Health and Personal Care

Herbs for Menopause Relief

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:59:00 +0000

Today, the number of women turning to herbs for menopause relief is staggering. With great concern about hormone replacement therapy in recent years, we now see women interested in avoiding chemicals and toxins, preferring a natural path. Because there are so many women now seeking alternatives to traditional treatment for menopause, more investigation is being done to find new options in addition to those that have been used by naturalists for hundreds of years. If you are like so many women who want to find relief from night sweats, hot flashes, joint pain, insomnia, and depression the natural way, then we believe this article will expose you to some excellent options.

First, a great herb for menopause relief, especially when it comes to many of the annoying symptoms is called Dong Quai. In Chinese medicine, Dong Quai, the root of the angelica sinesis plant, helps with many menopausal symptoms. Interestingly, while many women will use this natural herb for menopause relief alone, in Chinese medicine, it is always used as a supportive herb. Regardless, many studies have been performed whereby women taking 1500 mgs of this herb three times a day had improvement in symptoms.

Another popular herb for menopause relief is red clover. Affordable and easy to find, this herb has been used in the United States for more than 100 years. Containing phytoestrogens, which are hormone-like substances, found in certain plants such as soy, red clover is wonderful for treatment of vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Typically, a woman would take between 40 and 60 mgs for about 12 weeks. The reason this is not a long-term treatment option is that red clover has been shown to stimulate cancer cells in the breast.

Next on the list of herbs for menopause relief is black cohosh. This herb is a member of the buttercup family and considered one of the most popular, natural treatment options for menopause. You can purchase black cohosh as a supplement from a health food store or in brand form such as Remifemin. When it comes to anxiety, depression, night sweats, and hot flashes, black cohosh works exceptionally well. Other herbs for menopause relief to consider include evening primrose oil, chaste tree berry, tribulus, St. John's Wort, soy, and ginseng, which seem to ease symptoms overall.

In addition to herbs for menopause relief, you have many other options such as vitamin E. In recent years, a number of studies have been performed showing that vitamin E brings relief for miserable hot flashes. Wild yam is also an option, which can be found in many types of progesterone creams. For this, women experience fewer and less intense hot flashes, the number one complaint among menopausal women. With so much negative attention on hormone replacement therapy, you might consider herbs for menopause relief. In many cases, the natural approach is more successful in treating the body during the change of life than traditional drugs.

Menopause and Weight Gain

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:54:00 +0000

The truth on menopause and weight gain

One of the major causes of weight gain in women is the changes in their hormone levels and sedentarism. Studies show that about 90 percent of menopausal women experience weight gain between the ages 35 to 55. This is not surprising because weight gain comes with the territory of aging and menopausal.

Medical experts say that menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries has stopped producing estrogen which is responsible for ovulation and menstruation. Today, more and more women who are experiencing menopause go through weight gain due to hormonal changes brought about by aging. Experts explain that with aging, the muscles in the body start to decrease in bulk along with the slowing of metabolism. This slowing down of metabolism along with decrease in bulk of the body’s muscles contributes to weight gain. Aside from weight gain, menopause also leads to loss of sexual appetite or loss of libido, vaginal atrophy, and growth or loss of hair in the head and face. With all these demoralizing truths, it is common that women who are experiencing menopause lose self-confidence and esteem. But, it shouldn’t stay that way. With the help of science and modern researches, weight gain during menopausal years can be solved.

THE WEIGHT GAIN
Weight gain during menopause is as common as aging. Usually, women sometimes gain about 10 to 15 pounds starting from their abdomen, to the hips, thighs, and rear. Studies show that weight gain on women usually starts during their pre-menopausal years and will continue to pile up as they grow older. For those who have experienced early menopausal due to major operation or surgery, they are expected to gain weight faster compared to those who haven’t.

Because of the changes in their weight or size, many women are starting to dread the thought of menopausal. It is recommended to exerciseregularly and eat to one's appetite. Experts say that women should be more aware when they are entering the stage of menopausal so they can prepare for it. Physicians say that women should expect that as they enter the early stages of menopause, they would have difficulty maintaining their weight because of the fluctuation in their hormones. Because of these natural hormonal changes—that include estrogen, testosterone, and androgen levels—a man’s or woman’s appetite, metabolism, and fat storage are greatly affected.

UNVEILING THE REASONS BEHIND WEIGHT GAIN DURING MENOPAUSE
Before sulking into a pit of depression, a woman must know the reasons behind it so she can make the necessary adjustments.

1. Hormone deficiency and lack of female hormones that slows down metabolism. Lack of estrogen leads to excessive weight gain because it alters certain functions of the body and greatly influences fat distribution in the body. You must understand estrogen and fat distribution very well.

2. Slow metabolism due to aging. As people grow older, their metabolism starts to slow down. One effective way of reducing energy intake, women who are experiencing menopause are recommended to have a balanced diet composed of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

3. Lack of exercise or physical activity. As women enter their menopausal stage, they become more sedentary in almost everything that they do. This inactive lifestyle leads them to weight gain because they are not getting enough physical exercise they should get. If muscle pains are giving a woman a hard time to do such simple and regular exercises, she can try taking in vitamin and mineral supplement to boost her energy levels that contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, chromium and selenium.

4. The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also be a big factor in gaining weight. Although HRT is known to help give back lost female hormones, this treatment can also add up on the weight she already has because it works. HRT has also been subject to serious warnings in their use recently.

5. Weight gain can also be traced in increased food intake due to emotional problems like depression. Emotional eating or overeating due to frustration over weight gain is also a big factor that contributes to excessive weight gain. Talking to friends and satying active are powerful ways to fight back.

Nail Biting

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:49:00 +0000

Hypnosis Cures For Nail Biting
One little-thought-of application for hypnosis is to help people stop their nail biting habit. While this may not be on par with splitting the atom, it is a serious problem for people who always seem to find themselves gnawing their nails.

The problem with nail biting, unlike some other compulsions solved by hypnosis, is that one needn't make any effort to have the tools at hand. Smokers need to pull out a cigarette. People who have trouble dieting need to actually go to the fridge to get food. If you will excuse the pun, fingernails are on hand all the time. One merely move their hand near their mouth and nail biting will almost instantly ensue.

People who bite their nails often try to quit. Unfortunately, it is not so much a question of will as it is a question of habit. The person bites their nails because they've always bitten their nails. So, when they are not thinking about the fact they are trying to quit their nail biting habit, they start right back into it. It becomes an unconscious activity. This is where hypnosis comes in. The purpose of hypnosis is to reprogram the unconscious -- or, more properly, subconscious -- mind.

Many hypnotists will provide help for your nail biting. Along with weight management and quitting smoking, nail biting is the most common reason for people to visit hypnotists. Ask at your local alternative health stores or book shops for their recommendations.

If you are nervous about seeing a hypnotist (I promise you they won't make you leave thinking you're a glass of orange juice), there are a few other options available. There are self-hypnosis books and subliminal tapes you can buy that will help you with your nail biting habit. These will probably not be quite as immediately effective as an actual, qualified hypnotist, but they will help nonetheless.

So for those of you out there who are tired of worn down nails and sore, bleeding fingertips, there is hope. Through hypnosis, you can finally quit that nail biting habit that you find so tiresome. No longer will you have to hear, "Oh gross," from some aspiring med student who is "only trying to help." No longer will you have to hear another speech about how much dirt and bacteria gets under your fingernails. No longer will you have to hear that speech from your mother, again, about how you should just quit doing that. Hypnosis can help you kick that nail biting habit that has plagued you for longer than you care to remember

Tanning Beds, Are they Safe?

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:13:00 +0000

We all like to have that healthy glow that comes from being outdoors and getting some sun. However, we know that sun damage can be harmful to our skin. Many turn to tanning salons to maintain their glow, but is using a tanning bed safe?

The skin tans when exposed to ultraviolet light. To keep itself from burning, skin will manufacture extra coloring, called pigment. This pigment is what causes us to “tan”. However, when we get too much ultraviolet light and burn, serious problems can occur. We may suffer damage to our eyes, early wrinkling, blistering and rashes. At worst, we may develop certain types of skin cancer.

Exposing your skin to the ultraviolet light of a tanning booth is advertised as safe, though. It is now known that there are two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the shorter wavelengths that are most likely to cause burning. Longer wavelength UVA rays are less likely to cause a sunburn, but they have been shown to increase risk of melanoma.

Older style tanning beds were developed using primarily UVB rays. These are the ones that you lay in and close on top of your body so that the light tans both sides at once. After publicity that the UVB rays used by these beds could be harmful, many salons switched to devices using UVA rays. They were thought to be safer, but current studies dispute this.

The shorter wavelength UVB rays will cause sunburn on the outermost layer of skin. The results of overexposure are almost immediate and very apparent. However, the UVA rays reach deeper into the tissues, so the layers of tissue beneath the surface can be damaged. Since the effects are harder to see, we don’t know how much damage we are doing until it’s too late. Both types of ultraviolet light are dangerous.
Continued exposure to these ultraviolet rays can make the skin thinner and limit its ability to heal itself. Not only does this increase premature aging and wrinkling, but it leaves the skin more susceptible to disease, including skin cancer.

Tanning in a tanning bed can also cause retinal damage. Many have experienced burned corneas from overuse of tanning beds, and in extreme cases, even cataracts can develop from overexposure. Even though customers are advised to wear eye goggles, many make do by closing their eyes or placing a cloth over their eyes during tanning, steps that don’t stop the UV damage to the eyes.

Are tanning beds safe? If you can limit the time that you use them, wear goggles and be diligent, maybe. However, the best protection is to skip the tanning bed and use a self tanner. Why take chances with the largest organ in your body, your skin? Be mindful of tanning, indoors or outdoors.

Use Mineral Makeup to Fight Acne

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:10:00 +0000

The holiday season is fast approaching, and perhaps you've got a special someone who suffers from acne. The dilemma is how to present them with a gift this holiday season that helps them to fight acne without seeming overly rude or insulting in the process.

Believe me, some people do get offended at the idea of you trying to help them with "practical" gifts to help them with their condition. Even if it was kindly meant. Most people want some that is not only pleasing to the eye, but also has both use and meaning in their world.

For the acne sufferer, they may wish to buy a bottle of Proactiv for themselves, but receiveing it as a gift is another story altogher. Giving something that is astheitally pleasing and helps them to fight and prevent acne really can be a challenge.

There is an option however; mineral makeup is a solution that is not only pleasing to the eyes, but is also recommended by dermatologists the world over to help fight acne and soothe the skin. Because Mineral Makeup is oil free and ground into such a fine powder that it does not clog pores it is ideal for preventing further breakouts.

Mineral makeup is made of all natural minerals extracted from the earth and ground into a fine powder. Different combinations of the minerals produce different colors for a wide range of colors so there is no need for dies or chemicals.

Mineral makeup is not soluable in water and sheilds the skin from moisture getting into the pores when worn. If moisture to get into the pores the bacteria that feeds acne dies. The primary ingredients within mineral makeup are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. You may recognise these minerals from the ingredients list on the back of any sunscreen bottle. This is because these minerals are natural sunblocks. Zinc Oxide is also known for it's skin soothing properties.

Mineral makeup is very pleasing to the eye because the powders blend together onto the skin seamlessly and need such a small amount to cover the skin that they look very natural. Both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide also reflact light and give the face a beautiful glow without looking shiny.

Be sure you check the labels, however for Bismouth Oxychloride, a mineral added to some top name brands to give the makeup a shiny look. Bismouth Oxychloride can irritate acne.

Giving the gift of all natural healthy beauty this season does not have to be impossible with mineral makeup

Mineral Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Mineral makeup is the latest thing and it's based on the oldest things. As an all-natural makeup, these mineral-containing makeups are being touted as something that can actually help your skin. There are many cosmetic companies marketing mineral makeups by different names, but all versions of mineral makeup have a common ingredient. They all contain "natural" minerals.

The idea behind "Mineral makeup" goes against the more modern use of artificially created compounds and takes its inspiration from minerals and inorganic pigments that exist in nature. Many people prefer the natural colors of the cosmetics and feel they are supporting better health by limiting their exposure to articifial chemicals which make up the ingredients of most cosmetics. These are generally compounds which the body is less likely to be allergic to and many natural minerals also behave as antioxidants. These minerals, such as mica, titanium dioxide, zinc and iron oxides, and ultramarine pigments and even calcium, can be can be combined to make every cosmetic from foundation to eyeshadow to shimmer powder for the body.

As with any type of makeup there are some mineral makeups that are expensive and there are some that are inexpensive. But there is no reason to feel you can't afford mineral makeups.

A leading cause of wrinkled skin is the heavy and constant application of makeup. After years of makeup use, your skin looses much of its natural elasticity. This is partially due to a lessening of the production of elastin but is also due to a build up of free-radical stress which is very similar to the rust build-up on a car. As human beings evolved, our cells learned to utilize many of these minerals as basic nutrients which support normal cellular function. As many things are absorbed through the skin, many people believe there is a nutritional advantage to using natural compounds as makeup as opposed to artificial chemicals which the cells do not have any use for. Already there are many creams and lotions which are fortified with vitamins and minerals for this exact reason. Instead of waiting for nutrients in our diets to travel through the bloodstream and benefit the cells of the skin, these nutrients are applied directly to the skin so the cells can use them directly.

Whether or not this is true, many feel there is certainly a benefit to not applying artificial chemicals to the skin as they will be absorbed and may enter the blood stream. This can lead to alergic effects and other forms of discomfort to the body.

If you use makeup, a good choice is mineral makeup.

The benefits of mineral makeup cosmetics are advertised to be:

1. Natural look and feel

2. Longer laster--stays on the entire day

3. Better for sensitive skin

4. Anti-inflammatory

5. No harmful ingredients

Mineral powders are inorganic and contain no moisture. This means that bacteria can not grow and no preservatives are needed. That means no preservatives against your skin, when you use mineral makeup. The minerals in the makeup are also natural sunscreens which protect you from the harsh effects of the sun. More and more people are switching to mineral makeup which is why many top cosmetic companies are developing entire lines of mineral makeup. They understand market demand and that means you!

Moisturize while you shave ...

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:02:00 +0000

Razors encased by a moisturizing shaving bar offers you convenience by combining two steps into one. These dual purpose razors moisturize and lather while you shave and are formulated with vitamins, aloe and other soothing ingredients that can restore hydration to your skin. For areas especially prone to dryness, such as the legs, apply a moisturizing lotion after shaving.

More Shaving Tips

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:01:00 +0000

Get the right directions for your shave ...
Body hair grows in every direction, and so your razor must follow in order to get a smooth result. Hairs on your legs grow down, so it's best to begin at your ankles and shave up. Shaving the hairs in the underarms takes more time and effort, since they grow in every direction. Using a clean sharp razor to maneuver carefully around curves, raised areas and crevices will avoid nicks and cuts, and minimize the chance of infection. With their unique design, built-in shave gel bars will help to restore moisture to your skin as you shave. The final step is to always moisturize just-shaved areas that are prone to dryness, such as the legs.

Stop ingrown hair ...

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:57:00 +0000

For those of you who regularly shave or pluck unwanted hair, you may notice that shortly after the hair is removed, small bumps may appear. These bumps can become red, itchy and discolored. The resulting skin infection is called pseudofolliculitis barbae, but it is more commonly known as 'ingrown hairs' or 'razor bumps'. This problem can affect both men and women, and can occur on any area of the body where hair is removed. Anyone with coarse hair can develop this condition, however, it is more prevalent in people of African or Hispanic descent, whose curved hair follicle and curly hair are contributing factors. One simple treatment option is to adapt your shaving technique by using electrical clippers that cut the hair about 1mm above the skin's surface. Alternatively, if you prefer shaving with a blade razor, don't press too hard against your skin.

Shaving tips ...

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:56:00 +0000

If possible, shave during a warm bath rather than a shower. Soak your legs and let the hairs soften. Sit in a comfortable position and make sure the leg that you are shaving is securely placed. Dispense an adequate amount of shaving gel and evenly spread over your entire leg. Soap tends to dry out the skin, so a shaving gel is recommended. Shave gels are specifically blended with beneficial natural ingredients such as vitamins and botanicals (even avocado) to quickly replenish moisture to just-shaved areas. Using only a razor with clean sharp blades, start at the base of your ankle and guide the razor up over your entire leg, but take care not to press too hard against your skin. Rinse the blade between strokes. Shave the entire leg until you've removed all of the shaving gel. Rinse, pat dry and moisturize.

AHA...

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:52:00 +0000

What is AHA? ...
AHA's are carboxylic acids. Glycolic acid comes from sugar cane, lactic acid from sour milk and citric acid from citrus fruit. They have the ability to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. AHA's may also reduce pigment production in individuals who have melasma. It is speculated that they may thicken the skin by increasing what is called the ground substance (which gives support and elasticity to the skin) in the dermis.

See Also Skin care Tips here

Special care for under your eyes

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:49:00 +0000

There are multiple reasons for dark circles to form under your eyes. The skin under your eyes is thin, making the underlying tissues more visible. Also, with less fatty tissue and the constant motion of facial skin and muscles in this region, wrinkles are more likely to form. Genetics play a role by affecting skin tone and texture. The contrast between skin tone and the darker coloured skin under the eyes will likely be more apparent in those with fair skin.
Sun exposure can enhance the pigment under the eyes and darken the existing colour. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can cause dilation of blood vessels and bruising. Getting adequate sleep is essential to reducing puffiness and dark circles. If you're maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the dark circles are still a bother, use of concealers and foundations can even out your skin tone and provide a quick cosmetic solution. Just before bed, apply a moisturizer that's specifically formulated to sooth, protect and hydrate this especially delicate facial region. Use of an eye cream will provide a smoother texture to the area by filling in fine lines to improve the look of dark circles.

The wrinkle in age spots ...

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:47:00 +0000

You can help to prevent age spots by using sunscreen before the age of 40, avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing. Putting these recommendations into practice will also help to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer and wrinkles. Regular use of cosmetic preparations containing an exfoliating ingredient can lighten freckles and age spots. You may also want to look for a formulation that includes vitamin B3, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. A convenient way to incorporate an exfoliant into your daily skin care routine is to find one that's included in a moisturizer.

Concerned about wrinkles?

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:45:00 +0000

There are a number of options to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. First, protect yourself from further unnecessary or pro-longed sun exposure and apply sunscreen daily. Secondly, you can consider medical treatments such as creams containing retinoids, chemical peels or laser therapy. Thirdly, cosmeceuticals may also help if they contain vitamin or botanical antioxidants, or substances that can influence cell regulation such as growth factors and peptides.

Change your skin care regimen as you age.

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:42:00 +0000

Aging skin tends to get drier and be less elastic, so changing your skin care products to accommodate your evolving appearance just makes sense. You will very likely find that your favorite skin care line has alternatives to suit mature skin. Ingredients such as antioxidants, exfoliants and peptides can often be found in specialized formulations that can specifically address the needs of aging skin.

Menopause and skin care ...

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:39:00 +0000

As you go through menopause, it's very common to find that the skincare products you once relied on are no longer as effective. As you age, the hormonal changes associated with menopause often leave skin feeling drier than before. Try a richer moisturizer (oil or cream base) to see if it makes a difference. The multiple signs of aging skin require advanced formulations that can reduce the appearance of fine lines, provide adequate hydration, balance tones by minimizing age spots, and contain gentle exfoliants to improve texture. Furthermore, these products often contain a complement of vitamins, antioxidants and botanicals, as well as include intense moisturizing ingredients to improve the skin barrier function that becomes impaired through the natural aging process.

Tea Tree Oil

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:36:00 +0000

What is Tea Tree Oil? ...
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of a tree called Melaleuca alternifolia that is indigenous to Australia.
Aborigines chewed the leaves of the tea tree to alleviate symptoms associated with infections, colds and general ailments. Today, the oil is considered to be a potent antiseptic that also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Tea tree oil can also be used for treating acne, bug bites, boils and minor wounds. Because of tea tree oil's varied benefits, it's a popular ingredient in cosmetic formulations and can be found in shampoos, soaps, creams and skin cleansers. Keep in mind that many of these skin care products contain such low concentrations that their intended antibacterial effect is either diminished or non-existent.

Beauty Tips

Wu-long Tea

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:56:00 +0000

Does Wu-long Tea Work For Weight Loss?
A lot of people are talking about wu-long tea lately. There are fantastic claims about wu-long tea’s slimming properties, as well as its ability to reverse aging, clear skin problems, and protect against heart disease. Several websites proclaim that they have the only “real” brand of wu-long tea that works. So, lets explore the truth about wu-long tea.

What is wu-long tea? It is nothing new. It’s been around for centuries and here in America for many years. It is usually know as oolong tea, one of the most popular teas found in Chinese restaurants. The spelling of wu long is just a different phonetic way of writing the Chinese name for oolong tea in English.

Oolong (wu-long) tea comes from the same tea plant that green and black tea comes from. The differences between the tea types is the amount of fermentation the plant goes through after harvest. Green teas are not fermented, while black teas are fermented. Oolong (wu-long) teas are slightly fermented, then the fermentation process is stopped, giving a result that is something between a green and a black tea.

Does wu-long (or oolong) tea really work for dieting and weight loss? A Japanese study by the University of Tokushima School of Medicine compared Japanese women who consumed either water, green matcha tea, or oolong tea after a meal. The results found that oolong tea appeared to increase energy expenditure by 10%, green tea by 4%, and water not at all. So, according to this study, wu-long (or oolong) tea burns more fat than green tea, and more fat is burned when drinking wu-long or green tea after a meal.

The study also found that wu-long (or oolong) tea has half the caffeine of green tea and half the levels of EGCG, green tea's cancer killing compound, so if you want the cancer fighting benefits of tea, you get more from green tea. If you want the weight loss benefits you get more from drinking wu-long (or oolong) tea.

There is also some evidence that wu-long (or oolong) tea provides other health benefits such as increased calorie burning, reduced carbohydrate intake and healthier teeth and skin, although more research needs to be done on the subject.

So, is drinking wu-long (or oolong) tea going to help you lose weight? I don’t know. Everyone is different, but it seems to have helped many people (including Oprah) lose weight. Wu-long (or oolong) tea is lower in caffein than many other beverages and it’s high in antioxidants, which help reduce your risks of cancer and other diseases, so drinking a pure natural tea can’t hurt much to try. Add a little stevia if you want a natural sweetener in your tea.

So, do you need to buy an expensive brand of wu-long (or oolong) tea to get the fat loss benefits? Please don’t waste your money on prepackaged name brand type wu-long tea. Any good brand of oolong tea you can buy in a tea store will work. There are different varieties of oolong teas, but often they are just a matter of taste preference, so experiment and try to find the varieties you like the best and will drink the most, for the best benefits.

Weight Loss Tips

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:53:00 +0000

10 Weight Loss Tips for Permanent Weight Loss
1. Eat only when you are hungry.

This means stop eating the minute you are full. This means if you go out to dinner and eat all the bread in the breadbasket you don't eat your dinner. This means if it is lunch break at work and you aren't hungry don't eat. This means if you are in the middle of a sandwich and you are no longer hungry, you stop eating.

2. When you aren't hungry and eating for joy only, make sure you are eating something fantastic and tasting every bite.
There will be times when you want to eat just for the joy of it. I say if you only do this 10% of the time you can still lose weight. But the trick is to make sure you enjoy each bite, taste it fully and stop as soon as the joy of eating it fades. If you pay attention, you will be surprised how soon this might be.

3. Be curious about yourself-not judgmental.

When you do something that you think is "off" you plan of what you would like to be doing, be curious and try to find out why you do what you do. Explore the thoughts that lead to the action. Be kind and understanding with yourself. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt.

4. Believe it is possible to be thin without being mean to yourself.

You do not have to beat yourself into submission for thinness. In fact, I have found the opposite is true. Loving yourself and being kind to yourself is a much better path to permanent weight loss.

5. Feel your feelings.

Be anxious. (Don't eat.) Be sad. (Don't eat.) Be afraid. (Don't eat.) Be angry. (Don't eat.) If you use eating as an alternative to feeling you are most likely going to be overweight. The sooner you feel your feelings the sooner they will subside.

6. Stop expecting things "out there" to change so you can feel better.

Don't wait for a better job, a thinner body, a nicer husband or a better tasting diet in order to be happy. You can be the source of your own joy by finding out what you love to do and who you love to be. By living your own truth, you can be happy no matter what is going on "out there."

7. Even when you think you have "blown it" write down every piece of food that goes into your mouth and then read that list with fascination.

It may feel better to write in the food journal when you are eating fuel most of the time, but that is not when it is the most important. When you are fog eating and storm eating and binging and going crazy with food, you have the best opportunity to learn about yourself and why you do what you do. No matter how much you have eaten and no matter how big the binge was, write down every single thing that went into your mouth and look at it with kind curiosity.

8. Realize that eating when you aren't hungry is not satisfying hunger or comforting you-it's just making you heavy.

Notice the terminology you use when discussing food. " I had my chocolate fix." " I needed comfort food." "I wanted to give myself a treat." Food is not a good source of emotional comfort and it cannot fix you.

9. Remember the past does not equal the future

We have all been on many many diets. Many of us have been heavy a long time. This does not mean that you can't lose weight. You have been doing the best you can. And when you know better- you do better- and you look better….

10. Never give up!

Weight Loss Cardio Workout

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:48:00 +0000

3 Awesome Tips to Lose More Weight with Cardio
Have you ever been able to successful use a weight loss cardio workout to successfully lose body fat?
If you are like most people the answer is yes and no ' and usually in the order!

This article is going to go over a few reasons why the average weight loss cardio workout might actually be preventing you from losing weight. Please pay special attention to this article because it can save you lots of time, help you enjoy exercise more, and give you a new outlook on losing with with cardio.

By using "cardio", I am talking about using cardiovascular exercise on a basic cardio machine such as treadmills, rowing machines, upright or recumbent bikes, ellipticals, or any other common cardio machine you see at the gym or at a department store. This also refers to things such as walking outside or going for a bike ride.

It is very common see someone try to lose weight in the gym by getting on a cardio machine and trying to go for 30-60 minutes at a slow pace. They may try to do this 3, 4, or 5 days per week!

In the beginning 2-3 weeks, you see some results pretty quickly. The weight on the scale goes down and you are feeling great. Soon after however, the weight loss slows down and your progress comes to a crashing halt.

Let's go over 3 quick reasons why your hit a frustrating plateau with the normal cardio workout, and more importantly, how to avoid it completely.

It Is Boring!
Unless you are training for a triathlon or are a distance runner, you would more than likely have more engaging things to do with your time then being on a cardio machine for 30-60 minutes. A 60 minute cardio workout 3-5 days a week is a sure way to lose all enthusiasm for exercise and be really bored throughout the whole process.

Lots of people do whatever they can to distract themselves during their cardio workouts. The cover the timer with a towel, watch television, read books, or just about anything else to try and distract themselves.

You Burn Fewer Calories Each Time You Workout
Your body will adapt very quickly to doing a very slow and long weight loss cardio workout. Think about it like this. If you went outside and ran a mile right now it would feel pretty difficult if you were not already a conditioned runner.

But what if you ran the same mile 5 days per week for the next two months? It would get easier. Your body would adapt to it because that is what it does best.

The same goes for the average weight loss cardio workout that lasts for 30, 45, or even 60 minutes. At first you might burn a lot of calories, but after doing the same type of cardio workout for too long, the body will become more efficient and will adapt.

This means that the workout that burned 300 calories in January might only be burning 150 calories in March! The only thing you can do it so longer or work harder. Neither one sounds like a very appealing option.

The Average Weight Loss Cardio Workout Does Not Stimulate Your Metabolism
Instead of focusing on the number of calories you burned during a single workout, I want you to instead focus on burning calories during the workout and for hours afterwards!

Research has shown that slow same speed cardio does next to nothing to stimulate your resting metabolism. This means that you workout for 45 minutes, burn 300 calories, and then negate the whole workout with a Gatorade afterwards.

How to Fix This Problem
Did you know that you can use a different type of cardio called interval training that can burn a lot of calories during the actual cardio workout and for hours afterwards as well?

When performed correctly, interval training is faster, more fun, and most importantly, has been shown in research to have a dramatic effect on your resting metabolism. This means that you might burn 300 calories during the actual workout, then another 300 the throughout the rest of the day!

Interval training is an excellent weight loss cardio workout option for this very reason. Interval training simply consists of using both high and low speeds and intensities at set points in your workout. It can be done on any cardio machine and can even be done walking outside!

If you are truly serious about achieving weight loss with a cardio workout, then learning more about interval training is an absolute must. Your will feel like you got twice the workout in half the time and have a lot more results to show for it!

Protein and Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Now it has become a trend that we all are trying to switch on to low carb diet. It occurs mainly due to the fact that high protein diet actually enhances weight loss. A recent British study confirmed that there is a strong correlation between diet high in protein and weight loss. The study also said that the diet high in protein triggers in releasing hormone that influences weight loss.

Protein consumption in diet ensures the release of PYY hormone that reduces the hunger. Researchers argued that high protein foods start out PYY secretion better than other foods. Scientific studies also suggest that PYY should be an integral part of weight reduction plan. Theoretically, as because a proportionate relation exists between protein and weight loss, therefore an obese individual must eat more calories to trigger PYY compared to a normal weight individual.

Typically, we avoid high calorie food to maintain healthy balance in life. But the truth is if we do not get enough protein in our diet, we may suffer from varieties of health complications. Lack of protein in our regular diet may cause harm to all the organs - from the heart to kidney. It also causes weaker immune system; hence our health may be affected by a variety of diseases.

The amount of protein in the diet depends essentially on three factors - sex, age and weight. However, for normal adult man and normal adult woman the daily protein intake would be 56 grams per day and 46 grams per day respectively.

About Weight Loss
In recent years, there are few high-protein diet programs available in the market claiming for weight loss. However, supports received from the diet gurus and health practitioners are generally inclined with the low calorie diet rather the high-protein ones.

However, the relation between protein and weigh loss is not appreciated by each and every research fellow. It is said that low carb diets are mainly linked up with reduced calorie intake and increased diet timing but not with decreased carbohydrate content.

The essential feature of low-carb high-protein diet is rapid weight loss. But it is viewed from a different perspective by the skeptics. They rejected the theory about the relation between the diet high in protein and weight loss and argued that it occurs mainly due to the fact of excessive urination. When the body makes up inadequate supply of dietary carbohydrates, it uses body's own carbohydrates stored in the liver and kidney. During this process, the water is mobilized. The mobilized water is then discharged from the body in the form of urine. Hence the rapid weight loss occurs at the initial stages high-protein diet.

Substituting few dietary carbohydrates with high-protein diet may lead to significant short term weight loss benefits.

But the condition says that the diet must be low-fat one as well. Protein and weight loss may become a trendy topic in these days because of its known results contributing to rapid weight loss. But some scientific researches have shown some long term disadvantages as well. Therefore, a slow but certain weight loss can be ensured with a healthy high fiber, moderate protein and low fat plan. This is not a short term plan but a way of healthy living that we can maintain throughout of our lives.

Disadvantages of too much protein
Although, the relation between diet rich in protein and weight loss has become a up-to-the-minute topic in today's health discussion, but we should remember that high protein may imply high fat as well. So there is always a high risk for increasing LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels with high protein intake. Hence, there is high possibility for cardiac problems. High protein may imply low fiber as well. Low fiber diet is not at all healthy. If we use it on a regular basis, there is an increased possibility of getting constipated, increased risk of cancer, obesity, cardiac problem and type-2 diabetes.

Why Weight Loss Pills Are Ineffective For You

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:42:00 +0000

You just bought a nighttime and daytime formula of weight loss pills. You have been taking them for … months. Lets face it, this weight is not falling off your body and you got to wonder why this is taking so long. It’s obvious there is some kind of problem here with your weight loss program. Maybe pills aren’t the answer?

Dr. Berneathy has some rather unexpected statistics on the subject of weight gain. He mentions in his talks that the body will be almost immune to weight loss pills because of one simple reason. The body has to detoxify. Your body has to get rid of all of the junk and garbage that you put into it through eating fast foods, non-foods, and harmful substances that clog up your system.

What Is Detoxification?
Being overweight and suffering from obesity are becoming all too common these days. This carries a huge load of negatives such as health risks and illness. It is for this reason you must detoxify your body.

That means getting rid of anything that’s man made. I would scrap any product that had artificial sweetners, additives, artificial coloring and preservatives in it.

I would get my hands on a green drink too ASAP. I found some liquid chlorophyll in my health food store a few months back and I liked it. I made a drink out of that with some purified water. I found this naturally uplifting and it put my body in check. My pH level increased to a deep rich green color, (yes I use the testing strips) in a matter of a few days.

You will notice some differences when you start to clean your body out. My sweat didn’t stink anymore and I had no foul odors. This sanitized my body from the inside out. I started to notice real change too in how I approached food once I was cleaned out. I didn’t have cravings for things that I thought I would miss. In fact, I had gotten so wound up in my work that I would forget to eat breakfast AND lunch. I am not suggesting that you do this but my energy level soared through the roof.

It was after I had experienced this body cleansing that I decided to do something with my exercise program and the foods I ate. I wanted to reach higher levels of this type of living. I learned one thing that Spring and that was detoxification is the key to a better life.

Getting back to the Weight Loss pills for a moment. The marketing pitch for a lot of these products claim that you can eat whatever you want and still lose the weight. The foods they show in their ads include pizza, chocolate, cake and pies. Good rief.

If you are going to detoxify yourself then make sure the foods you eat are good foods and not junk foods. There is no point in going back to a “fried chicken diet” or a “chocoholic overload diet”. If you are going to start taking care of your body and are willing to go all the way we got some good news for you.

The weight will start to come off of you after you detoxify.

Lets Get Back To Basics
So does that mean you can do all of this with diet pills? Perhaps but if you do not have the right fundamentals of weight loss and how your body reacts to certain foods you could be on the never ending rollercoaster. It is no wonder why so many diets fail when they hit the market. You need to know what combinations of food are good for you and which ones aren’t.

Diet Pill

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:38:00 +0000

The "Diet Pill" has an obvious appeal to anyone who wants to lose weight fast, and with very little effort. How marvelous life would be if we could just pop a pill and body fat just melted away. Everyone knows, or should know at least, that if something sounds too easy or just too good to be true, that's because it is.

Every scientist, doctor, dietician and fitness trainer will tell you that taking diet pills is downright dangerous, but is it? And if it is, then how dangerous is it?

Well, according to scientists, some diet pills can cause panic attacks, strokes and even fatal heart attacks. Some of these "drugs", better known as phentermine are closely related to mphetamines, so they work as an appetite suppressant, stimulating the release of brain chemicals, which in turn reduces the sensations of hunger.

An overdose can lead to hallucinations, seizures, severe headaches, blurred vision and vomiting. Is all this information a little unnerving? It should be. And there's more. Here are some other so-called miracle slimming cures, which come in the form of a convenient pill.

The Diet Pill

Amfepramone. This drug is known as "diethylpropion" in the UK, and was a prescription appetite suppressant branded as Apisate or Tenuate banned by the European Medicine Approval Agency in 1999 because of safety concerns. It works by
mimicking the effects of noradrenaline in the nervous system to suppress hunger.

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA). PPA is a vasoconstrictor used in nasal congestants and cough medicines, it is not approved in the UK for the treatment of obesity. Still used to control urinary incontinence in dogs.

Ritalin (Methylphenidate). Ritalin is approved for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and not for weight loss. Side-effects are increased heart rate and raised blood pressure, which can greatly stress the cardio-vascular system. A schedule 2 controlled drug, classed alongside amphetamines.

Clenbuterol. Clenbuterol was originally developed as an asthma treatment, but also seems to increase metabolic rate and causes people to lose fat and gain muscle. It is banned by the International Olympic Committee because of its abuse by athletes and body builders. Clenbuterol is also used in a veterinary product to treat treathing problems in horses.
After poisoning episodes linked to the consumption of meat containing Clenbuterol residues, its use is strictly controlled.

What's very alarming about all these drugs is that they can be easily purchased over the Internet from unscrupulous dealers based outside of the European Union.

Pills that can be legitimately purchased in the UK include the popular "Slim Bomb" Weight Loss Pills. The manufacturers claim that many years of extensive research have gone into this little blue pill and that the formula has undergone many rigorous changes to produce the latest and very effective offering.

These pills are manufactured from a combination of herbal extracts and other natural substances that are thought to cause a thermogenesis reaction in the body. This reaction is supposed to stimulate and accelerate the metabolic rate, which in turn reduces hunger cravings and produce the kind of calorie burning effects more associated with body activity, such as exercise. Although all the ingredients appear to be organic in origin, no clinical evidence exists to confirm its effectiveness as a weight loss aid.

So, what can we deduce from this information about slimming pills? It would seem at worse they are dangerous to your health and at best they simply don't work. Dieters should avoid buying any pills available only online, as their pedigree is dubious at best, and may not comply with EU regulations.

Quick Weight Loss Tips

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:33:00 +0000

That Help To Lose Your Extra Pounds Quickly And Easily
It is time to get ready for the spring, people are getting rid of the old to make room to bring in the new. What better time than now, "spring cleaning" to get started on that New Year's resolution of losing weight. You are tossing out those clothes that you no longer want or need, but what happens when you come across that favorite dress or jeans from back in the day. You start to think, what quick weight loss tips can I use to get back into these?

Once the decision has been made to loss those extra pounds a priority, there are several tips for losing weight that one can use to make it happen. Here are just a few of the tips to begin your weight loss journey:

Exercise, you have heard that old quote "no pain, no gain". Well it isn't exactly pain that we are after with exercising. What we want is dedication, you will need to make a commitment to doing some of aerobic exercise if you want to lose weight.

The good thing is that is only takes 20 minutes a day to be effective and there are several exercises that one can do in order to meet this requirement.

Let's start with walking, very easy to get you started, and what better way to enjoy the weather than taking a nice brisk walk outside. Think about it, you walk from your car to entrance of your favorite mall, store, or supermarket. Why not try and add an additional 2000 steps to something that you are already doing on a daily basis.

Next what about chores that you do around the house, ladies if you like to dance, how about dancing as you are cleaning? You can add a little jig as you are vacuuming around the house, or even add a one two step as you are sweeping. By adding these little things you are burning off more calories.

Additional quick weight loss tips cover eating a healthy diet. The number one thing that a person can do to lose weight quickly is drink plenty of water. Water is needed for the regulation of the body, it helps to get rid of toxins and helps with the metabolism, and it acts like an internal flushing system allowing the fat to be metabolized at a faster rate.

Regain control of your diet, stop settling for prepackaged foods or fast foods. Begin by introducing fresh fruits, vegetables, organic and lean meats into your diet. This way you are reducing calories and eliminating foods that are high in fat and high in sodium. Make sure you apply this weight loss diet tips for the sake of your healthy and slim body.

Stop with the sweets, instead of having a cookie or that slice of cake for a mid afternoon snack, opt for fruits, yogurt, vegetables or nuts.

Quick weight loss tips are all about the way that you eat and getting enough exercise. These are essential if you want to get rid of the junk in the trunk in a short period of time. By following these healthy weight loss tips, you can have a body that is new and defined, just in time for the turn of the summer.

Healthy and Natural Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (julia) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:25:00 +0000

It has been found that people with more body weight and fat tend to die earlier that those who are slim and healthy.
Most obese people live a mediocre life. They cannot remain active throughout the day, develop fatness related diseases, become burdens to themselves as well as others, and are less successful in life. The social lives of the obese are also
inconsequential. All this makes it imperative that we remain slim and retain our health in order to life our lives to its fullness.
But how can we keep body weight and fat levels down? Our present lifestyles and social systems do not provide us with the necessary time and inclination to work towards a healthy body. Visiting a gym regularly is out of question for most of our busy executives. Cutting down on fat-inducing foods is also difficult because most of our fast foods (which are easy to procure and eat) are high on fat content. Meat and fish products we consume regularly are also culprits here.
The only viable answer to our obesity problems is to take such foods that retard fat formation and accumulation. Many of us are compulsive eaters. Appetite reducing pills can help such people.

However, unnatural medicines and techniques for fat reduction can give more harm that gain. The pills used for appetite suppression and braking down fats should be totally natural, otherwise long term health problems can crop up. The emphasis should be permanent weight loss and not a short term result. Many of us regain the lost fat once the weight loss regimen ends. This should not happen. It would be better if weight reducing foods are taken regularly as supplements in order to be healthy throughout life.

Many fat reducing and appetite controlling foods occur naturally around the globe. One such food is white kidney beans.

We all know that carbohydrates and fats are the biggest culprits in weight and fat accumulation. White kidney beans resist carbohydrates from breaking down into sugars. This would help in keeping blood sugar at acceptable levels too. So you get a two-fold gain here. The first, keeping fat levels down and secondly, retarding accumulation of blood sugar.

While kidney beans thus ranks as the foremost natural carbohydrate blocker known to man.

Chitosan, the extract taken from crustacean shells, is also a good quality fat loss agent. The natural product is most suited for heavy and compulsive eaters. Regular intake of chitosan pills help shed excess fat through stool, thereby keeping the body slim and trim. However, take care that you take nutrient rich food along with it in order to make sure that the body is not depleted of useful minerals and vitamins. It is rich in soluble fiber too.

Hoodia gordonii, a bitter plant found in the arid plains of southern Africa, is also high in anti-fattening properties.

It is a natural appetite fighter, but gives out enough energy for limited periods. Pills made from the plant extract can fight compulsive eating, cravings and unreasonable appetites in a natural way. It contains no stimulants and is free
from side effects too.