Archive for July, 2008

The Weight Watchers Approach: It’s All in the Points

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

Michael C., a CEO who lives in the northeast, has lost 50 pounds since he joined Weight Watchers a few months ago. He credits the program with helping him to achieve his ideal weight. He also feels more energetic and healthier as a result of his experience with Weight Watchers. Thanks to Weight Watchers, he is no longer self-conscious when it comes to taking family photographs. In addition, he has received numerous compliments from his family and friends as a result of his weight loss.

Weight Watchers has been part of the American vocabulary for decades. The organization has become synonymous with weight loss. All across America, people are planning their daily menus according to Weight Watchers’ innovative point system, which assigns a certain number of points to different foods based on calories, fiber, fat, and serving size. For instance, a Quarter Pounder with cheese from McDonald’s is 13 points; corn on the cob is 3. Each day, dieters attempt to stay within their maximum point range in order to lose weight.

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Water: The Hidden Diet Ingredient

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

Water is vital for our survival. But it can also be critical in helping you lose weight. When beginning a weight loss program, many people fail to incorporate enough water into their diet, causing them to lose the benefits that water can provide. As a result, they don’t lose as much weight as they should.

It has been said that water is a natural way to counteract hunger pains. When you drink water, you tend to “feel full” quite quickly. It also flushes out your system, allowing your body to rid itself of harmful toxins. Water can also boost your energy level and improve your metabolism, allowing you to consume calories more quickly.

Research indicates that hunger and thirst may be inextricably linked. That means that at times, you may think that you’re hungry, while actually you’re thirsty. Drinking water during those periods can help you to feel satiated without expanding your waistline. As a result, by consuming water, you may feel less of a need to eat.

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Getting in Step with Weight Loss

Tuesday, July 15th, 2008

As children, one of the first exercises we learned how to do was walking. While it may seem like an elementary form of exercise, walking can do wonders for the heart, the circulatory system, and our legs. Walking can also be instrumental in helping individuals to lose weight.

Medical experts say the important thing to keep in mind when starting a walking program is distance rather than time. In essence, it doesn’t matter how long it takes you to complete a mile—the important thing is to do it. If you hope to burn off two pounds a week, you will need to walk enough to burn about 3500 calories. If you weigh 160 pounds and you are walking at a rate of two miles per hour, you can burn as many as 105 calories.

A helpful technique when beginning a walking program is to build up your leg muscles so that you are able to burn additional calories. If you can, try to race-walk. Your goal should be to finish a mile in 13 minutes. Another technique you can use is by adding weights to your walking routine. For instance, you can pack eight pound weights into a backpack and wear it as you walk.

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The Vegetarian Diet: A Weight Loss Solution?

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008

If you’ve been to any large banquets recently, you may have noticed people passing up the prime rib and baked chicken in order to feast on a vegetarian meal. Vegetarianism seems to be gaining in popularity each year, spurred on by health concerns, weight difficulties, and celebrity endorsements. You may find that a vegetarian diet is the key to weight loss in your particular case.

First of all, it is important to define the vegetarian diet. You may be surprised to learn that there are actually a variety of vegetarian diets in use today. In some cases, vegetarians eat only fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts. In other cases, they may also eat cheese and drink milk, while in still other cases, they may eat eggs.

One of the advantages to the vegetarian diet is that it tends to be low in fat and cholesterol. As a result, a vegetarian diet can help you avoid heart problems and even cancer. However, you may also find that you are missing some important vitamins and minerals on a strictly vegetarian diet.

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The Ultimate Weight Loss Solution

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

If you are a fan of TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey, you probably knew about Dr. Phil McGraw some time ago. The advice guru is a favorite of Oprah’s because of his uncanny ability to “tell it like it is.” Dr. Phil has used the same no-nonsense approach on his own television program and has also introduced millions to a new perspective on dieting with his ultimate weight loss solution.

Dr. Phil’s approach may not be revolutionary, but it is instructive. He preaches the gospel of healthy choices. This means understanding the emotions that cause you to overeat in the first place. He also offers tests to help you assess your own eating patterns. Once you understand how your mind works, you can begin the daunting task of changing your environment.

Dr. Phil argues that, while you may not be able to control circumstances, you can control your reaction to the difficulties that come your way. This means taking ownership of your responses and leaving little to chance. Such a stance can be quite empowering and can give you the confidence you need to succeed at weight loss.

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