Archive for category summer diets

Alternative Ideas for Weight Loss

Alternative Ideas for Weight Loss

There are thousands of published editorials on the topic of weight loss that all preach the same gospel; ditch the high calorie fattening treats for a healthier diet and do tons of exercise. We all know that this is the right way to go about losing weight and starting a new healthier routine but there are some rather vital fast weight loss tips that can often be over looked. Following are some easy guidelines that should be incorporated into your weight loss plan, without incorporating these guidelines could be detrimental to your progress.

1. Get more sleep- Studies show that lack of sleep can trigger the same hormone in the body that controls the appetite. This suggests that dieters that do not get their full quota of sleep per night are more susceptible to weight gain. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you ensure you get a least 7 hours of good sleep a night. Some people can find this difficult but if you are dedicated to weight loss then get more sleep!

2. Create calm in the bedroom- To guarantee you get a night full of soporific sleep, your bedtime routine needs to be soothing and that includes your bedroom. Make sure your bedroom is clear of clutter and a tranquil place where you can unwind and drift off into slumber. If you can cope, take away any gadgets that may distract you from sleep such as televisions, telephones and computers.

3. Eat right- Making certain you consume the right things in the evening can prepare you for sleep and avoid stomach bloating. If you eat foods such as milk, bananas, sweet potatoes and brown rice you will evade feeling blown up and your body will become more relaxed and ready for sleeps. Stay away from stimulating foods such as teas, coffee, chocolate and alcohol. Smoking should be avoided too.

4. Reduce stress levels- Feeling stressed all of the time is bad for your well being and is very damaging to weight loss. Research shows that the hormone cortisone is secreted into the body when under stress and has many negative effects on your health and will hinder any weight loss results achieved. Leave your stress at the door and use relaxation techniques when at home to calm down after a day of work. Massage therapy is one of the best ways to de-stress. You could even learn how to massage yourself and engage in regular massage therapy with a partner.

5. Small portions- Trade in your large dinner plate for a smaller plate for meals. We are all guilty for clearing our plates, so reducing our portion sizes will in turn reduce the amount of food we are consuming. This is an obvious adjustment but can be overlooked, so breaking life long habits can make the change you need.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 9.5/10 (2 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)
  • Share/Bookmark

Related Posts:

, , , , , , , , ,

3 Comments

Smoothie Blenders: How To Choose, How Much To Pay

So. You know you want to buy a smoothie blender, but you don’t know where to start. That’s okay. The good news is that there are so many different smoothie blenders out there, you’ll have more than enough to pick from. That also means you have some choices to make: if you’re indecisive, that could be bad news, but we really don’t think it is.

Smoothie blenders come in dozens of shapes and sizes, with different powered motors, differently shaped blades, and a few different innovative features in some of the most notable models. And of course, they come with different price tags. Here’s a look at some of your options to help you choose the best smoothie blender for you.

  • Size. Some smoothie blenders make individual servings such as mini blenders. Others can feed a crowd. And of course, plenty are somewhere in between. Choose a smoothie blender size based on two main factors: how you plan to use it, and how much space you have. If you want to whip up a smoothie to take with on your drive to work, a small size is best. If you want to have big parties in your back yard with plenty of blended beverages for all, a larger party-sized smoothie blender is a better bet. And of course, only get a blender you actually have room for in your kitchen.
  • Functions / Options. You may think that a blender is a blender, but some specifically designed smoothie blenders have some functions that are pretty unique. More and more come with an easy pouring spout on the side of the pitcher, so you just place a glass underneath and flip a tab to fill the glass, rather than removing the whole pitcher and its lid to pour and make a mess. Others have drip-catching trays, or lids with stir sticks to help blend a perfectly smooth smoothie every time.

How much you pay depends on how serious you are about your smoothie blender, and also your budget. For most people, a blender in the $40-$60 range is good for occasional use. If you’re serious about a high quality top notch smoothie blender, somewhere in the $100 should get you a quality machine.

Ad: Complete your 2009 Taxes with Turbo Tax Online for FREE!

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 9.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)
  • Share/Bookmark

Related Posts:

  • No Related Posts

, , , , , , ,

No Comments

French Women Don’t Get Fat Diet

French Women Don’t Get Fat Diet

It just sounds misleading, but it’s just the diet that hails from France. It was created by (yes, you’re right) a Frenchwoman named Mireille Guiliano. It might seem like a mere publicity stunt, but it’s really worth the try.

According to Mireille, French women remain slim because of two ways: by savoring high quality foods through the eyes and taste buds. The French Women Don’t Get Fat Diet advocates enjoying your food cerebrally by eating slowly and with purpose. This prevents us you from overeating since chewing your food slowly makes you feel full and reduces the amount of food that end up in your mouth.

When we order at our favorite restaurant, or eat even in the comforts of our home, we see to it that we savor the best out of our every buck. We don’t realize that it is our waistlines that are paying for the price. The French Women Don’t Get Fat Diet teaches us to maintain discipline and change our eating behavior. It promotes the practicing of portion control.

What Needs To Be Done?

Grab a copy of the book so you can follow the diet closely. The diet plan kicks off with a two-day Leek soup special. Leek, which is a kind of onion, is the main component of the soup. Aside from the soup, the only thing that the dieter should consume in two days is water. The purpose of the soup marathon is to flush harmful toxins from the body and cleanse the palate.

After the two-day consumption of soup, you will notice that you have largely lost water weight. You can start to build up your metabolism and diet menu the French way. Before you do your eating plan, it is required of you to assess the food you normally eat and needed to discard for the transformation to a healthier you.

Mireille advices dieters to eat lean meats, poultry and fish. Vegetables and fruits are also essential to the diet. Two servings of yogurt are also required in the diet to supply calcium to the body and conquer your hunger. Consider keeping a food journal so you can see where your weight loss problems lie.

Avoid distractions while eating. Make every minute of your meal count, feast your eyes on the courses and let your taste buds savor them completely. Don’t be afraid to use seasonings you’ve never tried before to draw out the flavor from your food. Cayenne paper and other hot spices are great for revving up your metabolism.

Exercise is not a major requirement for the program but it is recommended for you to do some physical activity. You can combine an exercise you like with the diet for better results.

Using the French’s food practices, you can help yourself lose some weight and start enjoying your food for good health.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 9.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)
  • Share/Bookmark

Related Posts:

, , , , , , , , , , ,

4 Comments

The Jillian Michaels Weight Loss Program


The Jillian Michaels Weight Loss Program

Does the name ring a bell? You might have heard of Jillian Michaels if you’re familiar with NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” Jillian is the tough trainer from the show, and she’s sharing the diet program that helped transform some contestants on the ranch with you.

Watching “The Biggest Loser,” we are impressed with the successful weight-loss undergone by some of the contestants. But, you don’t need to be on the show just to learn from the advice of trainers. Jillian says that anyone can do it in the comfort of their own homes.

Jillian’s weight-loss program is based on three principles: weight loss, behavior modification, and exercise. As the saying goes, you are what you eat and what you eat certainly becomes part of you as the day ends. Eating more than what you need based on what you feel you need at the moment is the cause of overeating and weight-gain. This is where behavior modification comes to play.

Behavior modification is not always included in diet programs. People are not always informed on why they tend to overeat and how they can see food in a healthy ways. The principle will be put on the spotlight here in this diet program because it is essential in long-term weight maintenance.

Jillian has written a book on this, but it is much preferred for people to sign up for the online version of the program. There is a membership fee for the program and a five-week minimum. The online program will allow you to remain in contact with other people who have availed the program as well through forums. Also, you can personally ask Jillian a question. An additional fee entitles you to a home delivery of meals. A free week trial is offered before you can decide whether the diet plan is perfect for you.

What You Should Do

The main concept of the diet plan is to eat less and exercise more. It is a case of simple math. If you sweat out more calories, and consume fewer of it, then the result will be more pounds out from your body.

Exercise has always played a big role in Jillian’s diet programs. An initial evaluation is done through a questionnaire that will assess your level of physical activity. A custom-made diet plan with regular exercise programs is recommended based on the results. Suggestions on the type of food you are asked to eat and a calorie-limit is imposed each day are included in the diet plan as well. The eating plan is determined by the amount of carbohydrates (slow oxidizer) or protein (fast oxidizer) you need.

The website offers a lot of recommendation based on your needs so you’ll be off on the right foot. You are granted access to a variety of recipes and tips on the food you need to eat. Other exercises are available on the site as well. You are expected to lose one to two pounds a week.

If you are quite impressed and in favor of Jillian’s exciting approach in “The Biggest Loser,” then you should take advantage of her diet plan because it is exactly the extension of that. Jillian will be your guide in losing weight, shaping your body, and learning to control your eating habits.

VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.9.3_1094]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)
  • Share/Bookmark

Related Posts:

, , , , , , , , , ,

1 Comment