Weight Loss & Obesity Affects Life ExpectancyHere's A Diet That Won't WorkValuable Diet InformationWhat's Your Ideal Weight Range?Extreme Weight LossHow to Gain Muscle & Lose FatNatural Cellulite Remedy? Learn MoreLose Weight GraduallyDrinking Your Way To A Healthy BodyWeight Loss System - European Pole WalkingEat More Pectin For Successful Weight LossThe Liquid Diet: How Alcohol Can Destroy a DietNatural Breast Enlargement Through HerbsCLA and Weight LossLose Weight Fast TipsEffective Lose Weight Exercise ProgramsLose Weight GraduallyExercising Like Crazy and Not Losing WeightBelly Fat: Enough of That! One Probable Cause of Excess Abdominal FatA Gynecomastia Natural CureSuccessful Weight Loss ProgramsThe Low Carb Diet F.A.Q.

hyknys

Friday, September 28, 2007

Weight Loss & Obesity Affects Life Expectancy

We hear it all the timelose weight for your health. Few people however, realize the extent to which this is critical to their physical well-being and ultimately their life expectancy.

In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association featured a study finding that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy, especially among young adults. The study showed an obese 20-year-old white male, (5'10")178cm and weighing (288 pounds) 130kg was estimated to lose 13 years of his life as a result of obesity.

It is now well research that a Western diet that leads to obesity may actually act to stimulate the growth of cancer cells. It is never too late to improve your health through healthful eating and adopting a more health-giving lifestyle. Here are simple steps to follow which can make an immediate improvement to your health and vitality.

1. Check to see if you are overweight or obese.
To find out your BMI you need to divide your weight (measured in kilos) by your height (measured in metres) squared. If the result is greater than 25, your health may be improved by losing weight.

2. Match your diet to your bodys requirements.
If you eat and drink more calories than your body requires you will put on weight. Learn to control calories and portion sizes, make recipes leaner, and eat infrequently from fast food restaurants. Also learn how to snack with healthful choices.

3. Colour your diet with a large variety of colorful, cancer-fighting fruit and vegetables.
There are seven different color ranges of both fruit and vegetables and by choosing between 5 to 9 daily serves from a wide range of fruit and vegetables, we are extending our consumption of cancer (and other disease) fighting nutrients.

4. Eat lean protein with every meal.
Protein provides a powerful signal to the brain providing a longer sense of fullness. The right source of protein is essential to controlling your hunger with fewer calories and necessary to maintain your lean muscle mass. Choices of protein should be flavored soy shakes with fruit; the white meat of chicken and turkey, seafood such as shrimps, prawns scallops and lobster and ocean fish or vegetarians may prefer soy based meat substitutes.

5. Rev up your metabolism with activity.
If you want to enjoy a lifetime of well being, exercise is a key ingredient. Thirty minutes activity each day that takes as much effort as a brisk walk is recommended for adults. Children should be active for an hour each day.

6. Get support to ensure you develop a healthful eating plan and reach your goal weight.
A study, Effects of Internet Behavioral Counseling on Weight Loss in Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes shows that participants who had the support of weight loss coaching lost more weight than those who didnt. The study concluded that the support of a weight loss coach can significantly improve weight loss results.

Being overweight or obese has been identified next to smoking, as the most preventable major risk to developing cancer. Even small weight losses have been shown to have beneficial health effects. So its never to late to start and you can never be too young or too old to be concerned about your health and do something about achieving a more healthy weight.

(c) Copyright by Kim Beardsmore

Kim Beardsmore is a weight loss consultant whose business operates across 60 countries. Tons of recipes, articles, resources, free newsletter and more to help you lose weight and keep it off forever. Estimate your healthy body weight or receive a free weight loss consultation at http://www.weight-loss-health.com.au

Monday, September 24, 2007

Here's A Diet That Won't Work

How's this for a diet: Take in fewer calories than you expend and you'll lose weight. I just read another article that suggested this as the sure-fire way to lose weight. Of course it's true, and about as useful as telling an alcoholic he can beat his problem by not drinking. Yeah, right.

Have you noticed that almost every diet is guaranteed to work if you follow it? Of course, it's your fault if you don't do what they say, right? What a bunch of nonsense. If you can't stick to a diet, then it doesn't work - not for you, anyhow, and what's the difference if it works for others?

You Are Unique

Don't let someone sit there biting their nails for the fortieth year in a row tell you it's willpower you need. Of course it would be wonderful if you could force yourself to do whatever you decided to do. The truth, however, is that we each have our areas of difficulty, and our ways of operating. No one but you can judge just how hard you actually are trying, or even what you need to do.

Address your specific needs. Maybe your weight problem is something that requires psycological help. Maybe you just need a slightly easier to follow diet, and you'll finally lose that weight. Maybe exercise is the way for you.

You know people that eat all they want and don't gain weight. It's so obvious that we are each physically and mentally unique, and so often ignored when it comes to diets. Find the unique combination of factors that work for you, and your existing "willpower" will be more than enough.

Steve Gillman writes on many self-improvement topics. You can get more weight loss tips, and subscribe to a free weight loss newsletter at: http://www.99WaysToLoseWeight.com

Valuable Diet Information

Now more than ever American society is struggling with an obesity epidemic. The media's doing their part in disseminating confusing and conflicting information. While we are flooded with fast food adds, we then see how unbearably thin our entertainers are becoming. It's an odd situation. People continue to stuff their pieholes with anything they can get their hands on and then they wonder why they can no longer fit in their clothing. There is probably no ideal solution to this age-old problem. When it comes for overall general health, science is the best guide. Physical fitness and diet are the keys. Fortunately there is diet information everywhere we turn.

My very own mother at seven who is grossly overweight and struggles because of it. It wasn't until she hit her 50's and became afflicted with diabetes, that she actually started taking it seriously. There is a virtual treasure chest of diet information available on the Internet and it is all there free of charge. Understanding your body and how it functions is key in forming a good diet. Because my mom was already overweight, I realized that we had to cut back on her caloric intake. That meant less fat, salt, and sugar, and more low calorie meals.

For all of us that watch television, you know that we are constantly bombarded with diet information and the latest and greatest weight loss remedies and. The key is finding the diet that's right for you. We all have different nutritional needs on some level. It is important to keep in mind we're all different, some of us need more protein, while others require more fiber. A great place to begin your search for diet information is online. It is really easy to become quickly overwhelmed by all the information that is available. If you venture out to the local supermarket, you will find a variety of diet products. There's everything you can imagine including frozen foods, salads and even diet desserts. Many diet plans offer a variety of meals that contain low amounts of fat, carbs, and calories. These are things that our body often gets too much of.

No matter what your plan of attack is as larger diet goes you'll be it will find a wealth of information on the subject online. The key to dropping weight is eating healthy and acquiring a daily exercise routine. By showing disciplined and sticking to the proper diet information and exercising regularly you will soon see positive results. It's time to live healthy, and rid yourself of that burden, which too often destroys your confidence, as well as your body.

Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding the world of health and fitness. You can get interesting and informative information by visiting Diet to Lose Weight

What's Your Ideal Weight Range?

What is your healthy weight range? Most people reading this may not have any idea. The fact is that each person is likely to have his or her own idea about what a healthy weight range is. This is fueled, in part, by the constant barrage of thin, thinner, and thinnest messages to which we are all exposed. Of course, these messages are in direct conflict with the reality of the $900+ billion food industry.

Consider that most human beings are able to thrive on around 2,000 calories or fewer per day. This is in direct conflict with the fact that the almost one trillion dollar food industry produces over 3,800 daily calories for every man, woman, and child in the United States. It is not any wonder that six in every ten adult Americans are overweight at present. The most popular measure of whether an individual is overweight or obese is known as BMI (Body Mass Index).

BMI is a ratio of your height and your weight and is a measure for overweight and obesity. BMI is calculated by dividing a persons weight in kilograms by their height in meters, squared. I tend to be metrically challenged, if you are, you simply divide your current weight by your height converted into inches (and then shift the decimal one place to the left). For example, I am 188 pounds and I am 510 or 70 inches tall. Therefore, 188 divided by 7.0 equals a BMI of 26.9. Therefore, according to the BMI chart, I would be considered overweight. Currently, my BMI is greater than 24.9, the line of demarcation between the upper limit of the normal weight range. We live in a modern society that focuses on weight in what can only be described as obsessed with size and weight. All of this is playing itself out against the backdrop of sub-100 pound starlets in a celebrity obsessed culture.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Weight Control Information Network, I should weigh 157 pounds. I want to provide some context for how unrealistic 157 pounds is for me. As a very active 16 year old two-sport athlete, I weighed 165 pounds (more than three decades ago).

Some years ago, I completed an experiment where I fasted on water for 15 consecutive days. At the end of this 15 day period, I weighed 169 pounds. The point here is that I likely will have to be dead and rotting in the ground for two full weeks before my weight will ever reach the 174 pound mark of 24.9 on the BMI scale, much less the completely ridiculous 157 pounds.

This brings us back to the initial question of what is your ideal weight. Each of us, regardless of current weight, has the same ideal weight range. This is the weight range that is likely to result in our greatest longevity. In other words, what weight will result in your living the longest? Whether you are young or mature, large or small, left-hanged or right-handed, most of us share this same healthy weight range, a BMI of 26-28. In the Obesity Myth, an analysis of actual life-spans revealed that those persons with BMIs between 26 and 28, lived longer than other lower BMIs. So, for me, my healthy weight range is between 182 and 196 pounds. Get a calculator and figure out what your healthy weight range is and then find a way to live within that range.

Michael Imani, Ph.D. is a diet expert who works with clients to find solutions for weight and life issues. He is the author of The Diet Code: 4 Steps to Permanent Weight Loss. http://www.michaelimanicoaching.com

Extreme Weight Loss

While most people struggle to lose the last 10 pounds, there are many folks fighter a bigger battle against the bulge. With nearly 119 million Americans overweight or obese (that's 65% of the entire country!), there are many cases of men and women that need to lose 100 pounds or more.

But can this even be done?

The answer, according to scientists from the University of Kentucky, is yes. One hundred and eighteen people were able to lose over 100 pounds during a 9- year period at the University's clinic.

Not surprisingly, the program used was intensive and comprehensive, using such methods as meal replacements (shakes and entres), low-energy diets, weekly classes, and training in record keeping and physical activity. Consistent assessments involving weekly weight measurements also helped to keep the patients on track.

A good place to start is using home based strength training workouts and short cardio sessions.

Everyday, take three 10-minute walks (morning, lunch, and evening) to start. By breaking things up, you'll avoid overuse injuries.

But most importantly, you are going to see amazing results by changing your nutrition. Stop eating junk food and start making one positive nutrition change each day...add an apple today, an ounce of almonds tomorrow, and green tea the day after that...

Back to the study...There were also huge benefits to the weight loss. The researchers reported medications were discontinued in 66% of patients with a cost savings of $100 per month, and subjects were able to significantly decrease LDL cholesterol (-20%), triacylglycerol (-36%), blood sugar (-17%), and blood pressure (systolic -13% and and diastolic -15%).

Not everything went perfectly according to plan, as the clients gained back a few pounds after 5 years of achieving peak weight loss, however the bottom line is that an intense, multi-discipline weight loss program can work with severely obese men and women. The cost savings and health benefits are worth all of the effort to achieve this weight loss.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 86, No. 2, 301-307, August 2007
2007 American Society for Nutrition

Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked weight loss workouts have helped thousands of men and women with rapid fat loss and fat burning in less than 45 minutes three times per week. Craig's fat loss help board shows you how to burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment. Craig even has bodyweight workouts for weight loss to help you lose fat without any equipment at all.

You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (HTML clickable) and references and copyright info.

How to Gain Muscle & Lose Fat

How to Gain Muscle & Lose Fat at the Same Time...can you build muscle and burn fat at the same time?

I have 3 BIG, and I mean BIG fat loss, body changing lessons to share with you today...

First...

No one believes you can gain muscle and lose fat at the same time. I say, it's true. Not only do my workouts prove it, but now science agrees.

Researchers from Purdue University showed men and women (with an average age of 61 - with one subject 80 years old!) were able to lose fat, gain muscle, get stronger, lower LDL cholesterol, and improve blood sugar control with a simple strength workout routine.

36 healthy men and women did strength training three times per week for 12 weeks, doing 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions.

By the end, the subjects gained an average of four pounds of lean mass and lost over four pounds of fat. This study show's it is possible to gain muscle and lose - at any age.

And you don't need fancy machines or an expensive gym membership, all you need is a professional strength training program you can do in the comfort of your own home.

Next...

I hear from men all the time who claim to be 6% body fat or less (which is the level of a professional bodybuilder) but still have a hard time seeing their abs.

This, by the way, is impossible. Listen, if you really are 6%, you'll have an 8-pack, and you won't need any advice from me.

The problem is too many men and women believe that handheld body fat analyzers are accurate.

The truth?

Recent research shows these tools underestimate the amount of fat you are carrying on your body by 2.4 kg! That's 5 pounds of fat these handheld machines are neglecting to tell you about!

So don't get too smug with your handheld body fat readings, because it's likely underestimating the amount of fat on your body. Besides, its not about the machine, its about the mirror, how your clothes fit, and about losing the inches from your waist.

Worry about those, not some bogus readout on a machine.

And finally...

Everyone knows you don't burn fat with strength training, right? Wrong! A new study hot off the presses from the prestigious Journal of Applied Physiology showed strength training boosts metabolism by 10% after exercise and increases fat burning by 100%.

In this study, subjects did a standard 3-set strength training program focusing on multi-muscle exercises and showed just how powerful "Turbulence" is for fat loss...

During strength training, you apply "turbulence" to your muscles, causing an increase in your metabolism and fat burning after the workout. That's how you build muscle and burn fat at the same time.

So forget about the "calorie readout" on the cardio machines. While strength training doesn't burn as many calories as traditional aerobic training during the workout itself, it continues to burn calories AND fat long after your workout.

And that's why you get a better body with strength and interval training than you do with long, slow, boring, less-effective cardio. You can gain muscle and lose fat at the same time.

You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (HTML clickable) and references and copyright info.

Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked gain muscle and lose fat workouts have helped thousands of men and women with weight loss and fat burning in less than 45 minutes three times per week. Burn calories and build musclewithout long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment. Craig's bodyweight muscle building workouts help you build muscle and lose fat without any equipment at all.

Natural Cellulite Remedy? Learn More

Cellulite removal products is a big business, the promise of a clean and firm looking skin minus the ugly looking 'cauliflower' is drawing millions of affected women to find that miracle cure. Before we suggest any natural remedy for cellulite, we need to understand what it is.

Cellulite happens when there is a a dimpling of the skin. This is normally caused by the protrusion of subcutaneous fat into the dermis, which results in creating an undulating dermal-subcutaneous fat junction adipose tissue. In other words, cellulite affects everyone not just those who are overweight.

Natural Cellulite Remedy?
The results from the following suggest natural cellulite remedy will vary as our overall chemistry make-up is different.

Food You Eat
The food we eat will largely affect the condition of our skin. You can start by reducing the size of your portion of foods that should be eaten. Also begin to reduce the intake of sweets and sugar, having a high fiber diet will certainly help.

As far as you can, try to eliminate consumption of processed meats such as hotdogs, meats with excess fat, butter, ghee, cream, rich sauces, gravies, salad dressings, rich desserts, confectionary items, ice cream, canned fruits and juices, processed cheese, and fried snacks.

Increase the intake of white meat such as chicken, fish. Drink skimmed milk, yogurt. Use buttermilk, cottage cheese, dalia, leafy vegetables, spring onions, radish, tomato, cucumber, citrus fruits, apples, pears, plums, sprouted grains, fruit and vegetable juices. Stay away from anything fatty or fried.

Massage
Massage is another proven method that can help fight cellulite, and a warm bath can help to induce relaxation. Long stroking movements are given for stimulating blood flow and lymphatic flow, and the area with the cellulite should be squeezed and kneaded repetitively. Skin brushing can also be used to help against cellulite, and to do this you use a rough cloth or natural bristle brush to brush the entire surface of skin on the body, including the face.

Copyright Statement
This article was written by Lilian Chia and may be reproduced on any health-related website provided this copyright statement is displayed unedited in its entirety at the foot of the article and you use the exact same HTML code to ensure a clickable link back to the author's site. Further articles on weight loss herbs are also available at www.Herbal-Nutrition-Supplements-Guide.com

Lose Weight Gradually

The desire to lose weight is often propelled by a number of personal reasons and fuelled by a sense of urgency. People lose weight because they want to feel healthier, look better or have more energy. And they want these things right away. For this reason, many of them undertake weight loss programs with reckless abandon, pushing themselves long and hard to achieve that desired weight loss. As a result, they do lose weight but not in enough quantities to satisfy their sense of urgency. They then get discouraged and often give up their weight loss programs altogether.

A few people do lose weight drastically, in quantities approaching 10% to 30% of their total weight, sometimes even more. They do so through intense diligence to their program, often surpassing the recommended norms set by health instructors. They are proud of their efforts and results but, the truth is, such drastic weight loss is not healthy and can do more damage to the body than good.

The key to an effective weight loss program is to set realistic goals. Don't aim to lose too much weight in a short period of time. Chances are, as the above example shows, you'll miss your goal and end up discouraged. Health experts recommend a weight loss program that sheds two pounds per week, especially for those who are significantly overweight. , a weight loss of fact, losing even five to 10 percent of your weight is the kind of goal that can help improve your health.

Realistic goals and expectations are the foundation of a successful weight loss or weight management system. Realistic goals are more achievable and, once achieved, chances are good that you will more likely be able to maintain your weight.

Aside from a physical fitness regimen, there are other factors that affect what you weight, and you must consider these as well when assessing the results of your weight loss program. These include how much and what kinds of food you eat, whether your lifestyle includes regular physical activity, whether you use food to respond to stress and other situations in your life, your physiologic and genetic make-up and your age and health status.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Weight Loss, Food, and Women.

Drinking Your Way To A Healthy Body

While dieting it is important to watch what you drink just as much as you watch what you eat. A great number of beverages and "healthy" fruit juices are packed with high amounts of sugar and will cause weight gain if not properly burned off. This actually defeats the purpose of dieting because by drinking all these beverages full of sugar, you are actually working against your goal. Here are a couple of rules when it comes to what to drink while dieting.

Rule # 1:

Drink plenty of water. I know, you've probably heard this a million times but it's true, this is a key ingredient of a healthy lifestyle.

If you are the kind of person who just can't stand drinking water because it doesn't taste like anything, try adding a lemon wedge to give it a little twist in flavor.

Rule # 2:

Lay off the booze. We all know about the beer bellies but what many don't know is that it has been proven that alcohol has elements which actually make it more difficult to burn off fat.

This isn't to say you can never drink again but you shouldn't exceed 1-2 drinks if you are looking to be healthy. Our liver is one of the organs mainly responsible for metabolizing fat. Since alcohol seriously impinges on proper liver function, too much alcohol means your body isn't being able to metabolize fat and therefore, you're not burning fat like you should.

Drinking alcohol also dehydrates the body which completely defeats the whole idea of drinking enough water. Not to mention the fact that alcohol contains almost as many calories per gram as fat.

The fact is that if you are serious about getting in shape and losing the extra pounds, you have to lay off the serious drinking. If you must drink, try light beer or a small glass of wine.

Rule # 3:

Try not to drink too much coffee. Although coffee is very controversial, the truth is that a couple of cups a day isn't going to do too much harm.

Coffee does, however, dehydrate the body as well and extra water should be consumed if you want to keep hydrated.

If you are looking to lose weight quicker, then stay away from the creamy latte's that are packed with fat milk and creams and loaded with too much sugar.

Rule # 4:

Don't over due low-fat drinks. The fact is that diet beverages, be it tea, soda, sports drinks, etc., often bring a lot of sugar which, as we all know, is completely detrimental to losing weight. Again, the best way to hydrate is water.

Anyhow, diet drinks haven't been proven to help you lose weight and sometimes they may even cause cravings for real sugar which can work against you.

The article is posted and written by John Scott, the researcher and writer for compareop.com (Phentermine OPs Reports and Discussion board). Remember that the consumption of excessive liquid may cause the onset of Cellulite. Read more about Cellulite

Weight Loss System - European Pole Walking

I'm not one to latch onto fads. I tend to favor tried and true methods, such as walking, but I am always interested in new exercise techniques that might enhance the results. I am even more interested in new approaches that may help those with physical problems enter mainstream physical fitness more easily. So, when my wife showed me an article in a magazine about what they called, "pole walking", I did a little digging. Here's what I found out.

This is what is often called "Nordic walking". It is, put as simply as possible, the technique of walking with what resembles a pair of ski poles. As with skiing, the walker alternately moves the poles as he or she walks. Obviously, there is a "best" technique, but it's a little complicated to describe here. However, the basic method is first to grip each pole firmly but not tensely. Then, keeping the arms straight, swing your arms to approximately waist height and holding the poles diagonally behind you, help propel yourself forward alternating your right and left poles as you walk.

What has developed as an activity in its own right, Nordic walking was originally a means by which Finnish skiers could maintain fitness and ability during the off-season. Just as they skied on snow, they would walk on land, helping to propel themselves with poles. Obviously, these used in the sport are NOT ski poles. They are specially made and can cost anywhere from about $40 to over $200 per pair. You can determine optimum pole length by multiplying your height in inches by .72. The poles are adjustable.

So, what are the results of proper pole walking?

Well, among many research groups and facilities, the Cooper Institute in Dallas, tested the pole walking technique. Here are a few things they and others found out about pole walking.

1. Using the poles encourages the use of more muscles in the walking process, thus allowing you to burn fat more effectively.

2. The poles help take pressure off of joints, feet, back, etc. Once accustomed to the process, people report feeling better walking with them than without them.

3. Studies have shown that people walking with poles tend to lose more weight more rapidly than those simply walking. In fact, some studies indicate that pole walking may burn as much as 50% more calories than simply walking for exercise or weight loss.

Nordic walking has been popular in Europe for some time, and there actually is an organization dedicated to the activity - the International Nordic Walking Association. You can find their website at inwa.nordicwalking.com/.

Will pole walking work for you? Well, YOU won't know until you try it, but if it was good enough for Olympic level athletes, it's good enough for me. I guess I'll be getting a pair of poles and trying it out.

Donovan Baldwin is a freelance writer living in Copperas Cove, Texas. He is a University of West Florida alumnus, a member of Mensa and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. In his career, he has held many managerial and supervisory positions. However, his main pleasures have long been writing, nature, health, and fitness. In the last few years, he has been able to combine these pleasures by writing poetry and articles on subjects such as health, fitness, yoga, weightlifting, weight loss, the environment, global warming, happiness, self improvement, life and the arts. He has a collection of articles on health, fitness, diet, and weight loss at http://nodiet4me.com/articledirectory/.

Eat More Pectin For Successful Weight Loss

Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to not feel so hungry all the time when you are trying to lose weight? Well there is a way and it's not some new fad either, it's something that's natural, has no adverse side effects and might be sitting right in your fridge - fiber.

One type of fiber that you probably already have been eating is called pectin. Pectin is found in fruits, such as apples, strawberries, and peaches, along with vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes and beans. Pectin is a carbohydrate that has no calories.

Pectin is a great source of fiber, which we all know is important for a healthy diet. Aside from helping you feel full longer, pectin can help to cut cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It may even aid in the prevention of colon cancer.

Pectin can help you lose and maintain your weight because it causes the stomach to empty more slowly. As a result, after eating pectin, you feel satisfied longer. This means that you will eat less, which will lead to weight loss. And if you think you'll have to be gobbling down hundreds of apples or guzzling pectin drinks, think again - research has shown that as little as a single teaspoon can help you to feel satisfied.

Where Can You Get Pectin?

Thankfully, you won't have to drive miles out of your way to get your supply of pectin because it is sold right in your local grocery store. It comes in a powder, which may be known as Sure-Jel, or a liquid, known as Certo. Derived from grapefruit and apples, pectin is usually found with the baking supplies in most supermarkets.

How To Take Pectin

You can mix pectin with orange juice, water, or soft drinks. It has no taste so shouldn't affect the taste of the beverage you mix it in. It is best to increase your intake gradually to let your system adjust to the added fiber. Start off with a teaspoon a day and then gradually add more in to a max of 3 teaspoons a day. You can also add pectin to broth or soups, applesauce and even baked potatoes.

Lee Dobbins writes about Low Carb and Low GI eating as well as other weight loss issues. Visit http://www.lowcarb-resource.com for more articles on healthy dieting.

The Liquid Diet: How Alcohol Can Destroy a Diet

We have discussed in the past the importance of discovering the hidden fats and calories in the foods we eat. I showed how a salad, sandwich, or any other common type of food can quickly double in fat and calories when the wrong ingredients are included in them. However, there are some things that some of us cannot live without. By this I am speaking of our daily glass of wine, the beer after work, or the fancy mixed-drink with dinner. It seems that the allure of a cool cocktail (or two) awaits us at every avenue of our lives. To the tea-toataler the problem is nonexistent. But the rest of us, drinking can fast become a diet-breaking addition to the bulge.

The problem with the alcoholic beverages is threefold:

First, alcohol packs on and nearly doubles the calorie content of any type of juice, soda, or mixer.

The average one ounce shot of hard liquor contains about 70-75 calories with some darker liquors like bourbon and brandy a little higher. Add one shot of liquor to a few ounces of tonic or cola and the calorie count is in the hundreds. And those exotic pina coladas or margaritas can run even higher than that. By any measure, one drink wont ruin any diet, yet one drink is rarely a common occurrence.

Second, a drink usually leads to two.

The taste of one drink is cool and satisfying. The second is even better, and so it goes. Rarely in any social setting where alcohol is being consumed, does on e stick to a single cocktail. Alcohol lessens our inhibitions, which sometimes leads to more alcohol and thusly, more calories. And after yet even one more drink almost always ends in the worst case scenario.

Third, alcohol almost always leads to eating and overeating

Alcohol, and its effects usually set the stage for binge eating. At only two drinks, your body seeks a heavier and more satisfying type of fare, and you guessed it, yet even more calories. The caloric cycle of almost anyone under the influence of a few drinks can prove to be a hidden diet disaster. The binge eating will almost undoubtedly ensue.

The Fat Mentality in regards to drinking can lead us in many wrong directions. Common misperceptions of alcohol lead to over-use and unknown consumption of hundreds (if not thousands) of calories in a single evening. The number one mistake made by people who are drinking and trying to lose weight is to perceive alcoholic beverages as a liquid ,and thus no harm to ones diet. I cant stress the fact enough.that alcohol leads to fat. The beer gut is no wives tale, it truly does exist. Anyone adhering to a perfect diet, yet drinks frequently, is guaranteed to get fat.

The best remedy for anyone who enjoys alcohol, is to educate yourself on the caloric content of what you are consuming: Most wines contain about 90-100 calories per glass. Most full bodied beers contain between 140 to 200 calories per 12 ounce glass, with the light beers at a more reasonable 100-110 calories per glass. And again, most clear liquors contain about 70 calories per ounce, so pair these with diet soda or club soda for the best choice of alcoholic beverages. The other best alternatives would be wines or light beer. Steer clear of the detrimental mixed drinks and full-bodied beers.

Another important thing to be mindful of with regards to drinking is to pay attention to how often you do it. The casual daily glass of wine or the few beers here and there add up. Set yourself a schedule so as to monitor how often you are consuming alcoholic beverages. Give yourself a night or two a week to have drinks if you so choose, so as not to over-indulge in these diet-busting pleasures.

Lastly, and sometimes most importantly, be prepared for what you are going to eat after you have had a few cocktails. Yet do the preparations beforehand. Have a healthy and light snack ready to consume after a night of cocktails. This way you will be steered clear of the more tempting of post-drinking options. In sum, a night of drinking loads your body with a good amount of un-needed calories. Do your best to dodge the heavier cocktails at the bar and the heavier fares afterward.

(Slade Gray is a graduate of The University of California at San Diego. He is a self Proclaimed "Naturally born Fat Person", and has likened food to being the greatest pleasure on earth. Yes GREATEST. He loves to get fat in the winter and routinely loses up to 20Lbs to make the cut for the summer bathing suit season.

Slade Gray is an avid fitness and financial expert and continually focuses on the well being of his clients' physical and financial futures. See how he broke the corporate mold to start his own home-based business helping others to do the same

See his site at:

visit http://www.mylazycareer.com For making money online

Natural Breast Enlargement Through Herbs

God has no doubt made women beautiful. Not only by her face but also by the body. Those curves in the women body can drive any body crazy. Women with a properly shaped and proportionate body are really attractive. Her breast and buttocks contribute to the hour class body that is just intoxicating. Good-sized breast are very attractive and also enhances the beauty of a women.

But there are some women who by some reason are not able to attain proper sized breast. This disproportioned breast size as compared to her body makes her less attractive and its a fact that no one pays attention to her their by her beauty is being disgraced. Its really painful for women when she is not praised for her beauty and is ignored by many.

There have been many surgical techniques now days by which one can increase the size of breast. But to be frank this is not that safe and involves greater risk.

Then what is the solution for treating this problem?

Ayurveda, an age-old science has a solution for it. There have been various herbs that help in promoting the growth of breast tissue in the most natural way making them proportionate to the body. Below are some of the herbs that are very helpful in increasing the breast size in the most natural way.

Fenugreek fenugreek is an ayurvedic herb that is very effective in increasing the size of the breast. As in general it is also very helpful in treating the various ailments like throat related problems, indigestion, increasing the breast size and increasing the milk secretion in lactating mothers. The chemical constituents of the fenugreek seeds are very powerful that are also helpful in stimulating the various hormones that are responsible for stimulating the breast thereby increasing the size.

Silver milk thistle it is commonly known as Silybum marianum or ladys thistle. Due to its deep penetrating power facilitated by the bitter taste, it seeps deep into the skin surface. It helps in increasing the blood circulation in the total tissue especially the breast tissue. Due to increased blood circulation the local tissue gets more nourishment there by increasing the size.

Ladys mantle it is one of the best herb for enlarging the breast. It is known as alchemilla vulgaris in botanical language. This herb has astringent properties that facilitate the increased blood circulation to the local tissue. It also helps in maintaining the fat deposit. This fats deposit helps in increasing the breast size and make them appear attractive and in proportion to the body. It is also helpful in firming the breast and prevents sagging of the breast making them unattractive and disproportionate.

Tricticum vulgare very popularly known as wheat germ oil. It is one of the finest agents that are very helpful in increasing the breast size as it regulates the blood supply to the breast tissue. It is also helpful in increasing the breast size. It is also helpful in maintaining the skin texture of the breast area.

Radish it is one of the best herbs that are very efficient in enhancing the blood supply. It is also helpful in equal distribution of the fats in the body their by helps in getting proper body shape. Due to its astringent action acts locally at the affected tissue easily absorb it in the body there.

Glycine soja it is commonly known as soy or soya bean. It is one of the richest sources of vegetarian protein. It is very helpful in supplying protein to the body. It is also helpful in increasing the size of the breast when applied locally.

Read more on Natural Breast Enlargement and the benefits of Breast Massage in Breast Enhancement at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

CLA and Weight Loss

CLA, otherwise known as conjugated linoleic acid may be a supplement you want to consider for help in your weight loss efforts. CLA has become popular because of its reported benefits of fat loss, cancer fighting, improving cholesterol, immune system improvement, and possible prevention of atherosclerosis.

Researching CLA may leave you wanting to take it whether or not fat loss is your goal.

CLA is a fatty acid that is found in small amounts in meat and dairy products. However dont plan on getting the benefits of CLA from eating these foods. There is just not enough CLA present. Supplement companies have found a way to convert the linoleic acid from safflower oil into conjugated linoleic acid. This allows you an affordable way to get the benefits of CLA.

Studies that have shown promise were done using dosages of 3 to 4 grams of CLA per day. Most supplement companies sell CLA in dosages from 500 milligrams to 1 gram per pill This means you may have to take several pills per day to get the optimal results. CLA is different from many weight loss supplements as it does not contain stimulants and you probably will not feel any immediate effect from taking CLA. You will want to stay on CLA from 4-6 weeks before expecting to see any results.

If you decide to do further research on CLA you will undoubtedly find it listed on many bodybuilding sites. The reason for this is that CLA has also shown promise in helping to maintain lean muscle tissue. Do not let this deter you from trying it because this will help you improve your fat to muscle ratio. In other words you will look better

The opinion of many health and fitness professionals is that CLA may be something you want to consider adding to your daily health regimen. I recommend purchasing your CLA online in order to save money. Tonalin is a brand name that you will see on many different companies form of CLA. Tonalin is the most researched, highest quality CLA that you will find. Purchase from a reputable company and give CLA time to show some effects.

Bill Herren is the webmaster for http://www.proweightloss.com bringing you top rated diet weight loss supplements and weight loss ebooks

Lose Weight Fast Tips

Rapid Weight

Remember, the human body is interested in survival, not cosmetic appearances, and since rapid weight loss is a prima facie symptom of disease not good health, the only guaranteed way to improve your body shape is to adopt a gradual approach of healthy eating and increased exercise.

Losing Weight

Make a food plan and do not completely sidestep, and not too vigorously, the exercise part of losing weight and building health and fitness.

Expect Weight

The doctors told me I could expect weight gain, loss of muscle mass, diminution of energy, hot flashes, possible development of breast tissue and loss of body hair.

Body Weight

To loss body fat: For men, the average calorie need to maintain body weight is between 2700 - 2900 calories per day. You need to find out how many calories youre currently eating to maintain your body weight.

Natural Weight

Jane Doe Herbal Consultant Teaching health conscious women how to lose weight naturally. Now I have the rest of my life to look forward to at my normal and natural weight.

Here are some well populated Subjects that were said by Green tea (Natural Specialist)

Things to consider for a healthier life:

Power Tea

Green Tea Science

Fit Club

Health Watch

Diabetic Info

Oprah Endorses Green Tea

Health Benefits to Green Tea

Green Tea 25 Times better than Vitamin C

Cancer Reducing Green Tea

Green Tea For Diabetics

Want to lose weight? Try Power Tea, a Green Tea that works!

(Weight Loss tips)

Food Weight

In a nutshell, if your health food weight loss diet plan remains simple, effective, and delicious, then you can stick with it and get the results and rewards you desire or attempt to reach.

Training Weight

If you dont have enough time for 30 minutes of weight training followed by 30 minutes of cardio in the same day, then combine them.

To Have a Natural and Award Winning Body Click Here

Effective Lose Weight Exercise Programs

Do you want to lose weight? If you do, then a lose weight exercise plan is your best option. If you tackle a serious workout program that is designed for your specific fitness level and needs, then you can still enjoy many of the foods that you love. Exercise is a great strategy that offers the best weight loss benefits.

We all know that the benefits of a good workout are numerous. The problem is that a lose weight exercise plan doesnt always seem to work very well. Let me discuss some of the solutions for the problem of losing pounds and working out.

Making a plan is the first thing that you should do when you want to lose weight. Doctors will confirm that exercise has to be part of the weight loss routine. It would be also wise to consult your physician before you take on lose weight exercise program. You can also learn get some useful dietary suggestions from your doctor.

You can begin your lose weight exercise plan once your doctor confirms that it is safe for you. Engaging in aerobic activity is the best way to go if you want to burn fat. However, many people find that doing aerobic activity fails to help them burn fat. This is because they are doing it wrong. They do not realize that the heart rate should be accelerated for at least twenty consecutive minutes during the aerobic activity.

A five minute warm up, twenty intense minutes and a five minute cool down should be included on a lose weight exercise program that runs 30 minutes. However, this may still not work if your body is burning its immediate sugar stores rather than stored fat. This means that you should find an approach that will force your body to burn stored fat during your lose weight exercise program.

If you are in this situation, then you should try to sprint for a mere 30 seconds at a time for your warm up, instead of walking or running at a faster pace for a whole 20 minutes. Then add another intense sprint that lasts an entire 30 seconds every few minutes. You should alternate this between a normal pace and you will reaped the maximum fat burning benefits from your lose weight exercise routine.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Lose Weight Exercise. Visit our site for more helpful information about Lose Weight Exercise and other similar topics.

Lose Weight Gradually

The desire to lose weight is often propelled by a number of personal reasons and fuelled by a sense of urgency. People lose weight because they want to feel healthier, look better or have more energy. And they want these things right away. For this reason, many of them undertake weight loss programs with reckless abandon, pushing themselves long and hard to achieve that desired weight loss. As a result, they do lose weight but not in enough quantities to satisfy their sense of urgency. They then get discouraged and often give up their weight loss programs altogether.

A few people do lose weight drastically, in quantities approaching 10% to 30% of their total weight, sometimes even more. They do so through intense diligence to their program, often surpassing the recommended norms set by health instructors. They are proud of their efforts and results but, the truth is, such drastic weight loss is not healthy and can do more damage to the body than good.

The key to an effective weight loss program is to set realistic goals. Don't aim to lose too much weight in a short period of time. Chances are, as the above example shows, you'll miss your goal and end up discouraged. Health experts recommend a weight loss program that sheds two pounds per week, especially for those who are significantly overweight. , a weight loss of fact, losing even five to 10 percent of your weight is the kind of goal that can help improve your health.

Realistic goals and expectations are the foundation of a successful weight loss or weight management system. Realistic goals are more achievable and, once achieved, chances are good that you will more likely be able to maintain your weight.

Aside from a physical fitness regimen, there are other factors that affect what you weight, and you must consider these as well when assessing the results of your weight loss program. These include how much and what kinds of food you eat, whether your lifestyle includes regular physical activity, whether you use food to respond to stress and other situations in your life, your physiologic and genetic make-up and your age and health status.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Weight Loss, Food, and Women.

Exercising Like Crazy and Not Losing Weight

Have you ever found yourself increasing the amount of exercise you do with the hopes of losing weight, yet the pounds just won't come off? Many people have run into this dilemma and one of the main culprits is diet. When I say diet, I do not mean crash diets that only sabotage all of your hard work in the long run. I am referring to a way of eating. You may be eating a diet full of too much junk or one that is relatively healthy.

Your eating habits will make or break your weight loss goals. Even if you have the best personal trainer or you work out on a regular basis, if you're still stuffing yourself full of high calorie, high fat foods, you will not lose pounds. I have heard it said before (I am a believer of this as well) that weight loss consists of 90% diet and 10% exercise. How can you tune up your diet and begin seeing the fruits of your labor? Here are a couple of tips:

Keep a Record of What You Eat
This isn't difficult to do but it will take some getting used to. The reason for keeping a food journal is so that you can look back on your day and see just how much food you are consuming. It's also a good way to find out if you're eating too much junk food. You may be surprised to realize that you are still consuming too many calories in a day. Too many extra calories hinders weight loss due to not burning more calories than you eat.

Stop Yo-Yo Dieting and Start Eating Clean
"Eating clean" is a common term that you may hear around fitness oriented people. Particularly bodybuilders and fitness trainers. Both groups know how important diet is to maintaining an ideal weight and having a great physique. Basically, eating clean consists of a diet made up of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins. You'll want to stick to foods that are as close to nature as possible and not processed junk you often find in boxes, jars, cans, etc.

Once you learn how to eat clean, it becomes a part of your lifestyle which makes it easier to do and easier to maintain a healthy weight. Clean up your diet and soon you will see your efforts begin to pay off.

If you would like to learn how to eat clean, read my review of "The Eat Clean Diet." I highly recommend it for those struggling to have healthier eating habits.

Get the most out of fitness! Learn some of the most effective ways to lose weight and get into better shape by visiting Eartha's fitness blog at www.tryingfitness.com.

Belly Fat: Enough of That! One Probable Cause of Excess Abdominal Fat

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor; nor do I play one on TV. As a matter of fact, I don't even watch the actors, who play the doctors on TV. I am a researcher, extraordinaire. I research, "the research."

Health statements made by this writer have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease. Nor are they intended as medical advice and should not be used for the purpose of self-diagnosis. Consult your personal physician regarding all medical problems and concerns...

There's more fat around the bellies of American men women and children now, then there was 20 years back.

What's up with that?

The truth is, there are a multitude of theories and reasons which address our battle with the belly. My aim is to focus on one, probable cause; and then share one, dynamic solution.

Let's begin with a review of Anatomy 101. The colon. The colon is also known as the large intestine. It is a long, muscular tube, about six feet in length that orchestrates the digestive process. As you chew your food, your body releases enzymes that help with digestion. When your food reaches the stomach, the process continues and, the body's digestive juices break it down even more. After about an hour or so of this, the stomach deposits your food into the small intestine.

After several hours of being in the small intestine, the undigested waste, is transported into the last section of the colon where it is eventually eliminated.

Most adolescents have little problems eliminating waste from the colon. This is because there is very little undigested waste sticking along the lining of the colon walls. However, the typical American diet is loaded in fats and enormous amounts of protein which have a propensity to deposit left behind, waste in the colon. As such, it's during your post-adolescent years that the interior of the colon walls gradually become smaller and smaller.

Imagine a pipe accumulating years of interior rust. This causes a narrowing of its original diameter. Well, this is pretty much what happens to your colon over time. That is why there may be more force required to eliminate fecal matter. Elimination is supposed to require little effort. However, because your colon's walls are lined with debris, you strain. "Straining" is indicative of a blocked colon.

A blocked colon leaves food behind to rot in the digestive tract: Therefore, the final process of digestion is not completed. The debris then rots and candida albicans, bacteria and toxins take residence. Food which is undigested in the colon contributes to colon cancer. John Wayne, the world famous western actor, died from complications of colon cancer. It is said that he had more than 40 pounds of undigested food in his colon.

Mucoid plaque consists of the layers of mucous and rotting food which compact themselves year after year along the entire length of the digestive tract (Anderson). But here's the thing, this plaque forms in the intestine and continues to produce mucous as a normal response to the undigested food. Food is not supposed to just sit there and rot. Our body is designed to store three meals at any given time (Jensen), but most Americans are storing six to twelve! Mucous is not powerful enough to move the toxic, enzyme-free sludge left behind from fake, chemically-laced and high-processed foods such as, "wieners," "supreme burritos," and double orders of chili fries.

However, as a natural defense mechanism, your body continues to produce more and more mucous. This causes the colon to grow in diameter and create the appearance of belly fat. So, if you are doing dozens of crunches and other "ab work" and can't seem to lose the belly fat, it's probable that you have undigested food rotting in your colon.

In his book, Cleanse and Purify, Dr. Richard Anderson documents what another medical doctor (who requested anonymity) shared at a seminar:

"I have spent twelve years working in the field of post-mortem diagnosis. I have seen many thousands of dissected cadavers. What Rich is telling you is the absolute truth. Everybody has it in there. We have a way of attaching a hose to the upper intestines and with the aid of powerful chemicals, we literally blow the stuff right out of the intestines. I have seen the heavy 'beer belly' and so called fat people lose all that bulk in five minutes. It wasn't fat. It was the mucoid layer that Rich was talking about. And, in that filthy substance we see all sorts of worms, bacteria, fungi, and many unidentifiable things. It is almost unbelievable that people can live with that filth in them. All these people were dead of course, and it wasn't hard to see why" (Anderson p2-46)

Unbelievable!

A VIABLE SOLUTION FOR A PROBABLE CAUSE

Colon hydrotherapy- is a powerful enema performed by a licensed professional. It has an immediate affect and flushes out old, putrefied food and debris from the colon. Many doctors have stated that rotten food can be removed with this hydro-cleanse.

Maintenance:

Reduce or completely eliminate white dressings, ice cream, processed sugar, candy and creamy soups.

Increase the fiber in your diet. Make broccoli, beans, fruits and nuts the norm.

And finally, exercise and drink plenty of clean, fresh water throughout the day.

It won't be long before you begin saying:

"What happened to my belly fat? Oh, I had enough of that!"

References

Jensen, Bernard ---Empty Harvest

Guyton, AC, MD ---Textbook of Medical Physiology

Martin, Simon --- Intestinal Permeability

Anderson, Richard, MD --- Cleanse and Purify

Fran Briggs is an author and motivational speaker. She is also the President of The Fran Briggs Companies, an organization dedicated to the personal and professional development of individuals and groups around the globe. The company's personal development website offers a free, exciting twice-monthly newsletter that helps you live a happier, healthier and wealthier life. Please visit http://www.franbriggs.com and http://www.dwjd.info for more information.

A Gynecomastia Natural Cure

If you have Gynecomastia, there is a natural cure that you can use to get rid of your Gynecomastia, without resorting to costly and potentially scarring surgery. Gynecomastia is a condition where a man starts growing breasts, due to a hormonal imbalance of too much estrogen and too little estrogen in his system.

This can be caused by drug use, such as steroids, excessive alcohol, prescribed medicine, or a more serious disease causing a hormonal imbalance, such as liver cancer, or hormonal fluctuations during puberty.

Because Gynecomastia is a hormonal problem, not a fat buildup problem, simply working out will not resolve the problem. If thats the case, how does one get rid of the man boob?

Simple Balance your hormones naturally. Heres a simple Gynecomastia natural cure:

1 Stop using hormone-altering drugs. If youre on prescribed medication, talk to your doctor about alternatives.

2 Stop binge drinking. Drinking shuts down your endocrine system, which halts the production of male hormones in your system. This is the reason men often report erection problems while drunk.

3 Eat nuts. Nuts contain mono-unsaturated fat, which will help boost your testosterone levels.

4 Exercise. Tough exercises such as squats tend to increase testosterone more than aerobic exercises. Competitive sports, such as boxing, also increase testosterone.

5 Sleep at least 8 hours. Sleeping less can disrupt your bodys natural hormonal system.

By using this Gynecomastia natural cure and balancing your hormones to increase natural testosterone, you should be able to get rid of your man boobs. If you still have not seen results by 3-4 months of implementing this program, consult a doctor.

A word of warning Gynecomastia untreated after 2 years tends to harden and become a part of your bodys system. Once the breast tissue has hardened, hormonal balancing, changes in medications and diet, and exercising wont make the breast tissue go away. At that point, surgery is the only option.

If youre a man growing a boob, get treated immediately. You may want to try this Gynecomastia natural cure first, but at some point you should consult a doctor.

Learn powerful ways to get rid of your man boob once and for all, at: http://endmanboobs.wordpress.com

Successful Weight Loss Programs

Are you on the look out for a weight loss program that works? Have you had enough of using diets and weight loss plans that have little effect despite your best efforts to make them work? Would you like to lose weight? I can not be sure as to how you have answered these three questions but I would imagine that most people would have answered in the positive to all of them. Around ten months ago I also would have answered yes to each question but I have since found what I believe to be the perfect weight loss solution, in this article I will explain all.

Lets face facts, the reason that most people are over-weight is down to the amount and types of food that they eat. From a personal point of view I love my food; whats more I love the wrong types of food. Have you ever noticed that the more tasty the food, the worse it tends to be for you? Now I am sorry but meals such as a salad are just not tasty and are in my opinion are plain boring.

My thoughts above go a long way to explaining why I have ultimately failed on the majority of diets and weight loss programs that I have tried. I have been asked to drink disgusting milkshakes which are classed as a meal, I am asked to eat so called healthy foods, fruit and vegetables for example.

Do not get me wrong I do from time to time eat the odd vegetable but everyday is taking it a bit far. I needed a weight loss plan that I could stick to and that I believed in. I wanted to continue to eat all of those tasty foods that I look forward to eating, that basically help me to get through the day but at the same time be able to lose weight.

The answer in the end was quite simple. I would only eat my breakfast, lunch and dinner per day. What I mean is, I would cut out all of the snack type foods that I regularly ate between meals. For each meal I could basically eat whatever I wanted to.

This was not easy to carry off as I did tend to eat a lot of these snack type foods, such as chocolate, crisps and peanuts. I was however very determined and I am happy to report that the results have been amazing.

Stephen Hill runs The How To Stop Stammering Centre, he has a number of websites including:

stuttering information

dvd duplication

stuttering treatment

The Low Carb Diet F.A.Q.

When most people think of low carb diets they automatically think Atkins. For obvious reasons. Dr. Robert Atkins formulated the original low carb diet in 1972 and was met a with a hail of ridicule and negativity from the medical community at large.

The Atkins Diet, since renamed to the Atkins Nutritional Approach, works on a very simple principle. Carbohydrates are what our body normally use to produce energy. If you restrict the carbohydrate intake of a normal person their metabolism changes. Changes? Yes your body looks to the next available energy source which is....fat. So now instead of burning carbohydrates for energy your body does the same thing with your existing fat deposits.

In a low carbohydrate diet you actually increase your intake of fat and pure protein as opposed to reducing it. In theory the more fat you eat the more fat you burn because your body is now using fat for energy. It's common to see low carb dieters eating enormous steaks smothered in butter with fried eggs and mushrooms on the side. A very high fat meal but also a perfect low carbohydrate meal.

The fat burning process is called lipolysis. As the fat is being broken down for energy a secondary phase called ketosis occurs. Ketones are the fragments of fat being broken down in the process of lipolysis hence the name ketosis.

Ketosis has a single nasty side effect -bad breath. For whatever biological reason the conversion of fat to energy can lead to really, really bad breath. This is a common complaint amongst followers of Atkins and similar low carbohydrate diets.

Amongst some of the bad press that low carb diets receive are worrying stories of people dying while on a low carb diet. These hyped up media tales are tied to one word - ketoacidosis. This particular condition occurs when a person goes on a zero carbohydrate diet and/or suffers from diabetes. During the ketosis phase the blood becomes overly acidic to a critical point. Coma and death can follow quickly if medical attention is not immediately sought.

Does everybody following a low carb diet run the risk of ketoacidosis? Not unless you have a history of diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed) and you also totally eliminate carbohydrates from your diet. Even then only a small number of people are actually susceptible to the effects of ketoacidosis when compared to the general population.

The results that low carb diets produce are hard to argue with. Rapid weight loss in a short space of time whilst on a high fat, high protein diet. These results fly in the face of conventional medical wisdom and serve to constantly annoy the established medical community.

Low carb dieting is not going to disappear any time soon. Especially not as long as major Hollywood celebrities are successfully using Atkins and showing off their results to the world media.

This article was submitted courtesy of the Low Carb Advice website. You can find lots of free low carb recipes there.