Everyone Needs Fat — Just Not That Much

Fat is vital to the body. It acts as a cushion for your organs and your bones. The body takes a lot of jostling especially when we are young and bouncing around a lot. Without fat, we’d be injured each time we took a tumble. As we age, we need the same cushioning to prevent injury to our somewhat more fragile bones and joints.

Fat is also used in cell membranes. Lipids are fats that have a hydrophobic end (water hating) and a hydrophilic end (water loving). Substances encased in a fatty layer for transport can enter the cell. Without fats, the body would lack a lot of what it needs to function and maintain its structure on the cellular level.

The problem comes when we have too much fat on our frame. (...)>

Read the rest of The Dangers of Abdominal Fat… and How to Get Rid of it (374 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: abdominal fat, diabetes

The fruit has a deep purple color to it and is about the size of a grape. The acai berries have a sharp taste that is reminiscent to a blend of chocolate and berries.

Even though only about ten percent of the acai berry is edible, it contains many nutrients. It’s proponents believe that it may be one of the most nutritious foods on earth. Acai berries are crammed full with amino acids, antioxidants, and important fatty acids. (...)>

Read the rest of Amazing Health Benefits from Brazil: Discover the Acai Berry (125 words)

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What is Obesity?

The simple definition is that obesity happens when a person has an access of total body fat in proportion to the muscle mass. Most commonly, an overweight person is considered to have obesity, when their weight is around 20% or greater of what should be their normal weight.

We have all heard of the body mass index or BMI. The BMI is the standard that many will use in determining just how obese someone is. Normally, a BMI of between 25 and 29.9 constitutes being overweight. Those of the BMI of over 30 are considered to be obese.

Unfortunately in today’s society, many people fall into the category of morbid obesity. This is when you have a BMI of 40 or greater or about 50-100% above normal weight recommendations. (...)>

Read the rest of The Brutal Truth: The 8 Causes of Obesity (422 words)

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It’s a wonderful cycle to get caught up in! Work out, lose fat, build muscle, burn more fat. Other than doing your exercises routinely, there are foods you can eat to help build muscle tissue. Let’s take a look at what sort of super foods will help build muscle.

The Magic of Muscle For Weight Loss

As we age, we lose muscle, especially when we reach the age of forty and over. But, muscle is important. It helps to strengthen our framework. The same calcium that strengthens the bones also builds the muscle that the frame is attached to.

Muscle weighs more than fat. It’s important to realize that especially when you are losing weight. If the scale comes down slowly, don’t worry. You are sculpting a more beautiful, healthier body with lean muscle. And, that lean muscle needs more energy to operate. That’s one reason why muscle burns fat for energy. Yes, even when you are not lifting dumbbells, your muscles are at work burning fat for you. What more could you ask?

Building muscle requires a nutritious diet. Muscle needs protein, calcium, and a host of other nutrients to grow. That is where super foods come in. (...)>

Read the rest of Muscle Building Super Foods (351 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: building muscle, eggs, flax seed, nuts, steak, super foods, turkey

The Realities of Weight Loss

Why can’t we seem to take it off? The real answer lies in what we eat. To get your weight loss journey on track switch from processed foods to simple things like super foods. Super foods are packed with power.

Super foods have specific qualities that make it easier to lose weight.

1. They fill you up with fiber. If your belly is full, you don’t want any more food.
2. They change your desires. If you change your palate by avoiding sugary foods, then sweet treats won’t have the same appeal. In fact, when you start craving sweet summer strawberries instead of gooey strawberry shortcake, then you know you’re on your way!

It is not easy to lose fat. It takes roughly a 3,500 calorie deficit to lose a pound. That sounds like a lot, but when you are eating foods that are high in nutritional value and low in calories—ie: the super foods—the weight will feel like it is literally melting off. And, you get the benefit of super nutrients strengthening your body at the same time.

Here is a list of our favorite super foods for weight loss. (...)>

Read the rest of Jump Start Your Diet With These Weight Loss Super Foods (365 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: apples, eggs, oats, peppers, sardines, super foods, whole grains

The problem of emotional eating may end with the scale but it begins in the mind. Stress takes its toll on your life. When your defenses are compromised your health takes a hit and so do your emotions.

Everyone has good days and bad days. How we deal with the bad ones brings emotional eating into play. You look for comfort for your hurts. People who turn to food for comfort find a coping mechanism that won’t judge them, hurt them or tell them ” no.” To complicate the issue, eating pleasurable foods can stimulate the release of endorphins just like exercise. So, after you eat, you feel better.

Emotional eaters use food to relieve stress. They hide behind the food instead of seeking solutions to the problems. This is not uncommon when the stressor is something horrible such as physical abuse or a death.

But, how do you know you are using food in this way? (...)>

Read the rest of How to Overcome Emotional Eating (360 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: emotions, over-eating

The battle of lasting weight loss is one that few people ever conquer, but a new Seattle based company has put together a suite of weight loss tools that will assist people in getting the most out of their fat loss efforts. Brilliance will offer online advice, articles and weight loss plans and products to help people lose weight and gain better health.

Brilliance Weight Loss has launched a new website that will help address the multiple components of weight loss. Customers will be able to read informative articles about difference factors of successful weight loss, as well as purchase a diet plan that will help with quick fat loss. (...)>

Read the rest of Brilliance Weight Loss Will Give You the Tools for Effective Weight Loss (84 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: Brilliance Weight Loss, websites

So by all means, if you need to start small, do so. Just start – walk a couple of blocks today, a couple more tomorrow, and keep doing it – for the long term. If your fitness level is better than that, walk more, or walk faster. Try some hills. Walk fast enough to break a sweat, every day.

Even more importantly, start thinking of yourself as a walker. Read the biographies of some of the great long distance walkers for inspiration. Fyyona Campbell, for example, was the first woman to walk around the world. (Walking around the world, by the way, is not literally possible for obvious reasons – but if you walk the length or width of any four continents, that counts as walking ‘around the world’ for the purposes of the Guiness Book or World Records.) Fyyona Campbell started when she was sixteen years old. A rebellious teenager, she ran away from home and set out to walk the length of the British Isles, from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Later, she walked Australia, Africa, Europe and America, thus becoming the first woman to officially walk ‘around the world’.

You may dream of becoming a long distance walker yourself – or you may set less lofty goals. In either case, if the idea of walking long distances appeals to you, just start at whatever point you happen to be at right now, in terms of your available time or your fitness level. To track the miles or kilometers you walk, invest in an inexpensive pedometer. This will give you a real sense of accomplishment. Even if you are only walking the seawall or the track near your home, look up the miles that you would have to walk to get to the next city. Then, set that mileage as your goal. See how long it takes you to walk that distance – can you do it in a week? In three days? Accomplish that goal, then set a new one. Can you walk the length of your province or state (or the equivalent) in the next month?

Besides giving you an inspiring goal that is more likely to keep you going in the long term, this approach to exercise gives you a unique perspective on things. As recently as a hundred years ago, going to the next city or town did entail a very long walk for most people. Of course, there were trains, and some people were lucky enough to have horses, buggies or stagecoaches, but by and large, the way that people got places was by walking. Think about that – how did they do it? How long did it take them? How did it feel? By committing to long distance walking, you get to find out the answers to these questions for yourself, first hand – you are literally bringing history to life!

With gas prices rising as they are, some people are using this as their motivation for walking. Try walking instead of driving, within reason. In fact, this is a way of life even today for many people in European cities, where the streets are too congested and gas too expensive to make driving a desirable option. Incidentally – or not – these people are seldom overweight.

Walking is something that requires little in the way of special equipment – comfortable walking or running shoes are recommended, of course – and nothing at all in the way of training or preparation. You just start, and then you stick to it. Find ways to make it interesting and inspiring, and then just do it.

Similar Articles

• Adding Steps To Your Day
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Regardless of what dieting aides you choose, there are some simple changes that you can make that will help you stay trim and healthy. (...)>

Read the rest of 7 Lifestyle Tips for Weight Loss Success (341 words)

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Seeing The Biggest Loser transformations week after week are nothing short of inspiring. But, you don’t have to be on a player on a reality series to benefit from the advice of the trainers. According to Jillian, anyone can be a biggest loser if they have the right tools.

Jillian bases her diet program on three principles: weight loss, behavior modification and exercise.

The basic foundation for food and eating on the Jillian Michaels diet is “you are what you eat” and “you will eat what you think you need at any given time.”

Behavior modification is not always a part of diet programs. Most people are not told to discover why they overeat or taught how to view food in a healthy manner. This diet plan gives equal footing to behavior modification and emotional growth because it’s important for long term weight management.

She does have a book out, but people are encouraged to sign up for the online program. The online program is a paid membership with a five-week minimum. You are given lots of support as well as forums where you can ask your questions to Jillian. For an additional fee, the program offers home delivery of meals. On the flip side, you do get a free week trial to test the program out for yourself before signing up for the paid portion.

What do I do on the Jillian Michaels Diet?

Here’s the basic concept: If you eat less and exercise more, you will lose weight. It is a matter of simple math. More calories out, combined with fewer calories in, means that pounds are shed from your body.

For anyone who knows Jillian, you know that exercise plays a big role in the program. (...)>

Read the rest of Losing Big with the Jillian Michaels Diet (157 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: diets, Jillian Michaels

On a low carb diet you will find that you get hungry quicker, so you will need to incorporate snacks into your diet in order to help hold you over until your next meal. If you’re worrying that you’ll overeat, have no fear. When you know which snacks are best for a low carb diet, your body will continue burning fat even though you’re consuming food.

Low Carb Snacks to Keep In Your Panty

There are certain foods you will want to have on hand at all times. You will find that you may need a handful of nuts or a celery stalk with peanut butter to curb your appetite until the next meal, so keep stocked up on a few of your all time favorites snacks. Try some of these tasty goodies, and then pick 4 or 5 that you love and stock up on them. Be sure to switch them out every couple of weeks to keep the variety flowing:

• Hard boiled eggs
• Dill pickles and cheddar cheese
• Whole Almonds
• String Cheese
• Cottage Cheese and blackberries
• Low sugar beef or turkey jerky
• Cheese and apple slices
• Raw veggies with low carb spinach dip
• Low carb dip or spread rolled up in a piece of lunchmeat
• Pork rinds with low carb dip
• Zap pepperoni slices in the microwave for pepperoni ìchipsî
• Sugar free yogurt with blue or black berries
• Lettuce roll-ups: roll veggies and lunchmeat in lettuce leaves
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese on cucumber slices
• Mushrooms with cheese spread inside
• Sugar free fudge pops

If you like to cook, then it’s worth searching out some tasty low-carb recipes. Many of these snacks can be made ahead of time. Try these quick and easy low carb snacks: (...)>

Read the rest of Awesome Ideas for Low Carb Snacks (121 words)

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Most carbohydrates, aka “carbs,” break down in the body as sugar. This is the main reason that doctors suggest a low carb diet for people with certain blood sugar issues like Diabetes. Not all carbs are bad, though. There are some low-glycemic carbs which do not break down as sugar which are good for you and these are the carbs that contain fiber. This is because the fiber causes the carb to break down more slowly in our bodies, not causing an instant rise in the blood sugar or glucose.

While there are several popular low carb diets, like the South Beach Diet and the Atkins Diet, you can incorporate a low carb lifestyle without having to follow a rigid food plan.

The basic idea behind a low carb diet is to not provide your body with sugar to burn. When sugar is present, the body burns it first, never allowing it to reach the fat stores, therefore preventing weight loss. When you remove sugar from your diet, your body is able to reach the fat stores and use those for energy, burning off the excess fat.

Another reason low carb dieting works so well for weight loss is because the pancreas no longer has to pump out large amounts of insulin to balance out the blood when sugary or starchy snacks are present. Without sugar and starches available, your body uses fat for energy, and the insulin turns any excess sugar into fat. Therefore, your body is no longer able to make fat stores.

Once your blood sugar is stabilized, you no longer have cravings for sugary and starchy foods. This transition may take a few days or a week for your body to adjust to, but once it does, you’ll notice that you are satisfied much quicker, as well as hungry sooner. When you feel hungry, you can eat as much as you want until satisfied as long as you stick with low carb foods. (...)>

Read the rest of Getting Started with a Low-Carb Diet (171 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: diabetes, low carb, South Beach

Decreasing carb intake causes the body to burn fat for fuel instead of sugar, initiating rapid weight loss. And when the excess weight is gone, continuing a low carb lifestyle will ensure a healthy weight.

Because of the reduction of sugar in the blood, a low carb diet also produces other health benefits such as lower triglycerides, reduced blood glucose, increased good cholesterol, decreased blood pressure, as well as less muscle mass loss.

Obviously the benefits of a low carb diet are different for each individual. In addition, individuals can see and feel specific benefits at different times throughout a low carb diet and lifestyle. While weight loss is the most obvious benefit, and the main reason individuals choose a low carb lifestyle, there are other benefits that most people don’t expect, such as:

• Increased energy
• Reduced or eliminated brain fog
• Increased alertness and ability to focus
• Decreased hunger
• Quicker feeling of satisfaction from food
• Fewer mood swings; increased feeling of happiness and well being
• No more food binges or compulsive eating
• Improved dental hygiene; less plaque buildup and improved gum health
• Improvement in PMS symptoms
• Decrease in symptoms of menopause
• Decrease in headaches
• Improvement in joint and muscle pain
• Heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems decreased
• Improved skin appearance and texture

Of course not everyone who begins or maintains a low carb lifestyle will have every single one of these benefits, and not every single individual will experience these benefits in the same time frame. But, even if you just reap just one benefit, a low carb lifestyle can improve your quality of life for years to come.

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• Important Tips for Succeeding on a Low Carb Diet
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© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: diets, low carb

It seems that calling it a “3-hour diet” is pretty misleading. Can anyone really lose weight in just three hours? Of course not. Is it possible to only “be on a diet” for three hours a day? Doubtful. Now, that the big questions are out of the way, keep reading to find out the real scoop about Jorge Cruise’s Three Hour Diet.

Just because it’s not entirely accurate doesn’t mean that it isn’t brilliant. The name draws you in, enticing your to find out more about this diet plan created by Jorge Cruise. However, the time frame here actually refers to how often you are allowed to eat. According to the creator of the plan, eating often revs up your metabolism and keeps it high. When it threatens to dip, it’s time to add more nutritious fuel to your body. (...)>

Read the rest of Jorge Cruise’s 3-Hour Diet. Really? (424 words)

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Of course as with all things this new era of exercise gaming has both good and bad. Before you leap into a new fitness routine read through this list of pros and cons so you’ll be prepared to make an educated choice about whether using the Wii Fit Plus to lose weight or get fit is the right choice for you.

Let’s take a look at the Wii Fit Plus pros first:

1. Convenience – Wii Fit workout take place at home so it’s easier to fit into your schedule. Early mornings, late nights, you never have to worry about whether the gym is open or the babysitter is available.

2. Fun – The fitness games are interactive and challenging, but many users say it doesn’t feel like exercise because using the Wii Fit system is so fun.

3. Kids love it – So many video games are a solitary sport. But, the Wii is definitely multi-player fun that the whole family can enjoy together. Kids can be active, play video games and parents can be “cool.”

4. Progress – If you really plan on using the Wii Fit to lose weight or get active, then tracking your progress is essential. Filling out fitness journals weight logs can be a real pain, but Wii takes the trouble out of tracking. The balance board can not only weigh you, but will keep a record of your weight loss and exercise improvements as time goes by.

Every silver lining has a cloud. Here are the cons of using Wii Fit Plus to exercise:

1. Intensity – Experience fitness fanatics probably won’t be too impressed with the workouts. The fitness routines can vary in intensity from game to game, however basing your exercise routine around a video game is best for folks that are just starting to get active, or for regular exercisers that just want to supplement their other workouts.

2. Expensive – This “con” comes with a caveat. Given enough time, even an all-inclusive Wii Fit Plus bundle is cheaper than a gym membership. However, a gym membership is usually paid monthly and you’ll be buying your gaming system up front. The thing to remember is that, once it’s paid for you never have to worry about another expense. No membership fees, no extra class fees. Exercise “for free” with your Wii whenever you want.

3. Weight Limit – The Wii Fit Plus weight limit is 330 pounds. Considering that this game system is perfect for people who are just starting out on their weight loss journey, this is can be a serious set-back for some. If you happen to fall into the too-big-for-wii-fit crowd, don’t give up. There are other games that don’t use the balance board. Check out EA Sports Active for a set of exercises that use Wii accessories that aren’t tied into the weight limit.

4. BMI measurements – BMI can be very misleading. No computer can accurately assess BMI because it doesn’t consider the way your body is built. Muscle weighs more than fat, and some individuals may be inaccurately judged as overweight by the Wii Fit Plus scale.

Ready to start your own video game fitness journey? Check out these all-inclusive bundles for the Wii Fit Plus to get everything you need to lose weight with Wii Fit.

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© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: family fitness, wii fit