4 Facts About the Medifast Diet You Probably Didn't Know (But Really Should!)

In this article I'd like to take a quick look at 4 facts about the Medifast diet you probably don't know. In my view, especially if you are ANYTHING like me, you probably want to know ALL of the facts before you pick a good diet. Isn't that what ALL of us do for days (weeks, and months!) BEFORE finally picking a path? Well, if that sounds like you, read on as we examine 4 facts about Medifast you REALLY ought to know! Read on..:-)

Medifast IS Available Without A prescription

For a long time, Medifast was only available through your friendly family doctor or medial center..:-) This has changed, and Medifast is now equally available to EVERYONE equally. Does that mean something important has changed in the diet itself? Absolutely NOT! It's just means you are FREE to reap the very same rewards as those that previously required a doctors "note"..:-)

Medifast Meal Replacement Bars are HALF the Calories of Other Popular Products

The calories in a typical Medifast meal bar? Try 160. Fiber? 15% of your daily value - PER bar! Why is this important? Well, on the calorie front, some of the popular meal replacement bars out there have DOUBLE the calories and FAR more sugar to boot. Remember - you are NOT eating Medifast for protein, or to pack on muscle....you are eating it to SLIM down and lose weight.

Medifast in the Lab

Did you know that in a clinical setting (John's Hopkins Hospital) Medifast users lost an AVERAGE of about 60 pounds? It's true....about 64 for men and 57 for women. That's a LOT of weight folks, and these dieters were not doing ANYTHING different than the rest of us should (other than being watched to make SURE they weren't cheating..:-)

Medifast and Variety

There are over 65 different food choices you can select from on the Medifast program. Why is this important? Well, studies show that variety IS indeed important to long term weight loss. People get bored with the same stuff, day in and day out...and BOREDOM leads to diet abandonment. Keeping things fresh, new and interesting is a central reason why so MANY people continue to lose, and RAVE about their Medifast experience.



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Fat Burners, Diet Pills, and Carb Blockers û What’s the difference?

All of these fat loss supplements are designed to help you lose weight, but there are some notable distinctions between these different types of supplements.  It’s important to know and understand the effects of the ingredients that go into each supplement.  Before you chose to put a diet pill into your mouth find out what the diet pill companies are putting into their products.  In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between each of these supplements and explore the ingredients that make them different.

Fat Burners û A fat burner is generally a supplement that is designed to promote fat loss by either increasing your energy, stimulating your metabolism, or suppressing your appetite.  These products are often sold in liquid or pill form.  A fat burner is a common term used to identify all types of diet pills.

Main ingredient:  Proprietary Thermogenic Blend, Thiamin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid
Other ingredient:  Guggulsterone, Caffeine, Diethylcarbonate
Popular Pill:  Hot Rox, Fahrenheit

Diet Pills û Most weight loss supplements are lumped into this category.  Pills that are sold as ’diet pills’ are often Fat Burners, Appetite Suppressants, Thermogenics, etc.  These pills work in much the same way as fat burners.  It is important to note that Prescription diet pills may also fall under the category of Diet Pills.  We won’t go into detail about prescription diet pills in this article, as they often contain many ingredients that are proprietary to the individual prescription drug company.

Slimming Pills û An alternative name for Fat Burner or Diet Pill.

Fat Loss Supplements û These supplements should be considered as any type of supplement that helps promote fat loss.  Fat Loss Supplements include everything from Diet Pills to Thermogenics.

Fat Blockers û The FDA recently approved the over the counter sale of a new drug that reportedly blocks fat.  The drug, Xenical (Orlistat) is a prescription diet pill that works by blocking the production of fat-digesting enzymes, so nearly one third of the fat that someone eats will be digested and the other two thirds will be excreted.

Main ingredient:  Chitosan, Orlistat
Other ingredient:  Other proprietary
Popular Pill:  Trimspa, Xenical (Prescription)

Appetite Suppressants û Appetite Suppressants do exactly that, they suppress the appetite and make it so that you do not ’feel’ hungry.  These pills work by increasing the level of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that is believed to control the regulation of mood and hunger in the brain.  Your brain is essentially fooled into believing that it is not hungry.

Main ingredient:  Hoodia Gordinii, Phentermine Hydrochloride
Other ingredient:  Other herbal ingredients, other proprietary
Popular Pill:  Hoodia, Dexatrim, Phentermine (Prescription)

Thermogenics û These supplements are believed to increase the body’s metabolism through the generation of heat (also known as thermogenesis).  This increase in heat and increase in energy causes the body to burn more calories.  With the ban of ephedra in 2003, many products are using the herbal ingredients that mimic the fat burning ability of ephedra.

Main ingredient:  Proprietary, but often contains many of the following ingredients:  Green Tea Extract, Caffeine, L-Carnitine, Cayenne, Yerba Mate, Guarana, Calciu Tribasic, Ginger Root.
Other ingredient:  Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium, Norambrolide,
Popular Pill:  Xenadrine, Twin Labs Ripped Fuel

Fat Burning Stacks û These products are often a combination of multiple fat burners that when ’stacked’ are designed to promote maximum fat loss.  Supplements are stacked according to their purpose within the fat loss scheme.

Main ingredient:  A combination of the following:
ECA û Ephedrine, Caffeine, and Aspirin or a combination of products sold by many supplement companies.

Carb Blockers û Carb Blockers work by blocking carbs from being absorbed into the body during digestion which leads to a an overall reduction in carbs, and therefore calories, thus promoting weight loss.

Main ingredient:  Phaseolamin, a substance extracted from white kidney beans.
Other ingredient:  Chromium, Vanadium
Popular Pill:  Dietrine Carb Blocker

Whether you chose a fat burner, carb blocker, or diet pill make sure you do your homework and find out what you are putting in your body.  At Diet Pill Reviews, you can read and write reviews for over 150 of the most popular diet pills.

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Can Diet and Exercise Help Prevent Cancer?

While everyone is well aware that proper diet and exercise are paramount to good health, still many people find it too much of an inconvenience to watch what they eat and to exercise. These people may feel that the benefits that they may get from all that effort is not worth the hassles of watching calories, cutting fat, running about, and moving weights around. But what if there was a benefit, and I mean a real good benefit, associated with proper diet and exercise? Maybe that would at least make those who don’t worry about diet and exercise give a little more thought to it.

Well, as if the already known benefits of proper diet and exercise aren’t enough to make some people want to incorporate them into their lives, perhaps the following information from Purdue University and Science Daily will be enough incentive to get them off their duff’s and give it a try.

According to Dennis Savaiano, dean of Purdue’s school of consumer and family sciences and professor of foods and nutrition, poor diet and lack of exercise are responsible for just as many cases of cancer as cigarette smoking.
He says, “approximately one third of cancer cases are related to smoking, one third are related to poor diet and lack of exercise, and one third are related to genetic or other factors”.

Most people are already well aware of the ill health effects of cigarette smoking, but the percentage of obesity and the rate of poor diet in America is a cause for serious concern. It is estimated that 65% of Americans are overweight with 30% being at least clinically obese. This is further escalated by the fact that 15 to 20% of the children in America are considered overweight. The main reason for this alarming statistic overall is the rate of poor diet seen in America.

Savaiano, who is chairman of the Food and Nutrition Science Alliance, along with several other members of the organization, recently reviewed scientific studies on diet and cancer. The group has since issued a statement urging Americans to change their diets in order to help reduce the number of cancer related deaths.

While Savaiano notes that some types of cancer are influenced more by diet than others, nutrition and food scientists agree that these four methods are practical ways to lower the risk of cancer:

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Avoid highly processed foods that are high in fat and sugar.

Limit or avoid consumption of alcohol.

Get in some moderate or vigorous exercise daily.

Much of the reason why people have trouble getting into a healthy lifestyle can be attributed to lack of knowledge on how to start with exercise programs and proper diet plans, and to marketing which is mostly geared toward foods that are high in fat and excess calories and low in nutritional value. Not much marketing is done to promote fruits and vegetables or whole grains.

Long hours at work also attribute to less meal preparation and more fast food and takeout food purchases. It will take some effort on your part, but making healthier food choices and exercise a part of your life can and most likely will give you rewards that no amount of money can buy.

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Evade the Mental Trauma of Childhood Obesity

Children have more energy requirements since they are in the growing stage. A nutritive diet is essential for their healthy development. Unlike adults, children are more prone to diseases. When they consume more number of calories than they actually burn, the extra calories get stored in their body in the form of fats.

Childhood obesity is of immense concern today. It has become a universal phenomenon. Children, who are overweight, tend to grow up as obese. Therefore, they develop higher risk of inheriting diseases in the later stages of life. Obesity is the gateway to many diseases such as, high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease etc.  Health problems increase with obesity on a rise.

An obese child is often confronted with psychological distress. Teasing and bullying children about their appearance can affect their self esteem and make them lose their self-confidence. It can lead to isolation and depression at a young age.

Children generally tend to be overweight, if their parents are obese. But genetic factors are less significant in determining childhood obesity. Today, most of the children are obese because of their unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercises. High-calorie food such as junk food, beverages and confectionaries are fatty and causes obesity in children. Children spend several hours in watching television. As a result, obesity is greater in such children as they hardly devote time towards any physical activity.

Experts advise that children should not be stressed to lose weight. Instead they should be persuaded to maintain a healthy weight so that they slowly and steadily grow into it, as they get taller.

Awareness amidst parents and adults regarding childhood obesity is important. They must try to inculcate healthy eating habits in their children. Fast foods such as burgers, pizzas, macaroni, hot dogs, chocolates, cakes and crisps should be avoided. A healthy nutritive diet enriched with proteins and vitamins should be taken. Avoid taking fried foods. Try to grill or bake the food. A healthy breakfast of milk with wholemeal wheat biscuits and a fruit is a good start for the day. Keep your children away from carbonated drinks that have high sugar content.  Substitute them with fresh juices and other sugar-free drinks.

Indulgence of children in activities like gardening, skipping and cycling can help to prevent obesity. Encourage your children to walk down to school or the market, instead of simply jumping into the car. Motivate them to play games such as football, rugby, tennis etc.

Studies also indicate that breastfeeding a baby may reduce his chance of becoming obese, later in life.

A little improvement in the lifestyle can protect your children from being the victims of childhood obesity.

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Is Losing Weight Via Gastric Bypass For Everyone?

Gastric bypass surgery is not about losing weight the easy way and looking good, the operation is about improving health.

There are several types of gastric bypass procedures, but all of them involve bypassing part of the small bowel by greater or lesser degrees. Surgical options Gastric bypass procedures involve constructing a gastric pouch whose outlet is a Y-shaped limb of small bowel of varying lengths. By far, the most common procedure is the gastric bypass, which is done both open and laparoscopically.

In most types of gastric bypass surgeries done today only 50 cm of the intestine is allowed to function in normal fashion.

How is the gastric bypass surgery different than the LAP-BAND? Generally, gastric bypass patients stay in the hospital one to two days following surgery, and recovery takes approximately one to three weeks. With laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, most patients are completely back to normal activities around three weeks after surgery.

Of the several surgical variations of gastric bypass now available, the most widely used is the Roux-en-Y procedure. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves dividing the stomach and forming a small pouch while sealing off a large proportion of the stomach. In lay terms it is like a hybrid of the intestinal bypass and a gastric stapling procedure. Early adverse event rates are low following laparoscopic gastric banding, and are probably lower than gastric bypass. The most common are the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or simply, the gastric bypass and the Lap-Band, or adjustable gastric banding system.

As with any surgery, there are possible risks with gastric bypass. With no treatment, one in four gastric bypass patients will develop gallstones following surgery. During the recovery period the limitations imposed by the gastric bypass procedure should be kept in mind.

The following are common phases in the gastric bypass diet progression: Liquids. In general, the gastric bypass diet includes foods that are high in protein, and low in fat, fiber, calories, and sugar. Fiber, found in foods like bran, popcorn, raw vegetables, and dried beans, is also limited on the gastric bypass diet. The gastric bypass diet is low in sweet and sugary foods for reasons.

Nonetheless, gastric bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure and is certainly not suitable for everyone and is not without risks. For these people the traditional remedy of diet and exercise simply doesn't work and they are turning increasingly towards gastric bypass surgery. A soon-to-be published study of gastric-bypass patients age 65 and older also showed that the procedure produced good results and improved quality of life. I have a friend that had gastric bypass surgery about 6 months ago - he is doing great!

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6 Best Healthy Recipes For Weight Loss and Healthy Living

1. Chicken Vegetable Soup

This is perfect for soup fans. Among all the recipes for healthy living, vegetable soups stand out because of its simple nature and easiness to make. All you need is the breast portion of chicken sliced into small pieces; sliced carrots; pureed ginger, diced onion, garlic, and some chicken broth. All you have to do is to mix everything together, simmer, and enjoy the warmth of having healthy recipes for weight loss!

2. Tuna All-Around

Fish is common when you talk about healthy recipes for weight loss. They are not just less in calories; they are also good for your protein supply. You may think that healthy recipes are very hard to do, but with tuna, you can also opt for the canned products. This healthy recipe for weight loss is very versatile because you can pair tuna with anything. You can eat it with rice, bread, or even pasta! Just remember to keep your carbohydrates in moderation.

3. Sandwich it is!

People who prefer sandwiches to make recipes for healthy living usually choose multi-grain and whole wheat bread. This is because the ingredients have not been refined and contains less or no sugar at all. Healthy recipes of sandwiches commonly involve the presence of tomatoes, lettuce, and low-fat meat like chicken or tuna.

4. Salads Galore

Salads are the king of healthy and delicious recipes for weight loss! Why? It contains all the healthy selections of food like fruits and vegetables. Fruits are your healthy dose of sweets while vegetables make you feel full that you can prevent yourself from craving for meat. Salads are as versatile as sandwiches because you can mix and match everything healthy. Try something new like kale and quinoa and dress it up with vinaigrette, the more preferred dressing for healthy recipes for salads.

5. Snack it up

Are you obsessed with snacking? Not a problem. You can always turn to your all-time dependable apples, pears, and avocado. However, if you want to explore more on recipes for healthy living in your snacks, you may want to try a mixed pleasure of sunflower seeds, raisins, and nuts like cashew and pistachios. You should however keep it under 200 calories to stay in shape.

6. Drink and shrink

This is the favorite of many and is the trend-setter of healthy recipes for weight loss. It has earned the adoration of famous celebrities and has shown great results. For those who do not have juicers, you may try using your home blenders. You may first try the basic smoothies with healthy and delicious recipes by blending mango and banana then you can go introduce your taste buds to exotic fruits like dragonfruits and some frozen berries. You can add yogurt to your heart's delight!
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Increase your Fitness Program Efficiency

What's most necessary for making a fitness program more effective is establishing a certain number of trainings every week. It is considered that the minimum number of trainings is two (anaerobic) and three (aerobic) every week. If they are combined, their number can be reduced to three trainings a week (two combined and one aerobic).

Obviously, an increase in the number of weekly trainings brings better and more rapid results. Their maximum number would be four force trainings (anaerobic) and six resistance trainings (aerobic). Doing less than the minimum of training could lead to erasing of information and getting out of shape. Training more than the maximum indicated could bring with it the risk of over-training, of physical overwork.
 
One of the roles of the fitness trainer is to individualize the frequency of the programs, in order to find the best periodicity for every person involved in training.

Another factor that can increase the effectiveness of a training program is performing the exercises correctly. Wrong technique will quickly determine worse results, even if the program which includes those exercises is well conceived, organized in time and personalized.

Besides lack of good results, the person who didn't acquire good training technique exposes himself to the risk of sometimes very bad accidents ( hernia, stroke, etc.).

The movements a person learns must get to be mastered and performed automatically, the same as the technique of breathing which accompany them. This way, the sportsman will save mental energy that he can use for getting the right intensity, focusing on the muscle towards which a particular exercise is directed, forced repetitions of movements, etc.

Any new exercise require patience and time in order to be correctly assimilated and introduced in the set of exercises mastered by any sportsman.

Besides a well-balanced diet (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids – 4:1:1 – the proportion in grams per kilogram of food principles), hydrating must be given special care. Good hydrating of the body has as a result the increase of the efficiency of a fitness program. The body must be carefully hydrated before, during and after training.

The sensation of thirst must not be experienced – this would only be a late signal of dehydration. The types of liquids that can be used can and should vary a lot: mineral water, plant teas, fruit, fresh juice, isotonic drinks, energizers, etc.

Be also careful with the drinks that fasten dehydration. This category of liquids includes drinks which contain caffeine or alcohol. They forcedly increase dieresis, fastening dehydration, which is also naturally determined by the training (especially by aerobic training).

Another factor that must be considered is biorhythm, which is specific to each person. The training must thus be placed at the time of maximum physical efficiency, time which is directly related to the increase of the body temperature.

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How To Reduce Weight Fast And Lose Fat Forever Fast Weight Reducing Tip

So you have tried dieting to reduce weight. You have also popped all kinds of weight reducing pills you can get your hands on. To your delight your effort seemed to work as you begin to lose body fat steadily. Then one day, before you reach your desired weight, you begin to notice that your weight seemed to stay the same even though you are still on the diet and popping those weight reducing slimming pills. To your horror, you discover that the weight you had lost is beginning to pile up once again. Instead of reducing weight, you are now gaining weight. Sounds familiar?

What happened? Simply put, slimming pills and fad diets are only short term strategy to reduce weight and keeping body fat at bay. To reduce weight and lose fat forever, your caloric expenditure must surpass your caloric consumption. Aren’t you doing that in your diet? Yes you are. But when you are on a diet, you go hungry and your body will signal to your brain to conserve fat for energy because your body is built with a mechanism to conserve fat during famine and it will not know whether it is famine season or that you are on a diet. In this instance, your body will consume your muscle for energy instead of your body fat and this spells trouble because your muscle is a great calorie gobbler. So with less muscle, your fat burning capability grinds to a screeching halt.

What about those weight reducing pills you are taking? If you are popping appetite control pills, your body will react like you are on a diet, so the same thing happened. What about pills that help to increase metabolism or reducing starch intake? Sure, they will help to burn a few calories or restrict some calories from turning into body fat, but are enough calories burnt or restricted to reduce weight permanently or are you going to take those unhealthy weight reduction pills forever? Obviously not, isn’t it?

So to reduce weight and lose fat forever, we need to do 3 things.

ò Cardio exercises û Do cardio exercises at 65-85% of your maximum heart rate to burn tons of calories

ò Lift weight û Train with weights to grow muscle or at least prevent muscle loss. The more muscle you have, the higher will be your natural fat burning capability. You will burn fat even when sleeping. In other words, you lose fat permanently.

ò Eat small frequent meals û This will signal to your brain that food is in abundance and that your body need not conserve fat in case of famine. So eat 5- 6 meals at 3 hourly intervals. However, do make sure that your meals are small and that your caloric intake do not surpass your caloric expenditure.

When you incorporate these 3 elements into your lifestyle, you will not only reduce weight and lose body fat, you will also keep the weight from creeping back. That means, you will reduce weight and able to maintain your ideal weight forever.

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Real Weight Loss Begins Today...With Cliff Kuhn, M.D.'s Fun Factor Diet!

Weight Loss is something that many Americans struggle with. In this article, Cliff Kuhn, M.D. will teach you why your weight loss techniques so far have been unsuccessful, and how to correctly lose weight - and keep it off!

P.T. Barnum, who dedicated his life to entertaining the masses, often relied on size-related adjectives to sell his attractions. His posters and announcements were peppered with words like mammoth, extraordinary, colossal, and gargantuan.

Unfortunately, if you're like most of us those words might be used to describe you as well. Americans have an obsession with weight loss and with good reason; the
percentage of overweight people in the United States is doubling every ten years - from 1 in 200 in 1986, to 1 in 50 in 2000. Without some weight loss, pretty soon there won't be enough room for us all on this continent!

We've identified a curious paradox: Americans are obsessed with weight loss and spend billions on it each year, yet 140 million of us are overweight or obese - and that number grows (pun intended) each year. With all that energy and money thrown at it, why can't we experience more weight loss and why do we pack it on in the first place?

Why Do We Gain Weight...and Where is the Weight Loss We Crave?

Let's quickly move beyond simple, though true, solutions. We intellectually "know" that there are only three things necessary for weight loss (outside of a medical condition): eating the correct foods, eating less, and getting more exercise. We "know" these things are true, yet why don't we do them?

The answer is simple and, luckily for you, so is the solution. As you learn the following diet you will realize that with a little willingness and discipline you need never worry about weight loss again. You will come to believe, in short order, that you will have as much weight loss as you desire and you will never gain it back because you will understand how logical and powerful my diet is!

Let's just be honest about it - we love food! Eating is an enjoyable ritual and we commonly use food to reward ourselves because it feels good to eat. Whenever we feel unfulfilled or frustrated (when we need affirmation or esteem) we are naturally drawn to fill that void with food. When we're lacking pleasure in our lives we rely on the eating ritual to make up the difference.

And this formula works; overfilling ourselves with food does fill our emptiness. It works so well that, just like any addict, we become gluttons - regularly overstuffing ourselves and/or eating too much "comfort" food to fill our emotional void. The end result, despite our best intentions, is a constant, steady weight gain because we're using food for a purpose it is not intended - support.

The Solution to Your Weight Loss Problems

The healthful solution I've created to fill your emptiness exists already inside you because you were born with it. Unlike food, this solution fills your void while also fostering lasting and sustainable health, vitality, energy, and fitness. Instead of food, what you need is the natural medicine of humor because humor and fun are the most accessible and constant sources of energy and support known.

Because it is an energy, fun is readily and abundantly in you and around you. Once you learn to find more fun in your relationships, your work, and your home life I guarantee you will quickly do away with those excess pounds - and they'll never return. And the best news is...I will teach you exactly how to do this using my Fun Factor Diet.

My Fun Factor Diet is based upon my unique prescription, The Fun Factor, because The Fun Factor delivers you to new heights of health, wellness, and success. Years ago a terminally ill patient, Lisa, taught me about the incredibly powerful natural medicine of humor. I used Lisa's lessons to create my Fun Commandments, eventually molding them into my unique prescription, The Fun Factor, capable of producing health, energy, and vitality that others will envy.

My Fun Factor Diet works because it is based on my Fun Commandments and, thus, enables you to unleash your powerful humor nature on every aspect of your life. As you learn to have more fun in your relationships, your work, and your home life, you will rely less and less on food to meet your emotional needs. With the Fun Factor Diet the urge to overeat melts away, along with the excess pounds because you will be using food for its natural purpose - sustenance.

And, as a bonus, since my Fun Factor Diet is based on fun, you will laugh more frequently. Laughter is an excellent form of aerobic exercise; a hearty, belly laugh produces the same physical response as thirty minutes on the Stairmaster. When you laugh it gives your heart and lungs a good work out so...you are burning additional calories just by practicing my unique diet!

The Fun Factor Diet

Step One: Go the Extra Smile

The first strategy of my Fun Factor Diet is to Always Go the Extra Smile. Smiling is a deliberate and controllable behavior that almost always calms inner stress and attracts outward fun. Smiling unleashes the natural medicine of humor anytime and anywhere because it has a profound physical and emotional impact.

The key is to increase your conscious effort to smile constantly, especially when there is nothing in particular to smile about. Before you begin an activity, you remind yourself to smile first; before each conversation, you remind yourself to smile. You'll soon be wearing a genuine smile on your face everywhere you go because the good results you experience will create a self-fulfilling prophecy.

And here is the beautifully powerful weight loss secret behind the first Fun Factor Diet strategy: your internal physiology is fooled by your smile. Whether spontaneous or forced, your body thinks you're having fun when you smile, whether you are or not, because smiling activates the pleasure centers of your brain. By smiling you literally become more physically relaxed and enjoy a greater sense of fulfillment and enjoyment.

The amazing benefit of this Fun Factor Diet tactic is that the lessening of your internal agitation decreases your cravings to eat when you're not really hungry. And, as a bonus, your smile attracts more social attention - leaving you less time to stuff yourself because people are mysteriously attracted to you without quite knowing why. By Going the Extra Smile you're well on your way to weight loss by filling your emotional void with fun rather than food!

Step Two: Be Willing to Laugh with Yourself

Step two in my Fun Factor Diet is to Be Willing to Laugh with Yourself. This is not a step of humiliation or self-denigration because those things are definitely not fun; it is a strategy of being willing to take yourself lightly. Easing your harsh expectations you impose on yourself, relaxing some of your self-administered pressure, sets the stage for astounding personal gains (or in your case personal "losses")

At this stage of my Fun Factor Diet, you will make a deliberate effort to take yourself and your expectations less seriously. You will adopt a kindlier stance toward your fears and inconsistencies because you have been much too hard on yourself. The results will be a dramatic lightness (both figuratively and literally) of mind, body, and spirit.

Freed from the tyranny of your unrealistic expectations, you will be able to relax and have more fun. Things you have dreaded doing in the past will become enjoyable activities because you won't have expectations of perfection. Combined with your commitment to Go the Extra Smile, you will find your use of food to calm and comfort yourself almost extinguished because taking yourself lightly helps you see yourself as, literally, less "heavy."

Step Three: Stay Focused, yet Flexible

The third step in my Fun Factor Diet makes the most dramatic difference in your actual eating habits and provides the mechanics of your weight loss. The employment of my Fun Commandment, Stay Focused, yet Flexible, keeps you grounded in the moment, the here and now, because it challenges you to give 100% attention to what you are doing right now. Staying Focused, yet Flexible provides the dramatic weight loss breakthrough you've been waiting for because your entire paradigm of eating is about to change!

On the Fun Factor Diet you Stay Focused, yet Flexible by not engaging in any other activity while you are eating. Activities that have commonly accompanied your eating are to be shunned while putting food in your mouth - including reading, watching television, or socializing at get-togethers. With the exception of reasonable table conversation, eating becomes a focused activity for you, not connected with any other behavior because you are about to halt the underlying cause of your weight gain.

Once you begin disciplining yourself to separate eating from all the pleasurable and stressful activities with which you have associated it, you will discover a disturbing fact: you will be shocked by how much you've been using food as both a stress reliever and a pleasure enhancer. Your weight loss can be dramatic when you change your use of food from pleasure enhancement and stress relief to simple nourishment. You're ready for this change because, with the first two steps in my diet, you've already begun to fill your emotional and spiritual void with fun rather than food.

This step of my Fun Factor Diet has two primary benefits: you become more acutely aware of your opportunities for fun away from food, which allows you to become even more effective at satisfying your emotional needs with fun, and by eating with full focus you increase the enjoyment and appreciation for your food, which allows you to use food as nourishment rather than pleasure. When you combine having fun apart from food with getting greater enjoyment from the food you are eating, you experience weight loss because you are no longer using it in a contrived and artificial fashion!

Step Four: Practice Wanting What You Have, Rather than Getting What You Want

The final step in my Fun Factor Diet will make your weight loss permanent because it centers you in the unique paradigm of lasting success. My Fun Commandment, Practice Wanting What You Have, Rather Then Getting What You Want, increases your awareness of gratitude because it stops the merry-go-round of always needing "more" to feel satisfied. Ongoing gratitude for what you have has the amazing benefit of making it possible to get and keep more of what you want.

We all make the mistake of taking for granted the things we truly value and focus, instead, on all the things we want that we do not yet possess. This focus makes us desperate and puts conditions on our happiness, because our success never satisfies us and we only wind up needing more. If you ever want to have more fun in your life (as you're going to be doing on my Fun Factor Diet), you begin by counting the blessings you already have because that will make your weight loss, and other achievements, lasting and real.

Becoming adept at this portion of my Fun Factor Diet does two things: it continually reminds you of the many gifts you've already been given and it decreases your appetite for those things you think you want will. Realizing that you have everything you need to be happy today eases the stress of not having everything you want because all the pressure is gone - you're already a success! The end result of this strategy is that you will not feel as empty, resulting in greater weight loss from a lowered desire to fill your void with food.

Filling yourself up with gratitude is not a platitude, so to speak, because it works in real practice. You eat in excess to fill an emotional and/or spiritual void, not because you are hungry; you eat too much to provide yourself with emotional comfort, fulfillment, and reassurance. The strategy of Practicing Wanting What you Have, Rather than Getting What you Want, actually fills this emptiness in a meaningful, lasting manner because your emotional appetite is satisfied by the things that really sustain it!

Smiling fools your body and attracts socially fun attention, Taking Yourself Lightly releases you from the tyranny of your unrealistic expectations, Staying Focused, yet Flexible teaches you to use food for nourishment rather than fun, and Wanting What you Have allows you to fill your emotional void with fun and gratitude rather than food. There you have it... weight loss from the natural medicine of humor and my Fun Factor Diet!

Welcome to a Life Free from Weight Worries...Start Right Now!

Here are some simple, easy steps you can take right now to prepare yourself for permanent, painless weight loss.

Subscribe to my Fun Times newsletter. The Fun Times is all about using your natural power of humor to increase the quality of your life - including your physical appearance. The Fun Times is 100% free, and is delivered instantly, every week, to your email inbox. If you sign up now, I'll also throw in a copy of my "Stop Your Seriousness" Ecourse and my book, Ten Ways You Can Be Happier...Right Now! which will show you how you can use my Fun Factor prescription in your life to increase your success!

Check out The Fun Factor. This prescription has changed so many lives for the better - it would be a shame if you passed it up. Check it out here if you're sick of being overweight and are ready for weight loss once and for all!

By the way, in one of his museums, P.T. Barnum found that he was having trouble getting the crowds to leave once they had seen all the attractions. So he devised a clever sign, elaborately lettered to draw as much attention as possible, which read "This Way to the Egress"

Most of the patrons expected to see some bizarre animal that Barnum had collected from one of the far corners of the earth when they followed the sign through the door. What they didn't realize, however, was that "Egress" is simply another word for "Exit." Funny...and true.
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How I Lost 12 Pounds And Had Fun Doing It!

You see it all the time; people agonizing over their exercise routine. You hear people in the gym say things like; "I will be doing good when I get out of here". I am a person who has always enjoyed going in the gym so I can't relate to agonizing about being in the gym....cardio or fat burning exercises...that is a different story. I have never liked running, pounding on a treadmill, a stationary bike, aerobics classes or any other cardio exercise. That is why I did not stick with these disciplines. I found something that I enjoy doing and have become so involved with it that I have already lost twelve pounds and gained cardiovascular benefits. I am going to tell you how I did it, but I am not suggesting you do what I did. I am suggesting you find something that you enjoy and it will be very easy for you to maintain the discipline.

How I did it:

Mountain biking

A friend had asked me to mountain bike with him and I said yes. Next thing I know we are out in the fresh air and daylight winding our way through trails and over rocks. I was having a blast! I immediately thereafter purchased a bike and started riding on my own and with others. Climbing steep hills, long slow hills, the scenery, nature, fresh air...I love it! I found myself riding at every opportunity and not even thinking about it as my exercise routine. My resting heart rate lowered, my waistline became smaller, and I feel great! A course that at first was impossible to me was now a 3-time per week routine. Not only do I complete the course but I am regularly lowering the time it takes to complete it. The key is finding something you enjoy doing. What might that be for you? For me it is obviously mountain biking.

Here are some suggestions:

- Walking Walking is a great way to relieve stress, lose weight, burn calories, and just feel great. You can enjoy nature or see the city! Find a walking partner and talk about your day while you walk. If you live in a harsh climate you can find a place to walk indoors. I see walkers in the malls all the time.

- Martial Arts Martial arts is a great way to get in shape and a wonderful discipline. You will increase speed, flexibility, confidence, and cardiovascular fitness. If you are the type that prefers to be in groups, martial arts may be for you.

- Aerobics classes Although aerobics classes are not my cup of tea...many people love them. How will you know until you try? This is another activity you may want to try if you like being in groups. I have witnessed some very high energy aerobics classes.

- Dancing Now here is a way to have fun and get in shape! Dance! I am sure you can find lessons, clubs, and other people willing to join in the fun.

- Running Perhaps you are like me..you enjoy solitude and would prefer to be in a small group or alone. Try running. Nothing but your thoughts, nature, and the trail ahead. There are many benefits to be had by a running program.

- Home exercise equipment Perhaps you are someone who has very little time to join a gym or a group of others for a regular workout routine. A piece of home gym equipment can be just the ticket for you. You can ride an elliptical machine while the children nap or run on the treadmill while you watch the evening news. Purchase your equipment from a reputable dealer and be sure and look online for the best prices. This is another way to enjoy an exercise routine if you prefer to be by yourself. There are many many nice pieces of equipment available that are easy on the joints and very quiet.

- DVD's or VHS That is right. If you think you would like an aerobics class but you are not ready to join a gym...a pre-recorded workout routine may be for you. You can find Tae-Bo, aerobics, yoga, or hundreds of other titles where you can workout in the privacy and comfort of your own home.
These are just a few suggestions. I am sure you can think of many more and hopefully you are thinking about something that you really enjoy doing. Who says getting in shape has to be a grueling task? Do something you love and it will be easy for you. You will look forward to your next routine and workout with enthusiasm.

I wish for you the best of health.
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Weight Loss: N Y Millionaire Weight Loss "Secret" Revealed

It is a fact that about 70% Americans are overweight. There may be genetic, social and psychological factors involved in this problem.

Hi, my name is I-key. All my life, I have always tried to eat well. I constantly exercised and my weight remained stable for about 15 yrs.

I believe that good health is one the greatest assets one can have.

Read on and discover my simple weight loss secret that may
inspire you.

My weight problem began 3 yrs ago, when I stopped exercising.

The reason was because I discovered a little known millionaire "SECRET", Mscsrrr Millionaire Cash system. (That enables one to turn his computer into a home personal "Atm Machine" that generates $1,500+ weekly, without any large investment hard work or special training)

After I tested it and was shocked to make more money in a day than I make at my job in a month, I was hooked.

But it has a drawback, because if not done properly, it can make you lose all your money.

For this reason, I decided to lock myself up in my office to work on it day and night in order to figure out how to make this secret money making system safe and risk free for the average person to do. (for more details, please go to: http://www.home-based-business-opportunity-center.com).

For this reason, I was not able to do any physical exercise and my weight ballooned.

One day, I went out, and suddenly I started having pains in my leg and had difficulty walking. I didn't know how overweight I had become, until I took a photo of myself.

Holy mackerel, I nearly had a heart attack when I saw my photo, because I couldn't believe the person in the photo was me! I was about 100 pounds overweight and looked like an elephant!

I was so horrified by my picture that I rushed into a nearby Chinese store and asked them if they had any herbal tea that can help me shed a lot of weight quickly. I bought a cup and immediately started drinking it. In 2 weeks, I didn't lose any weight, instead I started having nervousness and twitching all over my body.

I knew right away the cause was the herbal tea and stopped drinking it. In a few days the nervousness went away.

Then I got on the internet and searched for weight loss diet. I was stunned by the search result of hundreds of different kinds of weight loss diets out there: Atkins, Jenny Craig, Richard Simmons, Dr. Phil, Weight Watchers, Low carb diets, high carb diets, high protein diets, Scarsdale diet, vegetarian diets, macrobiotic diets and many others.

Weight loss and nutrition are multi-billion dollar growth industries.

There are thousands of mlm and network companies out there hawking assorted diet pills, weight loss plans and programs, vitamins and nutraceuticals.

When I went to the bookstore, I was overwhelmed to see many weight loss and diet programs. I saw so many books on nutrition, aerobic exercise, home gym equipment.

On the TV, I saw Winfrey Oprah interview her guests about weight loss problems and listened to Dr. Phil talk about discipline and self control and saw Pilates' infomercial, Bally's gym ads, Lucille Robert Ads, Suzanne Summer ads for home exercise equipments.

I read in the magazines how most diet pills are dangerous especially those that contain ephedra (ephedrine) which has since lead to many deaths.

I was horrified to read about some people resorting to surgery where their stomach or intestines are stapled or reduced in an effort to make them eat less and lose weight. Two celebrities, Carnie Wilson and Al Roker have successfully done this.

Two days ago, I heard Kevin Trudeau (of mega -memory program fame) speak on little known natural remedies that cure all the major ailments most people suffer from.

He revealed that most food processors and companies are now adding growth hormones to food substances and this may be another cause for overweight problem, food addiction and some of diseases we suffer.

The problem is that with this sea of information, diet and weight loss pills, diet and weight loss programs, recipes, vitamins, exercise regimens, books and tapes, it is not easy for an average overweight person to know where to begin. How does one know which weight loss and diet pill, weight loss program, or diet and exercise program is good for him? I didn't!

However, my natural instinct told me that losing weight can be achieved easily by understanding the simple dynamics of how the average human body works.

If one eats less but does more physical exercise, one will lose weight.

But this is not always easy to do, because most people (like me) lack self-control and discipline regarding eating food. Also, most people unconsciously over eat food as a way to escape from confronting various emotional, psychological and social problems afflicting them.

It is the above insight that finally helped me to develop a simple weight loss plan and exercise regimen that helped me to lose 60 pounds in 6 weeks.

I began to eat only once in 3 days. And before eating any heavy food, I will first eat salads and fruits and drink a glass of warm milk. And instead of drinking only sodas, I also started drinking various juices. Twice or thrice in the week, at 6 am in the morning, I got up and jogged about 1-2 miles to get my blood circulatory system up and running.

For obvious reasons, I have started avoiding McDonalds (their fries, Big Mac) Wendy's, Subway, and Burger King restaurants and Taco Bell, with their burritos, tacos, and gorditas.

Once in a while I go out to Olive Garden and Applebees restaurants to dine with my friends.

During the new year, my plan is to hire a dietician to help me plan better meals. I also plan to get a personal weight training expert and start weight training.

My immediate goal is to lose another 60 Ibs within the next 2 months and to maintain my weight at 160 pounds by rigorously following my weight loss plan.

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Two Words That Guarantee Success (or failure) When Planning To Lose Weight

Did you know that being successful with losing weight starts with just two words?

Two words will either guarantee you'll lose weight, or guarantee the you WON'T lose weight.

You see, words are very powerful. Especially the words that we say to ourselves... our self-talk.

Whatever we say to ourselves goes directly to our subconscious and is accepted as complete truth.

Did you catch that?

Whatever you say to yourself or others is accepted as a complete truth to your subconscious mind.

How do you describe yourself?

Do you see yourself as healthy, slim and energetic?

Or do you see yourself as heavy and overweight?

Do you tell yourself (or complain to others) that "you can't" lose weight?

If you say to yourself....

"I am fat" ... your mind says OK, you're fat and gets to work in the background on taking actions that make (and keep) you fat.

or

"I am healthy and slim"... your mind says, OK, and gets to work in the background on taking actions that make (and keep) you healthy and slim.

[Note: You literally can't lose weight if you see yourself as overweight... your mind won't let you. This is one reason so many struggle with losing weight... and keeping it off. ]

Your subconscious doesn't argue with you, or reason with your statement. It just goes to work following your instructions.

This one, small lifestyle change can make a difference between being successful in reaching your weight los.s goals, and continual struggle to lose weight.

It's simple, just replace your current thoughts and words with ones that support your "new" you starting with those two most important words, "I am":

"I am healthy"

"I am slim"

"I am fit"

"I am healthy and trim"

"I am at my goal weight of (your goal) pounds"

Saying "I am" gives your mind a statement and command in the affirmative... as if it were already true.

Do this regularly, every day, and watch your thoughts and self talk closely. If you catch yourself slipping, immediately stop your negative thoughts and replace them with those above, or your own "I am" statements.

Before you know it, your actions and results will start taking shape (literally :) ). It's a proven fact, your mind acts on what you tell it, just tell it what you want!
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A Clean Diet For Permanent Weight Loss

Getting Started on The Clean Diet
If you want to lose some weight then following a healthy eating plan is a good start, but allowing someone else to dictate exactly what, when and how much you can eat is crazy making. Guidance is good but ultimately you must learn to make better choices in your eating which leads to your gaining the ability to maintain your new shape after the weight has been lost. The Clean Diet is the answer.

What is the Clean Diet?
The Clean Diet means different things to different people. My version is less strict than some because frankly I'm not a competitive body builder and I don't have a modeling contract. Unless you must maintain a specific body weight (as actors sometimes do for instance), you probably are of the same mind as I; that being, I want to lead a basically normal life. Eating out sometimes, enjoying parties sometimes, and generally not feeling like I have to "watch what I eat" or suffer the consequences. The way I eat is sometimes called the non-dieting approach because I don't diet, but I do pay attention. That's what the Clean Diet means: paying attention to what you're eating.

What Can I Eat on The Clean Diet?
Vegetables: Enjoy unlimited raw, steam, baked. Go for it. I don't know anyone who got fat because they ate too many vegetables and that includes carrots, beans, corn and potatoes. Unless you are allergic, there is no reason to shun fresh vegetables. Yes they contain carbohydrates. Get over it. Wean yourself from sauces, and learn to like them without added butter or salt. Vegetables like carrots and beets for instance are very high in natural sugars (that's the point -- nature intended to give you sweet things whereby you'd WANT to eat them and would consequently get adequate Vitamin C among other things).

Fruit: Try to eat at least one or two pieces a day. More is fine. There is no reason to restrict yourself to one-quarter of a cantaloupe or 1 small apple. Who comes up with these rules anyway? An apple contains less than 100 calories. That's not exactly going to break the diet bank, is it? Eat all the fresh fruit you like, especially late at night if you're working on learning to give up your chips or cookies habit. Apples are great for snacking, as are grapes, bananas, kiwi or anything else you like. Try to eat mostly fresh fruit, and saved canned fruits for once in awhile.

Dried fruits such as raisins are a super concentrated food source and should be treated with respect. A few thrown on your morning cereal or in your trail mix is fine, but remember super concentrated food is also high calorie food. You don't need a lot to get the nutrients. Learn the difference between densely packed nutrients and loosely packed nutrients. Fresh fruit is loosely packed, high in water content, and dried fruit is dense with little or no water. Corn-on-the-cob is loose, corn syrup is dense (and processed too).

An ounce of raisins contains 85 calories and 201 mg of Potassium, while an ounce of fresh grapes is a mere 20 calories. You'd need four times the fresh grapes to equal the dried.

Clean foods are as close to their natural state as possible without being fanatical about it. There is a world of difference between a baked potato and a bowlful of potato chips. One is a good source of nutrients and one is a highly refined, richly saturated fat, greasy, salty, modified source of nothing but smears on your napkin. One is satisfying and one leaves you wanting more. Betcha can't eat just one was more than a catch phrase for Lay's Potato Chips. It's a truism.

Grains & Beans: Whole grains like whole wheat, rice, millet, barley, and others. Drop the habit to eat chips and crackers out of a box. Once in awhile is okay, but if you eat them regularly, then you need to make a modification. Cakes, crackers and the like are simply not good for everyday fare, if you want to reach a healthy bodyweight. Once in awhile, or special occasions is fine, just not every day. Not even every other day. Once a week is plenty, and if you can't commit to weaning yourself off those foods, then you need to adjust to living with a higher body weight. It's not a character flaw, but it is a fact you must face. What you eat, dictates how healthy you will be, both mind and body.

Whole grain means whole grain. Bread that lists whole wheat is not 100% whole grain. Watch out. Seeing Whole Wheat on the package means nothing. You want to see either 100% Whole Wheat or 100% Whole Grain. Brown bread is not always whole grain, but it may be brown because some molasses was added to color it brown. Whole grain breads are heavier, more dense, chewier. I think they are better. You might not share that belief, especially if you're used to the light and fluffy white bread. When I was a teenager I could easily eat 10 slices of white bread french toast and still not feel satisfied. How ridiculous is that? I could, on the other hand, eat about three pieces of whole grain bread french toast and that was enough.

Isn't Brown Bread Better for You?
Many people think if it is brown it is healthier, but it is not true. If it is whole grain it is better than refined, but that isn't licence to eat lots of bread. A sandwich now and then is just fine, thank you. The best breads are heavy. Think of being a peasant sitting around a fire cooking a thick soup. What kind of bread would be best to sop it up? Some lame white bread that would disintegrate if liquid touched it, or a thick, hearty brown bread that could serve as a staple if need be? I'll take the second.

My favorite thing to eat is brown rice with stuff. "Stuff" means any vegetable concoction, or sauce, or just something to sort of mix in there. Use a little oil, preferably olive or sesame for flavor. My favorite quick vegetable is steamed sliced carrots and onions. Both onions and carrots are naturally sweet and ultra delicious all by themselves. Once you learn to simply eat foods the way nature presents them, you'll find your appetite stays more in line with better health.

I didn't intend to create a food rule book. My intention is to point out that you need not live on a skimpy portion of grains like 1/2 cup of oatmeal with 1/4 cup skimmed milk and a half a slice of dry toast for breakfast. Eat hearty. I'm an example of how hearty eating will enhance your health, and bring your weight into line, not the opposite. I'll have one or two cups of oatmeal with raisins and a sprinkle of brown sugar (it won't kill you) or if you've grown used to it, no sweetener at all. Use milk if you like, or soy milk.

Lean Meats, Chicken, Fish: Support your local butcher and farmer. When you buy your meat from a local butcher you can be assured you are getting the best available. Okay, it costs more than the grocery store brand. If you want the best, buy the best. Avoid farm bred fish at all costs. Simply ask your meat counter to stock fresh fish.

Desserts, Treats & Snacks: It's okay to eat these things, but practice moderation. If you can't do that, and think you'll eat the whole bag, then don't get them when you're alone. Share some with someone else. Buy the smaller size package. Do whatever it takes, but don't tell yourself you can never eat any certain food again, because that just makes it all the more difficult to handle it when the time comes.

The Clean Diet is More a Way of Life than a Strict Set of Eating Rules
Most people will allow themselves one or more "cheat days" every week. The best plan is simply to choose eating clean as your primary eating style, and when you don't you don't but every meal stands alone. If you over ate at breakfast, you just eat your usual lunch. You don't try to "make up for it" by skimping on lunch. That's an equation that will never work. Just eat normally, and when you occasionally overeat, so be it. That way, rather than always thinking in terms of, "I'll start my diet again next Monday," you just get right back on your plan. While no foods are forbidden on a clean eating plan, common sense rules the day.

See if eating a Clean Diet might work for you. Start by adding more fresh fruit, and a few vegetables. Buy frozen vegetables and add them to your other foods, such as when you eat a frozen meal for instance. If you want chips with your sandwich, take a handful (and a half, if you want) and put it on your plate, rather than bringing the whole bag of chips to the table. Decide in advance how many cookies you'll have. Will four be enough, how about five? It's still better than half a bag. Take it one day at a time, one meal at a time, and you'll find things happening in no time.

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Doctor, Why Can't I Loose Weight and by the Way Why Do I Feel Sick?

Doctor, Why Can't I Loose Weight and by the Way Why Do I Feel Sick?
This the number one question heard in my office and in physicians' offices throughout America. There is a strong relationship between weight gain, difficulty in losing weight and feeling sick. Candida Albicans, an opportunistic fungus, is often the link between weight gain, feeling ill and the difficulties people have with losing weight. Focusing on removing Candida Albicans from the body rewards the dieter with a feeling of well being and weight loss that is steady, sustainable and healthy.
Americans are embracing the low carbohydrate diet for its ability to reduce their waist size and weight even when other diets have failed. The more important benefits of a low carbohydrate diet are usually lost in our obsession with weight. Low Carbohydrate diets have been used by nutritionists and holistic physicians for decades to control Candida Albicans. The weight loss and feeling of well being that accompanies a low carbohydrate diet is mostly associated with controlling this serious, but often over looked health condition.

I often see patients in my office who want to lose weight and have tried every diet and pill on the market with little success. During their history they often reveal a list of symptoms and complaints that they feel have no relationship to their weight problem. These patients do not realize that their weight problem and their other complaints are symptomatic of a more serious health condition known as systemic Candida Albicans. By concentrating on treating the underlying Candida Albicans my patients are able to loose weight and improve their overall health.

Betty F. . . was consulting with me for continued weight gain. She was finding it difficult to stick to a diet and exercise, partly since she saw such limited results. During her consult she admitted to gas, indigestion and fatigue. Her history included birth control pills, antibiotic use and several yeast infections. Her treatment plan included a low carbohydrate diet, nutritional supplements, and anti fungal herbals. She returned is 4 weeks, she had been able to stick to the diet with much greater ease, she felt more energetic and had no more gas. She was even happier that she had been able to loose 9 lbs. She reached her goal of a total weight loss of 22 lbs over the course of 3 months and has been able to keep it off. She now sticks to a sound diet and only takes a multi nutrient with herbals.

Candida Albicans is opportunistic yeast that often over whelms the body after antibiotic, may be passed from person to person with the exchange of body fluids, and from direct contact. It may be found in the reproductive tract, the mouth, the GI tract and in the blood. There are several common signs of Candida Albicans including vaginal yeast infections, thrush, jock itch and athlete's foot. Candida Albicans has been linked to a number of health conditions including; asthma, depression, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, hypoglycemia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), learning disabilities, menstrual problems, Migraines, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome (MCSS), Prostatitis, sinus problems, and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).

One of the major secondary problems associated with Candida Albicans is weight gain. A number of the problems associated with losing weight and staying with a diet are doing to Candida Albicans. A person with systemic Candida Albicans will often crave sugar and simple carbohydrates because this is the main source of nutrients for yeast. Mood swings and depression are often associated with the rapid change in blood sugar levels caused by the yeast. Patients often complain of gas and bloating caused by the fermentation of foods in their intestines by the yeast which naturally release gas, just like in Champaign and beer. The fermentation of foods in the intestine may also lead to alcohol production that is absorbed through the gut and may lead to symptoms of confusion, altered behavior, and difficulty concentrating. Determining whether you have a Candida Albicans can make a big difference on how easy you will be able to lose weight and keep your weight loss off.

Questions to determine if you may have Candida Albicans:

1. Have you used antibiotics in the last 2 years?
2. Do you have gas or bloating?
3. Do you have sugar cravings?
4. Do you have low blood sugar?
5. Do you have history of yeast infections, vaginal, oral, athletes foot, or jock itch?
6. Does your partner have a history of yeast infections, vaginal, oral, athletes foot, or jock itch?
7. Are you sensitive to smells?
8. Are you sensitive to alcohol?
9. Do you suffer from symptoms that your doctor cannot explain like; headaches, migraines, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, IBS, menstrual or sinus problems?
10. Do you feel fatigued all the time?
11. Do you have a hard time concentrating?
12. Do you just not feel right?
Candia Albicans can be diagnosed by a blood analysis by your physician, though many traditional physicians do not regularly order this test. A major problem with treating Candida Albicans is the low regard most physicians place on controlling it spread. A recent study showed that 27% of nurses and 33% of doctors have Candida Albicans on their hands in a hospital. You can get a reasonable idea if you have problems with Candida Albicans by answering the questions in the box above. A yes answers to 6 or more questions above, associated with any of the signs or symptoms listed above, is a good indicator that you may have a Candida Albicans problem. Dr. Mark Leder, a chiropractor and nutritionist in NYC, states " I have treated thousands of women for weight loss and I find that over 75% of them are suffering from Candida Albicans. I tell them, you want to loose weight,? You want to be healthy? Deal with the Candida problem and everything else will follow." A low carbohydrate diet is the first step to dealing with Candida Albicans, but an herbal anti fungal is just as important.


When Candida Albicans presents itself as a vaginal yeast infection or athletes foot will often be treated with medication. Medications may be oral or topical and can be in prescription or over the counter strength. The problems with medications is that they are often short term and or do not get to the root of the problem. To properly reduce the amount of Candida Albicans in the body a low carbohydrate diet is the first step. Nutritional and herbal supplements are also key components. Regular intake of natural anti fungal supplements gives the body a chance to gentle and slowly reduce the amount of Candida Albicans in the body. There are a number of natural anti fungal herbals and products available on the market, but quality and effectiveness vary greatly. One of the best products available, through physicians offices only, is called RxBotanicals Diet Enhancer which contains powerful anti fungal and natural herbal relaxants. The combination of anti fungal and natural herbal relaxants found in RxBotanicals Diet Enhancer gentle lowers the amount of Candida Albicans in the body while making the dieting experience easier and more successful.
America will continue to focus on the weight loss associated with low carbohydrate diets. Nutritionists and physicians will continue to embrace the multitude of health benefits associated with a low carbohydrate diets with herbal remedies and its relationship to reducing Candida Albicans in the body.

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The Sweet Mystery of Black Garlic and Its Amazing Uses

An apparently ancient method of curing natural garlic is making its way into headlines across the world. Black garlic has more antioxidant properties and is without the strong odor of garlic in its most raw form. Black foods have long held our attention for their mystery and potency. This revelation in garlic's potential as a panacea in its black form is exciting.

Naturally Mature

The most intriguing element of black garlic is that the process of maturing it is entirely natural. No chemicals are added to it. In countries like South Korea, the method's been used for countless centuries and was largely unknown to the rest of the world. There's a specific 'treasure island' in South Korea, Namhae-gun, where conditions have proven perfect for maturation and the black garlic originating there is of the highest quality.

Healthier than Raw Garlic

Made from naturally grown, organic garlic and matured through a tried and tested process that denies the addition of any chemical additives, black garlic's fat-soluble allysine becomes water-soluble s-ally-cysteine. Garlic in its raw state - used traditionally to inhibit diseases of many kinds including diabetes, forms of cancer and neurological illnesses - does have some toxic effects. Aged garlic on the other hand, causes less irritation and removes these toxic effects altogether.

The Qualities of Aged Black Garlic

This alternative to raw garlic is the result of a simple and wholly natural maturation process. Possessing all the qualities inherent in fresh garlic, as well as a host of antioxidant and anti-ageing properties, aged garlic has many healthful effects. Boosting the immune system, protecting the heart, preventing damage to the liver, preventing the growth of tumors and spread of malignancy, this pure and aged form of one of nature's greatest panaceas also exhibits anti-allergy properties.

A Closely Guarded Process

Surprisingly, the real secret to maturing garlic in this way remains as closely guarded as the secrets of scents that makers of fine perfumes protect. And it's likely there's good sense in obtaining black garlic from the original source. This 'treasure island' in South Korea's Namhae-gun, safeguards us against artificial processes that may include chemicals or additives and only give the appearance of the true panacea if produced elsewhere.

Black Garlic's Attractiveness

As an ingredient in high-end cuisine, the taste is mysteriously sweet and syrupy. Culinary experts are amazed by the versatility of aged garlic. Being completely without odor and with a flavor all its own, its individuality is being compared with truffles, licorice and vanilla. The recipe lists are growing as this extraordinary delicacy becomes a household staple.

Healthful and Wholesome

Popular for its exceptionally high antioxidant qualities, and without any of the odor or side effects associated with raw garlic, we're learning that black garlic is certainly worth the wait. In a sweetly mysterious mix of the tangy garlic we know and sweeter undertones, softer garlic emerges from weeks of humid maturing to bring health and harmony to our plates.
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Weight Loss - Is Eating Breakfast Right For You?

Should you be eating less in the evenings or skip your dinner entirely? Should you be eating in the morning, or just having a coffee?

With so much information out there about how and when to eat, to suggest sometimes we are left confused on what we should do would be an understatement. Especially when the conversation applies to breakfast. The theme of our discussion here revolves around whether or not you should be eating breakfast. The alleged "most important meal of the day".

How important is it?

Well, it depends on several factors. More importantly, the question to be answered is one that will determine whether or not eating breakfast is going to benefit or harm you in the first place. The all-important question, you ask?

"How much should you typically eat daily before lunch time?" And more specifically... "can you afford to eat breakfast as well as lunch and dinner?"

Most people can be divided up into two groups based on their eating tendencies...

first there are those who eat most if not all of their daily calories during the first half of their day.
secondly, there are those who eat mostly during the latter part of their day, typically during the evening.
If you are someone who eats the majority of your daily intake during your mornings and afternoons, it makes sense to eat breakfast. You're probably used to it already. What would be counterproductive in this case would be if you were frequently having large dinners as well. Eating a large breakfast and dinner will facilitate weight gain, as you would be likely to consume more calories than you need.

Moreover, if you're someone who eats a light lunch, and your main daily meal is dinner, it would be prudent to have a light breakfast. Perhaps you should eat nothing prior to your light mid-day meal. A morning coffee or tea is okay. Furthermore, take note problems arise when you have a large breakfast unnecessarily. As previously mentioned, you would likely run into a situation where you have a surplus of calories that won't be used up anytime soon.

Why make it harder for yourself? If you're trying to lose weight and improve your health, you can use all the help you can get.

It's up to you to determine if eating breakfast is right for you. If you're trying to lose weight, it will benefit you to experiment with skipping breakfast daily for at least a week or two. It's an area you could trial. As long as you're physically active, and you don't over compensate with your other meals, you're guaranteed to make progress with your lower blood sugar and weight loss plans.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.
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Lose Weight and Stay Healthy the Paleo Way

This brief article summarizes the basic tenets of a paleolithic, or paleo, diet. More and more health and fitness professionals are recommending a paleo diet to their patients and clients as a means of avoiding or eliminating a wide range of diseases and health conditions. A growing number of clinical studies documenting the benefits of a paleolithic diet and demonstrating the dangers of a typical Western diet have been published in recent years. As a result, millions of health conscious men and women have adopted the paleo lifestyle, including competitive athletes and health professionals

What's Wrong with the Way I Eat?

An orange is a spectacular biological specimen. Not only does it taste great, it's packed with micronutrients that the human body craves and requires. In varying amounts, an orange contains: vitamin A, vitamin B (thiamin), vitamin C, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, copper, fats, dietary fiber, folic acid, iron, magnesium, proteins, sodium and sulfur. Oranges are extremely digestible and fun to eat. The nutritional properties of an orange are readily and safely absorbed by the digestive organs of the human body. There's little doubt that oranges should be included in a balanced diet. Nevertheless, not all foods are as digestible and beneficial to human health as an orange. The paleo diet is founded upon the fundamental premise that not every food that can be eaten, should be eaten.

The typical modern Western diet has changed over time. Moreover, certain modern assumptions regarding what comprises a nutritious and healthful diet have been scrutinized and refuted. In particular, the well known food pyramid, developed by leading nutritionists and endorsed by government agencies, has been challenged. A paleo diet strives to approximate the authentic diet of humanity prior to the advent of the Neolithic era, also known as the agricultural revolution, roughly ten-thousand years ago.

Paleontologists and other researchers have been able to approximate a typical human diet during the Paleolithic era. Prior to the agricultural revolution, the human diet was composed primarily of wild meat, vegetables, fruit, berries and nuts. Though they are rapidly diminishing, there are still hunter-gatherer cultures in the world today. In fact, the paleo diet is often referred to as a hunter-gatherer diet. It is also affectionately called the cave man diet. Researchers have been able to compare a modern Western diet to the dietary habits of our paleolithic ancestors. In particular, research comparing the health of individuals who have lived in both hunter-gatherer and Western cultures has proven to be especially enlightening. Generally speaking, individuals who adopt a Western diet tend to attract the very same health problems currently plaguing modern Western societies. These diseases and health conditions tend to disappear, however, once such individuals return to their native land and diet.

Simply put, those who adopt a paleo lifestyle eliminate most, if not all, grains, dairy, beans, legumes, processed vegetable oils and sugars, and nightshade plants (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, etc.), from their diet. Initially, giving up the aforementioned categories of food may seem somewhat daunting. Indeed, the paleolithic diet is a radical departure from a typical Western dietary regime, but from a historical perspective, a paleolithic diet isn't at all unusual. There are many good reasons to seriously consider the claims made by paleo proponents. The paleo diet represents a dramatic change in lifestyle, and is not merely another fad diet to lose a few pounds quickly. According to proponents of a paleolithic diet, we have been eating the wrong foods, which has promoted diet related disease.

What? No Bread?!

It's truly difficult to fathom a diet free from all grain products. But, if you think about it, how many people have you known over the years who have an allergic reaction to wheat? Perhaps you've even known someone who has experienced an allergic reaction to milk or peanuts. Wheat, milk, and peanuts...a grain, a dairy product and a legume. In fact, allergies are a significant problem in modern culture. Think of all the medical specialties and pharmaceuticals that have been made possible by modern diseases. You may not have experienced an obvious allergic reaction to grain products, but that doesn't mean that your health hasn't been harmed by the consumption of grains.

The first thing you need to understand about grains is that they're seeds...grass seeds to be exact. Wheat, oats, barley, corn, etc...They're all grasses. All grain products are made from the seeds of the grass of the field. It wasn't until the advent of the agricultural revolution, approximately 10,000 years ago, that grains were pounded into flour for food. Prior to that, it appears that grains were only consumed during periods of extreme famine. Without pounding the seeds to smithereens, or lots of chewing, grain is largely indigestible. Even after pulverizing grass seeds into the finest of flours, many of the nutritional properties contained in grass seeds are indigestible.

Seed Grains contain antinutrient properties such as lectins and saponins. Many foods, including fruits, vegetables and seafood, contain lectins and saponins, which serve as protection against predators. Yet, certain plants, such as grains, legumes, beans and nightshade plants, contain much higher levels of these indigestible antinutrients. As it turns out, lectins and saponins are unable to be decomposed by digestive acids or enzymes. Although grains contain protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, these otherwise beneficial nutrients cannot be digested and made available to the body.
Research has implicated indigestible plant lectins, saponins, glutens and other antinutrients in the development of "Leaky Gut Syndrome, a dangerous intestinal condition.

Leaky Gut Syndrome is caused, in part, by the binding of anti nutrients with cell membranes, causing the intestinal membrane to buckle and break free from the intestinal wall. The resulting opening in the intestinal membrane allows large and disruptive molecules to invade the bloodstream, as well as every organ system in the body. Leaky Gut Syndrome, and the food particles that escape the intestinal barrier, increase immune reactions to foreign particles, as well as what is known as cross-reaction or mimicry, whereby the immune system attacks the body's own cells, which are chemically similar to the foreign particles. Leaky Gut Syndrome has been linked to auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, as well as arthritis, inflammation, heart disease, asthma, allergies, acne and a variety of intestinal ailments.

Future clinical studies will undoubtedly add to our understanding of Leaky Gut Syndrome, but there are other important concerns associated with the consumption of grains. You see, grains have both high glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) levels. The glycemic index measures how much of a rise in circulating blood sugar a carbohydrate will trigger. The glycemic load calculates how much carbohydrate is in a serving of a particular food. Certain fruits, such as watermelon and pineapple have high glycemic index values, but relatively low glycemic load levels. Grain products, such as bread and steamed rice have both a high glycemic index and glycemic load value. The pancreas has been assigned the responsibility of producing insulin, which is necessary to deliver glucose to red blood cells. When blood cells are unable to receive any additional glucose, the insulin stores the remaining glucose in the body as fat, a phenomenon known as insulin resistance. Therefore, the consumption of high glucose load foods causes weight gain. Moreover, the tendency of the body to gain weight generally increases with age, since the pancreas and blood cells grow less efficient, thereby increasing the storage of fat. For this reason, among others, practitioners of the paleo lifestyle forego the consumption of grain products, in favor of lean meats, vegetables and fruit. Abstaining from high glucose load foods is a very natural and effective means of reducing body fat and weight.

Grain products are also quite acidic, as are meat, refined sugars and dairy products. The body was designed to be slightly alkaline. All food reports to the kidneys, either as base (alkaline) or acid. The kidneys have been assigned the responsibility of balancing the Ph level of the body. If the diet is acidic, the kidneys draw alkaline from the bones to balance the Ph level, which depletes the bones of alkaline, leading to osteoporosis and other bone related diseases. The body tends to be healthier and resist disease more efficiently when a slightly alkaline diet is consumed. Therefore, a paleo diet includes a large selection of fruits and vegetables. In order to more readily lose excess weight, higher glucose level foods such as bananas should be avoided.

Though it is widely recognized that our human ancestors did not consume seed grains prior to the agricultural revolution, proponents of eating cereal grains often argue that the human body has genetically adapted to grain products. Yet, the human Gnome hasn't changed appreciably since the advent of the agricultural revolution. In any case, if antinutrients do in fact cause Leaky Gut Syndrome and related diseases, that's reason enough to question the wisdom of consuming grains. Another frequent argument in favor of consuming grain products is that grains are an excellent source of dietary fiber, however, fruits and vegetables are a far superior source of dietary fiber, in both quantity and quality.

Legumes such as peanuts, peas and green beans are also high in antinutrient properties, and therefore contribute to Leaky Gut Syndrome and other diet related conditions. Legumes belong to the grass of the field and should not be included in a vegetable garden. In its natural state, the beasts of the field consume the young grasses. Though the beasts of the field eat the young grasses, many plants complete the natural cycle and go to seed, insuring the propagation of the various grass species.

Our paleolithic ancestors probably consumed nuts in season, but nuts are high in fat, which should give pause to those who wish to lose weight. Nuts with a beneficial omega 6 /omega 3 fatty acid ratio, such as walnuts and macadamia nuts, are most often recommended for optimal health. Though white potatoes are to be avoided entirely, it is recommended that very physically active individuals include sweet potatoes in their diet, which are lower in antinutrient properties and very nutritious.

Most dairy products such as milk and cheese, are also not part of a paleo diet. As previously mentioned, dairy products are acidic. Milk products, though they are low in glucose, also cause a spike in the production of insulin. The reason for the high insulin response is not well understood. Milk and milk products are a relatively late addition to the human diet, and have been implicated in the development of Leaky Gut Syndrome. Concerns about the effects of bovine hormones on human health have also grown in recent years. Eggs, which are an excellent source of protein and essential amino acids, are often included in a paleo dietary regime. Eggs from birds with access to grass and bugs are preferred. Pastured eggs are much higher in vitamins and minerals and lower in cholesterol than commercially produced eggs.

What About Meat?

In recent decades, government agencies and leading nutritionists have trumpeted the dangers of eating meat and promoted the benefits of cereal grains. The paleo diet, which attempts to replicate the diet of humanity prior to the advent of modern agriculture and food processing, stresses the importance of lean meat in the human diet, since animal products are the only complete source of protein and Essential amino acids. Lean meat is a vital part of human health, as well as the development and maintenance of lean muscle mass. The exact percentage of calories that should be derived from lean meat is debated, but it does appear that our early human ancestors depended upon meat for a high percentage of their caloric intake. Generally, a paleo diet relies upon lean meat for at least twenty to thirty percent of total calories.

Due to the harmful effects of an acidic diet on health in both humans and animals, it is recommended that meat from grass fed cattle be preferred, whenever possible. Much like wild animals such as venison and wild fish, grass fed animals are healthier and high in omega three fatty acids. An acidic environment promotes the occurrence of disease, but disease, infection and inflammation do not thrive well in an alkaline environment. Like wild game, grass fed and grain free animals are lower in total fat and saturated fat, higher in omega 3 fatty acids and less acidic than commercially produced livestock. Clinical studies have also confirmed that the inclusion of lean animal protein in a balanced diet is an effective means of improving blood cholesterol levels.

Although the consumption of meat has been blamed for an escalation in heart disease and other health conditions, recent research confirms the healthful benefits of lean healthy meat in a human diet. On the other hand, there is good reason to believe that commercially produced and chemically enhanced processed meat products play a significant role in instigating and perpetuating diet related disease. Recently, the famous food pyramid was revised to increase the importance of consuming animal protein and reducing the role of grain products in a balanced and healthful diet. This trend is likely to continue, as research findings and the testimony of paleo practitioners receive more attention.

A paleo diet endeavors to replicate the natural diet of humanity. The leading proponent of the paleolithic diet has been Dr. Loren Cordain.

As with many things in life, looking back to the earliest practices and traditions of human civilization can teach us many important lessons. This brief paleo primer is intended to stimulate interest in the paleolithic lifestyle. The Internet is replete with a wide range of perspectives and resources related to eating and living well. Considering the state of health in the Western world, it makes good sense to consider the findings of current research, changing assumptions and expanding knowledge. Bon appétit!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6841178

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5 Common Questions About the Medifast Diet

In this article let's take a quick look at some common questions that are asked about the Medifast diet, and see if we can't arrive at some quick and easy answers that help YOU decide if it's a good choice for you! With so many different "fad" diets available from which to pick, it's NO question that many people often get confused about which diet promises "what"...:-) In the case of meal replacement, and Medifast specifically, this is FAR from a fad...and ALL of your questions are EASILY answered! Let's take a look!

Is Medifast a Liquid Diet Only?

Absolutely NOT. There are over 70 different food choices to pick from, and while Medifast MIGHT be best known for their iconic shakes and drinks, this represents only a small fraction of your options.

Is Medifast available ONLY by prescription?

NO! It USED to be available this way, but now ANYONE can purchase Medifast directly through their website ( or those of their affiliates)

Isn't Meal Replacement used to GAIN weight?

Good question - and SOMETIMES, yes! Bodybuilders and weightlifters use meal replacement diets to pack ON the muscle...but Medifast is decidedly a weight LOSS meal replacement regimen. You have to check the CALORIES and other nutritional information with each respective program to discern the difference. ( Medifast is a LOW calorie program)

Is Medifast Expensive?

Another great question! And depends on what you mean by expensive..:-) A FULL month of Medifast meals, 5 a day, will run be approximately $275.00 for the average person. I don't know about YOU...but I spent a whole heck of a lot more than that when I was eating my way straight to depression! ( your 6th meal - the "lean and green" selection, you are responsible for preparing yourself)

How Much Weight Will I Lose?

It's impossible to guarantee of course...but on AVERAGE, people are losing 2-5 pounds per week they remain on the diet. In clinical settings, ( John's Hopkins University Hospital) the AVERAGE weight loss for obese men and women was just about 60 pounds..:-) Very impressive indeed!

Filed Under: Who is Medifast For?

Anyone who has NOT had success on OTHER diet programs! If you've failed with other weight loss regimens, the Medifast weight loss community may be EXACTLY what you are looking for.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1345316

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Grapefruit Juice Diets - Lose 52 Pounds in 3 Months

Grapefruit juice diets are always a little difficult to do when you start off with it but the pleasure of losing 52 pounds in just two and a half month surely makes it worth the effort. This is one of the greatest benefits of Grapefruit juice diet.

The grape fruit juice diet plan includes 8 oz. unsweetened grapefruit juice, 2 eggs in any style and 2 slices of bacon for breakfast. You must also drink eight 8oz of water everyday. Just because you are on a diet doesn't mean that you need to starve yourself. You need to eat your meal till you are full. You should eat the combination of bacon and salad since this would burn the fat and if you omit any part of the food, the diet won't work well.

It is advisable not to eat desserts, bread and white vegetables or sweet potato while following the grapefruit juice diet. You can double or triple your helping of meat, salad or vegetables if you feel hungry.

For lunch, in your grapefruit juice diet you need to have 8 oz of unsweetened grapefruit juice, salad with any dressing or a red or green vegetable cooked in butter or spices. You can also have meat of any style and any amount.

The best part about grapefruit juice diet is that the amount of food listed is the minimum amount that you should consume; you can eat as much as you want and to your hearts content. It is important to take all the items mentioned and can't eliminate anything from the diet.

It is important to follow the grapefruit juice diet in the right manner since it acts as a catalyst that starts the burning process, hence it is advisable not to add or reduce the amount of juice to be consumed. It is better to cut down on coffee intake since it affects the insulin balance and hinder the burning process and have only 1 cup at meal time.

For dinner in a grapefruit juice diet you can have 8 oz. unsweetened grapefruit juice, salad with any dressing or with red or green vegetables cooked in butter or spices. You can also have meat or fish cooked in any style and only one cup of coffee or tea. It is advisable not to eat anything between meals and if you eat the suggested food you wouldn't even feel hungry. You surely can use butter generously to fry your vegetables.

You also get a bedtime snack in your grapefruit juice diet which is 8 oz of tomato juice or a cup of skimmed milk. Surprisingly the theory of grapefruit juice diet is that the more you eat the more weight you will lose, so don't hesitate to stuff yourself during your meals. It is important to note that after you diet for 12 days you need to stop for 2 days and then you can repeat the grapefruit juice diet.

I lost 40 lbs in 3 months with extreme dieting measures that almost destroyed my health. Spicy food + lots of milk that lead to serious diarrhea every day. I've been doing a bit of research after my dramatic weight loss experience and found that there's actually a PROGRAM designed to do what I attempted, except its basically more healthier and effective.
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How to Assess Your Weight Loss Diet and Exercise Routine

Before you make any big life-changing decision, you will likely assess yourself and the situation. This means that you evaluate your abilities, your desires, and what’s best for you. This should also apply before you begin a weight loss program.

Start by doing a little in-depth research on yourself. Try jotting down information about your activities, goals, and interests. Use this information to formulate a realistic diet and exercise routine.

Conducting this type of self-evaluation can be difficult, even painful. But asking your self a few questions and being honest about the answers can be beneficial for your long-term health. You should do this before you begin a diet and weight loss regimen, in order to guarantee your success.

According to the National Institutes of Health, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. If you are not honest with yourself, and work to find a feasible health and nutrition program, you will suffer the effects for a lifetime.

Because so many diets expect you to follow cookie-cutter methodology, you might follow them for a while, but will quickly grow bored. That is why having a personalized diet and exercise plan is so important. By finding what works for you, you will have an easier time sticking to it.

In your self-assessment, determine how you are doing physically and nutritionally. Grade yourself honestly. Establish how long you have been overweight and think about your crash dieting patterns. Also, determine if you tend to regain weight once you’ve lost it. After listing those things, determine what you want your realistic weight loss goal to be. A sensible goal is to lose about two pounds per week. Finally, determine how you can reach your goal most effectively. Consult a dietician if you need to.

Don’t forget to consider your family medical history. A doctor or dietician will want this information as well. Consider any family members who are overweight. Is there a family history of heart attack, diabetes, or cancer? Also, learn such information about yourself as your Body Mass Index, your cholesterol level, and your blood pressure. Also, assess you general stress levels.

Think about your current level of physical activity. How much you do physically now will determine the rate at which you can begin exercise for your weight loss goals.

The idea of taking a personal inventory is not to discourage you, but to educate yourself about yourself so that you can approach a new diet and exercise lifestyle safely and realistically.

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