FatLoss4Idiots: Dieting Plan Review

FatLoss4Idiots Review - The Idiot Proof Diet

2008-03-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

Official Site: www.FatLoss4Idiots.com

FatLoss4Idiots is simply a calorie shifting diet which as they claim is supposed to keep your body guessing the future calorie intakes. This inure doesn't give your body a chance to manipulate the metabolism levels to slow down at any time in the future.

Also, the calorie shifting also comes with the fact that frequent short meals a day keeps your metabolic rate from dropping into the starvation mode which is what usually happens when you stay hungry for more than 3 or 4 hours.

As research shows, proper combination of food taken 6 times a day will keep your metabolism elevated at all times thus encouraging faster fat loss.

Another feature of the FatLoss4Idiots program is the online diet generator which is really a big key to losing 9 pounds in 11 days or so they claim. The online diet generator is designed with great expertise and allows you the option of vegetarian and non vegetarian meal plans.

The diet meals are designed with effectively researched food combinations so that the required nutrition are taken at the right times, and not when it is not at all required.

Although the FatLoss4Idiots program does mention 30 minutes of daily activity to get that extra edge in your fat loss goal, it doesn't go into the specifics of which programs do and don't work.

I have found in many forums that interval training using the stationary bike or the treadmill has benefited most of the people who have followed the FatLoss4Idiots program.

There is the latest research in Australia proving the fact that interval training works most of the endurance muscles and due to additional activity in the hips, spot reduction for stomach fat can be possible.

This means, interval training with the FatLoss4Idiots program can help you lose an additional 2-3 pounds of fat in 11 days. Interval training will help reduce more stomach fat and tighten your body muscles.

The fun part with the FatLoss4Idiots program is that not only can you eat 4-6 meals a day, but you get 3 cheat days after the 11 day program before you repeat it again. In those 3 cheat days, you can have a bit of fun with food. You can eat whatever you want as long as you don't go wild on it.

FatLoss4Idiots has worked for 1000's of people who have purchased it last year, and it can definitely work for you if you do it accordingly.

Visit www.FatLoss4Idiots.com for more information about this calorie shifting diet program.

How To Lose Fat And Gain Muscle

2008-03-14T17:30:00.000-07:00

By: Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS

I have 3 BIG, and I mean BIG fat loss, body changing lessons to share with you today. No one believes you can gain muscle and lose fat at the same time. I say, it's true. Not only do my Turbulence Training 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 program, like Turbulence Training, that you can do in the comfort of your own home.

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 prestigous 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 Turbulence Training than you do with long, slow, boring, less-effective cardio.

Turbulence Training: Build muscle, burn fat, at the same time.

Get in shape fast with Turbulence Training,

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, Turbulence Training

PS - Here are the respective references for those 3 studies...

a) Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Apr;85(4):1005-13.

b) J Appl Physiol 102: 1767-1772, 2007.

c) Hormone Research 2007;68:8-10.

PPS - Cut your workout and enjoy more time OUT of the gym...

"I used to think you needed to spend hours in the gym everyday in order to see results. With the help of CB and TURBULENCE TRAINING, I have reduced my workouts from 2 hours per day, everyday, to 50 minutes every other day. All the while I have trimmed over 60 lbs. of body fat off my now lean and muscular body. Thanks CB!!!"
Rob Vickers

About the Author

Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Men’s Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week.

For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment, visit www.TurbulenceTraining.com.

Foods To Lose Weight

2008-03-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Anytime the topic of discussion in my blogs, articles or newsletters has turned to my own personal grocery shopping list, there has always been a spike in interest. It seems that many people are not only curious about what foods a natural bodybuilder eats to maintain single digit body fat, but they also want to be taken by the hand and told exactly what foods to eat themselves while on fat-burning or muscle building programs. That's why I decided to put together four separate "top 10" lists of healthy foods that burn fat and build muscle.

Exact quantities and menus are not listed, just the individual foods, and of course my food intake does vary. I aim to get as many different varieties of fruits and vegetables as possible over the course of every week and there are a lot of substitutions made, so you are not seeing the full list of everything I eat, only what foods I eat most of the time.

I also want to point out that while I don’t believe that extreme low carbs are necessary or most effective when you look at the long term, research has shown that there are some definite advantages to a low to moderate carb and higher protein diet for fat loss purposes. These include reduced appetite, higher thermic effect of food and "automatic" calorie control.

Personally, I reduce my carb intake moderately and temporarily prior to bodybuilding competitions. Specifically, it's the foods that are on the starchy carbs and grains list that go down during the brief pre-competition period when I’m working on that really "ripped" look. I keep the green and fibrous veggie intake very high however, along with large amounts of lean protein, small amounts of fruit, and adequate amounts of essential fats.

This list reflects my personal preferences, so this is not a prescription to all readers to eat as I do. It's very important for compliance to choose foods you enjoy and to have the option for a wide variety of choices. In the past several years, nutrition and obesity research - in studying ALL types of diets - has continued to conclude that almost any hypocaloric diet that is not completely "moronic" can work, at least in the short term.

It's not so much about the high carb - low carb argument or any other debate as much as it is about calorie control and compliance. The trouble is, restricted diets and staying in a calorie deficit is difficult, so most people can't stick with any program and they fall off the wagon, whichever wagon that may be.

I believe that a lot of our attention needs to shift away from pointless debates (for example, low carb vs. high carb is getting really old… so like… get over it everyone, its a calorie deficit that makes you lose weight, not the amount of carbs).

Instead, our focus should shift towards these questions:

* How can we build an eating program that we can enjoy while still getting us leaner and healthier?

* How can we build an eating program that helps us control calories?

* How can we build an eating program that improves compliance?

Here's one good answer: Eat a wide variety of high nutrient density, low calorie density foods that you enjoy which still fit within healthy, fat-burning, muscle-building guidelines!

Here are the lists of foods I choose to achieve these three outcomes. This eating plan is not difficult to stick with at all, by the way. I enjoy eating like this and it feels almost weird not to eat like this after doing it for so long.

Remember, habits work in both directions, and as motivational speaker Jim Rohn has said, "Bad habits are easy to form and hard to live with and good habits are hard to form but easy to live with."

These are listed in the order I frequently consume them. So for example, if oatmeal is on the top of the list, it means that is the food I am most likely to eat every single day.

My 10 top natural starchy carb and whole grains

1. Oatmeal (old fashioned)
2. Yams
3. Brown rice (a favorite is basmati, a long grain aromatic rice)
4. Sweet potatoes (almost same as yams)
5. Multi grain hot cereal (mix or barley, oats, rye. titricale and a few others)
6. White potatoes
7. 100% whole wheat bread
8. 100% whole wheat pasta
9. Beans (great for healthy chili recipes)
10. Cream of rice hot cereal

My Top 10 top vegetables

1. Broccoli
2. Asparagus
3. Spinach
4. Salad greens
5. Tomatoes
6. Peppers (green, red or yellow)
7. Onions
8. Mushrooms
9. Cucumbers
10. Zucchini

My top 10 lean proteins

1. Egg whites (whole eggs in limited quantities)
2. Whey or Casein protein (protein powder supplements)
3. Chicken Breast
4. Salmon (wild Alaskan)
5. Turkey Breast
6. Top round steak (grass fed beef)
7. Flank Steak (grass fed beef)
8. Lean Ground Turkey
9. Bison/Buffalo
10. Trout

My top 10 fruits

1. Grapefruit
2. Apples
3. Blueberries
4. Cantaloupe
5. Oranges
6. Bananas
7. Peaches
8. Grapes
9. Strawberries
10. Pineapple

Note: I DO include healthy fats as well, such as walnuts, almonds, extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed's, flaxseed oil (supplement - not to cook with), avocado and a few others.

Also, I do eat dairy products and have nothing against them, nor am I lactose intolerant. I simply don't eat as much dairy as the rest of the stuff on my lists. When I eat dairy, its usually skim milk, low or non fat cottage cheese, low or non fat yogurt and low or non fat cheese (great for omelette's).

Last but not least, I usually follow a compliance rate of about 95%, which means I take two or three meals per week of whatever I want (stuff that is NOT on these lists - like pizza, sushi, big fatty restaurant steaks, etc)

I hope you found this helpful and interesting. Keep in mind, this is MY food list, and although you probably couldn't go wrong to emulate it, you need to choose natural foods you enjoy in order to develop habits you can stick with long term. In the fruits and vegetables categories alone, there are hundreds of other choices out there, so enjoy them all!

About the Author:

Tom Venuto is a natural bodybuilder, certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) and a certified personal trainer (CPT). Tom is the author of "Burn the Fat, Feed The Muscle," which teaches you how to get lean without drugs or supplements using methods of the world's best bodybuilders and fitness models.

Learn how to get rid of stubborn fat and increase your metabolism by visiting www.BurnTheFat.com

Book Review: Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle

2008-03-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

Official Site: www.BurnTheFat.com

Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle is the #1 best selling diet and fitness ebook in the history of the Internet. In fact, it's one of the best selling e-books on ANY subject in the history of the Internet.

This is not a "weight loss" program, it's a "fat" loss program. This may seem like semantics or wordplay at first, but once you've read just the first three chapters, there will be no doubt in your mind that pursuing "weight loss" is not only the wrong goal, it may be the reason that you've failed to reach and maintain your ideal body weight. Burn The Fat shows you exactly why it's fat you must lose, not "weight" (which includes muscle, water and other lean tissue) and then goes on to show you exactly how to do it.

Secondly, what makes Burn The Fat different is the amount of attention that is paid to each and every element of successful, healthy, permanent fat loss. You'll learn more about fat loss than you could from an entire semester of nutrition classes or from an entire shelf of maintstream diet publications at your local bookstore.

If there is any drawback to the Burn The Fat ebook, it's that it contains so much information, that some readers may find it a bit overwhelming. Those who are looking for a "cliff's Note's" quick start type of fat loss program, might be a bit intimated at first. The good part however, is that even these types of readers can feel confident and assured that it will be worth the effort because this will literally be the last book they ever have to buy on the subject.

In the broadest sense, anyone and everyone who needs to lose weight will benefit from Burn The Fat. Men, women, bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts, and especially motivated individuals and avid readers will love this book. Although it was written by a bodybuilder, this book is certainly NOT just for bodybuilders.

Visit Tom Venuto's Burn the Fat to learn more this ebook.

Seven Strategies For Fat Loss!

2008-03-11T23:58:00.000-07:00

1. Weight Training. Building lean body mass (muscle) will speed up your body's metabolism. Muscle is "active" tissue, meaning it takes calories to maintain. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. You build muscle by doing resistance training exercises. Simple enough? Let's go on...

2. Reduce Carbohydrate Intake. Say what? I thought you need a lot of carbohydrates for fuel? True, but an excess intake of carbs (please don't call them carbos) can and will be stored as body fat. 100% of all my clients who reduce their carbohydrate intake for fat loss succeed. I can't let all my tricks out of the bag in fairness to my paying clients, but a good starting point would be 1 - 1.25 grams of carbohydrate per pound of lean body weight per day.

3. Eat Frequently. I know you've all heard this before and it's true. Four to six meals daily has its benefits, especially on a sub maintenance calorie diet. It allows for a steady flow of nutrients to the body which creates a favorable metabolics environment for muscle growth and fat loss.

4. Eat More Protein. That's right... The building blocks of muscle are amino acids, and you get that from protein. I've found that many of my clients consumed too little protein. Now that I've taught them these nutritional tactics, they're on their way to losing fat and getting lean! Isn't that what you want?

5. Reduce Intake of Saturated Fats. Notice that I was specific in saying saturated fats. Saturated fats are the ones that cause the most problems, healthwise. There are good fats and there are bad fats. There are a group of fats called Essential Fatty Acids (or EFAs) that are just that. They are essential to life. The body cannot make them so we must consume them though our diet. There are certain fats that I recommend to people to help them lose fat! My clients know, but do you? (Hint: F??????? Oil)

6. Water. Drink, drink, and then drink some more, not necessarily in that order. An adult can probably survive several weeks without eating food, but only a few days without drinking water. Need I say more? Water regulates body temperature, rids the body of waste, lubricates joints, and provides a medium for chemical reactions that occur in the body.

7. Know What You're Doing! Get with someone who knows or better yet - Get a personal trainer! Do you know when the two BEST times are to do cardio (aerobics) for fat loss? Do you know how many sets and reps to perform for a given exercise in order to MAXIMIZE your goals? Do you know how to use free-weights? What are macronutrients and how can I manipulate them to enhance and hasten fat loss? If you don't know the answers, be efficient and get a personal trainer. It'll save you time and money in the long run.

Drinking water to lose weight

2008-02-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

If there were ever a magic potion for fat loss - it would be water. Our bodies are comprised of about 70% water. We lose about a liter (34 ounces) of water per day under normal circumstances and when the temperature in our body rises, as during exercise, we lose higher amounts of water through sweat. It only makes sense that we need to continually replenish this supply for water is necessary for nearly every function in our body. Water regulates our temperature, supports and protects our organs, helps with digestion, transports nutrients to our muscles and helps move along waste by products.

Water is, in essence, the key to fat metabolism. Here's why: one of you liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat to be burned for energy. If you are dehydrated, the kidneys cannot function properly and the liver begins to take over - as a result of working overtime, the liver metabolizes LESS fat so MORE fat remains in your body.

Sometimes we mistake mild states of dehydration for hunger. If we don't get enough fluids, our bodies give us indications that are similar to hunger pains. When this occurs, we start eating because we misunderstood what are bodies were telling us. Unnecessary calorie consumption can lead to excessive fat!

Water is a natural appetite suppressant. Drinking lots of water throughout the day helps to keep you feeling full. If your stomach feels full - you are less likely to overeat!

A constant supply of water is vital before, during and after a workout. Dehydration leads to a lack of energy, muscle fatigue and cramping. Even small amounts of water loss can hinder exercise performance.

Remember that alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, making you lose even more water, so be sure to compensate for the additional loss.

How to do it: You can replace the water lost during a typical day by drinking a minimum of 6-8 8 oz. glasses of water a day. Begin by drinking your first big glass of water right when you wake up. Drink a full glass of water with each meal. Keep water with you at all times.

To prevent dehydration, make sure you're drinking adequate amounts of water before, during and after a workout. As a rule of thumb, drink 8-12 ounces of water at least an hour before beginning to exercise, 8 oz during exercise and 8 oz when finished. If you are hungry about an hour after eating, try drinking a glass or two of water- you maybe misreading thirst for hunger. If you are still hungry after 15-20 minutes then proceed with a supportive snack to tide you over until your next meal.

Here's a 'success strategy' to get you started: Make drinking water more fun by adding a slice of lemon or lime. Drink water out of a frosted mug or colorful glass. Grab-n-go flavor packets add variety to water between meals. Keep a bottle of water in the car at all times. At work, pack an allotted number of bottled water and set a goal to finish the pack by the end of the day.

For those who tend to prefer carbonated beverages to plain water try sparkling water. Not only is it crisp and refreshing, it satisfies the need for carbonation. Just make sure you choose a sparkling water that does not contain sugar or fruit juice to avoid additional calories.

So if your goal is fat loss, combine a total body strength training program, supportive nutrition and some interval training with your magic fat loss potion and you're destined for success!

Review of Turbulence Training

2008-02-10T14:48:00.000-08:00

Official Site: www.TurbulenceTraining.com

Turbulence Training promises fast fat loss results for men and women who don't have a lot of time for exercise. This is a bold promise, and the workouts promise maximum results in only three workouts per week.

Before we get to the program, let's take a look at the expert behind the workouts. Craig's experience goes back to the mid-nineties, in both the gym and in the research lab. He's actually led research trials on sport supplements, strength training, and cardiovascular training. This is a unique, and thorough background, so its not surprising he's come up with a new training system for fat loss.

So if you're looking for new ways to spend 30 or 60-minutes doing cardio, then this program is not for you. But if you only have 45 minutes to workout, a couple of times per week, and you have access to only a bench, dumbells, and an exercise ball, then you'll like what Craig has for you here.

This unique system of bodyweight exercises, dumbell exercises, and interval training can all be done at home, with minimal equipment (if you are really strong, it might help to have a chinup bar). So again, if you are one of those people who loves machines, or cardio equipment, or marathon workouts, then this program is not for you.

Turbulence Training uses a lot of unique (but not fluffy) exercises, including some cool, killer bodyweight moves that will make you more athletic and increase your functional and core strength - again, all with minimal equipment needs.

Each workout progresses into the next. He's used all of these workouts with hundreds of clients - so they are safe and effective. Sure, you can get other programs that leave you smashed and puking after the first workout, but Turbulence Training is not like that. Soreness doesn't matter, only results matter! And you are in expert hands with Turbulence Training, and Men's Health expert, Craig Ballantyne.

All users will benefit from the Turbulence Training MP3 audio where Craig goes over the program, plus you can find every single exercise explained in detail, complete with photos.

If you're in the slightest bit curious, I recommend you look closely at Craig's program. I was very impressed with all of the Turbulence Training workouts, the bonuses, the guarantee, and Craig's expertise.

Visit www.TurbulenceTraining.com for more information.

Losing weight after pregnancy

2008-02-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Official Site: www.FitYummyMummy.com

This lifestyle program for busy moms is a comprehensive guide to what's arguably the most widespread, challenging and frustrating issue faced by moms today: how to get their pre-baby body back. For almost all mothers the changes their bodies incur during pregnancy coupled with the countless responsibilities that motherhood bring spell trouble for regaining their pre-pregnancy figure.

There is no shortage of fitness, diet and fat loss products on the market today. You can find a veritable library of conflicting arguments almost anywhere you choose to seek information on the subject of fitness for women, whether it's online, at your local library, through contact with personal trainers, or through the (less reputable but nevertheless very common) ranks of wannabe experts: aka, those frustrating people with no qualifications and no practical experience but are self professed experts because they ready the last issue of Shape magazine.

The tone of the book presents a welcome contrast to the other fitness products so freely available elsewhere. No unrealistic recommendations, 2 hour workouts, or zero-carb diets here. There's a quick section on getting started and goal setting along with some morale-boosting advice on how to stay on track throughout the program.

The Supportive Nutrition Plan is next. Every conceivable nutrition issue is covered, from how often you should eat to what you should keep in your pantry. And on top of that, it includes a 'Create a Menu Planner' to guide you in creating every meal to support your success.

The workout plan even offers four different formats that you can plug into your lifestyle. My favorite part of the workout section is that regardless of your exercise (or lack of exercise) background, there is a workout designed specifically for you. And no matter what you fitness level is, none of the workout programs require more than 90 minutes a week.

In my opinion, one of the best parts: a follow up e-mail coaching series from the author that keeps you on track, gives you daily fitness tips and even healthy recipes. While most moms have the best of intentions, staying on track is tough. This follow up e-mail coaching series is the perfect solution.

Visit www.FitYummyMummy.com for more information.

Diet Plans - Popular Diet Plans Review

2008-02-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

The Atkins Diet Plan:

The Atkins Diet is a high-protein, high-fat and low-carbohydrate weight-loss diet popularized by Dr. Robert C. Atkins. It is a form of ketogenic diet. The science behind how the Atkins diet helps you to lose weight is simple. When you eat very few carbohydrates (which are your usual main source of energy), the body goes into what is called a 'ketogenic state' where it must rely on stored fat for energy.

As a result, you burn fat quickly and begin to lose weight. This process also makes the body produce compounds called ketones, which initially give dieters a 'buzz' or euphoric feeling. Most dieters don't feel deprived on low-carbohydrates diets for the first several days because they are eating meals high in fat.

Weight Watchers Diet Plan:

Weight Watchers is a diet program which combines weight loss and exercise ideas. As a membership incentive system it offers special foods, cookbooks and exercise plans for a fee.

Weight Watchers points are awarded for success and the dieter has the support of Weight Watchers groups around the world and chapter members from his or her local group. The advantages are that one can lose weight with others, having the support of others who are fighting the same battles. Weight Watcher products are readily available, and there are hundreds of web sites for support.

Jenny Craig Weight Loss Program:

The Jenny Craig program offers personalized diet plans, and offers guidance at weekly meetings at Jenny Craig centers.

Participants must follow their personal meal plan, consisting of pre-packaged 'Jenny' meals along with healthy fruits and vegetables. The plan encourages healthy lifestyle changes and moderate eating. Clients get a personal touch as they work with counselors to find out their unique caloric needs, and can adjust their goals accordingly.

The Slim-Fast Plan:

Slim-Fast consists of meal-replacement shakes, snack bars and one real-food dinner, giving a total of around 1200 calories in a single day.

Slim-Fast has been designed to make weight-loss as easy as possible. There is nothing to count, no need to measure portions, you don't need to eliminate anything from your diet; all foods are OK, and no foods are forbidden. The plan involves 6 small meals/snacks per day, using Slim-Fast products for two meals and a snack and the rest of the day you're on your own, to prepare a "sensible" dinner. Once you reach your weight-loss goal, just replace one meal a day with a Slim-Fast meal and stick with the healthy lifestyle changes that you have made, such as exercising, and you will maintain your weight.

NutriSystem Diet Meal Plan:

The NutriSystem Diet entails eating mainly prepackaged NutriSystem meals until you reach your desired weight. For about $300 you get 28 days worth of entrees, snacks, and desserts delivered to your home.

You begin this diet by selecting the program that best meets your needs: Women’s, Men’s, Silver for Women, Silver for Men, Type 2 Diabetes, or Vegetarian. You can then either let NutriSystem select your meals or you can choose for yourself. Standard programs, such as Women's or Men's, offer over 300 different meals to choose from. But subscribers to the other programs have a more limited selection; for example, the vegetarian program lets you choose from about 60 entrees and desserts). Once you enroll in a program, the meals that you select will be delivered to your home. The meals are designed to be quick and convenient and don't even require refrigeration.

The South Beach Diet:

The South Beach Diet emphasizes normal portions of lean proteins such as fish and chicken; unlimited amounts of low-glycemic-index vegetables; ample amounts of healthy fats such as olive and canola oil, nuts and avocados; and small portions of "healthy carbs" found in fruit and less-processed grains.

By following this way of eating, the plan promises positive changes in markers of cardiovascular health: lower cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with increased HDL cholesterol levels. There are three phases in this diet. Dieters are encouraged to move back and forth between the different phases as needed to maintain their weight loss.

Phase I is the most restrictive and lasts for two weeks. It emphasizes lean proteins, fat-free or low-fat cheese, nuts, eggs, tofu, legumes, healthy types of fat and low-glycemic-index vegetables. Phase II reintroduces fruit, whole grain bread, rice, pasta and fat-free milk and yogurt. Dieters stay on Phase II until they've lost their desired amount of weight. Phase III is for maintenance and should be followed for life.

In summary, there is more than one way to lose weight. Include a fitness routine no matter how small, and you're guaranteed an easier time bridging the weight loss gap.

To begin losing weight I recommend using the new Idiot Proof Diet from FatLoss4Idiots -- because it does not require any calorie counting (it's one of the only diets in the world which forces fast weight loss without the need to count calories).

You can begin this new diet right here

Fat Burning Bodyweight Circuit Exercises

2008-02-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

By: Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Turbulence Training for Fat Loss

When you travel, you worry about missing your workouts and eating poorly...So you must plan ahead for both (apples and almonds for planes, trains, & automobiles)...and bodyweight circuits for "no-equipment fat burning".

And while I have bodyweight exercises that are just as hard as the bench press and barbell squat in one of my bodyweight workouts, today we'll focus on replacing intervals with bodyweight circuits.

To do a bodyweight circuit...

a) Pick 3 lower body exercises

b) Pick 3 upper body exercises

c) Alternate between a lower and upper body exercise without rest, till you are done all 6 exercises

d) Rest a minute.

e) Repeat 2-3 more times until you are done 20 minutes

For example, this is a great circuit that doesn't need any equipment

1) Prisoner Squat (12 repetitions)
2) Elevated Pushups (8 reps per side)
3) Single-Leg Deadlift (10 reps per side)
4) Close-grip Pushups (As many reps as possible)
5) Jumping Jacks (30-60 reps)
6) Cross-Body Mountain Climber (12 reps per side)

Whew. That's pretty advanced...for a beginner, we'd slow it down like this and take some breaks between exercises...

1) Wall Squat (8 reps)
2) Kneeling Elevated Pushup (5 reps per side)
3) Lying 1-leg Hip Extension (8 reps per side)
4) Plank (30 second hold)
5) Jumping Jacks (5-10 reps)
6) Side Plank (15 second hold per side)

Safe travels, and of course, always check with your doctor before beginning a fat burning bodyweight circuit exercise program.

About the Author

Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Men’s Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week. For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment, visit Turbulence Training for Fat Loss.

The Truth About Ab Machines

2008-02-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

Ab Machines are not the answer to a slimmer waistline. Ab machines are being advertised everywhere these days, but they are most commonly advertised on late night infomercials.

These infomercials are largely aimed at tricking the public to believe that they can "spot reduce" their stomach by doing a few ab exercises each day.

You've seen the infomercials, so you know what we're talking about.

These infomercials usually have a bunch of super-healthy fitness models walking around with perfect abs. They tell you that they owe their great looking abs to whatever "ab machine" that they're trying to sell to you.

These fitness models usually have a "smile" on their face as they demonstrate the ab machine for you. They do this so that you'll believe that it's "fun and easy" to use their ab machine.

However, what these super-healthy fitness models don't tell you is that they had great looking abs even before they used an ab machine.

Most of those fitness models were born with super-lean bodies, and this means that they would have great looking abs no matter what.

The truth is that ab machines do work to strengthen your ab muscles, but that's all they do. They strengthen your ab muscles, but they do not make your waistline slimmer. See the difference?

Ab machines cannot make your stomach THINNER or SLIMMER, they can only make your ab muscles STRONGER.

You see even if you have the strongest ab muscles in the world, it's still possible to have a huge waist at the same time.

In fact, just look at football players for a perfect example of this. Football players have some of the strongest ab muscles on the planet. You could almost hit their stomach with a sledgehammer, and not hurt them. Yet they are also some of the most overweight athletes on the planet.

This is because they have super strong ab muscles, but those ab muscles are buried beneath layers of fat tissue.

This fact PROVES that ab machines will only give you stronger abs, but they won't give you a SLIMMER STOMACH.

If you want a thinner waistline then you must lose the fat tissue which is sitting on top of your stomach muscles, and the only way to do that is to follow a good dieting plan.

You must remember that you can make your abs super strong and firm, and yet you can still have tons of fat tissue sitting on top of your stomach which prevents your ab muscles from being seen.

This is the truth which ab machine makers don't want you to know when you're watching their fitness models on TV. The truth is that you need to begin a diet to lose the fat which is sitting on top of your ab muscles, since only then will you get a slimmer waistline.

Make Your Body A Fat Loss Machine

2008-02-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

So the new year is here, and many of you out there are starting to think about fat loss and how to beat the battle of the bulge. Well, there are many types of Fat loss supplements and Fat loss diets out there. However, I want to explain to you about how to get your body geared to be a fat loss machine.

Remember there is a big difference between weight loss and fat loss. Often times individuals will go on a calorie restrictive diet and lose weight very quickly and tell you that they lost 10 lbs in only two weeks. Let's just see how long they can keep that off. Fact is there is a big difference between rapid weight loss vs. rapid fat loss. I would say that you should strive for no more than 2-3 lbs per week of fat loss to have it safe and effective. Any more than that amount you will be setting yourself up for disaster and will lose muscle as well. This will in turn slow the metabolic rate, slowing down the number of calories you burn at rest and in the long haul won't give you the results you are looking for.

Let me outline a few things you can do to get your body Fat down and make you look and feel better than ever this spring.

First, you should be performing fat loss workouts that involve strength training and cardiovascular training. I would say you should be performing exercises that stress you entire body and you should be doing a combination of low repetition between 4-8 reps, and high repetitions between 20-25. One will give you muscle density and tone, and the other will stimulate a powerful hormone called growth hormone that will stimulate fat loss naturally.

Second, make sure your doing cardiovascular work in the form of cross-training with varying intensities to aid in your body fat loss. I would recommend you do at least 30 minutes and get to the point of breathing very heavy to make sure you hit fat stores. By varying intensities you use up more fuel, like gas to a car and with changing types of exercise you work the cardiovascular system differently and you won't get bored. Three to Four times per week for maintenance five to six days a week for more rapid fat loss.

And lastly, your nutrition needs to be conducive to get that body fat down. I don't believe in fat loss diets, just wholesome eating from foods that are found in their natural state as possible. That means good complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, fresh vegetables and healthy fats. Eating 5 times per day will truly accelerate the process. You do that, and you won't be looking for the next fat loss supplement. This will in turn keep your blood sugar levels balanced and keeping you feel full and energetic throughout the day.

How To Lose Belly Fat For Women

2008-02-05T23:00:00.000-08:00

Have you tried everything under the sun to get a flat stomach, only to come up disappointed? Have you fallen prey to all the gimmicks, fad diets and shameless infomercials promising you that elusive flat stomach that you desire?

Well fret no more, I'm going to let you in on the two secrets that will help you shed unwanted fat and reveal your toned, flat stomach once and for all.

The first secret for a flat stomach is eating supportively. While this doesn't seem like a secret at all, most women get this wrong in spite of their best - but misguided - efforts. Women have fallen prey to low-fat, low-carb, Hollywood, grapefruit, South Beach and every other over hyped diet that marketers can dream up, all in hopes of shedding those unwanted pounds. But eating supportively is isn't about dieting or deprivation; it's about moderation and balance. While cutting carbs or fats out of your nutrition plan might give you a temporary loss of a couple of pounds, it's typically followed by a drop in metabolism and a weight gain of more than you lost in the first place once you go back to your old eating habits.

So what is eating supportively? Eating supportively is having protein and carbohydrates at every meal. It's grazing on 4-6 meals or snack each day instead of missing meals and then gorging yourself. It's enjoying a healthy breakfast and not drinking your calories. But most of all, eating supportively is enjoying the foods you love in moderation instead of in excess.

If eating supportively is the first secret to a flat stomach, then what's the second? The second flat stomach secret is resistance training. Unfortunately, just as fad diets have stood in the path of women achieving the flat stomachs they so desired, so have the myths of spot reduction and cardio being the best method for fat loss. Late night infomercials have long promoted gadgets that promised to spot reduce those trouble spots that women struggle with and sucked us in with testimonials from fitness models that undoubtedly picked up a nifty paycheck for endorsing their wares. But spot reduction is a myth. Think about it - have you ever met someone with a flat stomach and fat arms? Didn't think so. If spot reduction was possible then undoubtedly one of these happy customers would have toned and tightened their stomach, yet kept their flabby arms.

The other myth that has led women astray is the belief that cardio is the best solution for fat loss. Treadmill manufacturers have sold the virtues of the 'fat burning zone' and led us to believe that we could plod along on a treadmill watching Oprah and before long a flat stomach would be ours. These two myths have diverted us from the path of what really does work - resistance training. Resistance training is a flat stomach's best friend because not only does an effective resistance training session burn plenty of calories while you're doing it, but it keeps you're metabolism revved long after you're done. One recent study showed that you're metabolism would stay elevated for over 36 hours after a resistance training session.

Try to get that out of an aerobics class.

And there's another benefit of resistance training when it comes to getting a flat stomach. The lean muscle that you gain will raise you're resting metabolic rate and help you burn more fat all day long, each and every day.

There you have it, two 'secrets' that are guaranteed to boost your metabolism and give you that flat stomach you've been longing for. So ditch the diet books and the aerobics classes and start eating supportively and resistance training. Before long that flat stomach will finally be yours.

About the Author

Holly Rigsby is a nationally recognized women's fitness coach, certified personal trainer (CPT) and the author of the internationally popular e-book – Fit Yummy Mummy - Burn Your Baby Fat & Get Your Body Back.

Go to www.fityummymummy.com to get your FREE copy of her special report: "The Five Ways To Boost Your Metabolism."

Zone Diet Review

2008-02-05T02:09:00.000-08:00

The Zone Diet is based on the theory of 40/30/30 -- which means that 40% of calories should be from carbs, 30% from protein, and 30% from fats. This program was created by Barry Sears, and a well known book was published about this diet called "Enter the Zone".

So when a dieter eats a meal which is "40/30/30" -- then it's referred to as a "Zone Favorable" meal.

The author of the Zone Program (Barry Sears) claims that if you make all meals "Zone Favorable" then your body will have reduced insulin levels, which will lead to weight loss and fat burning.

However, I do not agree that eating a 40/30/30 meal (Zone Favorable meal) is the best way to reduce insulin levels.

Also, another thing to remember is that it can be difficult to follow the Zone Diet because everything must be calculated "precisely" at every meal (and most people will find such calculations very tedious, especially people with busy schedules).

I believe that average dieters may find this program too difficult to use for any serious length of time, and therefore I do not like the Zone Diet program.

The makers of this diet have even created their own line of Zone Favorable Food products (such as Zone bars, Zone Shakes, and other Zone products for dieters).

But of course, such products cost much more than "average food" costs... so many average dieters may discover that buying such products is not economical for them. This is yet one more reason why I would not recommend using this program.

Calorie Counting Doesn't Work for Weight Loss

2008-02-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

Most people believe that calories are the "enemy", since eating excess calories leads to excess fat, right? That’s why most people believe that the fastest way to lose weight is to cut way back on calories each day.

After all, if a dieter is eating 2,500 calories per day and they decide to cut back to 1,500 calories per day - then obviously those extra 1,000 calories have to result in weight loss, right?

Well, actually this is not exactly true.

In fact, if you try to cut your calories too much (via starving yourself and skipping meals) then you'll quickly reach a dieting "plateau" (a point where the scale refuses to drop any lower no matter how little your are eating).

Firstly, let's talk about how the average person begins a new diet...

The scenario usually sounds something like this...

One day you look in the mirror and see that your clothes are fitting tighter than normal, and you look more overweight than normal. ...And on this day you get "angry" with yourself, you're angry with what you see in the mirror – and you decide that you’re going to lose weight no matter what it takes.

You are filled with lots of motivation and anger on this day, and you feel determined to do whatever it takes to get slimmer.

So what's the first thing you do?

...You begin skipping meals and cutting way back on calories in an attempt to starve yourself thinner, since you're convinced that calories are the enemy.

Anyway, the above scenario is how you begin your "starvation diet."

On the first day of dieting you feel so "motivated" to lose weight that you decide to skip breakfast.

Unfortunately, this motivation doesn't last for long, because after a few hours your hunger begins making you feel weak -- because your body is not accustomed to "skipping meals" like this, and your body is not accustomed to being without calories for so long.

Anyway, by the time lunchtime arrives you're so hungry (and weak) that you feel absolutely miserable --- but yet you bravely tell yourself that you can handle this diet (because after all, you certainly don't want to feel like a quitter).

So you perhaps have a piece of fruit for lunch (or perhaps another small food item instead), since you're still convinced that you can starve yourself thinner.

Finally, hours later when dinnertime arrives you're so miserable and hungry that you have a major headache - and this is the moment when you finally begin to realize that starving yourself might not be such a good idea after all.

After this first day of starving yourself you feel horrible, but you're determined to stick to your diet since you don't want to be a quitter so soon -- so you'll likely hold out for another few days on this diet.

Or, if you are particularly brave then you may even hold out for a week or two.

However, regardless of how long you actually hold out -- you won't get any slimmer and the final result will still be the same.

You see, even after two weeks of starving yourself you won't have achieved any serious weight loss at all. In fact, your body will still look the same when you look in the mirror.

Why is this true?

This is true because most of the weight lost during a "starvation diet" is just water weight, and not real fat loss.

You must remember that any "water weight" lost during a starvation diet will be gained back immediately when you stop dieting and start eating normally again.

Also, whenever you starve yourself you cause a "hidden" factor to come into play...

You see, whenever you starve yourself your body will begin burning fewer calories each day.

For instance, let's say that you normally eat about 3,000 calories per day.

....But then you suddenly cut way back on calories -- so that you're now eating only 1,000 calories per day.

Guess what happens?

Even though you're eating 2,000 fewer calories per day your body will begin burning 2,000 fewer calories per day – so in reality your weight will remain the same even though you’re eating 2,000 fewer calories per day.

When this happens the scale will stop going down regardless of how little you are eating each day, and this is known as a weight loss "plateau."

This is why most starvation dieters cannot make the scale go down anymore after just two weeks of dieting. They all hit a "plateau" where the scale just refuses to go down any further, no matter how little they are eating each day.

Now you know why you've always failed when trying to starve yourself in the past, since it's just not possible to lose weight by starving yourself.

The truth is that "serious" weight loss can never be achieved by starvation dieting.

Serious weight loss can only be achieved by giving your body the right types of calories at the correct times each day, which is something that we talk about below...

Your body is actually like a big "engine" -- and the truth is that your body needs all 3 types of calories (protein, carbs, and fat) to some degree.

To begin losing weight fast I recommend using the new Idiot Proof Diet from Fat Loss 4 Idiots -- because it does not require any calorie counting (it's one of the only diets in the world which forces fast weight loss without the need to count calories).

You can begin this new diet right here

Healthy Weight Loss

2008-02-02T23:15:00.000-08:00

Healthy weight loss diet plans have a different focus than many of the commercial programs. Too many of the commercial programs compete to show who can have customers losing the most weight in the fastest time. Healthy weight loss diet plans only aim to give participants a better quality of life.

These plans focus on turning you on to a healthy lifestyle. The goal is to teach you this new lifestyle beginning with the moment you start the diet. And you never really go off the diet; you will only adjust it to your new weight. You learn a new diet – or healthy way of eating – for life!

One example of a "new" way of eating is a weight pyramid. At the base of the pyramid are the foods that you can eat without restriction. These include all kinds of fruits and vegetables. There is such a variety of these foods that you should never want for a new choice.

Next up on the weight pyramid are the carbohydrates and grains. Healthy weight loss diet plans will not leave these foods out. In fact, some good plans will allow 4-8 servings per day. An important detail is that the majority of these food choices are whole grains. Oh, the exact number of servings depends on your current weight, height, and fitness level.

Healthy weight loss diet plans also include at least 3 and up to 7 servings of protein and dairy. These include lean meats, chicken, and fish. Cold water fish is the best because it is full of Omega-3 oils which are healthy fats for your body.

Even fats and sweets should be accounted for. You might have a diet that allows you 3-5 servings of fat and 75 calories of sweets. Why? Because your body needs a small amount of fats. You won't stay on your diet for life if you know you can never eat sweets again.

A good plan will also offer sample menus. These give you an idea of what is meant by the requirements of the plan. They make it clear how to put together a meal out of the many choices available.

You'll do better with healthy weight loss diet plans if you learn about correct portions. Check to make certain whatever plan you choose is clear on portion sizes. For example, a medium apple might be the size of a tennis ball. A 3-ounce piece of meat might be the size of a deck of cards.

What's more, some plans even give instructions on how to figure servings on food you buy pre-packaged. Do you go by what the package says is a serving? Or do you go by a certain number of calories or carbohydrate grams? Healthy diet plans will tell you.

There's no quick fix for losing weight. You can't simply sit on the sofa and drop the weight you've been carrying. It takes effort to change behaviors you’ve spent a lifetime cultivating. However, healthy weight loss diet plans give you the tools and they make being in shape a life-long habit.

To begin losing weight I recommend using the new Idiot Proof Diet from FatLoss4Idiots -- because it does not require any calorie counting (it's one of the only diets in the world which forces fast weight loss without the need to count calories).

You can begin this new diet right here

Healthy Eating and The Food Pyramid

2008-02-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

Most people have heard about "The Food Pyramid". It's a government created guideline for "healthy eating" each day, it's sort of a general nutrition guide for the country.

In fact, the government (US Department of Agriculture) has recently upgraded it's food pyramid -- but the truth is that it's still an unsatisfactory guideline for people who want to lose weight.

It's important to remember that the Food Pyramid was not created for "weight loss", it was created as a "general nutrition guide" to maintain average health.

It's supposed to be a general nutrition guide for healthy eating, so you must remember that it's not a tool meant to help you with fat loss and dieting.

In other words, it's not the best choice to help overweight people who want to get slim in a hurry.

Secondly, the new Food Pyramid is based on vague nutritional guidelines which are nearly as bureaucratic and vague as possible. It advocates that people should eat specific "ounces" of food based on a person's age, weight, gender, and other factors.

...But trying to calculate your daily food intake by using such vague guidelines is just not very fun or practical -- not to mention it's not very easy to do either.

In other words, it's not a solution for weight loss -- nor is it a practical solution for healthy eating each day. In fact, the Food Pyramid is just like most other government created "guidelines" --- which means it's the result of a bureaucratic effort which aims to give vague and general advice.

If you're looking to lose weight then you certainly don't want to use the new Food Pyramid as a tool to help you, since you likely won't see fast dieting results by doing that.

If you're looking to get skinny then an Online Diet Generator which can allow you to lose weight fast, and more importantly this diet generator is easy to use (and it calculates all of your meals for you, so that you don't have to do any work yourself).

Many people will need an easy to follow menu in order to begin losing weight, since people don't want to read food labels and count calories (most people are too busy for that anyway).

FatLoss4Idiots has help thousands of overweight people lose fat each week, and is one of the most popular fat burning sites on the Internet. So go ahead and try their Diet Generator and watch how quickly you'll begin losing weight. Remember that there are no calorie limits when using this fat burning program, since counting calories doesn't work.

You can begin using this new Online Diet System right here

How To Lose Weight Quickly

2008-02-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

I know, as soon as you saw the words "quickly" and "lose weight" in the headline, you were ready to write this off as another one of those gimmicks or programs sound too good to be true and usually are. But bear with me and you'll learn 3 strategies that I guarantee will help you in your weight loss efforts.

You've probably been conditioned to believe that weight loss had to be tied to countless hours at the gym, the latest supplement breakthroughs or eating nothing but celery stalks and tofu. Fortunately, dropping a couple dress sizes doesn't take anything that drastic. What it does take is making some small changes in the behaviors that led to the addition of those unwanted pounds. Here are 3 lifestyle changes that will immediately help you lose that unwanted fat and get your body back.

1. Stop Eating Out. Think back to when you were growing up. Do you remember what the dinner plates looked like? Now compare that to what the "plates" look like at O'Charleys, Applebees or any of the other chain restaurants. It's no wonder we're gaining weight. There are dozens of studies about eating out and they all lead to one conclusion: if you eat out, you overeat! Not only is it almost impossible to exercise effective portion control when you eat out, but you're also compelled to get you money's worth so you eat everything you're served rather than stopping when you should.

The bottom line is that those who eat out consume more calories than those that don't. Take a break from eating out for the next six weeks and see how easily you can drop a dress size or even two. And you can use the money you saved eating at home to buy a couple of new outfits to showcase your improved body.

2. Eat Smaller Portions. You don't have to avoid the foods that you enjoy - you just can't eat big servings of them. An easy way to do this is to use smaller plates for your meals. This will help you fell like you're not depriving yourself while still exercising good judgment. And don't think that just because something is on your plate, you have to eat it. As opposed to what your mother told you, you don't have to 'clean your plate.' In fact - you shouldn't. Eat slowly and stop when you aren't hungry any more. You'll quickly find that you can enjoy your favorite foods and your skinny jeans at the same time.

3. Make Better Choices. I know I just said that you can eat the foods you enjoy and still lose weight, but that doesn't mean overindulging on processed foods, candy, sodas and chips. The key is moderation. So when you go to the supermarket, do the bulk of your shopping around the perimeter of the store and spend less time in the isles. When you're at work, keep health snacks handy so you don't have to rely on the company's vending machine for your energy boost. But most importantly, make good choices with the meals that don't really matter. Your quality of life won't dramatically improve if you choose a cheeseburger over a grilled chicken salad for lunch, so don't do it. Save the times when you are going to choose foods that might be considered unsupportive for the meals that you really look forward to. Improving your choices will accelerate your weight loss and help you save unnecessary calories without really trying.

Obviously, there is nothing magic about any of these three strategies other than the results that they produce. So start applying these three simple ideas and prepare to get your body back.

About the Author

Holly Rigsby is a nationally recognized women's fitness coach, certified personal trainer (CPT) and the author of the internationally popular e-book – Fit Yummy Mummy - Burn Your Baby Fat & Get Your Body Back. Go to www.fityummymummy.com to get your FREE copy of her special report: "The Five Ways To Boost Your Metabolism."

Jenny Craig Weight Loss Review

2008-02-02T02:17:00.000-08:00

The Jenny Craig weight loss program is a bit more traditional and simple in my opinion, though it probably costs a bit too much for the average person (it's also a little too basic in its principles, in our opinion).

This entire diet seems to be based on eating fewer calories while exercising more, which is a very old concept. With Jenny Craig you get assigned your own weight loss expert (nutrition counselor) who will help to keep you motivated each week so that you'll remain on the diet.

This is possible because Jenny Craig has many weight loss centers throughout the world, and if dieters live close to a facility then they can choose to meet with a nutrition consultant "in person". Or, if dieters do not live near a facility then they can choose to meet with their nutrition counselor "via telephone" each week.

...But regardless of whether you meet with your nutrition consultant via telephone or in person -- you'll still have to buy Jenny Craig's expensive "pre-packaged" meals. That's the downside of this diet program in my opinion, since you have to continually buy Jenny's pre-packaged meals (which are fairly expensive when compared to normal meals).

From everything I've seen these pre-packaged meals seem to be lower calorie versions of normal meals, so they don't seem to be anything too earth shattering or special (from our perspective).

So with Jenny Craig you'll basically be eating fewer calories (smaller portioned meals) and exercising more while meeting weekly with a nutrition counselor (who will keep you motivated so that you don't quit the diet).

Plus, don't forget that you'll be required to buy Jenny Craig's pre-packaged food every single week -- which can be expensive over time.

So overall I don't think that it's smart to use the Jenny Craig program, since any diet that requires you to continually spend money for "special meals" is not a good choice in my opinion.

Treatments for Controlling Diabetes

2008-02-01T07:07:00.000-08:00

We've known forever that a lowfat diet can protect against cardiovascular disease--now there's evidence suggesting that it fights diabetes too. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that overdoing it on fatty foods appears to suppress the action of GnT-4a, the single gene that controls the production of the hormone insulin, which keeps blood sugar (glucose) levels in check.

Consistently elevated glucose is the hallmark of diabetes. "The results of the study, which was done on mice, have the potential to explain how diet influences the development of type II diabetes in people," says study author Jamey Marth, Ph.D. Scientists are now trying to find out why the gene fails--and how to correct it.

But you don't have to wait to take action: Trimming the fat out of your diet is an overall healthy move.

Should I check my sugar level if I feel some differences?

Some people with diabetes may feel that they are able to judge whether their blood level is too high or too low. Sometimes this may work, but it does not work all the time. In other words, it is unreliable to judge through feelings.

Studies have proven that diabetic blood sugar level can rise to an extremely high level or dropped dangerously with the person knowing it. Some people can tell when it is rising, but most people cannot tell when it is decreasing rapidly. Some even has mistaken the sugar level to be low even though it is high.

So this shows that is not accurate to judge by ourselves. Hence, always check your diabetic blood sugar level before taking insulin or exercising or driving.

Is sugar in common food harmful to my body?

Sugar is a powerful pack of energy for our body. Our body takes great care to monitor the sugar level as any unbalanced in sugar level can cause disaster to our body system. However, for people with diabetes, their body cannot regulate the blood sugar level well. This may cause high blood sugar level from occurring easily. If this is not solved, high sugar level can create problems such as damages to eyes, kidneys and nerves. That is why for people with diabetes, it is important for one to watch what one eats.

Sugar in common food may not look harmful, but for people with diabetes, simple things like the food we eat can also create problems if we do not take note of what we eat. So start to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a well balance food diet plan.

For more information on controlling your diabetes, please visit www.YourDiabetesCure.com.

Atkins Low Carb Diet Review

2008-01-30T02:22:00.000-08:00

The Atkins Low Carb Diet is based on eating very few carbs, and this is especially true during "Phase 1". I believe that it's one of the strictest low carb diets on the market, especially during "Phase 1".

There is no mistaking this program for anything other than a very strict low carb plan, since it only allows 80 carb calories per day during the first phase (20 grams of net carbs is approximately 80 carb calories per day)... and that's less carbs than you'll find in a large apple, since even a large apple has slightly more carbs than that.

Phase 1 of the Atkins Diet is now listed as 'optional' -- but even if Phase 1 is skipped I still believe that the overall carb limitations make it a very strict low carb diet.

This program is probably not for the faint of heart, since only truly committed dieters will probably be able to withstand Phase 1 of this program.

Effective Cardio Workouts In Only 20 Minutes

2008-01-29T01:14:00.000-08:00

The perfect workout routine is one that combines strength training and some form of cardio. The problem is, most people hate doing cardio and will make up any excuse not to do it. A popular excuse is not having enough time. This article, however, will show you how you can spend only 20 minutes on a cardio workout and still reap the benefits.

So first of all, why is it necessary that you add cardio to your workouts? Most people understand the benefits of strength training because it adds muscle and muscle makes you healthier, more lean and stronger overall.

But what are the benefits of cardio? Here is a short list that names just a few:

- it helps reduce stress
- it burns calories which leads to weight loss
- it makes your heart and lungs stronger
- it reduces your risk of certain diseases
- it reduces depression and increases confidence
- it gives you more energy and helps you sleep better

To sum it up, adding cardio to your workout improves your health and well-being which leads to a better quality of life. Combine this with strength training and you're on your way to feeling great, fast.

So how can you reap the benefits of cardio in only 20 minutes per workout? It's called Interval Training and it can be applied to many different forms of cardio including boxing, running and biking.

The concept in a nutshell is shorter workouts, but higher intensity. This is accomplished by pushing hard for say two minutes and then slowing down for two minutes. If you repeat this cycle four more times then you have your 20 minutes. You could also do one minute hard, one minute easy and then repeat this nine more times.

Here is an example:

Interval training is perfect for running. If you're working out on a treadmill or running outdoors, it's the same routine. Start out with a warm up jog followed by two minutes of a challenging pace. This won't be your all out because you have to maintain it for two minutes, but a pace that will be very hard for you. You then follow this with two minutes of either a walk or a very slow jog. Repeat four more times and you've got yourself an effective cardio workout in only 20 minutes.

This concept can be applied to many different forms of cardio: two minutes hard, two minutes easy, repeat four more times. Or one minute hard, one minute easy, repeat nine more times.

You'll get your blood flowing, your heart pumping and reap all the benefits cardio has to offer...all in only 20 minutes.

Ryan Cote is the owner of SimpleHealth123.com, a website supplying aging healthy products, resources and a free 4-day health course, and GetHealthyReport.com, home of the anti-aging report, Get Healthy!

The Rice Diet Review

2008-01-28T02:25:00.000-08:00

First of all, the Rice Diet is actually not a diet based on rice.

The Rice Diet was created by Duke University and it's designed to help people with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and obesity.

But it's not a typical diet which people can follow from the comfort of their own homes -- because it's a medically supervised program which is administered by doctors and nutrition experts from a placed called the Rice House in Durham, North Carolina. In other words, you must travel to the Rice Diet Center to participate in this weight loss program.

Overweight people from around the world do visit the Rice Diet Center to participate in health classes and workshops, and to be supervised by nutrition experts while following the program. Dieters stay there for an average of 4-8 weeks.

This program consists of 2 phases.

The first phase consists of grains and fruits, and should only be done under medical supervision.

The second phase adds fish, vegetables, beans and other carbs to the menu.

This program is probably best suited to seriously overweight people who have been struggling with obesity for most of their lives, or other people who need to lose a lot of weight. It's certainly not for everybody, and many people may find this program way too expensive.

Where To Begin? Fun Weight Loss Exercise Programs

2008-01-27T20:16:00.000-08:00

So we all know that exercise is at the core of a strong weight loss program. But, there are so many ways to go about exercising, where do we begin? In reality, all it takes is consistent, exerting activity, at least 3-4 times a week. However, if you're looking for more suggestions on how to begin your weight loss exercise programs, here are 3 fields in which you might find some inspiration:

1.) Take A Hike!

Or a walk. Walking is one of the best places to begin your exercise. It takes no experience, no training, and little extra equipment - literally, all you need is a pair of shoes (and maybe some socks).

While running, of course, is the strongest means to staying fit, you can achieve the same level of exertion and burned calories by just walking over a prolonged period. In fact, many weight loss and fitness experts recommend walking as just a basic exercise program, not merely a weight loss exercise program. When you walk, you raise your heart rate, which burns calories, and builds muscle strength and elasticity. So not only will you lose weight, but you will replace it with more muscle.

2.) Why Not Weights?

Want to replace the fat with more muscle? Try weight training. But weights do more than just give you physical definition - muscles burn a lot of fat. This is because muscles need calories around the clock to maintain their tone, so even though you exercise them maybe every other day, they burn calories in the days in between, no matter what you're doing.

So if you've got strong muscles, you'll be burning calories even as you sit working at a desk. And weight training is fairly easy to begin. Maybe talk with a professional trainer at a gym about what you're trying to achieve, and they can give you certified recommendations about where to begin.

3.) Get A Gym Membership

If you're looking to weight train, a gym is perfect. Actually, if you're looking to do anything fitness-wise, a gym will easily meet your needs, and then some. A gym may just be the best place to lose weight. You can work on cardiovascular fitness, on muscular strength, or on flexibility, in many more ways than one.

If you want further direction, every gym has a certified staff that can help you find the sort of exercises that both you and your body will love. Plus, you'll find yourself in company with many other people who have weight loss in mind - so you'll hardly be alone. In fact, most likely, you'll come to really enjoy the gym, and once you get to that point, we really have to say nothing more.

No one ever said weight loss was easy, but they also never said it couldn't be fun. You can find a weight loss exercise program that's fun for you, and once you start enjoying it, losing the pounds will all be just part of the benefits. So go and get started, and have a great time!

About The Author:

Article by Scott T Smith. Are YOU sick and tired of being overweight? Ready for weight loss solutions that really work? Visit Slimstuff on the Web at http://www.slimstuff.com/

Cabbage Soup Diet Review

2008-01-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Cabbage Soup Diet is much different though, and it's not nearly as healthy in my opinion. This diet is also known as the Mayo Clinic Program, for those who don't know.

So what is the Cabbage Soup (Mayo Clinic) Diet?

It's basically a 7 day plan which allows unlimited cabbage soup each day.

The reason for this is because there is almost no calories in the soup (very few calories in the soup). Other foods can be eaten too, but the only food which can be eaten every single day in "unlimited quantities" is cabbage soup.

The menu is a bit bizarre though, because on some days it allows unlimited fruit along with unlimited cabbage soup -- while on other days it allows unlimited vegetables along with cabbage soup.

Yet on other days it allows unlimited rice to be eaten, while on other days lots of bananas are encouraged to be eaten.

Clearly this is an unusual weight loss program, it's basically a quick 7 day diet for people who are willing to lose weight via eating severely lower calories.

I would not recommend using the Cabbage Soup / Mayo Clinic program, and it's my opinion that this type of program is not very healthy.