Category Archives: Health and Fitness

How to Rev Up Your Metabolism

How to Rev Up Your Metabolism

There are many little things you can do during the day to increase your metabolism – from being more fidgety to ensuring that you stay hydrated. The following suggestions can help you rev up your metabolism, making it easier to lose weight and get healthy.

  1. Drink Cold Water – Drinking cold water forces your body to heat up the water to digest it properly, thus using more calories and boosting your metabolism.
  2. Start Your Day with Exercise – Movement increases metabolism during the activity and long after you’ve stopped the activity. Start your day with exercise and find other times during the day to keep moving.
  3. Use Caffeine – Many people balk at the idea of purposely ingesting caffeine but let’s be honest – it’s in many supplements and drinks, and most of us use it. If you have no health issues that make it impossible to use, realize that it does boost metabolism but be careful.
  4. Eat Healthy Lean Protein – Don’t add protein powders and processed ingredients to your food. Instead, eat healthy lean proteins which can be found in vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, and lean meat.
  5. Drink Green Tea – This is loaded with antioxidants, caffeine and something called EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) which is thought to boost metabolism.
  6. Use Gym Machines – Sometimes it can be hard to exercise at the gym and the machines look scary. But some machines are extra good at burning calories with less work, such as elliptical machines.
  7. Eat Omega 3s – These are found in salmon, hemp seeds, flax seeds and chia seeds, and are all great ways to get in your Omega 3s which help lower the risk of heart disease, depression and dementia.
  8. Try a Juice Feast – This consists of juicing vegetables and fruit for three to seven days instead of eating regular food. It’s important to ensure that you drink the juice whenever you are hungry and still get in your normal amount of water each day. A juice feast is a good way to jump-start your metabolism in a way that fills your body with nutrition.
  9. Take Resveratrol Supplements– This ingredient, found in red wine, grapes, cherries, and cranberries, reacts on the body a lot like caffeine. It increases motivation and revs up the metabolism. It may be a heathier option than caffeine.

Whichever methods you chose to incorporate into your life, it is important that you talk to your health care provider to make sure that you are generally healthy. Adding supplements and even exercise can be dangerous for some people, especially if you’ve been sedentary for a long time. So it’s important that you go to your doctor, get a clean bill of health, and then work toward revving up your metabolism in the healthiest ways that you can find.

Foods to Avoid When Trying to Burn Fat

Foods to Avoid When Trying to Burn Fat

When embarking on a fat burning regimen, it’s important to realize that there are foods that people pass off as healthy that aren’t. The following foods should be avoided. Thankfully, there are always delicious substitutes so you will never feel like you’re missing out.

  1. Overt Fat – This includes processed coconut oils and olive oil. It might surprise you how much fat many people add to their food. If you still want to use overt fats like this, be sure to measure every teaspoonful. Instead of overt fats, try enjoying the fat in a serving of nuts, fresh coconut or 1/4 of an avocado.
  2. Empty Calories – If everything you eat is full of nutrition, it’s more than likely your body weight will balance all on its own. Instead of crackers for a snack, choose slices of fresh apple; instead of cheese made with dairy, try eating a nut based cheese in small quantities on celery.
  3. Low Fat Dairy Products – You’ll lose more weight overall if you avoid dairy products entirely, but the low fat and fat free varieties are the worst because they are often full of processed sugar to make up for the lack of fat.
  4. Processed Sugar – White sugar and all processed sugar, including the new agave products, can be very full of calories. While one might be slightly better than the other, when it comes to calories it’s best to stick to real fruit to get your sweets in. And avoid any type of processed sugar, including things they try to pass off as healthy.
  5. Fast Food – Most fast food is terrible for you even when it tries to be healthy. Some fast food salads can top 2000 calories for one serving when combined with the fatty dressing they provide with it along with the fried chicken on top. You can order it without the dressing, without the croutons, and without the meat for best results. Oh, and skip the crackers too.
  6. Processed Food – Whether it is freeze dried veggies, or flavored yogurt, the best thing you can do for your waistline is to avoid processed food like the plague. That includes protein powders and other potions. You want to shoot for 100 percent whole foods, as close to nature as possible.
  7. Smoothie King Smoothies – Not to pick on Smoothie King, but most smoothie joints have a serious problem. Pretty much nothing in them is actually healthy. Everything has extra sugar by the truckloads and should be avoided at all costs.
  8. Fancy Starbucks Drinks – You know that these drinks are high in sugar and fat, and the “fat free” and “sugar free” varieties are just full of dangerous chemicals that should be avoided as much as possible too.
  9. White Bread – If you are going to eat bread, eat the highest nutritional bread you can such as sprouted bread by Ezekiel. It has no preservatives, and has a lot of nutrition in it that many other types of bread don’t have.

Link – http://www.amazon.com/Mestemacher-Fitness-Bread-17-6-Ounce-Packages/dp/B000LKZ7MA/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1414298414&sr=1-1&keywords=ezekiel+bread

  1. Salt – Most food already has plenty of salt in it. A good way to cut down on salt is to use it during cooking but remove it from the table. The amount that is included in a recipe is the ideal amount for taste. There is no need to add more.
  2. Fatty Salad Dressings – Mentioned above, fatty salad dressings are the bane of existence for healthy vegetables. Instead, make your own fat free dressings by blending fruit with balsamic vinegar or using natural fats like avocado.

There are probably other things you can do without. Each time you have a choice of what to eat, choose the item that is closest to nature for the most fat burning results.

Fat Burning Supplements for Women

Fat Burning Supplements for Women

Some studies have shown that certain supplements actually do work to help burn fat for women. Some of the studies are done by universities and some are done by the companies themselves, so do your due diligence to be sure of what you are taking. Some people enjoy supplements with caffeine but others cannot deal with it. So read all ingredients before you try – and it won’t hurt to check with your doctor.

Here are some of the supplements in question.

  1. Green Tea – This is a long known supplement addition or a diet addition that you can enjoy on its own. Green tea has been enjoyed for ages by people who realize that it can help with lowering BMI and increasing calorie metabolism.
  2. Calcium – Some studies show that it’s possible that a calcium supplement can aid in weight loss for some women. However, it is important not to overdo the calcium supplementation because scientists still aren’t sure whether ingesting too much calcium is harmful or not. If you already eat a high amount of calcium in your diet, it’s important to consider that.
  3. Vitamin D – The best way to get vitamin D is actually naturally via the sun, but so many of us use sunscreen that vitamin D deficiencies are quite common. A deficiency can contribute to obesity and even back and other body pains. Have your levels checked by your doctor. If your levels are low, find a good supplement like this one at Professional Supplement Center:

Link – http://www.professionalsupplementcenter.com/MetagenicsD35000.htm?

  1. Vitamin B12 – Whether you’re a meat eater or a vegan or someplace in between, another chronic deficiency today is vitamin B12. Being short of this vitamin is very serious and can lead to mental problems and weight issues. Unless you ask for your levels to be checked, your doctor may not do a test. Have it checked and if you have a shortage, consider using the sublingual methylcobalamin version over the cobalamin type due to arsenic issues.

Link – http://www.professionalsupplementcenter.com/SolgarMethylcobalaminVitaminB121000mcg.htm?

  1. Antioxidants – You can take supplements that contain antioxidants or just eat food with antioxidants. These help ward off free radicals which can cause your body to be unbalanced. You can find antioxidants in fruits and vegetables too.
  2. Caffeine – Even though it’s not the healthiest supplement for most people, it does actually aid in weight loss. It boosts your metabolism and gives you extra energy. But, you should use it with caution because it is addictive. The effects wear off and you need more and more of the supplement to get the same results.
  3. Resveratrol – This is found in red wine, dark red and purple berries and now available in supplement form. Many people who have taken it say that it reacts on their body a lot like caffeine. Others report more motivation to get more done in the day. It’s worth trying one of the new resveratrol supplements:

Link – http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Natural-Resveratrol-Potency-200mg/dp/B002G75WZI/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1414297354&sr=1-3&keywords=Resveratrol

  1. SHREDZ for Her – This is a supplier that purports to help women boost their fat burning by giving your body some of the vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that it needs. It claims to break down carbohydrates and help make your workouts more efficient. This supplement has most of the above ingredients included.

Link – http://www.amazon.com/SHREDZ-Her-Metabolism-Booster-Supplement/dp/B00ITK5HUQ

Use any supplements with caution. Consider talking to a doctor first, or at least inform them before they prescribe any medications. Definitely ask your doctor if you are already being prescribed medications.

Breastfeeding and Losing Weight

Breastfeeding and Losing Weight

One of the most magical times in a new mother’s life is during breastfeeding. But, for more reasons than one – the wonderful nutrition that only mom can impart on her baby and the fact that it’s one of the easiest times to lose weight. Breastfeeding automatically burns from 750 extra calories per day, so losing weight during this time is pretty easy. It’s also perfectly okay to do so. If you’re like most new moms, you likely have 20 or so pounds to lose – and lose it you will if you follow these tips.

  1. Eat Nutritionally Dense Food – These are foods that are essentially low in calories when you compare their nutritional impact. Foods like salmon, kale, legumes, seaweed, potatoes, blueberries, eggs, and even dark chocolate are all good choices to make.
  2. Avoid Common Allergens – Dairy, nuts, shellfish and soy are all common allergens that should be avoided while you are nursing. By getting rid of these items you’ll also get rid of a lot of sources for empty calories. Don’t worry; you can get your calcium needs met in other ways such as through eating white beans, dried figs, salmon, blackstrap molasses, kale, black eyed peas, oranges, turnip greens and others.
  3. Eat Enough Calories – As long as you are eating enough calories to maintain your goal weight, remember to add in about 500 calories to account for breastfeeding. You can use a chart from a place like CalorieKing to determine how many calories you need. Input your desired weight and eat at least that amount of calories each day.

Link to CalorieKing – http://www.calorieking.com/interactive-tools/how-many-calories-should-you-eat/?ref=nav

  1. Drink a Lot of Clear Liquids – When nursing you need more water than when you are not, due to the fact that it is easy to become dehydrated at this time. When you are dehydrated your body will automatically seek to conserve water, causing bloating and even severe fatigue. Outside of the normal recommended eight glasses of water per day, always ensure that you have a nice tall glass of water every time you sit down to nurse to get that extra hydration you need.
  2. Eat Fruit – Fruit has got a bad rap due to people being nervous about sugar. But the truth is fruit has a lot of fiber in it too, which slows the absorption of sugar. In addition, it’s nutritionally dense food that is low in calories. It also has a lot of liquid in it that will help keep you hydrated. If you find that you’re hungry between meals, snack on some juicy fruit instead of crackers and chips.
  3. Eat Raw Veggies – If you can consume a small salad before every meal, being careful not to add fatty dressings to it, you can get a lot more nutrition into your day and easily cut calories. Try mixing up the greens to add variety. Don’t be afraid to add fruit and other delicious ingredients to your salad. You can even make a dressing by blending fruit with balsamic vinegar.
  4. Eat Good Fat – Coconut, banana, avocado and salmon are examples of good fats which are not processed. Avoid processed fat including olive oil. If you want to use olive oil on your salad, the key is to measure carefully. Eyeballing liquid fat is dangerous.
  5. Avoid Junk Food – Empty calories that sometimes are disguised as things that are good for you should be avoided. This includes flavored yogurt, granola, peanut butter, energy bars and so forth. If you need a snack, make your own fresh instead of using anything packaged.

Eating for high nutrition will not only help you lose your baby weight, but it will also ensure that you have high quality milk for your nursing baby. That will pay off for years to come.

4 Ingenious Low-Fat Weight Loss Strategies

When it comes to shedding those stubborn pounds, the spotlight often falls on low-fat foods. From trendy diets to health-conscious choices, the concept of cutting fat from your daily menu seems like the magic formula for weight loss.

But wait, before you dive headfirst into the low-fat realm, let’s unravel the secrets behind mastering this approach. These four low-fat weight loss tips are your golden ticket to not just understanding, but conquering, the low-fat diet game.

1. Bid Farewell to Junk Food: The Ultimate Breakup
Picture this: your relationship status with junk food goes from “It’s complicated” to “It’s over!” If you’re committed to the low-fat path, it’s time to usher junk food out of your life. Yes, the occasional chip or candy indulgence might earn a place, but in general, junk food gets the boot. The reason? Junk food brings an entourage of calories and unhealthy fats that crash your low-fat party.

2. The Low Fat Food Puzzle: Assembling the Right Pieces
Navigating the grocery store aisles becomes an adventure when you’re on a low-fat mission. While some low-fat foods are legit, many come with a catch. Beware of hidden sugar and sodium content that can sabotage your efforts. Reading labels is your secret weapon – the gateway to understanding just how “low fat” your chosen foods truly are.

3. Embrace the Good Fats: A Balanced Approach
Here’s the scoop: your body needs fats, but it’s all about the right kind. Don’t shun fats altogether; they’re your allies on this journey. Healthy fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated varieties are the stars of the show. They’ve got your back while you navigate the low-fat landscape.

4. Outsmart Saturated and Trans Fats: The Master Plan
Dodge the bullet of saturated fats – not entirely, but in moderation. These fats are like the troublemakers of the fat family. And then there’s the villainous trans fat – the one you want to steer clear of completely. It’s the arch-nemesis of health. While the food industry is putting up a fight against trans fats, be vigilant, as they might still sneak their way into some products.

As obvious as some of these low-fat weight loss tips might seem, they’re the game-changers. Junk food eviction? Check. Smart shopping? Double-check. Embracing good fats? Absolutely. Navigating the saturated and trans fat minefield? You’ve got this. A successful low-fat diet isn’t just about losing weight; it’s about embracing a healthier lifestyle. The path to your goals might have twists and turns, but armed with these tips, you’re on the express train to your desired destination: a healthier, happier you. So, go ahead, unleash the power of low-fat brilliance and watch your weight loss journey unfold!

Beyond the Scale: The Disturbing Health Complications of Extreme Obesity in Women

Extreme obese women are putting their health and their lives at risk by remaining heavy. While obesity affects both sexes and can ruin the health of men and women, extreme obese women face some special health challenges that men don’t have to worry about.

One condition that only extreme obese women will face because it’s related to their reproductive system is PCOS. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can occur in any woman, overweight or not, but it’s much more common among overweight and obese women.

It can even occur in young girls who are just entering puberty, but generally doesn’t unless they’re overweight. When it occurs very young, serious reproductive problems can result.

PCOS is a condition that can go hand in hand with insulin resistance. When a person is overweight and/or eating a diet rich in simple carbs that are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, insulin resistance can occur pretty easily.

This is when the body’s insulin production is no longer enough to remove the blood sugar from the blood stream. The body has become insulin resistant because of the large amounts that have been released by necessity over a period of time.

While a person can be insulin resistant and not have PCOS, if a person develops the condition it’s generally because they’re insulin resistant and essentially pre-diabetic. PCOS causes small cysts to grow on the ovaries. While the cysts themselves aren’t harmful, they cause hormone imbalances that lead to other problems.

A hallmark of PCOS is elevated testosterone levels. This male hormone in too high levels in females like extreme obese women can cause things like facial hair growth, excessive hair growth in places like the face, stomach and back, and problems with the reproductive cycle.

When too much testosterone is present in a woman’s body, menstrual periods can be delayed, irregular and either very light or very heavy. In some cases, periods can stop altogether. PCOS can affect the reproductive cycle so much that it can be difficult or impossible for a woman to get pregnant.

PCOS causes weight gain, and can make it very difficult for extreme obese women or any women to lose weight. Acne flare-ups are often a sign of PCOS too, because high levels of testosterone are linked with acne break outs.

Another symptom of PCOS is depression. While being obese can also contribute to depression, the hormone changes and fluctuations caused by PCOS can directly contribute to feelings of sadness and depression, too.

While doctors say that PCOS can’t be prevented, eating healthy, getting regular exercise and not smoking are the recommended treatments for the condition. So it stands to reason that if you practice these things already, even if you’re pre-disposed to developing the condition you may never suffer symptoms of the disease.

PCOS can strike any girl, even teenagers, but those who eat poor diets, don’t exercise, and smoke are at a greater risk. For extreme obese women, it’s almost not a matter of whether or not they’ll get PCOS, but when.