WALKING AND WEIGHT LOSS
by tycoon2k Webmaster
Three universal goals most of us share are: to live longer, to live free of illness and to control our weight. Interesting enough, normal walking lets us achieve all three. In fact, walking may be man's best medicine for slowing the aging process. First, it works almost every muscle in the body, improving circulation to the joints and massaging the blood vessels (keeping them more elastic). Walking also helps us maintain both our muscle mass and metabolism as we age. It also keeps us young in spirit. For anyone out of shape or unathletically inclined, walking is the no-stress, no-sweat answer to lifelong conditioning.
All it takes is a little time, common sense and a few guidelines. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation floating around regarding fitness walking, weight-loss and dieting. Walking is one of the best exercise for strengthening bones, controlling weight, toning the leg muscles, maintaining good posture and improving positive self-concept. People who diet without exercising often get fatter with time. Although your weight may initially drop while dieting, such weight loss consists mostly of water and muscle. When the weight returns, it comes back as fat. To avoid getting fatter over time, increase your metabolism by exercising daily.
To lose weight, it's more important to walk for time than speed. Walking at a moderate pace yields longer workouts with less soreness - - leading to more miles and more calories spent on a regular basis.
High-intensity walks on alternate days help condition one's system. But in a waking, weight-loss program, it's better to be active every day. This doesn't require walking an hour every day. The key is leading an active life-style 365 days a year.
When it comes to good health and weight loss, exercise and diet are interrelated. Exercising without maintaining a balanced diet is no more beneficial than dieting while remaining inactive.
The national research council recommends eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Fruits and vegetables are the ideal diet foods for several reasons. They're relatively low in fat and calories, yet are often high in fiber and rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Remember that rapid weight-loss consists mostly of water and muscle - - the wrong kind of weight to lose. To avoid this, set more reasonable goals, such as one pound per week.
Carbohydrates are high-octane fuel. They provide energy for movement and help raise internal body metabolism. They're also satisfying. The key is not adding high-fat toppings to your carbohydrates.
It's everyday habits which define our weight and body composition. A three-minute walk after each meal is worth four pounds less body fat annually. Two flights of stairs a day burns off half a pound of body fat in a year. On the other hand, one candy bar eaten daily will cost you 20 pounds annually.
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Tycoon2k Webmaster
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Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
Liquid Diets
Liquid Diets
By Eddie Tobey
Liquid diets are usually a temporary form of diet advised before a surgery takes place. The liquid diets fall in to two categories. One is a low calorie liquid diet and the other a meal replacement liquid diet.
The low calorie liquid diet is practiced under strict medical supervision only. This diet provides on an average about five hundred to eight hundred calories a day. This is normally a short-term diet plan, mostly recommended to those who have serious obesity problems and need to lose a lot of weight in a short span of time.
The meal replacement liquid diet replaces one or two whole meals with liquids. This type of liquid diet is offered to many people as an effective tool to reduce weight.
A liquid diet consists of fresh fruit juices or shakes. They are prepared keeping in mind nutritiously, along with sweeteners, sugar, skimmed milk and a good quantity of fiber, minerals and vitamins. Certain liquid diets also permit the consumption of solid or real food intake in proportional sizes.
There could also be certain disadvantages an individual encounters while on a liquid diet. The person may get very little fiber, and the important antioxidants present in whole fruits and grains may be left out. This will lead to having a low resistance to disease. Moreover, a liquid diet should be under medical supervision only. The weight lost during the intake of a liquid diet is rarely maintained, as such diets do not teach us to eat right long term. An individual should realize, that although liquid diet works, it is not recommended for everyone.
Diets provides detailed information on Diet, Diet Pills, Diet Programs, Diet Plans and more. Diets is affiliated with Herbal Diet Products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey
By Eddie Tobey
Liquid diets are usually a temporary form of diet advised before a surgery takes place. The liquid diets fall in to two categories. One is a low calorie liquid diet and the other a meal replacement liquid diet.
The low calorie liquid diet is practiced under strict medical supervision only. This diet provides on an average about five hundred to eight hundred calories a day. This is normally a short-term diet plan, mostly recommended to those who have serious obesity problems and need to lose a lot of weight in a short span of time.
The meal replacement liquid diet replaces one or two whole meals with liquids. This type of liquid diet is offered to many people as an effective tool to reduce weight.
A liquid diet consists of fresh fruit juices or shakes. They are prepared keeping in mind nutritiously, along with sweeteners, sugar, skimmed milk and a good quantity of fiber, minerals and vitamins. Certain liquid diets also permit the consumption of solid or real food intake in proportional sizes.
There could also be certain disadvantages an individual encounters while on a liquid diet. The person may get very little fiber, and the important antioxidants present in whole fruits and grains may be left out. This will lead to having a low resistance to disease. Moreover, a liquid diet should be under medical supervision only. The weight lost during the intake of a liquid diet is rarely maintained, as such diets do not teach us to eat right long term. An individual should realize, that although liquid diet works, it is not recommended for everyone.
Diets provides detailed information on Diet, Diet Pills, Diet Programs, Diet Plans and more. Diets is affiliated with Herbal Diet Products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Weight Loss Diets - A Review Of 4 Popular Diets
Weight Loss Diets - A Review Of 4 Popular Diets
By Michael Aldridge
1000 calorie diet
Trying the 1000 calorie diet is only advisable for one week, due to your body entering starvation mode and conserving fat. Overdoing the 1000 calorie diet is counterproductive to your body so try to stay on it for only 1 week. After 1 week you will lose between 3-5 pounds. The 1000 calorie diet can be used as a starter diet for a long term weight loss program. Try to aim for 2-3 pounds of weight loss and a good exercise program to begin with. After 1 week on the 1000 calorie diet, try upping your calorie intake or reverting back to a not so severe diet, this will prevent your body’s metabolism from slowing down. Here is a simple 1000 calorie daily menu.
Breakfast
• Banana sandwich made with 2 slices of wholemeal bread and a small banana
• Small glass of orange juice
Snack
• 1 pot of low fat yoghurt (preferably fruit)
Lunch
• 1 wholemeal roll filled with tuna and low fat mayonnaise (use tin tuna in spring water)
• Mixed lettuce salad, red or yellow sweet peppers, spring onions
Snack
• 1 bag of lower fat crisps
Dinner
• Roast chicken breast (without skin)
• Potatoes, mashed with 30ml semi-skimmed milk
• Broccoli (all vegetables steamed or boiled)
• Carrots
• Gravy (made from granules)
Evening
• 1 low calorie hot chocolate drink made with powder and water
Drinks throughout the day
• Diet coke, water, black coffee or tea without sugar
The 1000 calorie diet can be used as a starter diet for a long term weight loss program. Try to aim for 2-3 pounds of weight loss and a good exercise program to begin with. Remember after 1 week on the 1000 calorie diet, try upping your calorie intake or reverting back to a not so severe diet, this will prevent your body’s metabolism from slowing down.
Vegetarian Diet
A well balanced vegetarian diet provides many benefits for the body. Some of those benefits include a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as:
• Obesity
• Coronary artery disease
• Hypertension
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Some types of cancer and more…
Your vegetarian diet, must be planned well. If not your body could end up in need of some vital nutrients. Some of these nutrients essential for the body are:
• Protein
• Minerals (zinc, calcium, iron)
• Vitamin b12
• Vitamin d
Protein sources include, tofu and other soy-based products, legumes, seeds, nuts, grains, and vegetables
Experts say that in order for a balanced vegetarian diet, you should eat nuts and whole grain cereals for good sources amino acids.
Greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli are a good source of calcium.
For sources of vitamin b12 which comes from animals, can be substituted with fortified breakfast cereals and fortified soy drinks.
Sources of iron are red meats, liver and egg yolks which are all high in cholesterol. Spinach, dried beans and dried fruits are all good vegetarian sources of iron.
A vegetarian diet is healthier than a meat diet. However this does not mean that you have the right to stuff your face with crisps, chocolate and chips everyday. Your balanced diet should include all of the above, i.e. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, dairy produce and soy. Below is a table of some calorie controls in a vegetarian diet:
Food Group 1200 Calorie 1500 Calorie 1800 Calorie
Vegetables 5 servings 6 servings 8 servings
Fruits 3 servings 3 servings 5 servings
Grains 2 servings 3 servings 4 servings
Dairy 2 servings 2-3 servings 2-3 servings
Beans, Nuts and Seeds 5oz 6oz 7oz
Total Fat 30-35g 40-50g 50-60g
You can find a massive rage of diets on the internet free of charge! A vegetarian diet is an all round healthier option, and can go a long way to helping you on the road to losing weight.
Abs Diet
The Abs Diet works on the theory that every 1lb of muscle gained, your body intern burns an extra 50 calories per day. So if you can build an extra 10lb of muscle your body will then burn an extra 500 calories per day. Using the Abs Diet your body will burn more energy by eating the correct foods and exercising the correct way. Losing 500 calories per day will loose you 1lb of weight per week. Expect to loose up to 12lb in the first two weeks followed by 5-8lb in the forth coming two.
The Abs Diet allows you to eat 6 meals per day which consist of 12 power foods, such as: chicken, turkey and other lean meat, olive oil, beans and pulses, almonds, low fat dairy products, green vegetables, oats, eggs, wholegrain bread, whole grain cereals, berries, and protein powder. All other food is a not allowed.
For 6 weeks you will eat a series of 12 power foods, which provide the body with all the fibre and minerals you need to stay healthy and build muscle. Along with the diet you will do a 20 min workout three times per week, which will aid in the fat burning.
The Abs diet is mainly aimed at men, however women are encouraged to participate. The range of foods you can eat is still good and you do get an exercise program out of it. Also some very good looking Abs, health and sex life. The full diet book is: The Abs Diet by David Zinczenko from all good on-line book stores.
The Kellogg’s Cereal Diet
One of the simplest diets around at the moment is the Kellogg’s Cereal Diet. It is not a crash weight loss diet which will lose you pounds upon pounds; however it will allow you to get into those jeans that are 1 size to small.
To start the Kellogg’s Diet all you have to do is, eat one bowl of Kellogg’s Special K or Cornflakes for breakfast, and also one for a replacement lunch or dinner. That’s all! Carry this on for two weeks then you will see the results. Expect to lose around 3-6lb.
Whist on your diet, Kellogg’s allow you to have the same drinks and snacks as you usually would, but recommend that you eat a well balanced meal every day, with more fruit and vegetables. Another tip from Kellogg’s, is to keep a food diary to monitor and keep you aware of your current eating habits.
Article supplied by Michael Aldridge. For a complete and extensive guide to losing weight, please visit our web site at http://www.onlineguidetoweightloss.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Aldridge
By Michael Aldridge
1000 calorie diet
Trying the 1000 calorie diet is only advisable for one week, due to your body entering starvation mode and conserving fat. Overdoing the 1000 calorie diet is counterproductive to your body so try to stay on it for only 1 week. After 1 week you will lose between 3-5 pounds. The 1000 calorie diet can be used as a starter diet for a long term weight loss program. Try to aim for 2-3 pounds of weight loss and a good exercise program to begin with. After 1 week on the 1000 calorie diet, try upping your calorie intake or reverting back to a not so severe diet, this will prevent your body’s metabolism from slowing down. Here is a simple 1000 calorie daily menu.
Breakfast
• Banana sandwich made with 2 slices of wholemeal bread and a small banana
• Small glass of orange juice
Snack
• 1 pot of low fat yoghurt (preferably fruit)
Lunch
• 1 wholemeal roll filled with tuna and low fat mayonnaise (use tin tuna in spring water)
• Mixed lettuce salad, red or yellow sweet peppers, spring onions
Snack
• 1 bag of lower fat crisps
Dinner
• Roast chicken breast (without skin)
• Potatoes, mashed with 30ml semi-skimmed milk
• Broccoli (all vegetables steamed or boiled)
• Carrots
• Gravy (made from granules)
Evening
• 1 low calorie hot chocolate drink made with powder and water
Drinks throughout the day
• Diet coke, water, black coffee or tea without sugar
The 1000 calorie diet can be used as a starter diet for a long term weight loss program. Try to aim for 2-3 pounds of weight loss and a good exercise program to begin with. Remember after 1 week on the 1000 calorie diet, try upping your calorie intake or reverting back to a not so severe diet, this will prevent your body’s metabolism from slowing down.
Vegetarian Diet
A well balanced vegetarian diet provides many benefits for the body. Some of those benefits include a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as:
• Obesity
• Coronary artery disease
• Hypertension
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Some types of cancer and more…
Your vegetarian diet, must be planned well. If not your body could end up in need of some vital nutrients. Some of these nutrients essential for the body are:
• Protein
• Minerals (zinc, calcium, iron)
• Vitamin b12
• Vitamin d
Protein sources include, tofu and other soy-based products, legumes, seeds, nuts, grains, and vegetables
Experts say that in order for a balanced vegetarian diet, you should eat nuts and whole grain cereals for good sources amino acids.
Greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli are a good source of calcium.
For sources of vitamin b12 which comes from animals, can be substituted with fortified breakfast cereals and fortified soy drinks.
Sources of iron are red meats, liver and egg yolks which are all high in cholesterol. Spinach, dried beans and dried fruits are all good vegetarian sources of iron.
A vegetarian diet is healthier than a meat diet. However this does not mean that you have the right to stuff your face with crisps, chocolate and chips everyday. Your balanced diet should include all of the above, i.e. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, dairy produce and soy. Below is a table of some calorie controls in a vegetarian diet:
Food Group 1200 Calorie 1500 Calorie 1800 Calorie
Vegetables 5 servings 6 servings 8 servings
Fruits 3 servings 3 servings 5 servings
Grains 2 servings 3 servings 4 servings
Dairy 2 servings 2-3 servings 2-3 servings
Beans, Nuts and Seeds 5oz 6oz 7oz
Total Fat 30-35g 40-50g 50-60g
You can find a massive rage of diets on the internet free of charge! A vegetarian diet is an all round healthier option, and can go a long way to helping you on the road to losing weight.
Abs Diet
The Abs Diet works on the theory that every 1lb of muscle gained, your body intern burns an extra 50 calories per day. So if you can build an extra 10lb of muscle your body will then burn an extra 500 calories per day. Using the Abs Diet your body will burn more energy by eating the correct foods and exercising the correct way. Losing 500 calories per day will loose you 1lb of weight per week. Expect to loose up to 12lb in the first two weeks followed by 5-8lb in the forth coming two.
The Abs Diet allows you to eat 6 meals per day which consist of 12 power foods, such as: chicken, turkey and other lean meat, olive oil, beans and pulses, almonds, low fat dairy products, green vegetables, oats, eggs, wholegrain bread, whole grain cereals, berries, and protein powder. All other food is a not allowed.
For 6 weeks you will eat a series of 12 power foods, which provide the body with all the fibre and minerals you need to stay healthy and build muscle. Along with the diet you will do a 20 min workout three times per week, which will aid in the fat burning.
The Abs diet is mainly aimed at men, however women are encouraged to participate. The range of foods you can eat is still good and you do get an exercise program out of it. Also some very good looking Abs, health and sex life. The full diet book is: The Abs Diet by David Zinczenko from all good on-line book stores.
The Kellogg’s Cereal Diet
One of the simplest diets around at the moment is the Kellogg’s Cereal Diet. It is not a crash weight loss diet which will lose you pounds upon pounds; however it will allow you to get into those jeans that are 1 size to small.
To start the Kellogg’s Diet all you have to do is, eat one bowl of Kellogg’s Special K or Cornflakes for breakfast, and also one for a replacement lunch or dinner. That’s all! Carry this on for two weeks then you will see the results. Expect to lose around 3-6lb.
Whist on your diet, Kellogg’s allow you to have the same drinks and snacks as you usually would, but recommend that you eat a well balanced meal every day, with more fruit and vegetables. Another tip from Kellogg’s, is to keep a food diary to monitor and keep you aware of your current eating habits.
Article supplied by Michael Aldridge. For a complete and extensive guide to losing weight, please visit our web site at http://www.onlineguidetoweightloss.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Aldridge
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Rapid Weight Loss Through Lo Carb Diets
Lo Carb Diets Can Assist Your Rapid Weight Loss
By Nathan T. Lynch
Lo carb diets are the newest dieting trend, and seem to be effective. Here are some tips for following a balanced lo carb diet:
Eat more fruit and vegetables, aiming for at least five portions a day. Include fruit at breakfast and salad at lunch. Reduce the amount of salt by eating less processed food, such as ready meals, and adding a smaller amount of salt to food. Eat a varied diet. Change your shopping list every week to help keep you out of unhealthy food ruts and make eating more enjoyable. Eat regular meals - although it doesn't matter when you eat your food, a consistent schedule helps most people to control their diet and their weight. Control your portion sizes so that over time, if not necessarily every day, the amount of energy you consume matches your level of activity. Try to be more physically active. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Activity helps to regulate your appetite, and means that you can eat more without gaining weight. Drink alcohol only within sensible limits: not more than 14 units per week for women, and no more than three in any one day, and not more than 21 units per week for men, and no more than four in any one day.
The current most popular fad diet is the Lo Carb or Atkins diet. It restricts carbohydrate rich foods, thereby restricting total daily calories. Phase One of the four in the Atkins Diet consists of between 1400 to 1500 total daily calories. The average adult female consumes around 2200 calories daily and the average adult male consumes around 2800 calories daily. Almost any adult will lose weight if they consume 800 to 1300 fewer calories daily. Phase One of the Atkins Diet also restricts carbohydrate intake to only 20 grams of net carbohydrates daily. The definition of net carbohydrates is total grams of carbohydrates per serving minus dietary fibre per serving. Dietary fibre is the non-digestible remains of plant products found in beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred fuel source. In the near future there will be a recommended dietary allowance, or R.D.A., for carbohydrates of 130 grams daily. 130 grams of carbohydrates our body needs daily is for the proper functioning of the central nervous system and production of red blood cells. Only during Phase Four of the Atkins Diet are participants allowed up to 120 grams of net carbohydrate daily. Low carbohydrate diets are nothing new, they have been around since the 1860’s and the Atkins Diet first came out in the early 1970’s.
Most nutrition experts agree that to be successful in weight loss a person needs to keep the weight off for 5 years. Over 90% of people who take weight off through a fad diet like the Atkins Diet gain the weight back in less than one year. Participants on the Atkins Diet lose between 10 to 12 pounds in the first several weeks but this is only water loss, not fat. One pound of fat contains 3500 calories. Therefore to lose 10 pounds of fat in several weeks you would need to consume 35,000 fewer calories or burn 35,000 calories more through exercise. Neither is likely to happen.
So, the best way to lose weight and become more healthy is to eat a balanced diet. Don’t cut out all your carbs, but don’t go overboard with them either. In addition to eating well, exercise in a proportional amount to what you are eating. Exercising too much is as bad as exercising too little.
Your carb dessert dietpoundsaway.com low recipe headquarters. Find quick answers to your low carb alcohol questions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_T._Lynch
By Nathan T. Lynch
Lo carb diets are the newest dieting trend, and seem to be effective. Here are some tips for following a balanced lo carb diet:
Eat more fruit and vegetables, aiming for at least five portions a day. Include fruit at breakfast and salad at lunch. Reduce the amount of salt by eating less processed food, such as ready meals, and adding a smaller amount of salt to food. Eat a varied diet. Change your shopping list every week to help keep you out of unhealthy food ruts and make eating more enjoyable. Eat regular meals - although it doesn't matter when you eat your food, a consistent schedule helps most people to control their diet and their weight. Control your portion sizes so that over time, if not necessarily every day, the amount of energy you consume matches your level of activity. Try to be more physically active. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Activity helps to regulate your appetite, and means that you can eat more without gaining weight. Drink alcohol only within sensible limits: not more than 14 units per week for women, and no more than three in any one day, and not more than 21 units per week for men, and no more than four in any one day.
The current most popular fad diet is the Lo Carb or Atkins diet. It restricts carbohydrate rich foods, thereby restricting total daily calories. Phase One of the four in the Atkins Diet consists of between 1400 to 1500 total daily calories. The average adult female consumes around 2200 calories daily and the average adult male consumes around 2800 calories daily. Almost any adult will lose weight if they consume 800 to 1300 fewer calories daily. Phase One of the Atkins Diet also restricts carbohydrate intake to only 20 grams of net carbohydrates daily. The definition of net carbohydrates is total grams of carbohydrates per serving minus dietary fibre per serving. Dietary fibre is the non-digestible remains of plant products found in beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred fuel source. In the near future there will be a recommended dietary allowance, or R.D.A., for carbohydrates of 130 grams daily. 130 grams of carbohydrates our body needs daily is for the proper functioning of the central nervous system and production of red blood cells. Only during Phase Four of the Atkins Diet are participants allowed up to 120 grams of net carbohydrate daily. Low carbohydrate diets are nothing new, they have been around since the 1860’s and the Atkins Diet first came out in the early 1970’s.
Most nutrition experts agree that to be successful in weight loss a person needs to keep the weight off for 5 years. Over 90% of people who take weight off through a fad diet like the Atkins Diet gain the weight back in less than one year. Participants on the Atkins Diet lose between 10 to 12 pounds in the first several weeks but this is only water loss, not fat. One pound of fat contains 3500 calories. Therefore to lose 10 pounds of fat in several weeks you would need to consume 35,000 fewer calories or burn 35,000 calories more through exercise. Neither is likely to happen.
So, the best way to lose weight and become more healthy is to eat a balanced diet. Don’t cut out all your carbs, but don’t go overboard with them either. In addition to eating well, exercise in a proportional amount to what you are eating. Exercising too much is as bad as exercising too little.
Your carb dessert dietpoundsaway.com low recipe headquarters. Find quick answers to your low carb alcohol questions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_T._Lynch
Sunday, January 07, 2007
The Psychology of Weight-Loss
The Psychology of Weight-Loss
By Craig Harper
Fat Loss 4 Idiots
Health Shakes
The following post is kind of long, so you may want to get yourself a cup of tea (coffee, hot chocolate) and kick back. I have taken a couple of words here and there from some of my previous scribblings so if you sense that deja vu feeling, you probably don't need your pills after all. The good news is that your memory is working. Nice to know.
The first bit. One day in the mid eighties, possibly a Tuesday, I was manning, or should I say 'personing' the gym floor (must be PC), picking up stray dumbbells, mingling with the club members, dispensing incredible advice (as always) and generally being fabulous, when a familiar figure loomed large in the doorway of the weight room. For the sake of my story and his anonymity, we'll call him 'Ted'.
Ted was not unlike many people that I've met over the years; he would re-appear at the gym about every six months with a steely, new resolve to create 'Super Ted'; a new leaner, meaner version of himself. He would tell me that he hated his body, needed to drop fifty kilos (110 lbs)and that "this time it would be different." Stupidly, I would believe him. Call me young, naive, gullible, call it what you will, but every time, I was sure the big fella would get the job done; he seemed so sincere and desperate. If you had seen his big dopey, chubby face and those big, puppy dog eyes you'd have believed him too. How could I not have faith in him?
With an over-riding sense of familiarity, I would take Ted's measurements, talk to him about his crappy diet and diabolical lifestyle (again), set some (more)goals (because that's what you do) and write him a new program (again).
For about two weeks the big guy was a cross between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sugar Ray Leonard (it was the eighties), lifting, riding, punching and sweating his way to a better body. Then somewhere between weeks three and four his amazing commitment and Olympic attitude would start to wane and the inevitable slide would commence. By weeks five and six the daily visits turned into weekly cameos, and by the two month mark, Ted was lucky to make a fortnightly appearance. When I called him to see where he was, he would inform me that he was still pumped and totally in the zone but that "work was crazy, his ankle was playing up and that he'd been carrying a sore throat for a week or so." Sure Big Ted.
The Revelation. After yet another of Ted's failed weight-loss campaigns I was feeling a little inadequate and frustrated. I got off the phone after chatting with him and sat there trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. I was setting him good programs, giving him appropriate advice, providing him with all the resources he needed to exercise effectively and being as encouraging, understanding and supportive as a twenty two year-old alpha-male, meat-head could be... and then it dawned on me:
I could tell people what to do (how to exercise and eat),why they should do it (the physiological benefits) and how it should be done (the method) but I couldn't actually make anyone do it.
Maybe it wasn't about finding the right program or diet; maybe it was about finding the right attitude. The right head-space.
Having a personally designed exercise program is handy. Being a member of a health club is .. nice. Having resources at your finger tips might help. Knowing what to do is always a good start. But the truth is many of us have all the reasons in the world to change our body, life and reality but never do. We are consistently almost getting in shape. For a range of reasons we spend our life getting on and off the weight-loss merry-go-round, wasting time, starting, stopping, procrastinating, lying about our behaviours, making excuses, waiting for the right time to start (which never comes), getting frustrated, complaining about our genetics and generally being miserable.
Standing there on the gym floor it began to dawn on me that creating physiological change (getting bigger, smaller, faster, fitter, lighter, leaner) is more about our head than it is about our body. More about his 'readiness' to genuinely change than my programs. For the first time I began to really understand that the weight-loss process isn't as much about dumbbells, treadmills and carbs as it is about attitude, thinking, beliefs, passion, self-control, decisions, standards and habits.
Getting in shape is more of an internal process than it is an external one. When we get the internal stuff right... the external change is merely a (positive) by-product.
Why then (I hear you ask) do most health fitness, health and medical professionals focus solely on the practical, external stuff (lift this, stretch that, run there, eat these, don't eat those) when obviously creating 'forever change' (what most people want) is largely about controlling and managing our thoughts, feelings and emotions? Good question Grasshopper. Let me know when you get the answer.
So while conventional thinking tells us that losing weight is essentially a physical process, my experience with thousands of people over way too many years tells me that losing the love handles is more about our head than it is about our body.
If only our obesity problems could be fixed by merely providing people with information and direction. If it were that easy then we'd see almost zero fat people because we live in a society which is bombarded with exercise and dietary information from a range of sources on a daily basis; we live in the information age. Years ago I learned that telling people what to do and how to do it was the easy bit but getting them to actually do it (consistently) was the real challenge. What shape we are in (whether we're fit or fat) invariably comes down to two key things; 1.The decisions we make and 2.The things we do (and don't do). When we look at what influences those two things the most, our head (thinking, beliefs, standards, fears, expectations, desires), then we begin to understand that getting in shape is, without doubt, more about our mind than it is about our muscles.
Take your head where it needs to go and your body will follow.
FAT LOSS 4 IDIOTS!
I've never met anyone who has created 'forever' change (in any area of their life) who hasn't had a significant shift in thinking, attitude and perspective.
These days my team of trainers complete around 75,000 personal training sessions per year. Since the eighties I have personally conducted over 40,000 sessions with thousands of people with all types of bodies and all types of goals. When it comes to the pursuit of health, fitness, weight-loss, physical perfection (doesn't exist), big biceps, flat tummies and long-lean-legs... there's not a lot I haven't seen or heard.
So here's my take on how the get the most out of your head... in order to get the most out of your body.
1. Go into the process with the best possible attitude.
There is an undeniable relationship between attitude and outcome. Many people don't want to hear that transforming their body is more about attitude, commitment and self control than it is about finding the right program, health club, diet, trainer or miracle-pill. Good attitude typically equals a good outcome. I have watched thousands of people sabotage themselves with a crappy attitude; they whinge, complain, blame, rationalise, justify, and procrastinate and then end up back where they started anyway (or worse). Conversely, I have watched thousands of people with limited genetic potential, time, money and resources create (and maintain) amazing results because they got their head where it needed to be. If you tell yourself getting in shape will be a painful, un-enjoyable process... it probably will be.
Amazing results are about attitude and effort; not genetics.
2. Get in shape for life; not an event.
Too many people spend their life getting in shape for summer, birthdays, weddings, school reunions and other significant social occasions. Like athletes, they peak for an event... and then get fat again. Sad really. Creating (and maintaining) your best body is about the next few decades, not the next few weeks.
3. Make some tough decisions about you.
Your lifestyle, your habits, your diet and your exercise habits. You know these decisions; the one's you keep avoiding, the one's that make you uncomfortable. The decisions you should have made a long time ago; the scary, but necessary ones.
4. Don't start something that you can't or won't finish.
Every day around the world thousands of people start programs or routines which they will never maintain. They make decisions that they don't follow through on. They join health clubs but rarely go. They start running programs that last a week. They go on diets and then go off them. Some people spend their life getting on and off the weight-loss-merry-go-round. Don't be one of them. Start realistically and progress sensibly. Don't try and undo twenty years of bad behaviour by next Tuesday.
5. Procrastination.
Stop waiting for the right time to get in shape; it never comes. "I'll start next Monday, next week, next month, when the kids are at school, when it's not so dark in the morning, when all the planets align, when Tasmania (remember I'm an Aussie) reconnects with the mainland. Sure you will. The only person you're deluding is yourself.
6. Don't make excuses or tell fibs!
If you want to find a reason not to change, you'll find one.
Many people lie to themselves and others constantly; "it's not my diet, it's my genetics, it's a time thing, a money thing, my sore ankle". They don't want to acknowledge that it's a them thing because if they did, then they would have to do something about it. I regularly talk to morbidly obese people who apparently 'eat hardly anything'.
Liar, liar pants on fire.
7.Don't lay blame.
I'll be brief. People make people fat - not junk food, soft drinks in schools, drive-thru restaurants, remote controls, lack of time, business lunches or clever marketing. Yes, there are many variables, hurdles and factors to be negotiated along the way, but unless someone's making all your decisions for you, or holding you down and force feeding you, the only person making you fat is you.
Don't get precious on me now.
8. Stop looking for the magic pill.
For most of us, the simple reality of getting-in-shape is a bit of sweat, a bit of discomfort, a bit of tiredness, a bit of inconvenience and the odd sore knee. The sooner we get that and accept it, the sooner we'll get where we want to go. Look for the most effective option not the easiest one. By the way, easy or hard is largely about perception and attitude.
9. Nothing tastes as good as being in shape feels.
Focus on what you're gaining, not what you're missing out on. Many people who change their eating habits sabotage themselves by constantly focusing on 'how deprived' they are and all the 'good stuff' they're missing out on. That piece of chocolate or slice of cake might give you a few minutes of pleasure but it doesn't change the fact that you live in a fatter-than-desirable body 24/7.
10. Motivation is temporary.
For most people motivation is an emotional state; a feeling that comes and goes. We can't rely on it to get us to our destination because it ain't always there! If you experience motivational peaks and troughs, you're not a loser; you're normal. Motivation is great when it's there but when you don't feel pumped to do that workout, do it anyway. Changing your body is more about self control and consistency than it is about being in the zone. It's possible (necessary sometimes) to exercise even when you're not motivated. I tell people "if you don't feel like training, do it anyway. You might not love the process but you'll love the results". If we only exercise when we 'feel' like it, we'll never be consistent and we'll never create life-long change.
Craig Harper (B.Ex.Sci.) is an Australian motivational speaker, qualified exercise scientist, author, columnist, radio presenter, and owner of one of the largest personal training centres in the world.
He can be heard weekly on Australian Radio SEN 1116 and GOLD FM and appears on Australian television on Network Ten's 9AM.
Motivational Speaker - Craig Harper
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Harper
WEIGHT LOSS FACTS
Low Fat Foods DON'T WORK.
You cannot lose weight using Low Fat Diets. Low fat foods have been popular for more than 15 years, but yet our society is getting more overweight as each year passes. This fact alone should tell you that eating a purely low fat menu is not the answer to losing weight.
Low Calorie Diets DON'T WORK.
You won't lose weight using a Low Calorie Dieting Plan either. In fact, eating low calories is the worst thing that you can do to your body, since that will only slow down your body's fat burning engine and ruin all chances of losing weight (low calorie diets may allow a few pounds of weight loss for the first few days, but then after that all weight loss comes to a halt --- known as a dieting plateau). You can never get slim by starving yourself.
Low Carb Plans DON'T WORK.
You'll probably find it extremely difficult to get slim using a Low Carb Dieting Plan. Low carb diets have recently become popular over the last couple years, but the problem with low carb menus is that they are too strict and TOO HARD TO FOLLOW for average people. Low carb menus tend to rob your body of too much energy (carbohydrates) and make it nearly impossible to remain on the program for very long. This is why so many dieters find it difficult to follow a strict low carbohydrate menu.
What about Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig Dieting Plans?
Weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers (and Jenny Craig) usually involve slower dieting progress over a longer period of time, since such programs generally promise only 2-3 pounds of weight loss per week. Also, programs such as Jenny Craig usually involve buying special meals and/or dietary supplements during the initial phases of the program. While some people may like these types of dietary programs, we prefer a dieting plan which focuses on faster weight loss, such as the Accelerated Fat Burning Program shown below...
SPONSORED by FAT LOSS 4 IDIOTS
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IN BODYBUILDING
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By Craig Harper
Fat Loss 4 Idiots
Health Shakes
The following post is kind of long, so you may want to get yourself a cup of tea (coffee, hot chocolate) and kick back. I have taken a couple of words here and there from some of my previous scribblings so if you sense that deja vu feeling, you probably don't need your pills after all. The good news is that your memory is working. Nice to know.
The first bit. One day in the mid eighties, possibly a Tuesday, I was manning, or should I say 'personing' the gym floor (must be PC), picking up stray dumbbells, mingling with the club members, dispensing incredible advice (as always) and generally being fabulous, when a familiar figure loomed large in the doorway of the weight room. For the sake of my story and his anonymity, we'll call him 'Ted'.
Ted was not unlike many people that I've met over the years; he would re-appear at the gym about every six months with a steely, new resolve to create 'Super Ted'; a new leaner, meaner version of himself. He would tell me that he hated his body, needed to drop fifty kilos (110 lbs)and that "this time it would be different." Stupidly, I would believe him. Call me young, naive, gullible, call it what you will, but every time, I was sure the big fella would get the job done; he seemed so sincere and desperate. If you had seen his big dopey, chubby face and those big, puppy dog eyes you'd have believed him too. How could I not have faith in him?
With an over-riding sense of familiarity, I would take Ted's measurements, talk to him about his crappy diet and diabolical lifestyle (again), set some (more)goals (because that's what you do) and write him a new program (again).
For about two weeks the big guy was a cross between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sugar Ray Leonard (it was the eighties), lifting, riding, punching and sweating his way to a better body. Then somewhere between weeks three and four his amazing commitment and Olympic attitude would start to wane and the inevitable slide would commence. By weeks five and six the daily visits turned into weekly cameos, and by the two month mark, Ted was lucky to make a fortnightly appearance. When I called him to see where he was, he would inform me that he was still pumped and totally in the zone but that "work was crazy, his ankle was playing up and that he'd been carrying a sore throat for a week or so." Sure Big Ted.
The Revelation. After yet another of Ted's failed weight-loss campaigns I was feeling a little inadequate and frustrated. I got off the phone after chatting with him and sat there trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. I was setting him good programs, giving him appropriate advice, providing him with all the resources he needed to exercise effectively and being as encouraging, understanding and supportive as a twenty two year-old alpha-male, meat-head could be... and then it dawned on me:
I could tell people what to do (how to exercise and eat),why they should do it (the physiological benefits) and how it should be done (the method) but I couldn't actually make anyone do it.
Maybe it wasn't about finding the right program or diet; maybe it was about finding the right attitude. The right head-space.
Having a personally designed exercise program is handy. Being a member of a health club is .. nice. Having resources at your finger tips might help. Knowing what to do is always a good start. But the truth is many of us have all the reasons in the world to change our body, life and reality but never do. We are consistently almost getting in shape. For a range of reasons we spend our life getting on and off the weight-loss merry-go-round, wasting time, starting, stopping, procrastinating, lying about our behaviours, making excuses, waiting for the right time to start (which never comes), getting frustrated, complaining about our genetics and generally being miserable.
Standing there on the gym floor it began to dawn on me that creating physiological change (getting bigger, smaller, faster, fitter, lighter, leaner) is more about our head than it is about our body. More about his 'readiness' to genuinely change than my programs. For the first time I began to really understand that the weight-loss process isn't as much about dumbbells, treadmills and carbs as it is about attitude, thinking, beliefs, passion, self-control, decisions, standards and habits.
Getting in shape is more of an internal process than it is an external one. When we get the internal stuff right... the external change is merely a (positive) by-product.
Why then (I hear you ask) do most health fitness, health and medical professionals focus solely on the practical, external stuff (lift this, stretch that, run there, eat these, don't eat those) when obviously creating 'forever change' (what most people want) is largely about controlling and managing our thoughts, feelings and emotions? Good question Grasshopper. Let me know when you get the answer.
So while conventional thinking tells us that losing weight is essentially a physical process, my experience with thousands of people over way too many years tells me that losing the love handles is more about our head than it is about our body.
If only our obesity problems could be fixed by merely providing people with information and direction. If it were that easy then we'd see almost zero fat people because we live in a society which is bombarded with exercise and dietary information from a range of sources on a daily basis; we live in the information age. Years ago I learned that telling people what to do and how to do it was the easy bit but getting them to actually do it (consistently) was the real challenge. What shape we are in (whether we're fit or fat) invariably comes down to two key things; 1.The decisions we make and 2.The things we do (and don't do). When we look at what influences those two things the most, our head (thinking, beliefs, standards, fears, expectations, desires), then we begin to understand that getting in shape is, without doubt, more about our mind than it is about our muscles.
Take your head where it needs to go and your body will follow.
FAT LOSS 4 IDIOTS!
I've never met anyone who has created 'forever' change (in any area of their life) who hasn't had a significant shift in thinking, attitude and perspective.
These days my team of trainers complete around 75,000 personal training sessions per year. Since the eighties I have personally conducted over 40,000 sessions with thousands of people with all types of bodies and all types of goals. When it comes to the pursuit of health, fitness, weight-loss, physical perfection (doesn't exist), big biceps, flat tummies and long-lean-legs... there's not a lot I haven't seen or heard.
So here's my take on how the get the most out of your head... in order to get the most out of your body.
1. Go into the process with the best possible attitude.
There is an undeniable relationship between attitude and outcome. Many people don't want to hear that transforming their body is more about attitude, commitment and self control than it is about finding the right program, health club, diet, trainer or miracle-pill. Good attitude typically equals a good outcome. I have watched thousands of people sabotage themselves with a crappy attitude; they whinge, complain, blame, rationalise, justify, and procrastinate and then end up back where they started anyway (or worse). Conversely, I have watched thousands of people with limited genetic potential, time, money and resources create (and maintain) amazing results because they got their head where it needed to be. If you tell yourself getting in shape will be a painful, un-enjoyable process... it probably will be.
Amazing results are about attitude and effort; not genetics.
2. Get in shape for life; not an event.
Too many people spend their life getting in shape for summer, birthdays, weddings, school reunions and other significant social occasions. Like athletes, they peak for an event... and then get fat again. Sad really. Creating (and maintaining) your best body is about the next few decades, not the next few weeks.
3. Make some tough decisions about you.
Your lifestyle, your habits, your diet and your exercise habits. You know these decisions; the one's you keep avoiding, the one's that make you uncomfortable. The decisions you should have made a long time ago; the scary, but necessary ones.
4. Don't start something that you can't or won't finish.
Every day around the world thousands of people start programs or routines which they will never maintain. They make decisions that they don't follow through on. They join health clubs but rarely go. They start running programs that last a week. They go on diets and then go off them. Some people spend their life getting on and off the weight-loss-merry-go-round. Don't be one of them. Start realistically and progress sensibly. Don't try and undo twenty years of bad behaviour by next Tuesday.
5. Procrastination.
Stop waiting for the right time to get in shape; it never comes. "I'll start next Monday, next week, next month, when the kids are at school, when it's not so dark in the morning, when all the planets align, when Tasmania (remember I'm an Aussie) reconnects with the mainland. Sure you will. The only person you're deluding is yourself.
6. Don't make excuses or tell fibs!
If you want to find a reason not to change, you'll find one.
Many people lie to themselves and others constantly; "it's not my diet, it's my genetics, it's a time thing, a money thing, my sore ankle". They don't want to acknowledge that it's a them thing because if they did, then they would have to do something about it. I regularly talk to morbidly obese people who apparently 'eat hardly anything'.
Liar, liar pants on fire.
7.Don't lay blame.
I'll be brief. People make people fat - not junk food, soft drinks in schools, drive-thru restaurants, remote controls, lack of time, business lunches or clever marketing. Yes, there are many variables, hurdles and factors to be negotiated along the way, but unless someone's making all your decisions for you, or holding you down and force feeding you, the only person making you fat is you.
Don't get precious on me now.
8. Stop looking for the magic pill.
For most of us, the simple reality of getting-in-shape is a bit of sweat, a bit of discomfort, a bit of tiredness, a bit of inconvenience and the odd sore knee. The sooner we get that and accept it, the sooner we'll get where we want to go. Look for the most effective option not the easiest one. By the way, easy or hard is largely about perception and attitude.
9. Nothing tastes as good as being in shape feels.
Focus on what you're gaining, not what you're missing out on. Many people who change their eating habits sabotage themselves by constantly focusing on 'how deprived' they are and all the 'good stuff' they're missing out on. That piece of chocolate or slice of cake might give you a few minutes of pleasure but it doesn't change the fact that you live in a fatter-than-desirable body 24/7.
10. Motivation is temporary.
For most people motivation is an emotional state; a feeling that comes and goes. We can't rely on it to get us to our destination because it ain't always there! If you experience motivational peaks and troughs, you're not a loser; you're normal. Motivation is great when it's there but when you don't feel pumped to do that workout, do it anyway. Changing your body is more about self control and consistency than it is about being in the zone. It's possible (necessary sometimes) to exercise even when you're not motivated. I tell people "if you don't feel like training, do it anyway. You might not love the process but you'll love the results". If we only exercise when we 'feel' like it, we'll never be consistent and we'll never create life-long change.
Craig Harper (B.Ex.Sci.) is an Australian motivational speaker, qualified exercise scientist, author, columnist, radio presenter, and owner of one of the largest personal training centres in the world.
He can be heard weekly on Australian Radio SEN 1116 and GOLD FM and appears on Australian television on Network Ten's 9AM.
Motivational Speaker - Craig Harper
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Harper
WEIGHT LOSS FACTS
Low Fat Foods DON'T WORK.
You cannot lose weight using Low Fat Diets. Low fat foods have been popular for more than 15 years, but yet our society is getting more overweight as each year passes. This fact alone should tell you that eating a purely low fat menu is not the answer to losing weight.
Low Calorie Diets DON'T WORK.
You won't lose weight using a Low Calorie Dieting Plan either. In fact, eating low calories is the worst thing that you can do to your body, since that will only slow down your body's fat burning engine and ruin all chances of losing weight (low calorie diets may allow a few pounds of weight loss for the first few days, but then after that all weight loss comes to a halt --- known as a dieting plateau). You can never get slim by starving yourself.
Low Carb Plans DON'T WORK.
You'll probably find it extremely difficult to get slim using a Low Carb Dieting Plan. Low carb diets have recently become popular over the last couple years, but the problem with low carb menus is that they are too strict and TOO HARD TO FOLLOW for average people. Low carb menus tend to rob your body of too much energy (carbohydrates) and make it nearly impossible to remain on the program for very long. This is why so many dieters find it difficult to follow a strict low carbohydrate menu.
What about Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig Dieting Plans?
Weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers (and Jenny Craig) usually involve slower dieting progress over a longer period of time, since such programs generally promise only 2-3 pounds of weight loss per week. Also, programs such as Jenny Craig usually involve buying special meals and/or dietary supplements during the initial phases of the program. While some people may like these types of dietary programs, we prefer a dieting plan which focuses on faster weight loss, such as the Accelerated Fat Burning Program shown below...
SPONSORED by FAT LOSS 4 IDIOTS
Free Relevant Links
Resources
Weblog Directory - Directory of blogs from all around the world.
Diet Supplements Revealed
Muscle Building Nutrition
THE FINAL FRONTIER
IN BODYBUILDING
Personal Trainers NYC
The Diet of Distraction
The Diet of Distraction
By Charlotte Laws
Learn How To Cook Low Fat & Low Carb Chinese Food From Master Chef W/ 40 Years Of Cooking Experience!
I am not a diet guru, the czar of calorie counting or a member of the binge police. I don’t have a cookbook, weight-reduction program or fad to peddle. In fact, I’d say “experts” who push a single, “one-size fits all” weight-loss approach are a few fries short of a happy meal or a few sandwiches short of a picnic. It’s disingenuous to think there is only one way to help the plump.
I’m a big fan of my own creation--the diet of distraction—but I’m the first to admit it may help some drop pounds and lead others over the pig-out cliff. Because we are all unique, a habit that fattens Jack Sprat may not faze his wife.
The diet of distraction is based on two premises: forget about food and throw yourself into an activity that will propel you away from your gluttonous routine. In order to succeed, you must not weigh your food, mark your calories on a chart, or look up codes in a tiny book. How many times have you blurted out, “Oh no, I’m not allowed to have any more number threes (miniature puddings) today?” Then, all you think about are miniature puddings.
To calorie count or diary-keep is to think about food, and this is a no-no when you’re committed to the diet of distraction. Thinking about food leads to obsessing over food. Obsessing over food, leads to temptation. Temptation leads to overeating and never escaping the dreaded see-saw.
I know a lot about see-saws as a former member of See-saws Anonymous. In my teens and early twenties, I could both lose weight and gain it back before a lemon torte defrosted. There were times when I fasted for 17 days with nothing but water—a feat I can no longer accomplish as an adult. Once, I refused to go out with a man for two months because I felt too fat. He thought I didn’t like him. Crazy men. Don’t they understand women at all?
Then there were those nights of extreme exercise. I would leave my childhood home at 10 pm and run to my high school and back in the dark--a 24-mile journey--carrying a rock for protection and hiding behind trees when I saw oncoming vehicles. You never know who’s a mass murderer. At 9:00 am the next morning, you’d find me limping up my driveway, convinced I was suddenly skinny.
As I got older, I left behind the playground and the see-saw. I discovered some interesting tendencies in myself. I found that I ate very little when I vacationed, when I moved to a new place and when I became immersed in an interesting project. Vacationing and moving were projects in themselves. I realized that my problem had less to do with overeating than it did over-thinking. The trick was mostly to forget about food and to stay busy.
Furthermore, the diet of distraction required me to grocery shop on a full stomach and to think very little about my purchases beyond making sure they were reasonably healthy. My rule was no meat products (including fish and chicken), no fried foods and no sweets. I did not plan meals ahead or coordinate how rice and squash might go with a salad. That would, of course, be thinking too much.
I found it advantageous to refrain from buying my favorite starches, knowing that if I liked something too much, I might be tempted to over-indulge. I never felt deprived, because my life was focused on projects, rather than food. When I dined at restaurants, I ate what I wanted, as long as it was vegetarian.
The tendency to overeat is one many of us have experienced. According to the Obesity Society, more than 64% of Americans are either overweight or obese. The U.S. Surgeon General blames obesity for 300,000 deaths every year, and 3.8 million Americans weigh over 300 pounds.
Health is fulfillment, not just what you put in your mouth. Health means using your brainpower to realize your personal calling rather than to calculate caloric intake or weigh a slice of bread. Health means putting energy towards the positive rather than obsessing over the negative.
You might want to try the diet of distraction. It’s (not) food for thought.
Dr. Charlotte Laws is an author, syndicated columnist, and local politician in Southern California. Her website is http://www.CharlotteLaws.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlotte_Laws
500+ Healthy Chinese Recipes Cookbook.
THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET!
Mesotherapy | Erectile Dysfunction | genomics | Lavender Essential Oil | Diet pills review
Free Relevant Links
By Charlotte Laws
Learn How To Cook Low Fat & Low Carb Chinese Food From Master Chef W/ 40 Years Of Cooking Experience!
I am not a diet guru, the czar of calorie counting or a member of the binge police. I don’t have a cookbook, weight-reduction program or fad to peddle. In fact, I’d say “experts” who push a single, “one-size fits all” weight-loss approach are a few fries short of a happy meal or a few sandwiches short of a picnic. It’s disingenuous to think there is only one way to help the plump.
I’m a big fan of my own creation--the diet of distraction—but I’m the first to admit it may help some drop pounds and lead others over the pig-out cliff. Because we are all unique, a habit that fattens Jack Sprat may not faze his wife.
The diet of distraction is based on two premises: forget about food and throw yourself into an activity that will propel you away from your gluttonous routine. In order to succeed, you must not weigh your food, mark your calories on a chart, or look up codes in a tiny book. How many times have you blurted out, “Oh no, I’m not allowed to have any more number threes (miniature puddings) today?” Then, all you think about are miniature puddings.
To calorie count or diary-keep is to think about food, and this is a no-no when you’re committed to the diet of distraction. Thinking about food leads to obsessing over food. Obsessing over food, leads to temptation. Temptation leads to overeating and never escaping the dreaded see-saw.
I know a lot about see-saws as a former member of See-saws Anonymous. In my teens and early twenties, I could both lose weight and gain it back before a lemon torte defrosted. There were times when I fasted for 17 days with nothing but water—a feat I can no longer accomplish as an adult. Once, I refused to go out with a man for two months because I felt too fat. He thought I didn’t like him. Crazy men. Don’t they understand women at all?
Then there were those nights of extreme exercise. I would leave my childhood home at 10 pm and run to my high school and back in the dark--a 24-mile journey--carrying a rock for protection and hiding behind trees when I saw oncoming vehicles. You never know who’s a mass murderer. At 9:00 am the next morning, you’d find me limping up my driveway, convinced I was suddenly skinny.
As I got older, I left behind the playground and the see-saw. I discovered some interesting tendencies in myself. I found that I ate very little when I vacationed, when I moved to a new place and when I became immersed in an interesting project. Vacationing and moving were projects in themselves. I realized that my problem had less to do with overeating than it did over-thinking. The trick was mostly to forget about food and to stay busy.
Furthermore, the diet of distraction required me to grocery shop on a full stomach and to think very little about my purchases beyond making sure they were reasonably healthy. My rule was no meat products (including fish and chicken), no fried foods and no sweets. I did not plan meals ahead or coordinate how rice and squash might go with a salad. That would, of course, be thinking too much.
I found it advantageous to refrain from buying my favorite starches, knowing that if I liked something too much, I might be tempted to over-indulge. I never felt deprived, because my life was focused on projects, rather than food. When I dined at restaurants, I ate what I wanted, as long as it was vegetarian.
The tendency to overeat is one many of us have experienced. According to the Obesity Society, more than 64% of Americans are either overweight or obese. The U.S. Surgeon General blames obesity for 300,000 deaths every year, and 3.8 million Americans weigh over 300 pounds.
Health is fulfillment, not just what you put in your mouth. Health means using your brainpower to realize your personal calling rather than to calculate caloric intake or weigh a slice of bread. Health means putting energy towards the positive rather than obsessing over the negative.
You might want to try the diet of distraction. It’s (not) food for thought.
Dr. Charlotte Laws is an author, syndicated columnist, and local politician in Southern California. Her website is http://www.CharlotteLaws.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlotte_Laws
500+ Healthy Chinese Recipes Cookbook.
THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET!
Free Relevant Links
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Weight loss in 2007 by Dr. Alan Jenks
I just finished reading an article in Chatelaine magazine. I believe this is a Canadian only magazine. On the front cover was Jan Arden. She is a Canadian folk signer that I love. The headline is "I'm 50 pounds lighter and louder than ever". In the article she talks about how she changed her lifestyle. She has been continuously on the road in 2006 travelling with Michael Bubble. She talks about how being "on the road" is a lifestyle challenge and after every show she would be at the bar chatting with the band drinking beer etc. Now after every show she heads back to the hotel and exercises. This made me think about how we do things in our lives out of habit, and if we just change the pattern a little bit we can make drastic improvements to our life (lose weight). What thing or things do you do everyday that are just habit that you will be able to change for a walk, trip do the gym or something that is going to benefit the body to lose weight. My life over the last 5 months has really gotten out of control trying to get my websites functioning and trying to finish writing a book. As a result my exercise routine has suffered. I spent much of the New Years holiday doing a pattern interrupt and exercising when the habit said not too. I feel better and more productive now. I thought this would be a really great thing to document on this Blog. For the rest of the year I am going to update my progress on my Blog. We get so use to "doing" our life that we forget how easy it is to change sometimes. Jan Arden decided that rather then go for a beer with the boys after a concert she would go to the gym instead. We need to look for opportunities to supplement a not so productive habit with something that is a benefit to the body. Sit down right now and write down on a piece of paper where you could replace some habit with exercise. This one thing will assure you of losing the weight you want. Here is to a prosperous 2007
About the Author
Dr. Alan Jenks is author of "The Doctor Is Thin". Get Free natural weight loss tips and information from http://www.thedoctoristhin.com
WEIGHT LOSS FOR IDIOTS
Find What You Want on eBay
Mesotherapy | Erectile Dysfunction | genomics | Lavender Essential Oil | Diet pills review
Free Relevant Links
About the Author
Dr. Alan Jenks is author of "The Doctor Is Thin". Get Free natural weight loss tips and information from http://www.thedoctoristhin.com
WEIGHT LOSS FOR IDIOTS
Find What You Want on eBay
Free Relevant Links
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