Enhanced Weight loss - Boost Metabolism Naturally

How to Reduce Stomach FatEver wondered how you managed to keep a slimmer figure during your younger years?

Aging brings many changes to our body. This includes slower metabolic rates that make it harder for us to burn and use fat deposits. A slower metabolism makes us feel tired and exhausted. It makes us feel sluggish and unable to perform the activities we used to do. But slowing metabolism does not only mean a change in our normal lifestyle it also makes it easier to gain those extra pounds while eating the same diet.

There are many ways to increase metabolism naturally. It does not require medications or expensive health treatments. So the next-time you feel sluggish or heavy, below are some tips to increase metabolism fast.

Eating Habits that Increase Metabolism

  • Never miss Breakfast - Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day and it helps set the tone for your dietary requirements. Skipping breakfast deprives your body of much needed nutrients to power your body for the rest of the day. In response, your body slows your metabolic rate in order to preserve as much nutrients as possible.
  • Schedule your Dinner - Health experts say that dinner should be the lightest meal. Schedule you dinner 3 to 4 hours before going to bed. This makes burning food more efficient. Without any major physical activities, the body slows its metabolism down accordingly.
  • Never go on Crash Diets -Many people make the mistake of going into crash diets in an effort to lose weight quickly. In an effort to compensate for sudden loss of nutrients, the body quickly moves into survival mode and slows its metabolism. The result is as soon as you resume your normal eating habits, normal metabolism is lost and food that was previously burned now ends up as fat reserves.
  • Eat small frequent meals - People who enjoy eating should take small, frequent meals. Rather than taking huge meals during the day, include small snacks between major meals. This trains your body to increase metabolic rates in response to small snacks during the day. Live an Active Lifestyle - Exercising regularly and engaging in a more active lifestyle increases metabolism fast. Even the slightest energy demand has a direct effect on our metabolic rate. Although regular daily activities have a significant effect in maintaining our normal metabolic rates, more strenuous activities like exercises that demand greater resources improve our metabolism.
  • Steadily increase the difficulty of your exercise regimen. A good way to increase metabolism fast is to perform strength training exercises. Add more weight or resistance weekly to increase your body’s demand for nutrients steadily. This is a great way to train your metabolism. Rather than increasing your weight training quickly, gradually increase difficulty.

Foods that Increase Metabolism

Drink lots of water. The body needs lot of water to power its different body processes. This includes metabolism so be sure to drink your share of water.

Take vitamin B supplements. The body needs Vitamin B for efficient energy production. Vitamin B12 in particular is important for energy. This is important if you’re planning to live a more active lifestyle.

Eat spicy foods. Chili, pepper and other spicy foods naturally increase metabolism. It raises the body’s temperature and makes body processes run a little bit faster.

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Aging, Menopause and Weight Gain

Concerned about your appearance?

When a woman’s reproductive ability ceases, chances are she may gain weight—a typical perimenopausal and menopausal symptom. Normal menopausal age starts at our 40’s to 50’s. At this time, the egg reproduction in women’s ovaries stops. There are three stages to it, the perimenopause (before the actual menopause), menopause and the post menopause.

Common menopause symptoms includes irregular periods and stopped one eventually, moods wings, palpitation, headaches, vaginal dryness, insomnia, depression and weight gain among others.

Long Term Health Problems

Menopause can be causing several long term health problems. Osteoporosis is one. Heart disease can also be possible. Women also became prone to poor bladder and bowel function. Alzheimer’s disease tends to catch up at this stage of a woman’s life. Wrinkling, vision problems and reduction of muscle power can also be experienced.

Another concern for many during menopausal stage is the risk of weight gain which could further result to other complications. 30% of women aged 50 to 59, clearly past or during their menopausal stages, are overweight or obese.

Why Women are Prone to Weight Gain During Menopause

Menopausal stage is a very challenging moment in a woman’s life especially with the weight gain talk. There are different factors to contributing to the challenge. And the combination of them all will affect a woman emotionally, physically and mentally if not addressed rightly.

  • Lowered Estrogen. Estrogen is the major contributor to the menopausal symptoms. During this stage, women have reduced estrogen production. Estrogen, as studies shows, is a big factor in weight regulation. Lower estrogen can cause lower metabolic rate among women. Because of the hormones’ decline, the body may start using starches and glucose in reduced efficiency.
  • Lowered Progesterone. Mostly, estrogen is more mentioned than progesterone among the factors that contributes to weight gain. Though progesterone opposes the action of estrogen on insulin, it still works with the former in controlling the negative impact of cortisol. Cortisol and insulin may cause fat storage, even lowered burning of fats, but muscles instead.
  • Increased AndrogenIncreased androgen can cause the extra middle age spread in the hips and the thighs.
  • Lowered testosterone. Lowered testosterone can cause the diminished transformation of calories into muscle mass. This causes lowered metabolic rate as well.
  • With lowered progesterone, insulin and cortisol may increase belly fat storage and it gets even harder during menopausal stage.
  • Age Related Factor. Menopause occurs during middle years, at which all other age related factors makes weight maintenance and loss seemed harder. Age makes women less active. Exercise at this stage is even low to non-existing. When you start aging, your resting metabolism is lessened because of losing muscle mass which makes it altogether hard to gain weight and even harder to shed it.

How to Deflect Weight Gain During Menopause

90% of women undergoing menopause gains weight in one or another. But there are ways to deflect and ward it off. Take it below.

  • Exercise. Exercising, though would take much effort due to age factors, would clearly be a solution. Be active as much as possible, set a routine. A simple walk can start everything. And can even improve your quality of life. Aerobic activities, strength training, stretching are advisable.
  • Relax, relieve stress. Never let stress get the best of you. Stress is a major ill contributor to your health as well as your weight. Take a walk, do something you love, enjoy simple things and take your mind off from trivial matters at hand.
  • HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy. Since low estrogen causes slow metabolism, fat gain and increase hunger, a hormonal therapy can be advisable. It can also be a solution to your middle age spread.
  • Eat less but eat healthier. Eat less calories and take outs, eat more natural foods. Bank on fruits and vegetables too. Pay attention to what you are eating, eat less bad food but never skip meals.
  • Talk to someone. A simple talk or a conversation with someone undergoing what you are experiencing can be therapeutic. This will help clear your mind, let you get to see things and would even offer you valuable tips to chase away fats.

Menopause is a challenge for women. But with the prior knowledge of what you will be going through, you may surpass it unscathed, minus the weight gain.

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Diets for Toning the Muscles

Enough to make a guy jealous

All of us need good muscle tone. Muscle tone is defined as the continuous and passive contraction of the muscles or its resistance to stretch while resting. Good muscle tone is essential for maintaining balance, posture and strength. Although exercise can improve muscle tone, diet is also an important factor. A poor diet can result to low muscle tone manifested as muscle flaccidity and weakness. Food fuels the process by which the muscle builds and repairs its tissues. This is why we must choose the right food in toning muscles.

So what are the foods that build muscle tone? Here they are:

Egg Whites                                       

Maybe you have heard many athletes say that eating egg whites can increase muscle bulk. Actually, egg whites can improve muscle tone. This is because eggs are a good source of high-quality animal protein. It is said that a single large egg contains about 6 grams of protein.

You can actually increase your protein intake and keep up with your body’s protein requirements by eating a few eggs per week. Just be careful because eggs may also contain a high amount of fat, especially in its yolk. This is why we recommend eating egg whites instead to consume high-quality, low fat protein.

Soybeans

Soy is a source of plant protein. Aside from protein, soybeans also give you a lot of vitamins and minerals to help boost nerve function and improve muscle tone. Soybeans also contain fiber which helps improve your digestion and make you feel full easily so you don’t feel hungry all the time.

It is said that a cup of soybeans contain about 29 grams of protein. This food also contains less fat! You can also try other beans. Lentils are also good sources of protein. It is said that a cup of lentils may contain about 18 grams of protein and less than a gram of fat.

Chicken

Chicken meat is also highly concentrated with protein which helps build and repair damaged muscle tissues in times of stress or injury. If you are trying to build muscle, taking in a lot of protein from both animal and plant sources is important. Chicken meat is high in protein yet low in excess fat which can be found in red meat.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are cereal foods that contain cereal germ, bran and endosperm. Examples are wheat, oats, barley, maize, brown rice, rye and sprouted grains. Products which contain whole grains include whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, popcorn and rolled oats. These foods contain the right amount and carbohydrates that release slow energy to improve your muscle tone and to keep you on the go.

Carbohydrates which are found in whole wheat and other healthy foods are the best sources of energy. It is essential that you take in high carbohydrate and low-glycemic index foods so that you will boost your energy levels without spiking your blood sugar levels.

 

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Gynaecomastia - Male Breast Reduction

Weight Loss--A Common Goal
Gynaecomastia, the male breast emulating the appearance of female breasts condition, is more alarming in case of emotional and psychological aspect than physical.
In the study of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons headed by Dr. Brian Labow, boys can be affected by adverse psychological effects at an early age even with just a mild case of gynaecomastia.
Gynaecomastia can be cured or remedied through male breast reduction.
Negative Psychosocial Effects of Gynaecomastia
The study above yielded a clear result; gynaecomastia can affect boys, even men, in terms of psychological and emotional aspects. The boys who were the subjects of the study had low scores in term so standard quality of life assessment. They even have lower scores in physical health, being most of them over weight. The study has compared results to those boys who took the test but don't have the condition.
The reason behind the negative thinking over the condition is the idea that we have been reared in society that has breast as a standard anatomy part of women, not of men.  Men and boys find it adversative to being male and being masculine.
Due to that, they experience problems socially, emotionally and psychologically, the men and boys suffering from male breast enlargement. The adverse effects of gynaecomastia psychosocially can be found below:
  1. Low self esteem is observed.
  2. Social relationship is impaired.
  3. Tendency to wear different clothes to hide the lumps and be considered different from the rest.
  4. Ridicule and bullying from people around you can be demeaning.
  5. Withdrawal from people and low assessment of body image.
These can be overcome once the condition has been addressed. Surgery and losing weight are two of the most popular remedy for the condition.
Physical and Medical Suppositions of Gynecomastia
At the age of 14, 60% of boys have gynaecomastia.  This is due to the increase of estrogen during this stage.
Mostly, men who have the male breast enlargement syndrome are on the overweight side of the scale. On the other hand, gynaecomastia or male breast enlargement or not, male are still susceptible to breast cancer.
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Eliminating Bad Cholesterol the Natural Way

Diet pills that really workClose to half of the US population has been found to have unhealthy cholesterol levels. And almost 1 out of 3 Americans have  unhealthy LDL or bad cholesterol. LDL is known as the unhealthy cholesterol. The higher the cholesterol you have, the greater your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure.
The waxy and the fat like substance that is found in every cell in the body passes through the bloodstream, in forms of lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are packages that are made of fat on the inside and proteins on the outside. Cholesterol can be grouped into two, the low density lipoproteins or the LDL and the high density lipoprotein or the HDL. The LDL is more commonly known as the bad cholesterol while the HDL is more commonly known as HDL.
Since the high level of cholesterol may result to clogged arteries, arteries covered with plaque restricting blood flow, heart attack, stroke and other arterial disease, it would be very right to start lowering it by eating the right food.
Foods to Combat the LDL
75% of a body’s cholesterol is made by ones liver while 25% comes from the food that one eats. Maintaining cholesterol can be tricky especially with the food and tempting things around us. What may raise bad cholesterol involves full fat dairy, fat in meats and trans fat from baked goods. So here is a list you can use.
Oily Fish
Oily fish seems to be the top choice for this. Since oily fish contains omega-3, cholesterol busting polyunsaturated fats, it has become a major choice to address certain conditions in the body. Omega-3 is known to keep heart healthy, to reduce inflammation in the body and to prohibit pain.
Flaxseed and Chia Seed
Chia and Flaxseed contains the same component of oily fish above, the omega-3. The difference is it comes from a
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Gastric Bypass Procedures – Lipo Alternatives

Is you’re still searching for another interesting alternative to liposuction then a Gastric Bypass procedure is something that you should look at. A simple explanation for what Gastric Bypass does is it reduces stomach volume directly affecting how much food could be stored and digested. This in turn helps people lose weight by physically altering stomach structure by limiting the amount of food we could store and digest.

A Gastric Bypass in particular does not only reduce the stomach’s surface amount for digestion but also circumvents the first portion of the small intestine. Since the small intestine is also responsible for absorbing food nutrients, decreasing foods exposure in this area further reduces the amount of nutrients absorbed by the body.

Who is qualified for Gastric Bypass Procedures?

A gastric bypass surgery should only be considered when healthier options for losing weight such as eating a healthy diet and living an active lifestyle fails to produce a drastic reduction in overall weight.

  • People suffering from severe obesity or those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher

  • People with medical conditions such as Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes whose weight is a direct contributor to their health problems
  • Those with serious health problems and a BMI of 35 to 39.9 or 30 to 34 depending on your doctor’s recommendations

Gastric Bypass Risks and Complications Any surgical procedures by nature pose some level of risk and complications. This is why surgical procedures such as liposuction and gastric bypass are only recommended for those suffering from severe obesity and serious health problems.

  • Bleeding, infection and scarring
  • Gastrointestinal perforation
  • Ulcer
  • Gallstones
  • Nutrient deficiency
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting as a result of severe weight loss
Nutritional Deficiency
-          Is described as a health condition characterized by a severe deficiency in nutrients that can be a direct result of extreme diets and gastric bypass procedures.
-          It can not only be the result of depriving the body of nutrients such as dieting but also with a poorly planned diet.
 Gastric Bypass Alternatives
Gastric Banding
Gastric banding utilizes a “band” to reduce total stomach volume. Compared to a gastric bypass, gastric band procedures are simpler and take less time to perform. It is also reversible, and only takes a simple surgical procedure to remove the band. Weight loss is brought about as a direct result of the stomach’s ability to store food.
Prescription Weight Loss Medications
FDA approved weight loss medications are available for those who would like to enhance their weight loss efforts. These are often recommended for people who are at high risk for developing medical conditions such as diabetes due to uncontrolled weight gain. However, these weight loss medications are only advised for short term use.
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Fast Facts on Liposuction

question markHere are some quick facts about Liposuction:

  • Liposuction is not the healthiest way to lose weight
  • Liposuction is not a one-stop miracle cure for losing unwanted fats
  • There are limits on how much fat could be removed for each liposuction session
  • Severely suffering from obesity should first bring their weight down to safer levels before liposuction
  • Liposuction removes deep fat deposits and may not be as equally effective in removing cellulite
  • Skin usually returns to its normal size or shrinks back to fit your new size
  • Liposuction is a permanent way of removing fat cells
  • Liposuction is not a guarantee that you will never suffer from weight problems

 Reasons for liposuction

Liposuction should not be your first choice when planning to lose weight. This should only be considered when all else has failed (exercise, healthy diet) or when these don’t produce desired results. Liposuction can be used as a medical treatment for people suffering from severe obesity.

Liposuction can be used for a more targeted approach to fat removal or sculpt specific areas of the body.  These areas include the buttocks, legs, thighs, hips, breast, arms and stomach. In fact, liposuction today is considered as an aesthetic procedure rather than a medical treatment.

Expectations

Liposuction is one of the most effective ways of losing weight. But even it has its limits and multiple treatments might be advised for those with severe weight problems. Liposuctions are usually performed under local anesthesia depending on the amount of fats to be removed and location.

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Natural Skin Tightening Methods after Liposuction

Happy Active PeopleSagging skin is just one of the unsightly results of rapid weight loss. Just like clothes that suddenly don’t fit after liposuction surgery which is a welcome surprise for those battling cellulite deposits, skin appears to loosen up in areas where liposuction has just been performed. It is especially disturbing to know especially when you’ve just lost serious pounds only to find that you are suddenly suffering from sagging skin.

There’s an over-abundance of over the counter skin-tightening solutions. Creams which promise to miraculously firm your skin and bring that youthful glow. But this just like any quick-fix treatments do not benefit your overall health. These might even contain chemicals that could have adverse effects on your skin.

The best solution is to go all-natural.  Search for products that have been certified as all natural eliminating the dangers or complications. By staying on the natural side of skin tightening, you don’t only ensure that you get your desired results but also keep everything healthy. It might not produce the fastest results but you’re sure that natural skin tightening stays longer.

Natural skin tightening works by normalizing the production of collagen and elastin. These are two essential components needed for healthy skin. Collagen and elastin keeps your skin tight and looking young.

Exercising regularly

What’s a good way to get rid of loose skin? If you want to fill-in those areas where cellulite deposits have been removed then why not replace it with muscles. Regular exercise keeps fat from coming back while giving your body that natural tone. Exercising promotes blood circulation which makes it easier for nutrients to reach the skin. Improved circulation also helps eliminate toxins

Get the right nutrients by eating healthy

Keeping ourselves healthy is becoming more difficult simply because we are not getting the right amount of nutrients. Eating the right diet prevents the uptake of excess fats. It also ensures that our skin gets all the help it needs to keep it tight and young.

Eat a diet that is rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals especially those rich in vitamin E. Fruits and vegetables will always be a good choice for keeping your skin tight and healthy. Minimizing your sugar intake could also be a good way of tightening your skin. Most of the nutrients needed by the body are only available by taking supplements or their food sources.

Drink fluids

Juices and water helps your skin moisturized and hydrated. Water tightens and flushes out toxins. Sticking to juices is a wonderful way of tightening the skin. Thirst that quench and give your skin the nutrients it needs by switching your favorite sodas to fruit juices.

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What Makes Weight Loss Body Wraps Effective

FitSo how does weight loss body wraps measure up against liposuction and the other modern weight loss treatments available today. Is it truly effective or is it just one of those health fads that seem to disappear as soon as the latest craze pops up?

For a start, weight loss body wraps has been around since the Egyptians. It was commonly used for both medicinal and beauty treatments. This was long before the introduction of surgical treatments such as liposuction or facelifts. Many people swear that weight loss body wraps are effective in helping people shed those extra pounds while rejuvenating the skin for a more youthful look. Certainly this is a more attractive prospect once you consider the pain and scar that liposuction bring.

Different layers of fat and liquid deposits are located just beneath the skin. When the amount of fats and fluids are accumulated above normal levels, extra curves become visible as cellulite. This could be treated by switching to a more active lifestyle and eating a healthy diet.

But for some of us who have gone beyond those simple extra pounds, achieving a slim figure could be a difficult journey. This is why liposuction and other weight loss treatments continue to be a popular method of getting rid of stubborn fats.

Weight loss body wraps are just one of the liposuction alternatives that aim to reduce or eliminate cellulite deposits in the body. However, while most liposuction alternative only remove fat deposits weight loss body wraps bring extra health benefits. Keeping the skin healthy and removing toxins are just some of the advantages of this treatment.

Weight loss body wraps help shed those extra pounds by helping the body melt those cellulite deposits while removing toxins. It also brings lost moisture to the skin, introducing nutrients to revitalize and heal different skin areas. These body wraps also bring a soothing effect to help release built-up stress and tensions making you feel fresh after every treatment.

The main function of weight loss body fats is to melt those stubborn fat deposits directly under the skin. Although the results are not as dramatic as those seen in traditional liposuction, shedding off a few inches without the going under the knife is a gentler alternative. Fat deposits are not the only cause of weight gain and those extra curves, excess liquids which are stored in those nooks and crannies are also effectively removed after every treatment.

Most of the body wraps being sold today are those intended for weight loss. Treatments are similar to a relaxing sauna making it a relaxing method of eliminating fats. The added benefits depend on the ingredients that are used in conjunction with treatment. This could be mud, creams or oils that bring its own therapeutic effect. But this could be made effective by combining it with eating a healthy diet and exercising makes it doubly effective.

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Foods to Eat After Liposuction

The road to recovery post surgery starts with the selection of the right diet choices. Boosting up your diet with a sufficient amount of minerals, nutrients and energy-inducing foods accelerates the healing process and helps the body recover its strength naturally.

The need of additional health supplements is reduced considerably if you incorporate a nutritious and balanced diet in your daily schedule. Choosing a complete and balanced diet plan will help you recover quickly, heal your body naturally and prevent complications and health problems like constipation etc.

Diet Essentials

The main idea to keep in mind when planning your diet post surgery is to eat a complete and nourishing meal, which is not too heavy and comprised of whole and unprocessed foods. Avoiding fatty foods and packaged meals is a great step.

Following are some main elements that should be an essential part of your lunch, dinner and breakfast regime, as they ensure a speedy and healthy recovery!

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, when consumed in the right amount, are the body’s natural source of gaining strength and making a quick recovery. They prevent muscle breakage and keep you feeling alert and rejuvenated from within. Whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal and cereals etc are natural and delicious sources of healthy carbs.

Fiber-Rich foods

Foods that contain fiber include grains, beans, fruits, vegetables and cereals. These improve the digestion of food and reduce constipation which is a common side effect of surgery and medications.

Proteins

Proteins are the most vital and important part of the diet and they are especially important after surgery. Proteins improve the tissue structure and help in healing wounds and regenerating new skin cells. Lean proteins are encouraged to be consumed after surgery and the best sources for lean protein are seafood, soy products, lean meat and poultry, eggs and low fat dairy products.

Vitamins

Vitamins have strengthening and healing properties that reduce the need of any external medication and diet supplements. Vitamins A, C, D, E and K contribute in wound healing, bone healing and blood clotting.

Vitamin K is present in fish, liver and green vegetables, while Vitamin E is abundant in nuts, milk, eggs and vegetable oils. Vitamin D rich foods include milk, fish, eggs and cereals. Incorporating all these food choices in your daily meals can spell a healthy and quick recovery.

Healthy fats

A healthy amount of good fats is also a key component to be included in diet after surgery. Sources of heart-healthy fats are olive oil, foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, fruits like avocado and nuts and seeds.

Fresh fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are the natural sources of vitamins, nutrients and minerals that are excessively needed for the body to heal and regain strength after surgery.

Vitamins A and C are particularly helpful in healing wounds and they are naturally present in citrus foods, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, melons, grapefruits, mango, spinach and kale. Water

What to Avoid

Processed and packaged foods are a complete no-no when it comes to planning a healthy diet post surgery. Dehydrated foods and dried fruits may also cause constipation and a heavy feeling and thus should be avoided. It is also a good idea to avoid sweets, heavy milk and dairy products, red meat and cheese.

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