at which your body burns calories.

Two Kinds of Fuel

There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are easily absorbed and provide quick energy to the body. Have you ever reached for a candy bar when you were feeling tired? That's you feeding your body simple carbohydrates to get the boost you needed. More examples of simple carbohydrates are honey, breakfast cereals, breads and biscuits made with white flour, fruit juice, and most crackers.

Complex carbohydrates aren't as quickly digested as your body since they usually contain fiber and as a result, don't cause the spikes in blood sugar. They also carry a lot more nutrients than simple sugars. Some examples of complex carbohydrates include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

There has been a lot of talk about carbohydrates and how they hinder weight loss. To a certain extent that is true - if you eat too many carbs, then your body will end up storing them as fat. In addition, when you continue to go overboard on carbs, you become sluggish, overweight and retain water. 

But here's the thing: you body needs carbohydrates to fuel your brain, to create red blood cells (a key component of blood) and to repair wounds. So how much is too much?

Recent scientific studies show that daily carbohydrate intake between 100 grams and 150 grams per day is right where you want to be; enough carbs to run your body in a healthy, efficient manner but not get in the way of weight loss. Of course, if you are exercising strenuously on a daily basis,

 are recovering from illness or surgery, or have other health issues like diabetes, your optimum carbohydrate intake level may be different - and in some case, dramatically different. It's best to check with your doctor to be sure.

Shane Stewart is a full time fitness instructor living in Maryland USA. He writes articles for many online publications on the subject of health, diet supplements, weight loss and fitness.

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Tips For Reaching Your Weight Loss Goals - At Long Last!

If you have been making an effort to shed some of those pesky pounds, one thing you have probably realized is that you are not alone in these goals; after all, plenty of people have a desire to lose weight - but the problem is, most of those who are actually achieving success in their quest to lose weight are, in fact, alone! When it comes down to it, many people

chase their goals in this area for years and are never quite able to figure out a solution that will work for them - eventually reaching a point where they even begin to feel that there is simply something wrong with their body, and that they are

unequipped for dropping pounds. If this is a tale that sounds all too familiar to you, it will be important for you to realize that there are weight loss solutions that work - and in fact, every person has the ability to lose weight, no matter how much they have struggled with weight and weight loss in the past!

When trying to find a weight loss plan, the first thing you are going to want to realize is that weight loss is an extremely lucrative industry - and as such, there are a lot of entrepreneurs and businesses that have started "weight loss programs" of their own without any actual knowledge to back up the claims they are making; instead, these people simply know how to market their products well, and are therefore able to make money selling weight loss plans and miracle diets that do not work at all!

In order to avoid running into this problem yourself, it will be important that you make sure the weight loss program with which you are teaming up is one that has come highly recommended; find a website that knows what it is talking about when it comes to weight loss, and then peruse the programs and products they suggest, as this will help you feel comfortable in the fact that you will be placing your feet on a path that will ultimately lead to success.

And then, as you begin to travel down the path on which this weight loss program has placed you, it will also be important that you have a bit of patience as you strive to achieve your weight loss goals; it is easy to get frustrated and to assume that whatever you are trying is "simply not working," but oftentimes - if you have the patience to keep at it just a little while longer - your body will begin to adjust to the things you are doing to help it, and you will begin to see that fat melting off your body!

In the end, weight is not the only indicator of whether or not an individual is healthy, and it is certainly important that you pay attention to general health principles, in addition to trying to lose weight - but at the same time, weight is certainly an indicator of health, and when you are able to keep your weight down, you will also find you are in a position to enjoy a happier, healthier life as a whole!

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