Sunday, August 1, 2010

lose-fat-fast---fit-and-fab

Weight loss can be difficult, thats for sure, but like anything else – the more you know, the easier it is. Once you understand the basics, you’ll make constant steady progress, stay fit, make you look great and help you feel fabulous. The basics of being fit and fab are all about keeping your metabolism going strong. It is definitely a challenge to lose fat and maintain a healthy and trim body, but there are a lot of easy exercises and fun activities that you can engage in and a lot of supplements you can take for you to keep your metabolism running fast and steady.

It’s really important to build muscles and strength train regularly because this can maintain a high metabolic rate when trying to lose fat. If you lose muscle tissue instead of body fat, your fat burning capacity will decrease. The more calories you will burn, the more you use your muscles. Walking and high intensity interval training can burn can burn fat significantly than sleeping or watching TV. Exercising frequently, especially in the morning, also speeds up your metabolism and can still burn your calories even after the session. This is why it is advisable to take in calories post-exercise. You can try having interval training as often as possible. This will only take only about ten minutes and greatly improves fitness and metabolic levels. Mental exercises are also very important in keeping your whole body healthy. Avoid stress through relaxing activities such as yoga, tai chi or even writing.

In order to lose fat more effectively, you also have to remember that you should not reduce your calorie level too much. With too few food intakes, you can increase your appetite to an unhealthy level and start eating too much after your starvation diet. Avoid skipping meals and spread out calorie intake into four to five well-balanced snacks and meals for the day. It is very important to keep within your recommended calorie range and still keep the capacity of burning stored fat and have energy for your daily activities, too. Also, do not deprive yourself of sleep as studies show that this may slow down your metabolism as well.

There are also a lot of supplements that can help you lose fat. CLA or conjugated linoleic acid is a group of essential fatty acids that enhances metabolism by allowing lipids to be used as energy and reducing blood sugar. Research shows that CLA can help boost lean body mass, especially in the abdomen. Green tea with its antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) activates brown adipose tissue (BAT) to participate in a heat-generating metabolic process called thermogenesis. This heat induces loss of appetite and increases fat and calorie-burning, slows down release of carbohydrates, stops sudden rising blood-insulin levels, and lowers cholesterol. L-dopa is a mood stabilizer or enhancer that controls emotional or stress eating. This can also stimulate the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH), which increases lean muscles and decreases fats as well. You can lose fat and lose pounds immediately with these helpful tips and get that dream body you’ve always been aspiring for.

mediterranean-dietIts official – everybody seems to be interested in the connection between their health and their diet. Following that old adage “you are what you eat”, we now know that our diets can have wonderful, positive effects on our health and well-being – or negative and disastrous effects. There’s been a lot of focus on the health and weight loss benefits of low fat, and low carb diets – but what about the Mediterranean diet? One of the most popular diets observed by a lot of people from around the world is the mediterranean diet. The mediterranean diet does not only incorporate the proper foods, it also fosters an improved attitude towards a healthier lifestyle.

The Mediterranean diet is actually a bit of a misnomer – as there are many Mediterranean people and cultures that do not follow this diet. What it actually refers to is the pattern of eating and lifestyle observed in poor Mediterranean cultures in the 1960s.

While the Mediterranean diet was originally described earlier (1940s) it didn’t really catch on until the mid 1990s after the most commonly accepted version of the diet was put forth by Dr. Walter Willet of Harvard University’s School of Public Health. The diet was based on patterns of food consumption typical of Crete, parts of Greece, and southern Italy in the early 1960s. This diet, in addition to “regular physical activity,” emphasizes abundant plant foods, low to moderate amounts of fish and poultry, a maximum of four eggs consumed weekly, red meat consumed in low quantities, fresh fruits for desserts and olive oil as the principal source of fat as well as dairy products (principally cheese and yogurt) in low amounts, and wine consumed in low to moderate amounts. Total fat in this diet is about 30% of calories, with saturated fat at 8% or less of calories.

Over time the Mediterranean diet has been extensively researched. In most of the clinical trials and meta-analyses done the diet continues to prove its multiple health benefits. For example compared to low fat and low-carb diet, it has been shown to lead to greater degrees of weight loss, with lower rates of lost weight re-gain

There are also clear health benefits as well despite the diets high mono-saturated fat and salt content (from olive oil, nuts &olives). Reductions in the overall mortality rates as well as death due to cardiovascular disease and cancer have been reported and well documented. Some studies even suggest that it can even reduce the incidence of and severity of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Mediterranean diet is not without controversy however. Some people argue that a mediterranean diet is generally high in fats, and this is certainly true. However, it is extremely low in saturated fats, which are considered as bad fats. It stresses lots of olive oil, which is why a lot of experts claim that it is high in fat and yet; olive oil has been proven to increase the good cholesterol levels in the body. Still, other researchers feel that the health benefits associated with this diet are due the lifestyle choices common to the region – such as high degree of physical labor and increased amounts of sunlight – inducing a solar UVB elevation in vitamin D levels in skin oils, this has been linked to decreased levels of cardiovascular disease in some study participants. The Mediterranean diet is also amazingly high in antioxidants and fiber as these can help the body lessen the risk of heart disease, stroke and other forms of cancer. It also effectively delays aging.

So while there is some controversy, its pretty well accepted that the best diet for your healthy living and even weight loss is a diet that is low in meat products, high in fiber and vegetables with a moderate amount of carbs is best. Combined with regular daily exercise and some alcohol consumption this diet and lifestyle is supremely equipped to you’re your health up and your weight down. So follow a healthy diet and stay light & lean – just like your food!

low-salt-dietHypertension refers to the increase in blood pressure. It is a chronic medical condition leading to damages in your major organs like the kidneys, heart and even the brain. Previously, the condition was only common among the older population. However, with the prevalence of deleterious lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diet and decreased physical activity, the incidence of high blood pressure amongst even the younger generation is alarming. Today, hypertension is the underlying cause for the death of millions of people yearly. Generally, the treatment includes medical therapy, but lifestyle changes, including exercise and a diet low in fats and sodium have shown promise. Knowledge is power; here’s some important information about the condition.

Types

Health experts classify hypertension as either primary or secondary. Around 90% of the cases are unknown and classified under the primary type, whereas the remaining 10% are secondary where the underlying cause is identifiable. Although the causes of primary hypertension are unknown, there are some predisposing factors like sedentary lifestyle, stress, obesity, and diet. If you love eating salty and fatty foods, your diet could be a significant risk factor in contributing to the development of hypertension. Secondary hypertension is typically caused by specific factors – such as certain tumors (adrenal glands) or tightening of the artery that leads to the kidneys – that cause an increase in resting blood pressure.

Signs and Symptoms

Generally, experts diagnose this health condition by a persistently high blood pressure reading and/or the manifestation of symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sweating. Your physician will make a thorough assessment on the possible cause/s of the medical condition. If you don’t follow a low fat diet and are fond of eating fatty, salty meals like animal meats, foods high in preservatives and fried foods, there is no doubt about the cause of your symptoms.

Complications

If your high blood pressure continues and you tend to neglect diet low in fats and sodium, then complications can begin to appear. Some of the dreadful complications can involve the kidney, retinas and brain – even resulting in a stroke. As the arteries become thickened with fats, and clogged with inflamed and damaged tissues in various stages of repair as a result of a high fat diet, your major vital organs will receive lesser amount of oxygen and nutrients, leading to tissue death. It can lead to blindness and kidney failure. In many cases, left untreated – symptoms of high blood pressure can lead to the rupture of major blood vessels leading to the brain and major organs causing catastrophic injury and even death.

Treatment

Hypertension treatment includes medical management with various classes of drugs. However, its become increasingly clear that a lifestyle change can also bring about control of high blood pressure – often reducing or even eliminating your dependence on drug therapy. Of course prevention is always better than cure. You can begin today by adopting a healthy diet and incorporating exercise as part of your daily activities. Get serious about your health – lose the fatty diet and start one low in fats and salt, but rich in fiber, while including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Instead of getting your all your protein from animal meats sources, mix it up a bit! Get some from fish and vegetables sources as well. Modify your cooking methods to include boiling, broiling and steaming instead of frying. Medical treatment of High blood pressure is important, but lifestyle and diet changes can avoid the need for treatment or reduce the amount of treatment needed. Check with your doctor before you consider changing or beginning any treatment.

Hypertension has claimed the lives of millions of people and continues to cause a great deal of morbidity. However, adopting a low fat, high fiber diet amongst other healthy lifestyle choices can ensure that you lead a long, healthy and high quality life.

easy_way_to_lower_cholesterol_with_diet

Cholesterol Myths –  All Cholesterol is not created equal (the struggle between good and bad cholesterol)

A lot of folks always think that cholesterol is not good, however you can actually classify it into two types. LDL and HDL are the two types – the bad one and the good one. Many of the “bad” symptoms associated with high cholesterol such as plaque build-up in your artery, are commonly associated with elevated levels of  LDL cholesterol. This usually results in narrow arterial openings, which will ultimately mean a decrease in end organ perfusion (flow of blood). The benefit of HDL cholesterol (the good one) lies in its ability to decrease LDL cholesterol levels and effectively mitigate the overall effect of increased triglycerides and fatty acids.

While its easy to blame dietary cholesterol (mmmm…shrimp) for your increased serum cholesterol, in reality it’s the overall levels and consumption of saturated and trans fats (named based on their molecular structure and resultant difficulty your body has on breaking these down), free fatty acids and HDL/LDL cholesterol that conspire to elevate the levels of LDL cholesterol. Focus on eating healthy, fibrous foods and exercise often, and you can easily keep your LDL cholesterol levels down.

The Meaning of Numbers in your Cholesterol  Panel results

Adults should see to it that they have their cholesterol checked every at least 5 years. People with increased cholesterol should  have this done more often. Four results are typically given to you, which will show the levels for your LDL cholesterol, Triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Should you find your cholesterol levels over or even under the normal range, you need to diet and exercise as a result.

Total Cholesterol – less than 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)
LDL Cholesterol – less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L)
HDL Cholesterol – greater than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)
Triglycerides – less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)

Vitamin E and Heart Protection

Vitamin E, an important vitamin, is sourced in vegetable oils, nuts and leafy vegetables. Vitamin E can decrease your heart disease risk, but it will not prevent a heart attack.

Lowering Cholesterol with these Five Foods

1. Oatmeal and Oat Bran: These contain a high amount of soluble fiber, which can lower LDL.
2. Fish: Fish is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, which lowers LDL and raises HDL.
3. Nuts: Not only are nuts high in fiber, but they contain the healthy fats you need to keep LDL in check.
4. Plant Sterols: This is found in foods like margarine, salad dressing, orange juice, and functional cookies. 2 grams per day will lower your LDL by 10-15%.
5. Soy: This popular meat replacement can lower LDL by up to 3%.

Health Benefits of Plant Sterols

Plant sterols can be found in foods such as Benecol Spread, granola bars, VitaTops Muffin Tops and fat free milk. To help your heart, you should eat a lot of plant sterols-packed food and stop eating foods with saturated fat. You should know that this does not balance out a diet rich in saturated fats. To be in control of your cholesterol, you should still eat healthy and exercise often.

The Secret to Prevent Diabetes with Maple Syrup

Posted by admin On April - 10 - 2010 2 COMMENTS

maple_syrup_can_help_cure_diabetes
Did you know that your favorite maple syrup is effective in fighting cancer and diabetes?  According to the studies conducted by US researchers, there are strong evidences showing that maple syrup can substantially slow down the growth of cancer cells and can effectively reduce the risk of diabetes.

The new research shows that your favorite maple syrup has thirteen active compounds that serve as antioxidants. These thirteen compounds were previously unknown. The discovery proved that maple syrup could be very effective in fighting bacterial infection, diabetes and cancer.

An Effective Solution or Diabetes Sufferers

Maple syrup contains high levels of phytohormone and abscisic acid. According to research, this type of acid is a natural defense in controlling diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.

The acid is effective because it has the potential to encourage the release of insulin through the pancreatic cells. It can also enhance the fat cell’s sensitivity to insulin. The studies on maple syrup and its effects on diabetes have been reviewed by experts. The results of these studies were revealed before the American Chemical Society in San Francisco.

Maple Syrup as Your Best Chance against Cancer

A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that maple syrup can significantly inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. This study was conducted by Quebec scholars. It seeks to prove the impact of maple syrup against cancer cells.

Based on the Quebec research, the growth of cancer cells can be inhibited by maple syrup. Specifically, the syrup is very effective against brain, prostate, and lung cancer. Unfortunately, maple syrup has minimal impact against breast cancer growth.

Your Tasty Alternative to Fight Cancer and Diabetes

Maple syrup can serve as your tasty alternative in fighting cancer and diabetes. There are many anti cancer foods today like blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and carrots. However, recent studies have shown that maple syrup is more effective against cancer compared to other anti cancer foods. Laboratory testing results also show that the syrup is more potent compared to the maple sap.

It is also ideal to use the pure dark syrup rather than the lighter syrup. Dark syrup has high color oxidation. This is the reason why darker maple syrup should be preferred. So if you want a better alternative to fight cancer and diabetes, then your favorite maple syrup is a good option.

Reference: Journal of medicinal food. 01/02/2010; ISSN: 1557-7600, OI: 10.1089/jmf.2009.0029

About the Author – Sandy Harris writes for the <a href=”http://www.diabeticsnacks.org/”>diabetic appetizers</a> blog , her personal hobby blog focused on tips to prevent, cure and manage diabetes using healthy snacks and recipes.

Burn_off_the_fat

Burn Off your Flab with Anti Fat Pills:  Combined with Diet and Exercise, Fat Pills Can Work for You

Whether you call them anti fat pills, diet supplements or dietary aids, there is no magic pill you can take that does not require some thought and effort on your part to show significant weight loss.

No magic fat pill will melt away love handles or a fat tummy.   Taking a pill alone will not streamline your thighs or tighten your derriere.   A good, high quality diet supplement will ease hunger pangs that can lead to afternoon snacking or late night forays to the refrigerator.

The best anti fat pill will provide support for the health of your body as you follow a diet plan that includes good nutrition with a regular program of exercise.   By supporting the health of your cells, helping your body process sugar and providing ingredients that boost your metabolism, Of all the weight loss and anti-fat pills that we reviewed, cutting edge combination supplements best support and enhances your health as you lose weight without stimulants that boost you up only to crash a couple hours later.

At the end of your weight loss plan, you want to feel more than “thin”.   You want to be healthy and full of energy that will motivate you to maintain your new slender silhouette.

Obesity is a growing problem in our society that cannot be ignored.   If you are overweight, you can easily become uncomfortable.   Bending over to pick up something you dropped is not easy.   You may feel awkward and hate to shop for clothes or even go dancing with your spouse.

When you are overweight you are the one who suffers and you are the only person who can rid yourself of those extra pounds.   You may be pleased to learn the old diets that make you feel deprived and depressed are no longer recommended by nutritionists.

Losing weight is about making choices, not about will power.    If you think about it, changing your eating habits isn’t the end of the world as you know it.   It’s a new way of living that will allow you to feel better both emotionally and physically.

Big may be beautiful, but it’s not healthy.   Some cancers, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and other serious medical problems have been proven by scientific studies to be closely linked with obesity.

It is truly amazing that simply by losing the extra 50 pounds you carry you can reduce your risk of heart problems and diabetes immediately.   That is close to a medical miracle if you think about it.  Drop the Big Mac and the fries and choose a salad and shrimp.   Clear your pantry of potato chips and processed snacks and fill a celery stick with low fat peanut butter instead.

There are no magic pills – anyone that makes a claims of instant weight loss without some attention on your part are just fooling dieters.   However, Some products will offer diet tips and consult with you if needed to boost your weight loss by adjusting your diet plan.   Many of us groan when we think of dieting, imagining ourselves starving or eating nothing but rabbit food.   The reality is that you don’t have to give up every food you love to lose weight.   You need to make substitutions by choosing food for nutritional value rather than from bad eating habits formed years ago.

Starting to exercise even if you only take a long brisk walk every day will boost your diet efforts and help your body process food efficiently.   Certain weight loss supplements can help by stopping hunger pangs and by boosting the fat burning capacity of your system to get rid of abdominal fat while increasing your energy with safe, all-natural ingredients.

Choose_the_best_weight_lossWhen looking for the best weight loss supplement to support your dieting efforts, it’s important to understand the components of a top weight loss aid and the health effects of the ingredients used to formulate the supplement.

The goal in choosing a weight loss supplement is to provide support for your diet and exercise goals.   It’s easy to forget that simple goal when you begin reading sales pages that advertise various diet supplement products.

So often products advertised for weight loss seem more focused on wild promises than on serious discussions about diet support provided by the product.  It is easy to become carried away with the professionally written sales copy that promises a huge burst of energy or to cure or claims to prevent major diseases.

The burst of energy may be only the effect of caffeine or other stimulant added to the product.   Energy from such ingredients is not sustainable and not natural.  It can lead to nervous jitters, a shaky or weak feeling and make the dieter feel depressed when the product wears off causing a total loss of energy.

If you are seriously focused on finding the best supplement to help you lose weight, you can’t afford to fall for slick sales copy.   If you think about it, the same problems some weight loss supplements claim to cure are problems caused by the extra weight you’ve been carrying.

When you are overweight, your heart works harder.   You are at risk of developing high blood pressure and at great risk of becoming diabetic.   Those health problems are common side effects of obesity.   What you need is to bring your weight under control and adopt a healthier diet and more active lifestyle.   When you accomplish your weight loss goals and have increased your level of physical activity, the chances of contracting these serious health problems is greatly reduced.

There are some ingredients that do promote healthy weight loss while supporting your overall health.   Some weight loss supplements such as Liporidex contain these natural ingredients.

Chromium and Manganese are minerals found in nature that help regulate blood glucose levels and are important for sugar metabolism.

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is proven to increase lean muscle mass especially in the abdominal area and contains powerful antioxidant properties.

The primary purpose of Soy Isoflavones is to reduce the gain of fat in the abdominal area but also acts as an antioxidant to boost the immune system.

Mucana Pruriens contains L-dopa, an amino acid, in significant amounts.  In Liporidex, L-dopa provides a mood stabilizer to curb emotional eating habits and restlessness.

Studies have shown Green Tea boosts the basal metabolic rate and increases the metabolism of fat.   Combined with high levels of antioxidants, green tea decreases cholesterol by slowing the release of carbohydrates.

The capsaicin in cayenne pepper increases heat product for a short time.   Studies have shown capsaicin improves weight loss by increasing metabolism and digestion.

Bitter Orange is a naturally occurring stimulant.  The lose dosage of Bitter Orange in Liporidex provides a slight increase in alertness and focus and a noticeable decrease in food cravings which can sabotage the most motivated dieter.

Choosing the best weight loss supplement requires careful attention to the ingredients included in each product.   One good choice is Liporidex, but whatever you choose, ensure that you know what’s in the product and that you understand how the different ingredients all work.

Lipid Metabolism – Good Fats for Fast weight Loss

Posted by Dr. O On September - 25 - 2009 1 COMMENT

Natural CLA for weight loss

The present Lose weight, anti-fat, diet pill fueled craze kicked off many slanderous campaigns against fat. For an example, just look at the number of diet programs, anti fat pills on the market and the throngs of consumers looking to buy weight loss pills. Unlike the others of its ilk, this craze may shown us a few bonafide winners with some long lasting effects. Take the top weight loss supplement conjugated linoleum acid (CLA) for example, this fatty acid is probably the BEST fat for fast weight loss. However, some people are still skeptical when you suggest that they should eat fat or that some fat is actually needed in a healthy and well balanced diet. For the die-hard fat fearer, the word fat equals fat and that is that!

It is next to impossible to eliminate every single source of fat from our diets, and as previously stated, there are actually good fats that need to be included in our diet daily, even when we are working with the goal of weight loss in mind. Actually, including the foods that are sources of these good fats may not only help us to lose weight, but will also keep us healthier in the long run.

When we eat any type of fat, the body must work to break it down to a usable form, in this case, fatty acids and glycerol. Fatty acids are often used as fuel for resting muscles. Glycerol can be converted back into glucose for energy if needed, but only after a long chain of events takes place.

Certain types of fat have no benefit for the body whatsoever – they are dangerous and should be avoided. These include the animal-based saturated fats which are transported to the body’s storage tanks and dumped off. A diet that is high in animal-based saturated fats will lead to thickening of the arterial walls, as well as thickening of the blood. The combination of thick blood and thick arteries produces more work and stress for the heart. This, in turn, can lead to scarring and heart attack.

Beneficial fats like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and the Omega 3’s can help prevent and reduce the effects of heart disease. CLA has been shown to be very helpful in preventing damage caused by cholesterol in and around the heart.

When lipid metabolism is working properly or when it is enhanced, the body will either use the lipids for immediate energy or flush them out instead of storing them. When a fatty meal is consumed, some insulin will be released, although not nearly as much as with a high carbohydrate meal. The more insulin that is released by the body, the more likely it is that there will be some body fat storage. With lipids however, the insulin release is not as high unless some carbohydrates are eaten as well (most fatty meals contain some carbohydrates). The body will tend to focus on the carbohydrates first. This means that by adding beneficial fatty acids to the diet it is possible for the body to whisk the excess fats away before it is finished processing the carbohydrates.

Excellent food sources of Omega 3’s include: fatty fish like salmon, trout, and halibut; walnuts; and olive oil. CLA is found typically in beef, lamb, veal, poultry, milk, and cheese.

Carbohydrate Metabolism: How do We Burn Carbs?

Posted by Dr. O On September - 20 - 2009 1 COMMENT

how to burn carbs better

What is metabolism? It is the process by which our body burns calories for fuel. We should also be aware that certain food calories are broken down in different ways, but once they make it to their lowest common denominator it may not matter what the exact source of those calories really was. The process by which foods are broken down, and the rate at which this happens may influence how much calories is burned and how much is stored. For now, the focus will be on carbohydrate metabolism and why understanding the basic action can help you to lose weight.

Whenever we eat or drink something, our body must use energy to process the nutrients. In the case of carbohydrates, the actual amount left over after processing is 90% of the total calories. We burn about 10% of the carbohydrate calories just by digesting them. Our body takes the carbohydrates and breaks them down to a simple compound called glucose. The body is in a constant battle to maintain the delicate balance of all of its systems including its blood glucose level. This balance, also known as homeostasis, can be interrupted and thrown-off, by overeating and by extreme dieting. In most cases, the body is aiming for blood glucose numbers in the range of 70–110 mg/dL.

Whenever we eat or drink anything, our body releases hormones that help to digest and process the foods and beverages. Of these hormones, insulin is like the mother hen. It attempts to usher all of the sugar molecules into storage tanks. The body also releases glucagon that is like an older sibling. It tries to break the sugar molecules out of the storage tanks so that they can be burned for food. Glucagon will also try to hide the sugar by turning it into glycogen and stashing it in the muscles and in the liver. If there is no immediate need for the energy, the remaining calories will be stored either in the glycogen tanks to be burned off at another time or in the fat cells where it will be kept as body fat.

Certain foods upset the delicate balance and produce a huge tidal wave of insulin. These insulin spikes can then lead to faster, easier fat storage as the body starts to resist the insulin’s efforts. Insulin resistance is the inability or resistance of the muscles or liver cells to store glycogen. As a result of this resistance, even more insulin will be released. When more insulin is released, the body is more likely to store fat.

Total insulin released is usually equal to the total amount of blood glucose. However, the higher the initial flood of carbohydrates, the longer that the insulin will be at elevated levels. Again, the more insulin that is released into the blood stream, the more likely you are to have at least some body fat storage. It is better to eat foods that do not cause insulin spikes or at least those that cause smaller insulin spikes. It is also wise to eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Why Starvation Diets Never Work

Posted by Dr. O On August - 24 - 2009 11 COMMENTS

the truth about fad diets

Asking your body to work without food is like asking your car to keep running once its gauge says “empty”. It is just not going to happen. Your car needs fuel in the form of gasoline to work properly; your body needs fuel in the form of calories to run properly as well. Giving your body good fuel will allow it to work properly and will allow you to achieve not only better health, but the slow and steady weight loss that is actually sustainable and realistic. Starvation diets do not work for weight loss because starvation throws everything in the body out of balance, everything including your metabolism

Your metabolism is the rate at which your body uses the fuel that it gets for energy. In simpler terms, metabolism is how fast your body burns calories. Nearly everything that you eat or drink has calories. Calories are the unit used to measure the amount of energy that it takes to convert and use food for energy. If you eat more calories than your body needs to maintain its systems and to move around, you will store what is left in your fat cells; you will gain weight.

If you burn off too many calories and do not replace them, your body will seek energy from other sources which could include your own lean muscle tissues. While you do want to burn your fat for energy, you do not want to destroy muscle in the process. Weight loss then becomes a delicate balancing act of learning what is and what is not the right amount of calories to take in each day.

Starvation is not a normal state for your body to be in. To survive, the body will sense that it is in danger and will start shutting down the metabolism – it will not burn any fuel for energy. What will happen instead is simple: the body will hold on to every single calorie it receives, and when you do eat, your body will continue holding on. If you slow or stall your metabolism for long enough, you may find it very difficult to get it started again.

While your body is busy storing all of the new calories it is taking in, the cells will still need energy, but will be getting it from other sources. Again, the muscle tissue will be in danger of being burned off to use as fuel. Consider it this way: You buy a home and fill one room with beautiful furniture and another room with firewood. When winter comes you are cold, but you do not want to have to buy more firewood so you burn your furniture instead. It does not make sense, does it? Starving yourself is the same thing. You have your beautiful and strong muscles that enable you to move and be active, but you are trying to lose weight as well. So, instead of feeding your muscles and moving around more, you starve yourself, and just like in the house with the fuel and the furniture, you burn off what you need to keep, and keep what you need to burn off.

Now we all know that’s not right, so….

No more starvation!!

Lose Fat Fast and Learn the Basics of Being Fit and Fab

Weight loss can be difficult, thats for sure, but like anything else – the more you know, the easier [...]

Controversy Exposed – the Truth Behind the Mediterranean Diet

Its official – everybody seems to be interested in the connection between their health and their diet. Following that [...]

High Blood Pressure and Diet – Preventing Hypertension through a Diet Low In Sodium and Fats

Hypertension refers to the increase in blood pressure. It is a chronic medical condition leading to damages in your [...]

The Easy Way to Lower Cholesterol Through Diet

Cholesterol Myths –  All Cholesterol is not created equal (the struggle between good and bad cholesterol)

A lot of folks [...]