Weight Loss Tips - Where Do I Find Weight Loss Resources

The right knowledge can make the difference!

Finding an excellent weight loss resource is a little more challenging than one would think.  As obesity is growing like an epidemic today, more and more people are turning to seek suitable online and offline weight loss resources. Thanks to helpful enthusiasts, there are now many carefully prepared and well-arranged weight loss resources that you can get help and support from at any time you want to.

Following is a short review of some of the major, yet easily available weight loss resources for you.

Weight loss support group: A weight loss support group can be a great resource for people trying to shed some extra pounds. Emotional support and encouragement is critical when trying to lose weight. Look for opportunities to join a weight loss group that will allow you to share your achievements and frustrations with others who have the same target. This camaraderie can help you avoid pitfalls, such as emotional eating and bingeing. To find a weight loss support group, you can also check the message board at your local gym or at your office.

Alternatively, you can use online support group to find like-minded dieters while retaining some of your anonymity.

Free online resources: There are so many great (and free!) weight loss resources available on the web today. You can easily find some websites that could help you reach your health and fitness goals with online personal trainers, tools and information, all within a supportive, online community. Besides tracking calories you eat and your daily food intake, they also analyze how many calories you are burning and your weight loss progress over time. Some of these sites even tell you how many pounds per week you will have to lose in order to reach your weight loss goal by the deadline that you establish.

Free online weight loss programs: There are many fitness and weight-loss sites that offer an abundance of information for free. They provide meal programs complete with nutrition information, daily exercise routines and exercise videos to help you in your weight loss goals. Some of these sites even include features like weight loss tracking, free meal-plans, forums, free grocery lists To sign up for these programs, you simply need to go to the website, enter your information and get started.

Also be sure to check out the blogs, groups and discussion forums to share and exchange weight loss news and views with others.

Free weight loss help: A lot of diets are expensive, but why spend the money when you can get free weight loss help? There is a plethora of free weight loss information at everyone's disposal. For example, you can get free weight loss help at your local library. There are many diet books and weight loss DVDs to check-out for free. You can also check out community service centers in your area. Most cities offer some kind of free or inexpensive diet and fitness help. Call your city hall or ask your doctor about organizations in your area that will help you lose weight for free. And yes, you can also connect with others in your neighborhood and get free weight loss help. You will make new friends who are dealing with similar issues. Listening to others and sharing your story will help you overcome many of your food addiction struggles.

In short, there are plenty of opportunities to get exposure to some really great weight loss resources. Keep searching and keep having fun while you're at it.

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Weight Loss Tips - The Suddenly Slim Diet

A lot of people think of diet pills and starvation diets as dependable ways of rapid weight loss. However, these methods are not advisable; they cause many harmful side effects. You need to lose weight safely, effectively and with no side effects.  The Suddenly Slim diet program offers a fast weight loss. It is a natural cure for losing weight.

It uses herbal products as meal replacement shakes, supplements and diet pills which suppress appetite, increase energy level and metabolism rate and also detoxify the body. This results in burning of excess calories and loss of weight.

One of the techniques used in this program is called calorie shifting. You eat in a constantly changing routine so that the body cannot adjust to a routine; this way the body metabolism is increased and results in increased fat burning and eventually reduction in weight. For 10 days the dieter takes diet pills and drinks meal replacement shakes. The shakes reduce hunger but provide the body necessary important nutrients. To promote health and weight loss, the diet pills and supplements contain soy protein,  green tea, caffeine, etc.

There are certain conditions under which this program is not advisable. This program will not suit diabetics and those with high blood pressure; a fairly large amount of fructose in the meal replacement shakes may be unhealthy for diabetics and the caffeine may have bad effect on high blood pressure patients. It is advisable for the dieter to seek medical practitioner’s advice before embarking on this diet plan.

Of course, while on Suddenly Slim Diet, keep off the junk food and untimely snacks also. And exercises are essential even when on the suddenly slim diet. Especially light cardio exercises for about half an hour per day for at least three times per week can help you keep up the metabolism and help your weight loss routines.

And drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water; apart from helping the body functions water helps you keep away from food cravings by suppressing appetite.

Many dieters who have used this diet program have experienced that they lost weight in the plan period but when the program ended they regained the weight. To achieve a lasting weight loss it does require commitment to healthy eating habits and regular exercising which takes you to natural weight loss.

It is difficult to achieve a lasting effect of weight loss in a short period of 10 days. That is why many consider the suddenly slim diet program as a fad. 

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Weight Loss Tips - Some Fat Facts

There are basic facts you should know about fats. There are mainly two classes of fats; saturated fat, and unsaturated. The unsaturated ones are the polyunsaturated fats, and monounsaturated fats. Some fats are dangerous, while some are not. When fats come combined with proteins in the body, they form a complex called Lipoproteins. We will look at these later in a broader view to see why some are desirable and some are not, but first, let’s look at the major kinds of fats.

Saturated fat- Fatty acids are made up of several chains of carbon atoms, it is said to be saturated because the carbon atoms have no free bonds to link with other atoms. Normally a carbon atom has 2 free bonds that are ready to attach with other atoms to form a compound. When these free bonds are used up entirely, usually by another carbon atom or a hydrogen atom, the fat becomes saturated. That is because there is no room for any more attachment.

These are the bad type of fat and the one we must avoid in trying to stay healthy. The body has a tough time processing saturated fats, because of the number of bonds it needs to break down in the process. Saturated fats raise cholesterol levels, which increases the chances of a heart attack. For a healthy dieting plan, saturated fats must be reduced significantly from the diet.  Examples of sources of saturated fat are all forms of fat in animal flesh (meat), coconut oil and palm oil etc.

Polyunsaturated fat - Polyunsaturated fat have two types: omega 6 and omega 3. It is ‘poly’ because there are more than one unsaturated bonds in the compound. It is Omega-6 because the first unsaturated bond exists at the 6th carbon atom. Same is applicable to omega3. Omega 6 type comes mainly from vegetables, and omega 3 come from oily fish.

This type of fat is actually the healthy type and helps to reduce the level of cholesterol! So a small consumption is important for health. Remember, ‘small’.

Monounsaturated fat - They have only one carbon atom carrying unsaturated bonds. They are derived mainly from vegetable and are found in olive oil and almond oil. They also have the ability to help reduce cholesterol levels.

Lipoproteins: They are fat-protein complexes and play important role in the development of heart attacks. They are two classes of these lipoproteins.

High Density Lipoproteins- These lipoproteins reduce the chance of a heart disease.

Low Density Lipoproteins- Increases the likelihood of heart diseases. If the level of LDL is higher than that of HDL, the likelihood of a heart disease, stroke diabetes etc. is increased and vice versa.

Fats produces very high levels of energy and the daily intake shouldn't exceed 30% of your total calories. In other words, for an average daily intake of 2,000 calories, only about 600 should be fat derived. This of course is if you are not trying to lose weight, but if you are; your daily fat consumption should not be enough to produce 600 calories.

Every 1g of fat gives out 9 calories. That leaves you with about 66.7g of fat daily. But for losing weight, it should go lower than that.

This can be achieved by cutting down on all fatty foods and eating more of fruits and vegetables, a little of pure carbohydrates. With little or no fat at all, you will soon be getting used to the low fat diet.

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Weight Loss Tips - 7 SMART Tips To Lose Weight Fast

For many, losing weight is not the only fitness objective. They want it fast enough also want it to stay on permanently. Following are some of the recommended fitness and nutrition rules that could help you achieve your weight loss goals steadily yet quickly:

1. Be SMART
Did you know that the term SMART is an abbreviation for being “Specific, Measured, Appropriate, Realistic, and Time-bound” about what you plan to achieve?

Let’s assume, if your target is to increase your physical activity, then write down the type of activity you plan to do, how many times you can realistically do it each week, and for how long each time. Start with small, short, and easier goals, and work your way up.

2. Be active
You need to get at least half an hour of moderate physical activity daily, most days of the week to help burn up extra calories. But give yourself credit for the activities that you’re already doing.  Do remember, common activities such as climbing stairs, gardening, pushing a stroller, and walking all count as physical activity. Just make sure you do enough of them.

3. Make an offer
Make yourself an offer that is too attractive to be refused. For example, before starting to reach your next target, offer yourself a promise like this, "If I reach my target this (day, week, and month), I will treat myself to a well-deserved (Fill in a reward here, but not a food reward.)." Think of something you want, such as an afternoon off, a massage, a movie, or even a deposit toward a larger reward. Be creative, set up rewards for yourself frequently, and make sure you give them to yourself when you reach your target.

4. Keep yourself full
Ask yourself, “am I full yet?” The question may take longer to answer than you think. It takes 15 minutes or more for the message that we’re full to get from our stomachs to our brains.
So take a few minutes before digging in for that next helping. Having trouble feeling full?
Eight glasses (8 ounces each) or more of water or other non-caloric beverages daily fills you up and keeps you refreshed. Also, fruits nad vegetables can help you feel fuller, especially when eaten raw.

5. Keep the record
Keep a diary of what you eat and how much physical activity you get each day. Then, at the end of each week, record your weight in the same diary. You and your health provider can use this information to adjust your eating and physical activity plan to find the best way to reach your goal.

6. Keep an eye
Finally, keep an eye on your size. You must not forget that we eat most of what is on our plate, no matter what the size of the plate? When at home, try using smaller plates; they will help you take smaller portions. When eating out, share an entrée! Studies show that portions today are often super-sized, enough for two or more people to share.

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Weight Loss Tips - Basic WorkOut

Often, a simple work out can make you feel good in a small amount of time. You can squeeze in these moves during lunch break, or even right before an upcoming date. The best part is, these exercises aren’t too demanding, so there will be minimal perspiration involved. Keep in mind that these routines are not meant for advanced trainers looking for serious muscle growth. They are designed to maintain a healthy and good-looking physique within approximately an hour. Make sure that you have a healthy snack at least one hour before the workout, and a full meal afterwards.

Cardiovascular and Lower Body
Your cardiovascular work out should consist of a half-hour daily walk. Simply lace up your quality walking shoes and go for a stroll around the block. Go out regardless of the weather; just make sure to dress adequately. An effective alternative to going outside is walking up and down a building staircase. This option is excellent for your heart, as well as maintaining leg muscles. To maintain a constant progression, try to increase your pace on a weekly basis. Set goals and gradually increase your distances. If possible, alter your cardiovascular sessions for an even more effective work out: use the staircase one day, and walk around the block on other days.

Upper Body
After your cardiovascular exercises, begin your upper body work out with a few exercises. Do these steps three times a week for better results.

Basic Pushups
Basic pushups will work your chest area, triceps and rear deltoids. Aim for 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions (depending on your fitness level), and gradually increase the repetitions as the movement becomes easier. Once the movement becomes too easy, you can increase the workout by elevating your feet on a chair to increase resistance.

Lay face down on the floor with your legs extended behind you and your hands directly beneath your shoulders. Your fingertips should be pointed straight ahead, and make sure you keep your back flat and your head in natural alignment with your spine. Get into the starting position by extending your arms straight from your shoulders, which lifts your entire body off the floor. While keeping your body stable, go down until your nose almost touches the floor. Exhale as you push back to the starting position with your chest and triceps. Try not to lock your elbows in order to keep constant tension on your muscles.

Close-Grip Pushups
Close-grip pushups mostly work the tricep muscles, the inner chest and the trunk muscles. Once again, carry out 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions (according to your fitness level), and gradually increase the repetitions as the movement becomes easier.

Use the same starting position and breathing pattern as the basic pushup. Bring your hands together and form a triangle with your index fingers and thumbs. As you go down to the floor, your elbows should go to the side, which incidentally puts more stress on your triceps and inner chest. Close-grip pushups also require more balance. By stabilizing your body, your trunk muscles will work throughout the entire movement. At first, close-grip pushups might strain your wrists, so make sure you stretch appropriately and start off slowly.

Wide-Grip Pushups
Wide-grip pushups will work your chest, rear shoulders and parts of your back muscles. Carry out the same sets and reps as aforementioned and gradually increase the reps as the movement becomes easier.

Use the same starting position and breathing pattern as the basic pushup. Your hands should be positioned beyond shoulder width, with your fingers pointing frontward. The wider position emphasizes the tension on your shoulders and lengthens your pectorals. Wide-grip pushups are more demanding, so you will tire more quickly than with other pushups. The above pushup variations will help keep your upper body muscles strong and fit. For additional exercises, try these simple moves. All you require are either 8 or 15 kg dumbbells, or a few minutes.

Legs
These repetitions will build up muscles in the thigh and buttocks. First, spread your legs to hip length and keep your legs fully extended. Holding dumbbells in each hand and maintaining a straight back, slowly bend your knees until your thighs are level to the floor. Then, slowly return to your original position. Continue this exercise until you tire your legs to failure.

Chest
In order to work out the pectorals, lie on a bed (stomach up) and hold a weight in each hand above your chest. Keep your arms fully extended with the palms facing each other. Next, lower the dumbbells outwards and down until parallel with your shoulders. Breathe out, and return the weights to starting position. Aim for eight sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.

Arms
These exercises will strengthen your biceps. Sit on the edge of a secure chair with your feet placed hip width apart. Hold the weights with palms facing inwards in front of your body. Extend your arm, and curl one dumbbell up at a time in a small arc towards your shoulder. Be sure to rotate your forearm so your palm faces your shoulder at the top of the movement. Aim for three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.

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