The experts used to tell us we should avoid simple carbohydrates, i.e. sugar, and instead eat complex carbohydrates, i.e. starches. Some of them are still saying that, which is unfortunate because scientists now know that this is not the right way to look at it.
Scientists now know that some starches, such as baked potato for example, cause your blood sugar and insulin levels to increase dramatically in much the same way as sugars cause these levels to jump. So they constructed something called the Glycemic Index, which shows how fast and to what degree a given amount of each kind of carbohydrate causes your blood sugar and insulin levels to rise.
In a typical glycemic index, pure glucose is assigned the number 100. All other carbohydrates are assigned lower numbers corresponding to how fast and to what degree they cause your blood sugar to rise in comparison to the way pure glucose causes your blood sugar to rise. A baked russet potato causes your blood sugar to rise about 85% as much as pure glucose, so a baked potato is said to have a glycemic index of 85 on this type of index.
Now more and more diet-book gurus and nutrition journalists are telling people to forget about whether a carbohydrate is simple or complex, and simply judge it by its glycemic index. They tell us the rule we should follow is to simply avoid foods that have a high glycemic index. (more…)
We have all seen the diet pill ads that claim they can “melt away the pounds” and “give you more energy”. Over the counter (OTC) diet pills promise a quick fix but can they really deliver? OTC diet pills are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration which classifies them as dietary supplements. This is why you can purchase them without a prescription at any local drugstore, health food store, or supermarket.
Xenedrine, Dexatrim and Zantrex-3 are examples of over-the-counter diet pills. They were originally manufactured with a powerful combination of ephedra and caffeine to help you lose weight. The combination of ingredients increase energy expenditure or thermo genesis and reduce your appetite. It was thought that the caffeine increases the metabolism by increasing the breakdown of fatty acids. The ephedrine acts on the hypothalamus section of the brain to reduce your appetitte. (more…)
Millions of people struggle with weight issues every year—and despite claims that a wonder diet can “work for everybody”, the fact is that each of those individuals have a medical history, a personality, or a lifestyle issue that affects whether or not that weight control technique will help them shed those pounds.
But while nothing works for everybody, there is something that will work for you…and the challenge is to find it, identify it, and stick to it.
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In order to regain your previously smooth skin and get rid of cellulite, you need to treat it holistically, rid the body of trapped toxins from tissues and return these connective tissues to a normal elasticity.
Many people have difficulty with toxic build up which shows itself as cottage cheese, especially in the thighs. No matter how great of shape your body is in (yes thin people have it too!), the remedy to get rid of cellulite is detoxification or working from the inside out.
In the dermis, fat cells store trigycerids (fatty contents) from meals. Fat cells are spread all over the body and tend to accumulate in genetically predetermined areas. Normally, this is done by the body to fend off periods of starvation. Fat cells then release their contents in the form of acids and glycerol. (more…)
In order to regain your previously smooth skin and get rid of cellulite, you need to treat it holistically, rid the body of trapped toxins from tissues and return these connective tissues to a normal elasticity.
Many people have difficulty with toxic build up which shows itself as cottage cheese, especially in the thighs. No matter how great of shape your body is in (yes thin people have it too!), the remedy to get rid of cellulite is detoxification or working from the inside out.
In the dermis, fat cells store trigycerids (fatty contents) from meals. Fat cells are spread all over the body and tend to accumulate in genetically predetermined areas. Normally, this is done by the body to fend off periods of starvation. Fat cells then release their contents in the form of acids and glycerol. (more…)
I just returned from a week-long conference in Florida. My husband and I have been going to this conference for about 38 years and I've made many friends. But some of the comments I received about my recent weight loss weren't friendly at all.
"Are you anorexic?" one friend asked. The question shocked me. She didn't even say "hello" or that it was good to see me again. I'm not anorexic; I've worked hard to lose 25 pounds and get back to my college weight.
"You don't eat much, do you?" another friend queried. This question also shocked me. What I eat is my decision. Believe me, I eat lots of food, and I've learned to make good food choices. I've also learned to judge restaurant serving sizes and leave food on my plate or take leftovers home. (more…)
You have lost weight by avoiding the carbs – you pass up the local Bakery and order protein and vegetables at restaurants. You ask the waiter to take the bread basket away and forget dessert – right!? Have you noticed a change in your mood? Do you still crave carbs? For many people, low-carb eating is not satisfying for the long term. They continue to eat their steak and eggs but at some point miss their whole wheat toast or their favorite pasta dish.
It is possible to re-introduce carbs if you introduce the right carbs in the right way! You might gain some weight but that is because carbs hold water in the body. When you start adding carbs back in, you are going to store water which is a good thing. Start by looking at your diet! WHAT ARE YOU ACTUALLY EATING EVERYDAY? This might surprise you because many people are following low-carb diets but are eating more carbs then they realize!
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Does your weight loss program make you struggle shamefully around your neighborhood? Do you often feeling the eyes of your neighbors silently mocking your struggle to lose the extra pounds? There is a way to exercise without moving a muscle.
Chances are if you are on a weight loss program it gets stressful sometimes. That may be a sign of discouragement. It's part of the reason most people need lots of support in order to lose weight.
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If you're like the average American male, your body retains your excess calories as fatty tissues. Why? Eating large burgers, fries, and liters of soda is not exactly healthy. Watching NFL or NBA doesn't exactly count as exercise either. You lack physical activity and diet control. Here comes the bad news, most of these fat cells are deposited in your gut and upper body resulting in protruding stomachs and flabby arms. Not exactly Brad Pitt-like. Diets and weight loss are necessary if you want to circumvent these scary effects.
However, following programs on diets and weight loss are not enough if you want a rock-hard or at least, a well-defined physique. What you need to do is to combine a well-balanced diet (think vitamins, proteins, and carbs) with resistance training. It's not at all difficult, but commitment is necessary if you want to achieve your dream body. First, consult your doctor for a whole body check-up because resistance training can aggravate past injuries such as fractures or back injuries. (more…)