Fastest Weight Loss Possible?

Looking for the fastest weight loss program? Here’s your list of sensible strategies!

The number one spot on many of our New Year’s resolution lists is held by “lose x number of pounds.” You know that most health professionals advise a slow, steady weight loss program, both for nutritional concerns and keeping the weight off over time. However, there are a number of sensible approaches that qualify as a fastest weight loss program, while being nutritionally sound. It’s important to note that, before you jump into any or all of these fastest weight loss strategies, you must consult with your physician to be sure it’s safe for you, given your individual health conditions. Follow your physician’s advice!

You might begin your weight loss program with a 3-day juice fast, which helps clean out your body and get a jump on shedding those first few pounds. A juice fast is used by some as a simple ’spring cleaning’ for the body, without an intent to lose weight. Supplement your juices with plenty of water as well, in order to avoid problems of dehydration. The so-called “sports drinks” are also good for maintaining your electrolyte balance, which can be disrupted with vigorous exercise that causes you to perspire heavily. Taking a good multi-vitamin supplement is a good idea during this stage of your fastest weight loss program. All of these liquids help to give you a feeling of fullness, allaying hunger pangs. Your stomach will also shrink a bit, so when you begin your weight loss regime, your appetite won’t be quite so voracious. Following a 3-day juice fast, many people report feeling more energetic, due to all the toxins they’ve flushed out.

When you’re talking about a fastest weight loss program, you must realize that quick weight loss doesn’t allow for cheating or coddling yourself. To achieve your goal, you’ll probably need to make some radical changes to your normal eating patterns. Psych yourself up to be disciplined and strict in executing your fastest weight loss program to a successful conclusion.

When you lose weight quickly, you must exercise daily, unless you want a bunch of flabby skin hanging off in a most unattractive manner! Talk to your physician about weight lifting exercises appropriate to your particular condition of health. Weight lifting exercises help tone your muscles, burn fat and avoid the residual flab.

When it comes to food, you’ll realize the fastest weight loss by sticking strictly with 4-ounce portions of lean meats and large portions of high-fiber produce. The more fiber content, the better, because digesting the fiber not only cleans your digestive system, but also burns as many, or more calories than the produce contains. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sodas like the plague! Your beverages should consist of water and herbal teas.

Make your menus at least a week in advance. Get a calorie counter and add up your daily count. When you’re ready to shop, eat an apple, banana or cucumber salad dressed with low fat yogurt, before you hit the grocery store. You’ll then feel satisfied enough to stick to your list like glue!

By now, you can see why you need to psych yourself up before beginning this fastest weight loss regime! No doubt, you’ll be tempted along the way. A diversity of fruit and veggie choices and recipes will greatly help your resolve. Weigh yourself just once a week. Results will vary from week to week, due to your adjusting metabolism and, for women, monthly variances in water weight loss and gains. Keep at it. The rewards are there and fabulous!

Fast Food Nation Notes

America, the fast food nation leaders: the times, they are a’changing, for the better! Here are some fast food nation notes.

No matter how small a community you might live in, there’s a fast food establishment on almost every corner. We’ve long been frequent patrons of these drive through food sources. While it’s easy and relatively economical to pick up a quick lunch or dinner on the run, we all know eating at the fast food places is not the healthiest choice we can make.

You may remember the man who sued a certain fast food franchise, blaming them for his having gained a couple of hundred pounds in a year of dining exclusively, for breakfast, lunch and dinner at his local fast food favorite vendor. This guy is the poster child of the fast food nation syndrome. In order to gain that much weight, he must have had double portions of the worst choices on offer. The fact that obesity is rampant, both in children and adults, is ample testament to our indulgence in the fast food nation syndrome.

The fast food companies have been flying high for decades and they certainly don’t want to lose that edge. Probably due to the recent focus on some of the unhealthy ingredients served up, such as fries cooked in cheap, trans-fatty and saturated oils, most of the fast food franchises are making some major changes to their menus.

Many have switched to a better grade and healthier type of oil, as well as offering salads and sub style sandwiches, smoothie style beverages as an alternative to sugary sodas and the new, broiled, white meat chicken wraps and such. The economy has had an impact on their sales as well. Rather than lose their fast food nation base of customers, they now seem to understand that they need to change their old business model to stay abreast of the more health conscious consumer.

This doesn’t mean they’re eliminating the old standbys. The processed meat burger made with fillers of who knows what, sodas and the perennial French fries are still staples on the typical fast food menus. While Moms, bringing young kids in for lunch or dinner are choosing healthier items, unsupervised teens and die-hards of the adult persuasion, are still loading up on the double burger with cheese and a large order of fries.

I suppose that this is a clever marketing strategy, pleasing a new and wider base of loyal customers in this fast food nation.

One aspect that the burger franchises may not have properly taken into account, is the rise of the new brand of sub style sandwiches cropping up everywhere. Some have even run TV ads, with testimonials from their customers, describing how they lost countless pounds by making the sub shop their regular fast food stop. Artisan, whole grain breads, with a choice of toppings baked into the crust, along with loads of veggies and grilled low fat meats are among their healthy and delicious meals. Most also offer an array of beverages, such as smoothies made with real fruit and the traditional orange Julius. These sandwich shops are definitely finding favor with the fast food nation crowd, winning the business of teens and adults alike.

The times, they are a’changing indeed. It remains to be seen who captures the heart of the American fast food devotees.

Pilates During Pregnancy?

Keeping active while pregnant offers many benefits. Not only will it help keep your weight under control but it can also make the delivery process go much smoother. Women who exercise during the months leading up to the birth of their baby feel better and have stronger muscle tone which can really help during a difficult and long delivery. One way to stay in shape without hurting the baby is to do a series of Pilates during pregnancy exercises.

This form of exercise has shot onto the work out scene in recent years. Many people who are long time fans of yoga swear by the benefits of Pilates exercise. It consists of a series of moves that help to define your muscle tone and also strengthen your body. Pilates pregnancy exercises are designed specifically for women who are expecting.

Many cities have fitness centers where you can go to engage in all types of physical activities. You’ll often find Pilates exercise equipment there along with classes focused on this effective work out regime. For a woman who is pregnant she first needs to discuss with her doctor how Pilates exercise can benefit her. If the physician feels it’s a good idea, then it’s a great idea to take a Pilates pregnancy exercise class.

If you’ve never been physically active before, your pregnancy is an ideal time to start. Women with small children will tell you that you need all the energy you can muster once the baby arrives. Doing Pilates pregnancy exercises will help with that and because it’s such a gentle form of exercise you’ll be more inclined to continue with it even after delivery.

As your pregnancy progresses you’ll notice definite changes in your body; all a sign of the life growing within you. Your belly will start to expand, your hips will soften and your breasts will swell. With this comes added weight and it’s essential to be mindful of that during the course of your pregnancy. Although many women are inclined to follow the old adage of eating for two, this usually only results in additional post pregnancy weight that needs to be shed.

It’s much easier to be prudent about what you are eating for the nine months before the baby’s arrival. A healthy diet combined with regular Pilates pregnancy exercises will help keep your weight where it needs to be and will make it much easier to get back into your pre-baby clothing. After all, even moms want to look great.

Balanced Body Pilates

I used to think that Pilates exercises were a waste of time. It seemed so gimmicky to me. I had always stayed fit, after all, and had done it without any of those silly exercise trends. I just played sports. I shot hoops, I jogged a little bit, and I played football on the weekends with my buddies. If I hadn’t been seriously injured, it would not have even occurred to me to try balanced body Pilates. Why would I?

But when I was injured in a car crash, my usual exercise routine crumbled. My whole body was stiff and sore, and I couldn’t seem to exercise with any endurance anymore. I tried balanced body Pilates on a whim. One of my friends had a similar problem several years ago. She was hit by a passing bus and knocked down pretty hard. She told me that doing fitness Pilates classes had changed her life. It is the only reason, she claims, why she can still walk at the age of 50. I figured that I had nothing to lose. I was unhappy with how my life was, and the balanced body Pilates classes might just help. If they did not, I would only be out a hundred dollars.

I was fortunate enough to live right by a Pilates studio. In the town where I live, there are not that many exercise places. It is a pretty meat and potatoes neighborhood, and so finding a balanced body Pilates class is pretty rare. I think I live next to the only one in the city. The first time I went there, I almost walked right out again. There were Pilates balance balls and all kinds of other silly looking equipment that seemed to have no place in an exercise class. All of the people in the balanced body Pilates class were housewives except for me. I felt like I didn’t fit in, and like the course definitely wasn’t for me.

I am so glad that I decided to stay. Almost as soon as the balanced body pilates started, I felt a little bit better. The whole thing was engineered to help the body develop the proper postures and the necessary strength and flexibility for healthy living. The balanced body Pilates helped me to make a quick and full recovery. Now that I feel better, I do not go as much, but I know that if I am ever injured again, it is balanced body Pilates for me!

Pilates Exercise Program

Thinking about trying a Pilates exercise program this year? Here are some quick facts that will help you out. The Pilates exercise program is one of the best known and popular exercise programs in the United States today, enjoying a huge following of people in a range of ages. The Pilates method was developed in the 1920’s by a man named Joseph Pilates.

His exercise method was originally used to physically rehabilitate prisoners of war, with startling success. Further studies showed that his methods benefited anyone desirous of attaining a fit body. Athletes and dancers, more prone to injuries of the body, find these exercises enable them to stay fit without stressing injured knees or arthritic conditions.

Only a few short years ago, the Pilates exercise program was practiced by a select few of continuing generations of Pilates devotees. When ergonomics met science in the forum of exercise programs, there was an explosion in the popularity of the program. Post-pregnancy moms, seniors, athletes, dancers, ordinary fitness seekers and physical therapy patients find the Pilates exercise program to be highly adaptable to their individual needs.

What distinguishes the Pilates exercise program is its emphasis on an integrated balance of “core strength”, flexibility, suppleness of muscle tissue, and a mental awareness of body movement. People participating in a Pilates exercise program typically gain a highly toned body, fluid in movement, yet strong, with a leaner appearance.

If you join a Pilates exercise program, you’ll be taught the six principles of Pilates’ methodology. These six principles are centering, control, flow, precision, concentration and breathing. Pilates exercise programs echo similar disciplines, such as yoga and tai-chi in slow controlled movements, yielding big results. Unlike the old gym class exercise programs requiring strenuous workouts and exhausting repetitions, the Pilates exercise program relies on quality of movement rather than repetition. Surprisingly, less expenditure of effort on the participants’ part often results in fantastic results in a much shorter time frame.

The centerpiece of any Pilates program is that of core strength. Core strength development focuses on the abdomen. Interestingly, there is a correlation between the Pilates concept and that of the chakras of yoga and meditative disciplines. If the core strength of your body is solid, the rest follows. Core strength, as defined by Pilates, enables your body to relieve tension, resulting in free, strong and graceful motions with little expenditure of effort.

Development of the signature core strength of a Pilates exercise program eventually results in a stabilization of your torso, considered to be key to free mobility without pain or effort, followed by mastery of the entire body, toned and fit.

The Pilates exercise program may be contrasted to weight lifting programs, where arms, legs and abdomens are “buffed up” while neglecting the remainder of body and spirit.

While running or swimming provide a whole body workout, they do not address the centered and emotional focus of a Pilates exercise program. If you’re looking to get fit, you owe it to yourself to look into Pilates programs.

Ab Exercises To Shape Your Tummy This New Year

Since it’s the beginning of the New Year, it is not uncommon to hear people proclaiming, “I need to lose weight” or “I need to get in shape,” or the all familiar, “I need to get rid of this tummy!” But in our generation where people are focused on appearances and health, the New Year is not the only time we hear that. One thing that men and women both crave is flat bellies. If you’re one of those people that are yearning for the coveted six-pack, then you need to learn about ab exercises.

With our often sedentary lifestyles, it’s no wonder that many of us have just a tad too much fat in the abdominal area. Maybe you’ve just had a baby, and baby stretched that tummy out good! Perhaps you’ve recently lost a lot of weight, but find that stubborn belly fat just won’t go away. Don’t feel discouraged. Abdominal exercise will melt that fat away with just a half hour of effort on your part each day. You don’t need special equipment and all can be accomplished while listening to music or watching TV.

The first recommended abdominal exercise is the old-fashioned sit-up. You may remember doing this in school in gym class. Sit-ups work. If it’s been a while, you may want to start with the “sissy” sit-ups.

This easier sit-up starts with lying on your back on the floor, with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Clasp your hands together, behind your neck with elbows facing out. Keeping your feet flat on the floor, pull your upper body up, bringing your elbows forward in front of your face and touch your knees with your elbows. Return to the lying down position and repeat. When beginning your program, start with 25 sit-ups, increasing the number by 5 every other day. When you can do 50 easily, you’re ready for the harder style of sit-ups.

The harder type of sit-up goes like this: Lie down on the floor on your back, legs extended and heels touching the floor. Your arms should be extended behind you with the backs of your hands touching the floor. Placing your hands together, pull yourself up and extend your hands until they touch your toes. Yikes,that is hard! Persevere. Shoot for 25 of these sit-ups per session. Increase by 5 every other day, progressing to 50 as you get stronger. By this time, you’ll be seeing real results. The sit-up is the abdominal exercise without equal.

Another good abdominal exercise is the toe-touch. Stand with your feet together and arms at your sides. Bend from the waist and touch your toes, repeating 25 times. As you progress, try to touch the palms of your hands to the floor in front of your feet. You can eventually progress to 50 per session.

Yet another abdominal exercise to quickly trim belly fat is this: begin in a standing position with your arms at your sides and back straight. Raise your right arm over your head while sliding your left arm straight down your left leg. Reach with your right arm, extending your right hand over your head as though trying to touch your left shoulder. Use a bouncing motion, trying three times to touch your left shoulder, all the while keeping your back straight. Reverse arms and repeat. Begin with 15 repetitions and work up to 25.

If you do these abdominal exercises faithfully, you’ll be looking good in a month’s time.

Get A Personal Trainer This Year?

The best way to get fit and keep fit is to have one to one sessions with a personal trainer. They are much in demand these days, employed by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Madonna and Britney Spears. However, they are not just for the stars. Many people use their services for different reasons.

People who have demanding jobs may not have time to go to the gym and the personal trainer often will train a client in their own home at their convenience. Not everyone enjoys the experience of a gym and prefers to work out in their own surroundings. However, for people who like the gym environment, some trainers have their own gym to invite clients to.

The first step is for an experienced professional to assess the needs of the client and find out their health status. It is important to work with someone who has the proper qualifications and accreditation. From the initial assessment, the trainer will test general fitness and cardiovascular endurance and then go on to design an individual exercise routine, tailored to the goal that the client has set out. Some people want to achieve weight loss or gain muscle and toning. Some may want to improve stamina or flexibility.

Some clients bring specific goals in addition to wanting to maintain general fitness levels. Many athletes work with a personal trainer and they may want to improve speed or power. There are exercise regimes aimed at rehabilitation after sports injuries and some massage may be required. Pre or post-natal training is another option.

Some trainers like to work with machines and some prefer not to, only using free weights. Whatever the methods used, the trainer will work on different parts of the body. Typical exercises include squats, step-ups, bench presses and lat pulls. When equipment is used, it is likely to be weights, steps, a rowing machine, treadmill, exercise bike, skipping rope or punchbag.

Keeping fit is a matter of self discipline but it can be easier said than done. Having a routine is the best way to approach it but it can be hard, even then. A personal trainer is not just there to provide the necessary knowledge but to motivate the client and give them support. Sometimes, the body just doesn’t feel like doing anything and that’s when personal trainers are worth their weight in gold. It could become one of the most significant relationships in a person’s life.

Low Carb Breakfast, Right Way To Start The Day?

If you’ve paid any attention to the latest diet trends, you surely know about the low-carb craze. How did this ever come about one may ask? It’s simply, really. Carbohydrates are one element of the human diet that provides our bodies with long-term energy. Naturally there is a downside to this wonderful energy source. If too many carbs or the “wrong carbs” are consumed, this can lead to weight-gain. Our bodies can only burn so many carbs at once. The ones that fail to get burned-off will naturally be stored as fat. Most folks dread this! The last thing we need is more fat on our bodies. This is where the low carb breakfast concept comes into play. If you begin your day with a low-carb meal, your body will have fewer carbohydrates to burn off before lunch-time hits.

In general, the standard low carb breakfast starts with eggs. Maybe you like them and maybe you don’t, but the truth is you’ll encounter plenty of low carb breakfast ideas that involve the incredible edible egg. I have a buddy who’s heavy into bodybuilding and he starts his day with six egg whites and one slice of whole wheat toast. This way he gets some healthy carbs to burn for energy and plenty of protein from the egg whites. Extracting the yoke is key. That is if you want to ditch the fat and cholesterol found in eggs. Eating only the egg whites allows you to get the good aspects, but minus the unhealthy side. You can’t beat that low carb breakfast idea. Also, omelets are a great way to get a healthy breakfast without a heavy dose of carbs. Try vegetable omelets for a wonderful array of protein and vitamins. Simply select a couple of your favorite veges, such as red peppers and onions, and dice them to compliment your healthy low carb breakfast.

Living in the age we do, you can certainly count on oodles of supplements. Regardless of where you shop, there are plenty of quick and easy breakfast bars at your disposal. Most of these are low in carbohydrates and high in protein. This way you’re able to feed your muscles and not your spare tire. So if you’re seeking a more convenient low carb breakfast alternative, this is perfect for you.

Food Portion Sizes Critical To Successful Diet

Dieting And Food Portion Sizes

if you have been trying to lose weight lately, you are probably familiar with some of the obstacles that we all face. Sometimes, it can be difficult or impossible to figure out why a weight-loss program isn’t working. Are you eating too much fatty food? Are you not eating enough grains or vegetables? What about protein – how much of that should you eat, and what should it come from? Is it all right to eat animal products, or should you switch to tofu? All of these are questions that most dieters have to struggle with on a daily basis.

One of the most important questions, however, is one that many dieters neglect to think about enough – food portion sizes. No matter how healthy you eat, research shows that if you eat too much you simply won’t lose weight. The old myth that you can eat as much vegetables and grains as you want is rapidly losing credibility, and many weight-loss experts and gurus put food portion size as the most important factor in how much weight you can manage to take off.

The problem is that there is no one guide to portion sizes of food. There is the USDA food portion sizes guideline to look at, but this isn’t universally accepted. The government is often bureaucratic, and it can take years to update food guidelines to the latest thinking. As a matter of fact, each diet plan seems to have its own guidelines for food portion sizes.

The important thing is to find a standard and stick with it. Too many people make the mistake of trying to eyeballs food portion sizes, but this neglect some of the problems that we face in our culture. Most of us are raised in an atmosphere where more is better. Restaurants, cafeterias, and even households tend to serve up huge portions of food, so what looks normal to us might actually be except excessive.

One of my friends – a dieting expert himself – recommends this rule thumb for determining food portion sizes. If you are just starting to diet, try out a basic type of food – a plain vegetable dish, a breast of chicken, or whatever – and see how much you need to feel like you have had your fill. Roughly two thirds of that is the appropriate food portion size. When you are first starting dieting, you want to be hungry all the time. If you aren’t, you are probably eating a little too much.

Slim Fast Low Carb - Late to the game?

Just when it seemed that the low carb diet craze had finally died down, I saw a commercial on television for Slim Fast low carb shake. I guess there are many still doing this diet, but I thought they were a little late off the mark. Whatever the case, it would seem that this is a good idea if your doctor has recommended that you are on a lower-carb diet. Though these diets are not for everyone, there are some that benefit.

I have insulin resistance, and was told by my doctor that I would benefit from a low carb diet, and that it might help me avoid diabetes in the future. There are medical reasons why people like me should have a higher protein intake, but my doctor would not recommend a specific fad diet. He said that I should just have more protein than carbs. Something like Slim Fast low carb might help me out, but I don’t know if I want to buy it. I would think there are other ways that I can get what I need, but these might be great for someone who doesn’t have the time to muck around exploring their options.

The basis behind any protein type diet is that protein can help keep blood sugar levels even. The ups and downs of your blood sugar will trigger hunger. If someone wanted to add the Slim fast low carb drink to their diet, they might have one in the mid morning and on in the mid afternoon. This would help keep hunger at bay at times when someone might be searching for a snack and they feel like they have to have something to eat.

Though these Slim Fast low carb drinks can be a great help, remember that they still have calories. Those made by Slim Fast might be lower in calories, but one should never get carried away when they are adding them to their menu. If might take a few days, but the affects should be noticed rather fast. If you are still hungry after having them for a week, they might not be helping you much. Don’t expect the Slim Fast low carb drink to take away all of your hunger, but it might help you curb it, and that might be the little extra push that you need. Sometimes, that one little thing is the difference between a successful diet and yet another failure.

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