Best Ways To Lose Weight - Avoid The Scams

Everyone is always looking for the best ways to lose weight which is fine, but do yourself a favor and don't buy into all the hypey garbage you see online and off. If you want to try a pill or a special diet that's fine, especially if you only want to use it for a short time just to jump start your weight loss, but do not believe that you can lose weight overnight with absolutely no lifestyle changes... you will only be setting yourself up for failure.

The best approach to weight loss is to look at it like a lifestyle change rather than a "diet". Diet makes it seem like it is something short term where lifestyle change makes it seem more like what it should be, a lifestyle change.

Approaching it from this point of view will make it easier for you since it will take off that pressure to have results immediately. Any weight you lose within days of starting is usually only water weight anyway, not fat lose. Do not set yourself up for failure by having unrealistic expectations.

Your first step should be to find a sensible and healthy eating plan. Make sure you have lots of lean protein and a reasonable balance of fat and carbs. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water every day. It's usually recommended that you drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day.

For example, if you weigh 126lbs that means you should drink about 63 ounces of water everyday to keep your body hydrated and to flush out toxins.

After that point you should set up a sensible exercise plan to workout and lose weight. Again, making a plan is a great start. You don't have to go to extremes, you need to start at what every fitness level you already have and start adding on as you are able to. Something as simple as taking your dog for a walk, using the stairs at work and parking a little further from your office can be simple, easy changes you can make.

If you feel like it, and your doctor says it's ok (you should always check with your doctor before you start a diet and exercise program, especially if you have underlying health issues) than you can step up your workouts.

The most important thing you can do is to find a workout that works for you. If you hate the treadmill with a passion, then don't use the treadmill. The best thing you can do to ensure your success is to find an activity that you like, that way you will stick with it.

There are many things you can do to lose weight and the best ways to lose weight are the ones that provide your body with the nutrients you need and finding a sensible exercise plan. Make it a permanent lifestyle change, take it one day at a time and keep realistic expectations and your chances of success are greatly improved.

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Difficulty Losing Weight - Why Lie To Yourself

Many people have had difficulty losing weight, nothing is more frustrating to get your motivation up, find the perfect diet and exercise program for you and then... nothing. Some people actually do have a metabolic issue that makes it virtually impossible to lose weight, but not many. For most of us the harsh reality is that we're just not being as good as we think we are. The cool thing is that there are a few simple things you can do that will help keep you 'honest' in your weight loss journey.

For one thing, it's amazingly easy to 'lie' to ourselves about what we've eaten in any given day. There have been times when I would have sworn I was good, until a friend (I use that term loosely!) will remind me of that pastry I had at lunch or all the cream and sugar I put in my coffee. Ooops. I didn't mean to lie to myself, it just happened. Most of us are like that to one degree or another.

To keep yourself on track one very simple but effective thing you can do is to keep a food journal. For a week or two, write down every single thing that you eat or drink. You have to be honest and you have to include everything even that second glass of soda at lunch and the two pats of margarine you put on your toast... everything.

If you do that for few weeks, you'll quickly be able to spot the times of the day and the areas in your diet where you might have a bit of trouble. Once you pinpoint the reasons you have difficulty losing weight you can make changes that will help you achieve your goals much more quickly.

The same principle can apply to when you work out. Again, it's easy to think that you're working harder than you really think. If you keep a workout journal it's harder to convince yourself that you've done something you really haven't done. Not only can you track the number of times you go to the gym but you can also track how long you spent on the treadmill (or doing cardio in general), how many exercises you did for your upper body, how many you did for your lower body, etc.

You can also keep track of how much weight you lifted for each exercise. Ideally, you should be increasing your weights over a period of time. It's important to keep your body challenged and not let it get into a rut. By changing up the weights you lift as well as the exercises you do, you'll keep your body 'guessing' which will help you get better results in less time.

Most of the major muscle groups (chest, upper back, lower back, abs, butt, quadriceps, hamstrings) will have more than one exercise you can do. By mixing up the exercises you do for each group you are keeping your toning efforts in high gear. Another benefit is that the different exercises will target each muscle group in a slightly different way which can also lessen a lot of the repetitive types of injuries to your body.

I don't mean to be the bearer of bad news, but usually when someone has difficulty losing weight it's really more about the way they're doing things than about any metabolic issue with their body.

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Better Sex After Weight Loss - Yes Its True

Many people think that there is better sex after weight loss, and for most people, that is true. Even though it is true, it may not be true for the reasons you think. A lot of people think that they will have better sex because their partner will find them more desirable and attractive. But, in many cases, there is another reason why your sex life might increase. You see sex really is about more than the physical, it's very much about the emotional and psychological as well. When you lose weight and get in better shape you will often just feel better about yourself and more confidant. It's that new found confidence that can make all the difference. You may actually find yourself wanting to have sex more often. You may feel more attractive and desirable. Another reason why you can have better sex after weight loss is that you will be in better physical shape which will, of course, make the actual physical act of having sex easier and less tiring. Of course, to get to this point you actually have to lose weight and that can present it's own challenges. The more overweight and out of shape you are when you start, the slower you will have to start, which is ok as long as you do start. Most people make the mistake of getting too hyped up and thinking they can do it all at once or do it quickly. Few people can live up to that and they don't make the goals they set for themselves, when they fail they get discouraged and give up altogether. Don't do that to yourself. Just start slowly and keep working at it. It's easy when you don't plan on making all the changes at once. Just one small change a week or a month can add up, and it is easier to do it that way. You can also try the same thing when it comes to making changes in your diet. Eating better with such simple changes as eating a few more vegetables or fruit can be a great start. Look, it's no big mystery how to lose weight, eat better types of foods in moderation and get more physical activity. Pretty simple, isn't it? The biggest thing that you can do to mess yourself up is to expect changes to happen quickly. You will be setting yourself up for disappointment that way. Don't do it to yourself. Start small and go from there. If you really want to strengthen the bond with your partner, suggest that the two of you work out together. When you both are physically fit it can actually be kind of hot to be sweating together wearing next to nothing! You can absolutely have better sex after weight loss, you will be stronger both physically and emotionally. Self confidence can go a long way to helping you feel more desirable and your new body may well help your partner find you more attractive.  

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Body Contouring For Weight Loss

Well, you did it. You lost the weight but now you find you have all this excess skin hanging all over the place. So what do you do? You talk to a reputable plastic surgeon about body contouring. Your doctor will tell you that if you are at your target weight and still have sagging skin that you probably can go no further without help from them. And they are right, no matter what you do from here on out will do nothing to help reduce the sagging skin.

Body contouring surgery is major surgery so do not enter into the decision lightly. Do your due diligence and research what you need to have done so you have the knowledge and can, with the help of your doctor, make an informed decision regarding how you wish your body to look.

There are several different techniques used to accomplish the specific looks you want. One of these techniques is 'fat transfer'. What this technique consists of is removing fat from certain areas like your hips, thighs, and belly and injecting it into your buttocks. So basically you get the best of both worlds, nice slim hips, thighs or belly and lots of junk in your trunk to boot.

You could research using implants to improve how you look. Places can be implanted that you may not even think of. Did you know that you can get chin and cheek implants? Yup. Implants are not just for breasts anymore. Chin, cheeks, butt, calves, breasts for women or pecs for men. Yes I said men. Plastic surgery is not just for women either, guys, we know you want to look good, too.

So go ahead and call to make that appointment with a qualified, reputable plastic surgeon and with their help, figure out what you want to make yourself look and feel like you have never looked and felt before.

If cellulite is your biggest problem and you just can't seem to find a solution to the problem, then maybe talking to a plastic surgeon is the next step you should take. When talking to your surgeon, they may recommend a procedure called Thermage. Done on an outpatient basis and completed in about an hour, Thermage heats the collagen in the skin and when the collagen contracts the skin tightens and reduces the appearance of cellulite.

You could opt for the old standby, liposuction. Liposuction quickly and easily removes unwanted fat from beneath the skin and the skin is then stretched over the area to make things look tight and toned. This is a more involved technique and does require a significant recovery period but when all is said and done you will look younger and more fit than you did before.

The younger and more fit you look then the younger and more fit you feel. The biggest part of being healthy is to look and feel healthy. Body contouring is one great way to look and feel your best.

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What Is BMI How Is BMI Calculated

I was really surprised to find out that BMI was created in the 1800's as it is only in the last couple of years that I have heard of it. All of a sudden everyone seems to be relying on BMI to tell them whether they are overweight or not and as a guide in their weight loss journey. BMI can't actually help you lose weight, it is simply a measure of your weight in relation to your height. Your BMI result will indicate whether you are in the right weight range for your height or whether you are under or over weight.

BMI is shortened for Body Mass Index. It is a tool that measures body mass and has been around for 200 years. BMI was created by Adolphe Quetelet and is sometimes referred to as the Quetelet index. Adolphe Quetelet developed the BMI formula while working on social physics and it is still used today, 200 years later, with very little variation from it's original form.

So we know that BMI measures body mass, but what does that actually mean? Well, it doesn't measure a person's body fat, but rather it compares a person's height to their weight to determine if they are in a healthy weight range for their height. It is a tool that is widely used by doctors, fitness trainers and even insurance companies to determine whether a person is overweight or obese. The BMI formula is not without it's flaws and in some cases is not 100% accurate, but it is still the preferred tool used in the medical community.

Let's take a look at the formula used to calculate a persons BMI. First you take your height in meters and square it - you times it by itself. Then you divide your weight in kilograms by the answer to your height squared. For example, if a person is 1.5 meters tall you would times 1.5 by 1.5 which will give you 2.25. If that person weights 54 kilograms you would then divide 54 by 2.25 which gives you an answer of 24 and this is your BMI.

What does that mean?

Your weight status is worked out by where it lies on the BMI chart. A normal weight range has a BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9. If your BMI is below 18.5 then this indicates that you are underweight. Likewise if your BMI is in the range of 25 to 29.9 this indicates that you are overweight. A BMI of 30 or more indicates obesity. Using our example above of a person 1.5 meters tall and weighing 54 kilograms, they fall within the normal weight range at a BMI of 24.

I mentioned earlier that BMI figures are not accurate 100% of the time and this is mainly so with people that are extremely muscular. The BMI formula doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat and because muscle is much heavier than fat then the result is not accurate. A body builder for example would have a large muscle mass and so his weight would be quite high when compared to his height. This would give him a high BMI, although in actual fact he may not have an ounce of fat on his body. For the majority of people though, BMI will give an accurate indication of whether you have a good weight for your height or not.

Next time you hear someone talking about BMI you will know exactly what they are talking about and could even tell them how it is calculated. BMI is simply a comparison of a person's weight to their height to determine whether they are in a healthy weight range.

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What To Look For In A Healthy Eating Program

Wanting to eat better is a goal that is shared by millions and millions of people around the globe. Their reasons range from "just wanting to" to trying to treat a deadly disease, from moral reasons to wanting to lose weight. Regardless of the reason, you should research health and nutrition before deciding on a healthy eating program that is best for you. Doing the proper research will not only point you in the right direction for foods you should eat, but it will also steer you away from the foods you should avoid.

One thing you need to watch out for is a lack of balance. For example, the market is filled with diet plans that eliminate whole categories of food. While it makes sense to reduce the level of saturated fat you consume, getting rid of carbohydrates is a questionable practice at best. It is okay to eat fat, carbohydrates and protein; in fact, you should be wary of any so-called healthy eating program that claims otherwise.

When it comes to fat, you will want to limit saturated fats, and try to eliminate man-made trans fats completely. (There are naturally occurring trans fats, and these aren't nearly as bad as their hydrogenated counterparts.) Your best bet is to have polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, though you don't want to go overboard on them, either.

Carbohydrates have received a lot of attention in recent years. This is due, largely, to some popular diets that avoided them. Yes, it is possible to lose weight on a low-carb diet, but there may be risks involved. Also, such a diet wouldn't really be considered a long-term healthy eating program because of the lack of balance. However, not all carbohydrates are created equally. You should limit the simple carbs found in white bread, white rice, and sugar; and replace them with the complex carbs found in whole grains, vegetables and some fruit.

Protein can be tricky because a lot of sources are high in saturated fat. Beef, for example, is high in protein, but a lot of cuts are high in saturated fat. Chicken, on the other hand, has some cuts that are higher in fat than others, so choose white meat to stay on the safe side. Perhaps the best of source of protein is beans (pinto, black, garbanzo, navy, and so on). The are high in protein and fiber, and are also very low in fat.

A healthy eating program doesn't mean you can never enjoy your favorite foods again, far from it. First, there are plenty of healthy alternatives for most foods. Second, the key is to enjoy such foods in moderation, as an occasional treat. If you eat less of the unhealthy foods, and more of the healthy foods, then you will be headed in the right direction. But if you can't have the foods you enjoy, then there is too great of a risk that you will simply go back to an unhealthy diet, and that wouldn't do you much good at all.

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Fast weight Loss Tips

If you noticed that you are starting to gain weight, it is best to look for weight loss programs or diets to get back to your former shape. Almost everybody wants to lose weight fast. Of course, those who are trying to lose weight fast using the risky crash diets might only lead to undesirable results. Take note that there are legitimate methods readily available in order to boost the progress of your weight loss plan. It is best to take note of these simple yet effective weight loss tips.
Exercises are very important and will always be an essential part of any fast weight loss plan. You can try to add music while performing your exercise program to make it even more interesting. A lot of individuals opt for exercises with nothing to perk their mind, will find exercising boring. You can add a spark during your weight loss program by simply listening to music. You should also know your own capabilities, do not force yourself to carry out more than what you can handle when exercising since it will be dangerous for you. It is best to take brisk walks to burn down calories, exercising half an hour on a daily basis and going to the gym for an hour.
As for your diet, you can add in some nuts to your diet plan. One thing that you should bear in mind is that nuts are not fattening. In reality, nuts are great food that promotes weight loss. Nuts are ideal sources of mono saturated fats that help lose weight, reduce cholesterol, burn fat and lowers down blood pressure. It is recommended to remove refined and processed foods from your diet once you are under your weight loss diet program.
Lastly, if you want to lose weight fast, you have to increase your metabolism. Your initial step is to make positive changes in your lifestyle by making it into an active one. You can start by increasing your daily physical activities since the more active your lifestyle is, you will surely gain an increase in your metabolism which will eventually help you lose weight.
With these effective and proven tips on how to lose weight, it will surely boost your weight loss program and in no time, you will achieve the body that you want as well as getting a healthy and fit body that you can be proud of.

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High Protein Diet For Weight Loss

It is a known fact that no one can live without adequate intake of protein. We all know that protein provides you with the feeling of satiety in a better way than fats and carbohydrates. Consequently, a high protein diet is one of the most popular diet plans at the present. It is highly essential for those who aim to increase their muscle tissue as well as lose weight at the same time. If you are opting for a high protein diet, there are certain food products that should be included.
Eggs always come first with any high protein diet. Eggs are the best source of proteins even though they appear little and light. The protein that is found in eggs is not only huge in quantity, but even composed of a huge quantity of protein that can be transformed into valuable amino acids. The egg whites include highly concentrated fats and HDL cholesterol. You can eat only eggs, but you have a number of recipes that uses eggs for a high protein diet.
Next in line are the milk and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. It is a known fact that dairy products are good sources of protein. It simply indicates that they include a wide range of amino acids needed for protein synthesis, needed for a good metabolism as well as bodybuilding. Creamed milk is a wonderful option that offers a large amount of protein while containing small amount of fats. When choosing dairy products for your high protein diet, you have to make use of milk products and cheese that has a minimal amount of carbohydrates.
Seeds and nuts are another great source of proteins. If you will incorporate them into your daily diet, it will surely make your diet rich in protein. The nuts that are very high in protein include peanuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews and hazelnuts. As for the seeds, those that contain high protein include flaxseed, pumpkin seeds and sunflower. You can also add the intake of protein shakes that are specifically formulated for a high protein diet. These protein shakes typically contain whey protein or soy and are made with the combination of nuts, milk and fruits. They are available in a variety of flavours and composed of nutrients as well as other highly useful components.
If you want to have a high protein diet, it is best to include food sources that are very rich in protein. If you want to increase your muscle mass as well as lose weight at the same time, it is best to incorporate a high protein diet.

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Ideas on Low Fat Diet In Perspective

If you have been confused as to what you should eat and what not in order to lose weight, then this article will help you. The following layout has been laid with proper meals which you can eat and you would feel that you are losing weight slowly and gradually.

Breakfast…

It is considered to be one of the most important meals of the day. So never think that you can do without it or else you would not be able to lose weight. A powered breakfast keeps you full and away from food for hours. It also enhanced your metabolism rate and prepares your body for the rest of the day.

You can eat cereals, oatmeal, bran bread, whole grain breads with white cheese. It is also appropriate to go for soy milk or skimmed milk if you want to lose weight. You can add some fresh fruits like oranges and grapefruits to your breakfast instead of drinking the processed juices. You can also eat egg whites as they are very beneficial for your health. You can also go for low diet shakes or smoothie for yourself. All of the above mentioned foods are very high in fiber, proteins and other minerals which your body needs. If you eat these foods then your body would take some time to process them and break them down. So you would not feel hungry for a few hours. They also help you to burn calories.

Lunch and Dinner…

This is another important part of your weight loss plan. Even if you have eaten a good and strong breakfast you don’t need to skip your lunch. It will enhance your metabolism rate and keep you ongoing.

You can eat grilled vegetable sandwiches, and salads. You can also add low fat cheese and low fat yogurt dips to stay away from the fatting dressings. Add lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and all kinds of vegetables to make your lunch more interesting. If you want you can also add roast beef, mushrooms and grilled chicken to your diet.

You can have all that you want but make sure you don’t add the rich and oily toppings. If you know you can even have potatoes but either grilled or boiled and not fried. There are many different kinds in which you can prepare your meal. Just be a little more creative and you would be able to make it yourself.

Individuals who don’t think before eating usually end up having problems regarding weight. It is very practical to think twice before eating and after some time you would see that you already cannot eat those fatty foods. If you start eating light food you would feel that your body is more energetic and you can freely move around. Heavy foods make you lazier and you don’t feel like moving unless the food has been fully digested. So are you sure you still want to eat those oily foods or you want to switch to the low fat diets?

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Eating Smaller Portions of Meals to Stay Healthy

It has been researched that small meals throughout the day can help your lose weight. This is because it enhances your metabolism rate and thus whatever you eat gets digested more quickly. Today most people in the western world eat large portions of meal and this is one of the main reasons why they are so obese and heavy weight.

Larger meal sizes also means larger calorie intake. When you eat in small portions the amount of calorie you are taking in is also less. To get started you need to normalize or more appropriately reduce the size of the meal you eat throughout the day. You can still add small portions of foods that you really like and want to eat.

Small meals works best with our body. This is because you are giving your body a small quantity of energy that it needs at that point in time. If you give the body more energy than what it actually needs then it would have to store the excess portion in the fat reserve. This results in weight gain day by day. But if you are eating in small sizes then the body does not need to store much fat and hence it can burn the earlier stored fat when time arises. This is how small size meals help you to lose weight.

It is also recommended that you should eat small proportions of meals throughout the day. So if earlier you ate three big meals then now go for 6 short meals. This would keep your body balanced and there would be a regular flow of protein to your body. The muscle tissue would stay maintained like this. And as you know more muscle tissue means increased metabolism rate and hence more weight lost.

There is another advantage of eating small meals. You don’t feel too heavy and dull as you feel after eating the full size oily and fatty meals. With smaller meals you would be more willing to move around easily and you would not feel that your body is too heavy. Thus small meals keeps you away from laziness and you are more active and energetic. So when you move around more there are more chances you would be able to lose weight and burn fat.

It is also advised to those who want to lose weight that they should have a glass full of water before starting their meal. Chew your food slowly and gradually and in the beginning to get used to the chewing process you can even count the times you chew. The more you chew the easier it would be for your system to digest the food. You can also eat salads along with your food which would fill up your stomach and you would not be willing to eat more calories.

I hope you have realized the importance of eating meals in smaller sizes in order to lose weight. Adopt this way of life today and you would feel the difference in a few days.

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Weight Loss Plateau - Change It Up

You think you have hit a weight loss plateau. All this time you have been literally working your butt off and eating right. You thought, wow, this is really gonna happen this time and the scale has shown quite a bit of change. Until now. The scale hasn't budged for a week. What the heck has happened and how do you fix it?

This is called a weight loss plateau and it happens to everyone. Your body gets so used to what you are doing and what you are putting into it for fuel that it doesn't see any way to reduce any more weight without some sort of change.

Ah ha! That is exactly what you need to do to get things rolling again. Change up your workout routine and introduce some new or different foods to jump start things again. There are a few pointers I would like to give you for overcoming a weight loss plateau.

For starters take another look at your long term goal. Is it possible that you are happy with the weight you are at right now or do you want to go ahead and get to that original goal weight? If you want to continue to that original goal weight then make sure you haven't become a little relaxed about how much you are eating in relation to how much you are exercising. Sometimes you do have to reward yourself but if you have let those rewards get out of hand then you need to take stock of things and adjust them to restart your weight loss.

You could reassess you diet and cut out more calories. Cut out 200 calories per day if you can afford it. If you are already eating a 1200 calorie diet you probably do not have much wiggle room. You do not want to go below 1200 calories a day because you will not get all the nutrition you need from your diet and you will feel hungry all the time. If you feel hungry all the time you increase your chances of blowing it and all your effort will be wasted.

Another possibility is to workout longer and/or with more intensity. Changing the things you do when working out basically keeps your body guessing. This is called muscle confusion and if you work out for longer periods doing different moves then your body will burn more fat and calories because your body doesn't know what you will do next.

Are you still taking the elevator instead of the stairs? Shame on you. Take those stairs up to your office or when you go to lunch. You could get quite the work out and burn those extra calories every time you go from floor to floor while you are at work. This should be a 'no brainer people'. Doing things out of the ordinary will help you lose the weight you want to lose and will also help you overcome that weight loss plateau.

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What Can A Quick Weight Loss Diet Do For Me

Are you saying to yourself, "What can a quick weight loss diet do for me?" If you are, I am here to tell you that a quick weight loss diet can get you into that dress for that wedding or class reunion if all you need to lose is ten pounds or so.

Quick weight loss diets are everywhere. The first thing you need to ask yourself is, are they safe? Some diet plans can do a lot more harm than good. Fad diets such as the grapefruit diet for example, may work only up to a point. When you have lost the weight and the diet is done, you go back to the same way of eating and what happens? The weight comes back and if you are not careful you may just add on a few more pounds in the process.

If you only have a few pounds to lose then by all means try one of the many quick weight loss diets available. But, if you have a lot of weight to lose you will need to make some lifestyle changes to get to your ideal weight.

Take a minute to write down your weight loss goals. Keeping track of what you eat in a journal will let you see what you are putting in your body every day so if it needs to be changed you can change it. Writing about what can a quick weight loss diet do for me in a journal everyday is very effective in helping you lose the weight.

Do yourself a favor, learn about food. Stop eating just to eat. Eat to live. When you figure out how many calories are in what you eat you will be able to put meals together that are nutritionally balanced and satisfying. Knowing what the right numbers are helps a lot.

You can figure out how many calories you need in a day by calculating your basal metabolic rate, or BMR, or you can simply make up a meal plan that has enough food to equal 1500 calories or so.

Learning to eat differently may take some practice and careful planning. You need to eat five small meals throughout your day. With some precise planning, and an insulated lunch bag, you can manage to do this very well. Save your wallet and your waistline by buying an insulated lunch box, or bag and healthy food to put in it.

Now you need to figure out what to put in it. Well, how about a 6 ounce container of yogurt and some carrot sticks. With an 8 ounce glass of water that is a great snack for the middle of the morning. For your lunch, why not have a sandwich made of lean turkey breast with some light mayo and lettuce and a cup of grapes or some baked chips. Don't forget the pickle on the side! There are a lot of things you can do to make sure you eat small meals throughout your day.

There are countless combinations of foods for snacks and meals. Get creative, try some new things, you might find you have a broader range of foods you like therefore giving yourself even more options. Do not forget to pack enough food for two snacks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Do your best to drink enough water during the day, too. A good way to figure out how much you should drink is divide what you weigh by half and drink that amount in ounces of water everyday. Or you can start by striving to drink 8 - 8 ounce glasses of water each day. It is just easier that way.

So stop asking what can a quick weight loss diet do for me and find out what one can do for you by following these tips.

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Man Boobs And Weight Loss Tips

For many men who are overweight, one of the most emotionally sensitive aspects of being overweight is their man boobs, or 'moobs' as some people call them.  This can really be damaging to any man who has had this problem. There can be a positive connection between man boobs and weight loss though.

Too much fat isn't the only problem. Very often men lose muscle in their chest and that muscle turns to fat. When that happens their once tight and toned chest can start to look a little more 'ladylike' then they would want.

Another cause for man boobs is poor physical fitness and eating habits. When you gain weight, you gain it everywhere. That includes your chest. This can happen to women too but often they don't mind as much. For men who are sick of having too much flab on their chest one of the best things to do is change your lifestyle.

Eating less and exercising more can really help a lot. Incorporate weight training into your routine and focus on your chest, back and arms for maximum results.  Remember,though, there is no such thing as spot reducing. You can't just lose fat in your chest, you will lose fat all over your body, which is fine since you probably have excess fat in many areas of your body.

Don't expect changes right away either, it is a process.  But the sooner you start, the sooner you can see the results.

Something as simple as eating less fried food, pizza and drinking less soda or alcohol can help a lot and those changes are easy to make. No one (well maybe someone is, but I'm not) is telling you that you can't ever eat another pizza or that you have to be perfect.

Start small. Just cut back on some of your more common food indulgences. That is a good start. Once you start seeing some results, pick another thing to cut back on. Keep doing that until you have a healthier relationship with food.

If the idea of going to the gym and putting in an hour at a time is too daunting, then don't worry about it. Just start slowly, similar to the same process you using with your food. Start slow.

If the gym isn't in the cards than just walk up and down your stairs, take your dog for a walk, go for a bike ride or play tennis. It doesn't matter what it is, just get your body moving and you will start to see some results after a fairly short time.

Even after you have lost your weight you may still have some extra skin and you may want to get surgery to reduce the excess skin. That is a common issue people who lose weight face, no matter where on the body that weight loss is the most pronounced.

start with some common sense weight loss first, eat better and get more exercise. From that point on, if you still aren't satisfied with the way you look, you may want to talk to your doctor.

For many men though, they can see a significant positive impact just by getting in better shape and there is a positive correlation between man boobs and weight loss. 

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How To Gain Weight - Add Muscle Mass

Most people don't hear too much, or know much, about trying to gain weight, but if you're one of those people that are underweight than learning how to gain weight can be very important information.  First of all, you don't want to gain just any weight, you want to gain lean muscle mass.

By packing on lean muscle mass you will be gaining the tight, toned look that most people want to have instead of looking like the 98 pound weakling that gets sand kicked in their face at the beach. Don't give up on your workouts and just put on pounds of fat, put on the proper type of weight with lean muscle mass.

Here are some easy to follow tips that can help you pack on a lot of lean muscle weight as quickly as possible and help you get the strength you really want:

1. Of course, you want to eat plenty of nutrient rich, high calorie foods.  Things such as whole grain breads, vegetables like avocados and potatoes. Lots of lean red meat along with plenty of chicken and fish. You can eat virtually anything you want just keep things in balance with the right amount of carbs, protein and fat.

2. To increase the number of calories you take in at each meal, you can add olives and avocados to sandwiches and salads and cheese slices to casseroles and other meals.   When having pasta add meat to increase the caloric intake.

3. Take some time every week to plan out your menu for the week.  It's very important that you never, ever skip any meals.  Sometimes that's easier said than done that's why it's so important to plan ahead since sometimes life can get a little crazy.

4.  You can increase your portion size by adding some fruit to your morning cereal or oatmeal or adding another cup of pasta or rice to your main dishes.

5. Cut back on the endless hours of cardio and instead increase the amount of weight training you do.  This will help you pack on lean muscle mass which will give you that tight toned look without looking like a scrawny runt.

6. Instead of letting up on your exercise routine, just increase your caloric intake.  If you cut back on your workouts you'll be missing out on that lean muscle that will give you the tight abs and body that you want. 

With so many people struggling to lose weight because they are overweight, no one is going to feel too sorry for you if you need to learn how to gain weight.  But being underweight can cause just as many issues with both your physical and emotional states as being overweight can.  The point is that whether you need to lose weight or gain weight the process is quite similar.  You need to pack on as much lean muscle mass as you can, increase your caloric intake so you are taking in more calories than you burn off.  That way you'll not only gain weight, but you'll gain the 'right' type of weight so you don't just look big, you look buff.

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Clothes Designs For Obese Women That Flatter You

With so much of the population 'expanding' you would think that more and more manufacturers would find good clothes designs for obese women, but not necessarily. Some manufacturers are catering to bigger women, but many of them have refused to expand their lines.

Still, it's good news for any woman who is large but still has a sense of style and wants to look good. Many department stores carry lines for bigger women and there are even some stores that are entirely devoted to carrying plus size clothing for women.

The truth of the matter is that the average size of women in the U.S. is 14. The size 0 -2 that seem so popular on t.v. or on the runways are few and far between, possibly because they blew away in the wind!

If you are plus size don't even try to look like some little sprite from t.v., instead find the best styles for you and your body style. There are some guidelines that can help you put together a fashionable wardrobe that will accentuate the positive and hide some of the negative.

1. Stay away from clothes that don't fit. This means get rid of the huge tent dresses and the ultra clingy stretch pants. Both clothes that are too tight or too loose will make you just seem bigger, odd but true. Instead opt for good fitting clothing styles.

Too many women think that if they get loose fitting clothes it will hide the fat, but in reality baggy clothes just tend to make you look bigger and sloppy. Too tight clothes will make you look like you're bursting out of your clothes, find a good fit and stick with it.

2. Despite what many people think, you can wear more than black. Yes, black is slimming but you do have other choices.  Any pattern that makes your torso appear longer and  draws the eye away from your mid section can be flattering.

However, for pants you should wear mostly darker hues such as black or dark blue or gray. Keep most of the color on your upper body.

3. Skirts and dresses can provide an attractive style that will hide a multitude of body flaws. They can be stylish and perfect for work, or you can go with more casual styles for day to day. Just remember, a dress does not a muumuu make, make sure the dresses are well fitted and not too big, otherwise they will only make you look bigger and that is not what anyone wants. 

4. To give yourself a little extra help you may want to invest in some shape ware, don't worry, this isn't your grandma's girdle. Today there are various under garments that can provide a little extra support without making you feel like you're going to pass out because you can't breathe.

Look, it doesn't matter if you've got a few extra pounds or if you're obese, there are still plenty of attractive
clothes designs for obese women. Do not think you have to give up on fashion, you don't. Just find out what looks best on you and go from there. You have more options than ever before so take full advantage and feel good about the woman you are.

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Can You Lose Pounds In A Week ?!!

Can you lose pounds in a week?  Sure you can, as long as the weight is reasonable and you are following a program that is safe for you.  However, the program needs to be safe for you now and in the future.    

That is very important for a person to pick the right program.  There are so many programs and ads that are so misleading.  Some ads or programs will say anything to get you to buy their product.  

Many ads just want that dollar and then they could care less if their product works or not.   Those programs could care less what happens to you or what kind of danger you put your health in.  It’s a fact people, it happens.     

Now there are good programs that are out there that will let you lose weight in a week.  However those programs are not going to promise you an astonishing amount of weight lose in a week.  If they do, then you need to stay away.   

There are a few things to remember when it comes to losing weight in a short period of time.  You have to follow a strict diet and exercise.  Some people debate which is tougher to do, the diet or the exercising.   

Either way, dieting and exercise have to be put together in your plan if you want to lose weight.   Just make sure you do not put too much stress on yourself when doing this.  Many people have been taken to the hospital for over doing it.   

With that said, you have to work hard.  There is no way around it.  It’s not going to be easy, and if you want easy then go try something else, because this isn’t going to happen without some toughness.     

There is something else you got to have besides a strong will.  You need a strong support system with you as well.  You cannot expect to go through this by yourself; you need people there for you.  

The reason being, is that you are not going to be gung ho every day.  There are going to be days where you just want to stay in bed and not move.  You need someone there to get you kick started and on your way.   

You will definitely need someone there when you decide you want to break your diet.  There are going to be days where you are going to miss that certain food you use to eat and you’re going to give in.  Make sure you have that person there to help you get back on that wagon.  

So here’s the deal people, you can lose weight in a week.  However you have to be smart about it.  Choose the right program for you, don’t get scammed, and have a great support system.  After that, you’ll be on your way.

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All You Need To Know About The BMI Index

The BMI index was created in the early 1800s and is still used today to measure whether a person is in a healthy weight range.  The BMI index is one of the few tools that is still used relatively unchanged 200 years after it was created. The BMI formula compares your height and weight to find out whether you are within a normal weight range or whether you are under or over weight. Although most people will know if they are putting on weight when they find their pants are getting too tight or they can see it when they look in the mirror, many doctors and also insurance companies rely on the results of BMI testing.

Insurance companies don't like to insure someone if they are high risk so they will often use a person's BMI to determine their risk.  If a person is found to be overweight or obese by their BMI results then their health insurance costs can be significantly higher.  Life insurance can also be higher for those who are overweight or if obese it can be refused altogether.  An insurance company is protected it's own business and has the rights to refuse insurance to someone if they are high risk, however, unless other factors are taken into consideration, the BMI index is not always accurate.

To understand how the BMI is not always accurate let's take a look at how the BMI index is calculated.  A person's weight is divided by their height squared - which is their height times itself.  The BMI index is usually calculated using kilograms and meters, although the formula can be changed slightly to calculate using feet and pounds.  For most of the population, the general BMI formula will give a fairly accurate result of what they weigh in relation to their height, but for some the result is not accurate because there are other factors involved.

What if we consider a weight lifter or a body builder, who's body is made up of a large percentage of muscle.  Muscle weighs more than fat and takes up less room than fat.  If someone who is solid muscle does the BMI formula then their result will indicate that they are overweight because their weight is too much for their height.  However, it is because of their mass of muscle that their weight is what it is and not fat, so you can see how this result wouldn't be accurate.  So if someone with a lot of muscle took the BMI test to apply for insurance, they could have higher premiums or even be refused insurance because they would be in the overweight range according to the BMI result, even though they don't have an ounce of fat on their body.

BMI results can also be inaccurate for children and also for very tall people, but generally for most average people the results will be accurate.  If you calculate your BMI you can then work out what weight range you are in.  A normal range BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 so if you are within this range then you are in a healthy weight range.  If you are below 18.5 then you are likely to be underweight, if you are between 25 and 29.9 then you are likely to be overweight and if you are 30 or higher then you are in the obese category.

The BMI index is a very good tool to use to check your weight range as long as you aren't in any of the categories that would make it inaccurate.  When using BMI to determine your ideal weight, you will also want to use common sense and know how your body looks and how much fat you might have compared to muscle.

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Abdominoplasty Recovery Good Bad And Ugly

You have this little pooch belly that just will not go away no matter what you do and you are wondering how long it takes for an abdominoplasty recovery if you choose to have one done. Recovery usually will take at least six weeks. So be prepared to have a few minutes of extra time on your hands.

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is major abdominal surgery. Do not let anyone tell you any different. Make sure you have a good understanding of the procedure and all the pros and cons that go with it. Do some research before you talk to your doctor and find out about the procedure and make a list of questions you have so you get all the answers you need. Talk about complications that are possible and what to do if you experience any of them.

Now, it would be a good idea to make arrangements with a family member or friend to help you with things that need to be done for several days after the surgery during the abdominoplasty recovery period. You will not be much for being up and moving around. In fact, you will not even be able to stand up straight so the things you normally would take for granted like getting dressed or cooking a meal will be out of the question for the time being. It would be a good idea to stock up on essentials before you even go in for the surgery but, if something gets overlooked then family or friends will be happy to get whatever it is for you, I'm sure.

Also be sure to ask family or friends if they mind being available to get your prescriptions filled. The doctor performing the procedure will no doubt prescribe a good narcotic pain reliever as well as an antibiotic to prevent infection. You should plan ahead for the possibility of constipation as well. This can happen with the surgery itself and also with taking a narcotic pain reliever, so take a stool softener for at least three days prior to the surgery because the doctor will advise you not to strain to go to the bathroom after surgery.

Abdominoplasty surgery is no laughing matter. You will be incapacitated for a while after the surgery. If you plan ahead then you can alleviate some of the potential boredom that will come with the sudden lack of activity you will experience during the recovery. During this time please be sure to follow any and all of your doctor's orders. If you try to do too much then you risk injury and infection.

Doctor's orders will include how soon you can bathe after surgery, how often you should change your bandages, care and cleaning of the drain tubing and pouch, any lifting restrictions and any activity restrictions and even instructions on how soon you can begin having sex again, too. As with all surgeries there are possible complications. The most prevalent of which may be bleeding. If you experience any excessive bleeding during your abdominoplasty recovery then call your doctor immediately.

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Are There Bad Effects Of The Atkins Diet

It wasn't all that long ago that the Atkins Diet was making the news. People were excited about the idea of being able to eat all the meat they wanted and still lose a lot of weight. The interest in the diet was staggering, and enough people saw impressive results to keep the diet at the forefront for quite some time. It seemed to be more than just a regular fad diet. However, it didn't take long for people to start questioning the potential bad effects of the Atkins Diet.

Well, the Atkins Diet is still around. It may not get nearly as much attention as it used to, but there are plenty of people who start the program on a daily basis. This is a mark in its favor as it shows it is more than just a fad diet. In fact, a lot of other diets have come and gone since Atkins made its initial splash. But what about the supposed bad effects of the Atkins diet?

Let's clear one thing up right away: there is no consensus in the medical community as to the long term effects--good or bad--of the Atkins program. They are still worthy of debate and further research, and you should at least be aware of them before deciding to try the Atkins Diet.

On the one side, you have people who have lost a lot of weight on the diet. They are happy with how much weight they have lost, and how quickly (a loss of 5 to 10 pounds in the first week is not unheard of). They also enjoy being able to eat high protein foods, regardless of how much fat they contain. This means eating things like steak, bacon, fish, pork, chicken, beef and eggs. As long as people on the Atkins Diet take supplements and exercise while on the program, they continue to lose weight. One thing is for sure, it's hard to argue with results.

Results are one thing, and how those results are achieved is another. Critics state that one of the bad effects of the Atkins Diet is that the weight loss comes from not only a loss of fat, but also a loss of water and muscle. So, while they're not necessarily questioning whether or not people are losing weight, they are asking if the type of weight loss is good or not. There is also evidence that any diet that is high in saturated fat can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. If this is the case, then you need to decide if the higher risk of getting heart disease is better than risk of developing other diseases associated with obesity. Or, to put it another way, the more overweight you are, the more you may want to try the Atkins Diet.

As of now, there is no final word as to all of the effects of the Atkins Diet. The best advice is to talk to your personal doctor so you can discuss your options and see if Atkins is a good choice for you.

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Addicted To Food

Being addicted to alcohol, drugs or gambling is tough, but at least you don't need those things to stay alive. But can you imagine being addicted to food? The very thing you are trying to stop being addicted to is the very thing you need to survive. Having such an addiction would have to be incredibly frustrating, not to mention hard to get over.

But is it really possible to have such an addiction? According to researchers it is. One they have tested this is by scanning the brains of people that were addicted to food. They then had them think about food. So, what did they find? They found that these thoughts activated the same parts of the brain as an alcoholic or drug addict when they thought about drinking and drugs.
 
Another finding was that people who were addicted to food share something else with other addicts. That was having fewer dopamine receptors (dopamine is familiarly known as the "feel good hormone"). Because they have fewer receptors, it is believed that addicts need to seek that good feeling from outside sources just to feel as good as "normal" people.

When people overeat, the brain makes food addicts experience a deeper pleasure from their eating by making them less aware of the other parts of their body. To make matters even worse, they can experience many of the same withdrawal symptoms as drug addicts. Symptoms like moodiness, irritability, depression and anger, to name a few.

But...again, we need food to stay alive, so can food addiction be controlled? It can, but it will take commitment. Here are a few things you can do if you're addicted to food:

Think when you eat. Pay attention to the food as you eat it. This will keep you from eating mindlessly, and that will help you control the problem. Also, switching your focus from filling your stomach until you can't eat anymore to focusing on the enjoyment of the food; savoring it. You will naturally slow down and be more aware of what you're eating.

Write it down. Just keeping track of everything you eat will help to ease your addiction. You don't have to share this journal with anybody, unless you choose to. That means you can feel safe writing everything down. You may be shocked at just what you're eating and how much, but sometimes we need a jolt to get on the road to recovery.

Get help. You can get help from a counselor, your personal doctor, or a support group...or all three if you need to. Each one can help you in their own way. The main thing to remember is that you don't have to struggle with being addicted to food alone.

Avoid your triggers. If there are certain foods that make you lose control, then avoiding them will help prevent the problem. In other words, it will be much easier to handle temptation if you are not tempted to begin with.

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You Cant Starve Yourself And Lose Stomach Fat

Trying to lose stomach fat? Here's a tip: You can't do it by “starving” yourself. Why? Because eating less, while it may work for a little while, will actually put your efforts to lose fat in reverse after a time. This happens because your body adjusts to the amount of food you are eating and when it thinks you're in “starvation” mode, it actually stores your calorie intake as fat! Not good, right? So, what is the solution? How can you take off the unsightly tummy roll and not starve yourself to do it? First off, you've still got to eat. The trick is to eat smarter.

Here's how: eat smaller meals throughout the day while you're more active and really pay attention to how many calories you're putting in. It's widely known if you continue to eat the same number or more calories than your body gets rid of (burns off) in a day, you're not going to lose weight. You can still eat the “kinds” of food you like, you will simply have to closely monitor your calorie intake. Try to eat your meals earlier in the day, as well. Your body burns calories faster while you're awake and active than it does during times of rest.

To lose stomach fat, don't eat a heavy, high-calorie meal or snack right before bedtime. Your body is likely to turn those calories into fat because your body just don't burn off that many calories by sleeping. According to the Calories Burned Chart at Spirita.net, a person weighing 150 pounds will burn approximately 12 calories during 10 minutes of sleep. If this same person slept for eight hours, they'd burn an average of 72 calories per hour, or only 576 calories in a full night of sleep. That doesn't leave much room for snacking at bedtime, does it?

Some people feel they simply must eat a snack before bed to keep from feeling like they're going to starve before breakfast. If this is you, before you grab that snack bar or something to munch, consider this: If you're serious about taking off the stomach fat, you will need to have already burned your daily calorie intake away through regular activity or exercise, and then choose something with only one-half or less the amount of calories you'll burn off by sleeping in order to still burn off a bit of the excess fat you want to get rid of.

You can lose stomach fat and you don't have to eat special foods or no food to do it. You don't have to (and in fact shouldn't try to) starve yourself either. Since starving yourself tends to have the opposite effect than the one intended, you can obviously see it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to engage in this sort of “reverse effect” attempt to burn fat. Instead, concentrate on eating less calories than you know you can easily and reasonably burn off in a day and the fat will begin to disappear.

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I Cant Lose Weight - Yes You Can

If you are saying to yourself, "I can't lose weight", then guess what? You can't lose weight! See, along with changing your diet and exercise habits comes the emotional side of losing weight. Losing weight is a process that takes time and dedication.

If you have a lot of belly fat you may know that when under stress the body produces a hormone called Cortisol. Cortisol increases fat stores around your mid-section putting you at risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Learn some techniques to decrease the stress in your life. Meditation is a good technique to use to decrease stress. Yoga is another good way. Actually, just getting some regular daily exercise will go a long way to decreasing your stress level.

Try to think more positively about your life and your weight loss. If you do then the extra pounds will be long gone in no time.

Getting enough good sleep is also a big part of losing weight. If you are on the "I can t lose weight" bandwagon then try getting an extra hour or two of sleep at night. The human body needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night and when you do not get it your metabolism starts to slow down and your body does not work the way it should. Those of us who work the night shift really have screwed up metabolisms. Working nights is very stressful on the human body. We were all meant to sleep at night not during the day.

OK, so, you have done all the things listed above and find you still cannot lose the weight. Let's investigate the situation a little further. Are you drinking enough water? If you answer that you drink enough fluids then my next question is, do you drink pop or other sweetened drinks? If you do you need to stop. Regular pop, diet pop and other sweetened drinks are called empty calories because they have no nutritional value. The only thing they do is add to your excess fat. Did you know that if you do nothing else but stop drinking pop you can lose approximately 40 pounds in a year, give or take a few pounds.

Wait a sec, diet pop? Yup, diet pop is sweetened with artificial sweeteners and is basically poison. Diet pop actually tricks your body into staying fat. When you drink diet pop the body thinks it is getting something of value and when it realizes you were only kidding the brain signals the stomach that it is still hungry and you end up eating more.

Stick with the water and maybe some green tea. The green tea gives you an added benefit of antioxidants that are so important for your health and it tastes great, too.

So try to decrease the stress in your life, divorce it if you have to, get more sleep at night and give up the pop. This should help turn the, I can t lose weight, into Yes, I can lose weight.

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Exercises To Lose Weight

You are going to realize that there are hundreds of exercises to lose weight that you can do and all you have to do is figure out which ones you want to make a part of your routine. You can walk, jog, run, ride a bike, work out in a gym with free weights or use the weight machines, you can use the treadmill, or any of the other cardiovascular work out machines.

You can swim, do water aerobics, or do regular aerobics. If you live in a place that has a lot of nice weather you can get some friends together and go to a driving range and hit some golf balls, play tennis, basketball, baseball, softball, or just hit some balls at a batting cage.

If you live near a wooded area like a forest preserve, go for a hike, or canoing, or row a boat around a lake. You do not have to just get bored doing the same old thing at the gym day in and day out. I think a lot of people forget that so many of the things I have mentioned are exercise and they do count as exercises to lose weight.

Let's see what else we can come up with. How about taking a dance class, or a spinning class, Yoga is another good one, ooh, so is Pilate's. Now do not knock yoga or Pilate's until you have tried them, they can be very tough work outs. Did you know there are are twelve stages or levels to Pilate's? Yup, it looks a lot easier than it is and if you are not prepared for how difficult it can be it will kick your butt into next week. Seriously.

If I were to pick some exercises from the things I have listed, I think I would start with walking until I could go for about thirty minutes without feeling like I was dying, then maybe graduate to riding a bike until I get the exact same results. Everything I would be doing would be making me stronger and then I think I would find a pool somewhere and start to swim. Swimming is one of the best things you can do because you are in the water and you get the resistance from the water and you also use nearly every muscle in your entire body to do the swim strokes.

When I could swim for thirty minutes non-stop then it would be time for some weight training I think. See it doesn't really matter what you do as long as you do something for thirty minutes everyday of the week. Do something that you like to do at least a couple of times a week that way you will break up the monotony of going to the gym every day.

Working out should be fun, not tedious or boring. If you are bored then you need to spice things up and find something to do that is fun. Maybe there is a nature walk you can take with a group, hey, that would be great this time of year, you could get out and see all the fall colors, do some bird watching, maybe catch some pictures of wildlife if you take your camera along while doing exercises to lose weight.

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List of Foods that Speed up Metabolism

What The Diet Industry Is Trying To Hide

A friend recently asked me a question that made me take notice: "If someone gave you, at no cost, a list of foods known to speed up your metabolism; and if each of those foods were good for you, would you want to eat them?"

Chances are you would be shocked to see many foods you enjoy on that list. The chances are also good that you would find some foods you like, but choose to avoid because you've been convinced that they are not conducive to weight loss. For example, low-fat dieters often shy away from nuts because of their fat content. Those on low-carb diets stay away from most grains. And the most earnest low-carb dieters won't eat fruit because they contain natural sugars.

Something is obviously wrong with the diet industry. I don't want to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but they have a reason to keep people overweight. Think about it. With all of the low-fat, no-carb, "eat all the cabbage you want" diets that are out there, people are still gaining weight. At the very least it shows that the diet gurus do not have all of the answers, or aren't sharing them if they do.

The weight loss industry won't like me saying this, but you can lose weight by applying a decent amount of common sense. All you need to do is expend more calories than you take in. That's all. Take in fewer calories by eating less, and expend them by exercising more. To make things easier, you can eat certain foods that will help to boost your metabolism.

High up on the list for metabolism boosting foods are tuna, salmon and sardines. This is because they work to lower your body's level of the hormone leptin. Research has shown that lower levels of leptin make for easy weight loss. In addition, they are each high in Omega-3 fatty acids which are good fats for a healthy heart. Another source of good fat for increasing metabolism is olive oil. See, you really can have your fat and eat it, too!

Did you know that hot peppers like jalapeno, habanero and cayenne actually speed up metabolism. The same component that makes them hot, capsaicin, can also fire up your metabolism for three hours after you eat them. If you select spicy dishes that are also low-fat, you will come out even farther ahead in the battle to lose weight.

Other foods that get the inner furnace stoked up include whole grains. Because they take longer to digest, the body keeps expending energy to move them along and they prevent spikes in blood sugar, too. Cinnamon can also regulate blood sugar levels and aids in revving up metabolism. Foods that are high in protein like lean meat, eggs, beans and nuts will have your body humming along. The final entry on the list of foods that boost metabolism for weight loss is to drink plenty of water. Not because it will help you feel full, or necessarily make you lose weight, but because it keeps everything else running the way it should.

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Losing Weight After Pregnancy

Once your doctor gives you the all clear to start working out, losing weight after pregnancy is pretty much the same as losing weight at any other time. Get more exercise and eat a balanced diet and you will lose weight. I make it sound so easy, don't I?

Many first time moms are astonished to go home and to take that first post baby look in a full length mirror. I know I thought that once I delivered my baby (all 10 lbs of her!) that the rest of the weight would be gone. Not so much, but it actually does go pretty quickly when you get home.

The fact is that after your baby is born, even before you are fully recuperated, your body will start to bounce back. Just the busy daily routine you are undertaking will start to make positive changes in your muscle tone.

Eventually, though, after you settle in to your new lifestyle, you will want to take your fitness and weight loss efforts up a notch. When that time comes, here is some good advice for you to follow:

1. Most women see the biggest difference in their stomachs and mistakenly think that doing thousands of crunches is where they should concentrate their efforts. Wrong. There is no such thing as 'spot reducing'. If you want your waistline back you will have to lose weight and that happens with a balanced diet and a whole body exercise plan.

2. Stay away from quick fix cleanses and fad diets. You're a mom and you have children depending on you. The last thing you need is anything that will make you feel tired and sluggish (after all, you just gave birth to something that can make you feel tired and sluggish, why add to it!).

3. With young children it can be a challenge to find the time to work out. Not to worry. You can make a huge positive impact on your body with 15 minute power workouts throughout your day.

If you don't have time to spend 30 minutes straight on a treadmill, how about just 15 minutes of some form of activity? Something as simple as a few jumping jacks, a few minutes of jump roping, or even taking your newest addition for a walk in their stroller can be all you need.

4. Don't forget to take care of yourself either. Get dad to take the baby at least for a few minutes every day to give you some much needed down time. Stress has a way of making you hang on to your excess body weight. Even a 15 minute soak in your tub, all by yourself, in peace and quiet can make a world of difference.

With some common sense, and realistic expectations, losing weight after pregnancy doesn't have to be the daunting task it may seem. Just make sure to take good care of yourself and you will be better able to take care of your new (screaming and puking) bundle of joy!

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What Makes Weight Loss Effective

Weight loss is an issue which plagues many people not just in America but all around the globe. There are numerous ways in which weight loss may be achieved however various programs may not always be effective for all individuals.

When choosing a specific program for weight loss it is necessary to consider several factors before making a decision. Some questions you may ask yourself include:

1. Is this a program I can commit to for a long period of time?
2. Have others had success with this program?
3. Is this program safe?
4. Do I have enough information on this program and how it works?

Research is essential for any weight loss plan you intend to use. The more you know about a program the more likely you are to follow the plan properly therefore the more effective it will be in the long run.

Two very important factors of effective weight loss are commitment and determination. In order for a weight loss program to succeed you have to be able to commit to doing it correctly and you have to be determined to make it work for you. This is a large part of why so many weight loss programs fail and also a large part of why it is so vitally important to find the program that is right for you specifically.

If you are a person who does not like taking pills for any reason then chances are a weight loss plan which requires the use of daily oral supplements is probably not the right choice. The best weight loss plans are those which fit in with your normal lifestyle so the changes that you may have to make are not so drastic.

When it is necessary to make changes to accommodate a specific weight loss plan be sure that these are changes you can live with and adapt to. A person who is resentful of things they have to change or give up is often setting themselves up to fail. In order for these changes to be effective you have to be willing to make them. When making these types of changes it is best to start off with small steps. Don’t try to give up too much at one time.

Persistence is another important aspect of weight loss. No one is perfect and there are going to be days when you ‘fall off the wagon’ so to speak. Instead of degrading yourself just keep reminding yourself that it is only a minor setback and keep trying. This is where determination comes in. Remember that nothing is fool proof and you are going to make mistakes and have bad days.

Regardless of which specific weight loss plan you choose remember the key points. Commitment, determination, knowledge and persistence may seem like trivial things separately but combined they can be that little extra push that you need to succeed.

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7 Surefire Ways To Shed 7 Pounds In 14 Days

The search for ways to speed up your weight loss is over. With these seven tips, you can be seven pounds lighter in the next two weeks. Be ready to make some changes, but your thinner self will thank you.
Make water your best friend
While it should come as no surprise that water is your best weapon in weight loss, some still haven’t caught on. By increasing your water consumption to six to eight glasses a day, you will help you body flush out toxins that are impeding the weight that you want to lose.
Water helps to speed digestion as well as many other processes in your body. And if your body is running more smoothly, then you can burn more calories along the way.
A new appetizer
If you’re looking to cut back on the foods that you’re eating, here’s a trick that works for anyone. Start your lunches and dinners off with a small cup of soup. Of course, the soup shouldn’t be cream based; a broth will work very well.
The warm soup will help to make your stomach feel fuller so that you eat less at the meal that follows. This is also a good trick if you are going out to eat. Have that bowl of soup before you go to curb your temptation for larger portions.
Take away the salt
A lot of the extra weight people carry is due to a large intake of salt. Salt can be found in many of the things that we consider healthy—frozen lunches, canned soups, and condiments.
Take some time over the next two weeks to look at the labels of the things that you eat to see how much salt (as sodium) are in the foods that you have been eating. Avoiding prepackaged foods is the best way to remove the salt from your diet.
Take away the sugars
While we don’t want to admit it, sugar is keeping us overweight and unhappy. And sugar isn’t just a candy bar or a milkshake, it’s also in the white breads and pastas that we love.
But if you want to lose weight, it’s time to find better ways of eating. This can include switching to brown rice and whole wheat bread. And of course, limiting your sugary snacks to once in a great while.
Get moving
When you’re trying to lose weight, you need to start exercising. If you haven’t exercised before, you’re in luck. Studies have shown that you can walk just a few times a week and burn the calories that you want to burn.
Thirty minutes a day is the best way to lose seven pounds in two weeks, but if you don’t have that much time, try to split it up over the course of the day—say ten minutes three times a day, or just try to fit in three good thirty minute walks a week.
Slow down
One of the main things that trigger overeating is not taking time for your self. When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s essential that you set aside a little time each day for you and you alone. By giving yourself some quiet time, you’ll be able to slow down and remember that you’re worth the extra effort that you’re putting in to lose weight.
Just like mom said
And don’t forget about your fruits and veggies. Though fruits do contain sugar, they also contain fewer calories than your traditional sugary snacks.
If you really want to jumpstart some weight loss, eat steamed vegetables at every meal. Not only do they have a slightly diuretic effect (makes you lose water weight), but they also energize your body to keep making great choices.
When you want to lose weight, you need help, but with these tips, you have everything you need.

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7 Tips to Health and Weight Loss 4 Kids

1 Role Model –Your heath and weight directly effect your child’s health and weight. Children with just one overweight parent have a 25% risk of becoming an overweight or obese adult. If both parents are overweight the risk of becoming an overweight adult jumps to 50%.
2 Be Positive- No one enjoys receiving negative feedback. Talk to your child with compassion and encouragement. Instead of saying, 'Lose weight', say, 'Let's be healthy and start taking care of our bodies'. Focus on the foods you can eat, not the ones that you cannot. Say, 'Let's go pick out fruits and make a fruit salad,' not 'Don't eat that.'
3 Make healthy eating a family affair - A family that eats together, eats better, according to a recent study in the journal Archives of Family Medicine. Children who report frequent family dinners have healthier diets than their peers who don't, the study showed. Also fill your refrigerator and cabinets with fresh fruits, nuts, low-fat cheese, and things for everyone to snack on.
4 Eat Breakfast – A breakfast that consists of protein, starch and fat will keep your children more alert during school. Studies have shown that weight loss is much more difficult in people who skip breakfast.
5 Make time for physical activity - Make physical activity a family activity. Every night after dinner in the summer, go for a half-hour walk and make it an activity that kids look forward to. If you can afford it, enroll your kids in dancing or a sporting activity that they enjoy because they need to enjoy it to keep doing it. Or just turn on some dance music and have a dance party around the house.
6 Don't say diet - Put your child on any diet and you are setting them up for an eating disorder - whether binge eating or closet eating or another type of disorder. Lifestyle changes have proven to be the most effective to lose weight and keep it off.
7 Avoid portion distortion - When serving the food try to portion out meal on dishes and avoid buffet-type or family-style eating. When exposed to so much food it is easy for your eyes to be bigger than your stomach. Resist the first temptation to have seconds then check in with yourself to see if you are really hungry.

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8 mistakes I made while trying to lose weight

I went on my first diet around five years ago. Over the past four and a half years my weight went up and down as I tried every diet and exercise program under the sun. Nothing seemed to work for me. Until six months ago I enrolled in a weight workshop which taught me that I need to change the way I look at food. It was then that I realized that I had made many mistakes in my quest to lose weight.
In this article I’m going to share with you eight mistakes I made on my quest to lose weight. I hope by sharing my experiences with others throughout the world via the internet I might be able to help people avoid the mistakes I made. So, here are the eight mistakes I made while trying to lose weight.
1. I started to skip breakfast
Most people trying to lose weight believe simply eating less and skipping meals helps shed that fat. And breakfast is a real easy meal to skip. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when on a weight loss diet. If you leave the house in the morning on an empty stomach you’re much more tempted to eat more at morning tea and lunch times. And, calories you eat at breakfast time are easily burnt throughout the day.
2. I would eat one day and not the next
I would literally eat about 2000+ calories one day, feel guilty, and end up eating about 700 calories the following day. If you “starve” yourself throughout the day you’re much more likely to eat more in the evenings, which is not going to help you lose weight. You should consume most of your calories in the morning.
3. I bought diet food
When I went shopping I always looked for the foods marked diet, low-fat, healthy etc. This is a good practice to get into, but I was buying these foods for the wrong reason. I bought these foods because in my mind it meant I could more. I would totally disregard portion size. If you eat diet foods in large portions you’re not doing yourself any favors.
4. I thought I’d always be fat
This is mindset that you must break if you want to lose some serious weight. Sometimes it feels like you’re doing the right things and not making any progress, this is totally natural. You need to focus on being happy and healthy and achieving your goals. Try not to get caught up in “the big picture”.
5. I started eating salads as main meals
Eating salad is a good way of keeping your calorie intake down right? Yes, meal of salad has much less calories that a pizza but does it have the satisfaction? When you eat you mind needs to get some satisfaction from what you have just eaten. I found that when I ate salads for meals a few hours later I was back I the cupboard looking for more food. I learnt that I was better off eating a balanced meal with slightly more calories than simply eating a salad and snacking afterwards.
6. I started my new diets on Mondays
When I found a new diet that I decided I was going to try I always started it on a Monday. This meant I would eat all weekend like I was never going to eat again. Doing this I was just setting myself up for failure.
7. I was to embarrassed to go to the gym
Taking the plunge and joining a gym was one of the hardest things I ever did. I was always worried that people in the gym would be staring at me and talking about me. I really thought I was too fat to join. My advice is to join a gym! You’ll be glad you did. I look forward to going to the gym now.
8. I set my goals to high
Setting long term goals is great, but these goals always seem to far off. You need to set smaller, more reachable goals that you can regularly meet to keep your motivation high. Set yourself weekly, monthly and three monthly goals. Once you meet one short term goal set a new one for next week.
So there you have it, those are the mistakes I made. I now look at weight loss from a totally different perspective and it has paid off. I now help others with weight loss and keeping healthy.

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A Simple Plan For Weight Loss

The math is pretty simple. One pound of fat equals 3500 calories. Want to lose a pound a week? Then you need to consume 3500 calories less per week than you use. That's about 500 calories a day. By cutting out 500 calories a day from your normal daily diet, while keeping your activity level the same, you can lose approximately one pound a week.
All right - that doesn't sound like much, especially if you're more than 25 pounds overweight. Study after study has shown, though, that those people who lose weight gradually - at a rate of 1-2 pounds per week -are far more likely to keep the weight off and maintain a normal weight for a lifetime.
So how much exactly IS 500 calories? If you're going to reduce your daily intake by 500 calories, it helps to know what you need to cut out, right? Here's how easy it is to lose 500 calories a day:
* Use milk instead of cream in your coffee. Savings? 50 calories per cup.
* Skip the butter on your baked potato. Savings? 100 calories
* Drink fruit-flavored water instead of a 16 ounce soda. Savings? 200 calories
* Skip the Big Mac and have a salad instead. A Big Mac weighs in at a whopping 460 calories. A fresh salad with a light dressing? Less than 100! Savings? 360 calories
* Pass by the bag of potato chips. An average snack size bag of chips has over 300 calories. Savings? 300 calories
* Eat your corn on the ear. A 1 cup serving of canned corn has 165 calories. An ear of corn has 85. Savings? 80 calories.
* Switch to low-fat cream cheese on your bagel. Savings? 90 calories per ounce.
* Love those fries and can't give them up? Swap the skinny fries out for thick steak-cut ones. Thin French fries absorb more oil than the thicker, meatier ones. Savings? 50 calories per 4 ounce serving
If you'd rather look at losing weight from an exercise perspective, you can also lose one pound a week by upping your activity level by 500 calories a day. How easy is that to do? Take a look:
* Take a half-hour walk around the park. Aim for a pace that's a little faster than a stroll, but not fast enough to be breathless. Burn: 160 calories.
* Get out your bike and take a ride. Tackle a few moderate hills and aim for about five miles total. Burn: 250 calories
* Go dancing - and really DANCE. The longer you're out on the floor instead of at the table drinking up high-calorie drinks, the more you'll get out of it. Dancing that makes you breathless and warms up your body will net you a nice calorie savings. Burn: 400 calories for one hour
* Swimming is great for you, and a lot of fun, too. The water resistance means you burn more calories, and you avoid the stress impact on joints from aerobics, dancing or walking. Do a few laps at a slow crawl - if you can get up to an hour you'll be doing great! Burn: 510 calories
* Get out into your garden. An hour of gardening tasks that includes bending and stretching can burn up to as many calories as a brisk walk. Burn: 250 calories.
* Play a game of tennis. Hook up with a friend for a weekly tennis game and you'll be amazed at the difference. One hour of vigorous tennis is one of the best calorie burners around. Burn: 800 calories
It’s important to keep in mind that all exercise/calorie numbers are based on a woman weighing 130 pounds. If you weigh more, you'll burn more. Want an added bonus to burning calories through exercise? When you exercise, you build muscle by converting it from fat. Three guesses which kind of body tissue burns more calories - even when you're not exercising. You got it - your body uses more energy to maintain and feed muscle than it does fat.
For best results, mix and match food savings with exercises that burn calories. Do keep in mind that eating less than 1000 calories a day for more than a few days will convince your body that it's starving and slow your metabolism. Keep calorie ranges reasonable, and consult a doctor if you want a quicker, more drastic weight loss.

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A Pleasuarble Dieting And Weightloss Experience

Tired of the same old do's and don't when it comes to dieting and weight loss? If you're one of the many women trekking the hard path to weight loss, you've probably come across programs that tell you to avoid certain kinds of food. There are those that recommend vigorous exercises to rev up your metabolism but only allows you to eat a third of your usual intake. Chances are, you feel deprived. And this deprivation will probably cause you to binge later or have mood swings. It could even affect your work and family life. But did you know that you could diet and lose weight without sacrificing the things you want? This is the game plan for the slow and conscious eating diet.
Recent studies concluded that diets which are low-fat or low-calorie can only do so much to your body. Dieting and weight loss through this may not event prevent heart diseases. Moreover, another research show that our bodies utilize and absorb more nutrients from foods that we like. This means that scarfing down plate after plate of brussels sprouts or brocolli won't do you much good than you expect if you don't like veggies. This is because if we are presented with something that we like, say, roasted chicken with lemon butter sauce, our brain, upon recognizing the smells and sight will send signals to the stomach to release more digestive juice. The result? A better metabolized and digested protein than servings of tofu that will just go to waste simply because our brain protested against it. But don't binge yet, certain precautions must be considered to avoid going into a pleasure eating overdrive.
First, the food must have nutritional content. This means that chips and chocolate diets are out. Vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains are preferred. Smother them in sauce and prepare them the way you like. Fry, steam, grill, or bake, it's up to you. The key to this method of dieting and weight loss is proper nutrition and yummy food. Second, assess why you need to eat. Are you really hungry? Is it just for socializing? Or is the desire to eat an emotional thing? In short, have the right attitude when it comes to food. Eat substantial portions are enough for sustenance, a small amount if you're just in for the chat, and control your indulgence when eating for emotional needs. This brings us to our third consideration, the method of eating or your eating habits. You may have to tweak your eating habits a few times to control eating for pleasure. Make like the French and chew your food slowly. Savor every flavor and texture. It is important to prolong delight in eating your meal. Without realizing it, you'll feel fuller and more satiated sooner with smaller portions. The result? Easy dieting and weight loss with minimal effort on your part.

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Why Your Diet May Not Be Working

Jennifer, a middle-aged single mother with one six-year-old daughter, has been skipping sweets for a few weeks now. She’s also become a stickler for portion control. She feels as if she’s eating less than ever, and she’s been diligently exercising for an hour at a time at least four days a week. Yet, she hasn’t lost a single pound. The question is, “Why?”

This is a dilemma which affects dieters the world over. They think they are taking the steps necessary to lose weight, but nothing seems to be happening. In essence, they are trapped in a dieting rut and they don’t know how to free themselves. As a result, they become frustrated and depressed and may then engage in binge eating.

One of the problems with diets is that they are often standardized. As a result, they don’t take into consideration your individual physiology and metabolism. They provide a cookie-cutter approach to weight loss—an approach which may not work in your individual case. As a result, an increasing number of people are turning to dieticians to formulate a person weight loss strategy for them. This process has been made easier through the Internet, where you can correspond with a dietician any time of the day or night via e-mail. The dietician can also act as your personal coach, helping you through your dieting dilemmas.

Another reason that you may be failing at your diet is because of a lack of support. You may have family members who can eat whatever they want and seemingly not gain a pound. As a result, they may fill your refrigerator with junk food, leading you into temptation. Also, you may feel as if you have no one to turn to in order to discuss your weight problems. In order to solve this problem, many individuals look to psychotherapists to help them with their food-related issues. This can be particularly important if an individual has turned to purging in an effort to combat their weight problems. Bulimia is a serious disease which must be treated in order to ensure the good health of the patient. Thankfully, there are a number of treatment programs throughout the U.S. specifically focusing on bulimia.

Yet another reason for diet failure is hidden calories. You may literally be consuming calories and not even realize it. For instance, the frappucinos that are so popular today are loaded with calories—as many as 600 in a single serving! You may also be indulging in sugary sodas—another source of extra calories. By taking a few simple steps, such as eliminating the exotic coffee drinks from your diet and substituting skim milk for whole milk, you may be able to eliminate the hidden calories that are denying you dieting success.

Lack of consistency can also be a diet-killer. You might go on a diet for a while, then quit before you’ve made any measurable progress. It’s only natural to want to see quick results. The problem is that healthy weight loss involves losing only a couple of pounds a week. That means you’ll have to stay on your diet for months before you see appreciable weight loss. Discouraging? It can be, but if you keep a positive attitude you can achieve your ideal weight.

You may also be more successful in your dieting if you consider it to be a lifestyle change. Therefore, your diet becomes a meal plan for life. This means that you must change the way you look at food. It is designed to be fuel for your body, and nothing more. As a result, you should not turn to food to make you feel better or to provide you with a sense of comfort. A lifestyle change implies commitment; it means that you are prepared to follow the plan for the long haul. If you feel as if you cannot be on your diet for any appreciable length of time, perhaps it’s time to consider a different diet. Your aim ultimately should be not simply to lose weight, but to become healthier. A fad diet will not allow you to reach that milestone. Therefore, you must choose your diet carefully.

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Staying Motivated: An Important Factor in Weight Loss

If you are attempting to fight fat, it is simply not enough to begin an exercise program. You must also be able to stick with it. This can be challenging, especially if you have spent most of your life as a couch potato. You may find exercise to be boring or a chore. And you may be wondering whether your exercise program is really worth the effort.

It should be noted that the key to a successful exercise program is perseverance. This means that you need to commit to it for the long haul—in fact, it is best if you commit to it for the rest of your life. Certainly, it can be difficult at times. But in the end, it is well worth the effort you exert.

Staying motivated may begin with having a tangible goal. For instance, if you are basically inactive when you start your program, you should aim to burn off 500 calories a week. If you are fairly active when you start exercising, your goal should be 1,000 calories. But you must also have a long-term goal. This might be doubling the amount of calories you burn within six months of commencing your exercise program.

You might consider starting an exercise log. Here, you will record exactly what kind of aerobic, anaerobic, and stretching exercises you do each week. Be sure to include the number of repetitions you’re performing with each exercise. This way, you’ll have a concrete chart for your progress. Seeing how well you’re doing can be truly inspiring and can keep you going when you find it difficult to go on.

Another effective motivational strategy is to join a group that engages in some kind of exercise. For instance, you might become a mall-walker or you might find a local square dance club to join. Other possibilities include hiking groups, golfing groups, softball teams, or even ping-pong teams. The fact that you are part of a social network will help to keep you motivated.

You might try psyching yourself out by using a computer screensaver which says, “Get moving.” Or you might post a “get moving” sign on your refrigerator. In other words, you should be constantly reminded of the value of exercise. You might also invest in home exercise equipment such as a treadmill, elliptical trainer, or free weights. The amount of money you spend could be a powerful incentive for making sure that you use the equipment on a regular basis. You should also place the equipment in a prominent place so that you have to pass it often. After a while, you’ll find no excuse not to exercise.

You might also consider investing in exercise videos or DVDs. These allow you the convenience of exercising in the privacy of your own home. They can also give you an electronic “exercise buddy” who can help keep you inspired even on rainy days when you don’t feel like exercising at all.

Another effective idea is to place your athletic shoes near the door so that you are reminded of the need to walk rather than drive. You might also consider rewarding yourself for keeping with your exercise program. Your reward could be as elaborate as a cruise or as small as a treat from the dollar store. The idea is to make sure that your accomplishment is celebrated.

While we’re on the topic of celebration, seriously consider throwing a party once you’ve reached an exercise milestone. You can serve nutritious snacks and beverages and even encourage your guests to come in their athletic wear in order to build upon the party’s theme. Sharing your joy can help to motivate you to continue your physical activities.

It should be said that there is no right way to exercise. But you do need to make sure that whatever you do is effective and that you’re sufficiently motivated to do it. By following just a few simple tips, you can ensure that your exercise routine is not just a fad, that it will continue over the long term. Remember that you may face setbacks from time to time, but that shouldn’t stop you from continuing to try to reach your exercise goals.

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