Which Weight Loss Pills Are Best? Natural Vs Pharmaceutical

Who should take weight loss pills?
Weight loss pills are suitable for anybody that either wants to lose weight, or has difficulty maintaining the weight that they desire. Losing or maintaining weight with diet and exercise alone can sometimes be difficult and weight loss pills will give that extra boost to your efforts. Strict diet and exercise regimes often fall by the wayside, especially after the initial few weeks. At first, you will lose weight quickly, which is great, but when all your good work is undone with one blow-out weekend, it is easy to feel defeated and give up altogether! This is where weight loss pills come in, making dieting a lot easier.

Although some pills have been proven to work even without changing your diet, we highly recommend a healthy eating plan, in conjunction with any weight loss pills. Even if you have had trouble sticking to diets in the past, you will find it hugely motivating to see the pounds melt away quickly and safely. Without changing your diet, it will take a lot longer to lose weight.

What weight loss pills are available?
Weight loss pills can be divided into two groups, natural and pharmaceutical.

Pharmaceutical pills need to be prescribed by your Doctor. In the UK, surgeries will usually only prescribe pills to patients with a BMI over 30, and only if you have a weight related problem, such as diabetes. The most common types of pharmaceutical pills are Orlistat, Belviq, Phentermine and Qsymia.

Orlistat works by preventing the body from absorbing all of the fat from the foods that you eat. It is absolutely essential that you stay on a low fat diet whilst taking Orlistat, as eating high fat content meals lead to oily, uncontrollable bowel movements.

The other pharmaceutical products, Belviq, Phentermine and Qsymia act as appetite suppressants. These pills all have a long list of side effects, including heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, diarrhoea and depression to name but a few. Phentermine is not approved for long term use as it is a strong amphetamine, which could easily become addictive.

Natural weight loss pills do not need a prescription and are widely available online and in most good health food stores. These natural substances work in harmony with your body to enhance the fat burning capabilities. Whilst some natural weight loss pills are more effective than others, they certainly don't have the nasty side effects that you may suffer with from pharmaceutical pills. They are perfectly safe for most healthy adults. However, you still need to be careful as some natural weight loss pills may interfere with certain prescription drugs. For example, if you suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia, you should not take Garcinia Cambogia as it may form acetylcholine in the brain which could counteract your medication. We would not recommend weight loss pills in any form to pregnant women or children. If in doubt, always consult your doctor before taking any pills, natural, herbal or otherwise!

Natural weight loss pills
There are several different types of natural supplements, including the infamous Acai Berry, Garcinia Cambogia, green coffee bean, raspberry ketones, African Mango, Dietrine, Hoodia and Saffron extract to name but a few! They all work in different ways to help the body burn fat. The side effects from these natural products are all beneficial. They include increased energy, mood enhancement and stabilising blood pressure levels.

Natural supplements can be extremely effective too. Many people assume that natural substances are a 'soft' option and don't work, but that is not true. Our top weight loss pills, Garcinia Cambogia have been proven to burn 3x more fat than dieting alone. Now there's results anybody would be happy with! We do recommend that you look at the different types of weight loss pills available, until you find one that suits you. It is also good practice to look for evidence of clinical trials to show the effectiveness of the product in question. The Natural Supplements industry is a huge market and unfortunately there are many companies who make wondrous claims about their products, without any scientific proof to back it up.

Good natural supplements will contain at least 50% of the active ingredient, and no artificial ingredients, additives, preservatives, fillers or binders. Most are organic in nature, and will have other benefits besides weight loss. For example, the relative new-comer, Yacon Molasses (which is not a pill but a syrup) promotes healthy digestion and eases constipation as well as helping you lose weight.

If you have had difficulty in the past sticking to diets and would like to take things to hand, natural weight loss supplements will help you. There is no need for a prescription, so you can deal with matters yourself privately without the need for medical intervention. We feel that it is always better to take control of bad eating habits that have led to weight gain as soon as possible. That unsightly, excess flab will seem relatively minor when you start facing issues such as diabetes and heart failure. If your health does become affected by your weight, your options may become more limited, and the choices made for you. With obesity increasing at an alarming rate, it is important now more than ever to tackle your weight issues head on.

Whichever option you choose to help you on your weight loss journey, please be aware that nothing can substitute a healthy diet and exercise program, no matter what the claims. A healthy diet means making wise food choices and feeling free to indulge occasionally. Weight loss pills can help you along that path and make things a bit easier.

Weight Loss - Simple Tips That Work

Most people want to lose their weight quickly. They aim to lose 5- 10 kg within a week, and when that doesn't happen, they are the first ones to quit. The programs which claim to provide such drastic results usually require drastic measures as well. For a lot of people, bringing about such a major change in their lifestyles in such a short amount of time is virtually impossible, and these programs know that. However, they still sell because people think such results can be achieved. And while they can, only a very small percentage of people are actually able to achieve such drastic results. Even then, most people find it impossible to keep this weight off once and for all.

Losing weight is more about bringing a change in a person's lifestyle than it is about frequent exercise. Here are some simple tips that are guaranteed to work, though they must be followed consistently for at least three months to show a positive result:

1. Incorporate good food in the diet. This goes without saying, but if a person wants to lose weight, perhaps the first step is checking out their diet plan. Most people who put on weight simply do so because they consume more calories than they expend. Hence, these calories are stored as fat in the body. Rather than blatantly banning all fried or processed items from the diet, it would be a wiser idea to slowly introduce healthy vegetables and foods such as oatmeal in the diet.


2. Start exercising, slowly. The common number of people who are generally overweight are the ones who do not exercise at all. Given the nature of jobs that most people hold, their bodies get to spend very little calories throughout the day. Hence, exercise is all but non- existent from the lives of people who are overweight. Trying to exercise for an hour everyday will get a person nowhere at this stage. Instead, it is wise to start with a schedule one can manage easily, such as 20 minutes of exercise daily. It is easy to build from there.


3. Talk a walk. A lot of people don't talk about it, but one of the most effective ways to lose weight, and then keep it off is through a simple walk. While taking a simple walk has more benefits than just weight loss, it is essentially working the body, and hence helps reduce weight. Moreover, it is not as physically strenuous as compared to heavy exercise, so it is easy to incorporate in the daily schedule.


4. Drink lots of water, especially before eating. When a person drinks water before they sit down to eat, their mind is effectively tricked in to thinking that they are already quite full. As a result, the person doesn't eat as much. Also, keeping the body hydrated also helps in quicker fat burn, which leads to a much quicker loss of weight.

These are simple tips to lose weight, but are guaranteed to show proven results in the long run!

5 Typical Mistakes Made When Trying To Lose Unwanted Belly Fat

Why is it that when you are trying to lose belly fat it seems the hardest thing to do? While the other fat on your body is hard enough to burn off, the last fat to leave us is that which covers our abdominal muscles. So, if you are trying to get in shape and be more healthy, where do people go wrong when they are trying to lose belly fat?

1. Thinking That Crunches Will Burn Belly Fat.

Doing loads of crunches and sit-ups will not burn belly fat. These exercises work and tone your abdominal muscles, but you need to burn off the fat that covers those muscles first. There are some great exercises that do burn belly fat, like resistance and cardio training. You also need to control the amount of calories that you eat each day.

2. Eating What And When You Want Because You Exercise Regularly.

You can exercise as hard as you want, but if those calories that you've burned are being replaced with unhealthy foods, chemicals and extra fats, it is very unlikely that you will reach your fat loss goal. Remember that even if you do exercise regularly, it does not mean that you will not lose belly fat if you are eating to many of the wrong foods.

3. Not Including Resistance Training In Your Workout.

You need to include resistance training, or weightlifting, into your workout routine if you want to lose belly fat. The reason is that muscles burn more calories, even while they are resting. Resistance training allows you to build strength, tone muscle and it will not turn you into a bulky bodybuilder. A body builder's big muscles are the result of a very specific and hard exercise program, often combined with muscle boosting supplements.

4. Only Doing Long Cardio Sessions.

If you just spend hours on the treadmill or stationery bike at the same pace, it is not going help you get those flat abs muscles showing through. You do need to include some cardiovascular activity to increase your heart rate, condition your lungs, and burn fat but to get the maximum results from your cardio exercises, use interval training. This is where you alternate between high intensity exercise with low intensity recovery periods.

5. Not Making Any Changes To Your Lifestyle.

You have to commit to changing your lifestyle to improve your nutrition and fitness. If you always feel that you are on a diet and doing exercise that you don't like, it will be very difficult to shed that unwanted fat around your midsection. There are loads of healthy and nutritious foods out there that you probably have never tried and lots of different types of exercise that you will enjoy doing it you make the effort to try some out.

The facts of weight loss drugs !!

There are a number of new fat melting medications available on the market today. However, these drugs are not intended for the average person who has an extra 10 pounds to lose before their wedding. Prescription fat melting medications are designed for those who are significantly obese or have weight-related medical problems that need to be corrected quickly to stop furthering complications. Here is a basic guide to determining if fat melting drugs may be right for you. Of course, you should always consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation and prescription.

There are certain guidelines concerning who may be prescribed fat melting medications. People who have a body mass index that is over 30, unless they have other obesity-related health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure. These critical conditions lower the body mass index requirement to 27. Whether or not a severe condition is obesity-related and grounds for prescribing medication can depend on the doctor, so get a second opinion if you do not agree with your doctor's assessment. These health problems can become critical if ignored and prescription fat melting medications may be the answer you have been looking for.

The most common fat melting medications are impacted by suppressing the appetite. These types of diet aids have been around for decades, with amphetamines and Dexedrine being used as far back as the 1950's. A new kind of craving suppressant drugs uses a slightly diverse mechanism to achieve the same result, reducing their appeal for abuse. For example, the popular drug Meridia unleashes a certain type of brain chemical that is responsible for signaling hunger. This way, they rarely get hungry, so there is no feeling of starving themselves of something they want. Unfortunately, Meridia is known to increase blood pressure and heart rate, making it unsafe for many with cardiovascular issues.

Besides the fat melting medications that suppress appetite, there is another class of drugs designed to interfere with the body's ability to soak up fat from food. Xenical was the first of these lipase inhibitor medications to be approved, hitting the market in 1999. These drugs impact by inhibiting the body's production of lipase, which is a necessary part of the fat absorption process. Without this enzyme, fat molecules cannot be broken down and will pass harmlessly through the digestive system. The side effects of Xenical show the drawback to letting fat leave the body in its raw state, with cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, and anal leakage being the most common.

Testing is always being performed on new drugs for the commercial markets, so it is only a matter of time before there are better options for some wishing to lose weight. Some developmental medicines have received short-term FDA approval, but they have shown too many side effects to be approved for mainstream use at this time. With some more refining by the pharmaceutical companies' research and development departments, they should be available as part of the next wave of prescription fat melting medications.

Healthy Diet Tips From a Senior Personal Trainer

Older adults who exercise often still wonder if their diet is helping or actually hindering their workouts. The old adage regarding seniors sitting in an armchair while watching TV and the boundaries of how to live the golden years of our lives have been shattered - many experts now suggest seniors live their lives to the full, meeting up with other retired friends and family members, taking to the golf course, traveling the world with their life partner and, of course, taking a new higher ground with regard to diet.

Senior personal trainers are in the corner of their clients, cheering them on and supporting and providing them with a plan to stay active and trim. A certain doctoral student in exercise physiology at the University of New Mexico - and senior personal trainer - suggests the following senior nutrition tips:

• Understand Calorie Requirements - Individuals over the age of 50 tend to require fewer calories than younger people do and as such for adults 51 and over, the Recommended Energy Intakes (REIs) are 2,300 per day for men and 1,900 calories per day for women. Exercising also helps fight age-related obesity, with high-quality protein and complex carbohydrates playing a vital role in the diet.


• Stay Hydrated - Often overlooked, hydration is a serious concern for older people. As we age, our ability to sense thirst actually declines so we may drink less than we need. To prevent dehydration, it's recommended to plan a fluid intake. Also paramount to consider is staying hydrated before, during and after a workout - in fact, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking 16 ounces (two cups) of fluid every two hours before exercise. During moderate exercise, the body can lose two to six cups of fluid per hour, so during workouts it's important to drink eight to 12 ounces every 10 or 15 minutes to combat these losses.


• Eat Around a Workout - Consuming a pre-exercise snack can assist working out successfully without feeling unduly tired during or after the activity. To replenish food stores afterward, it's suggested to eat a snack consisting of a carbohydrate and a touch of protein - obvious choices that often come to mind are a breakfast drink, string cheese and Melba toast, egg white and potato burrito and peanut butter on whole-grain bread.

How can seniors improve their health with regard to developing a fitness regimen and healthy eating habits? It all starts with understanding the meaning behind "easy does it" - it is vitally important to start slow and build up to a regular senior fitness plan. Precaution also must take place, as seniors should always check with doctors to ensure their heart health allows for physical activity.

A common mistake many older - and younger, for that matter - people make is overdoing the exercise right away, lessening the enjoyment of the workout and often resulting in injury and/or feelings of "being winded."

Beyond the merits of personal training for seniors, the aspect of eating right remains a primary concern in geriatric wellness science. Consuming insoluble fiber has been known to significantly reduce the chance of colon cancer, lower the risk of heart disease and avoid the development of diverticulosis.

With an understanding that the proper portioning of food has worsened, our awareness of nutrient-rich foods has improved over the passing years. It is often recommended by experts to avoid white breads, oil, fats and sugars - in its place should be the consumption of vegetables and whole-grain foods (such as the whole-grain breads mentioned earlier).

Also vital, say senior demographic health experts, is the consumption of foods rich in colors like green, orange and purple; any food bright in color is indicative of a dynamic nutrient value. In a general sense, the richer the color the better it is for our bodies - this is why green beans, spinach, kale, broccoli and asparagus have more nutrient value than iceberg lettuce, cucumbers and celery.

While taking steps such as attending exercise classes is a great move for an elderly individual attempting to live a somewhat active lifestyle, it is diet that plays an equally vital role. The age-old sentiment that suggests "you are what you eat" comes to mind here.

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Best Weight Loss Tips For Overweight Moms To Lose 50 Pounds Of Fat

Weight gain is a common concern in women. A very small percentage manages to stay slim and trim until they welcome old age. Most of the pounds are part of being a mother. Pregnancy adds stubborn fatty deposits around the midsection. The responsibilities of the home and children barely give you a chance to pay attention to what you eat and there's no time for a structured exercise routine. The raging hormones and a sluggish metabolism exacerbate your troubles. This is why most moms are either obese or overweight by the age of 50.

The problem of weight gain seems inevitable in the case of women, but don't settle so easily for it. Trimming your waistline makes you look presentable. Getting rid of belly fat early cuts the risk of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. So, whether you've just delivered your bundle of joy or are a middle-aged woman coping with teenage blues, here are tips on how to lose weight fast for overweight moms. Check them out.

Evaluate Food Choices

You can initiate the fat burning process by adopting new eating habits. The first tip recommends reducing calorie intake by 100 calories. You should decrease your intake of dietary fat. Eat healthy fat such as nuts, olives and avocados. A weight loss diet for obese and overweight women should include meat, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Their high fiber and protein content increases digestion time. They also flush out the digestive tract.

Metabolism slows down with age. You should eat foods that boost metabolism and promote fat burning. Irrespective of whether you want to lose 50lbs or drop 70 pounds, you should have enough of water. Limit your intake of processed foods. They contain ingredients that are not easily digestible.

Revamp Your Exercise Routine

It is observed that women cut back on exercise as they get older. Many women do not perform any activity at all. Their desk jobs and vehicles are to blame for it, but another cause is menopause. As women approach menopause, they tend to tire out easily and therefore abstain from heavy, backbreaking exercises. The truth about exercise for weight loss for women is "less is more". 90 minutes exercise per week (30 minutes; three times a day) is enough to initiate fat loss.

Speaking of the type of exercises you should perform, aerobic activities are the most beneficial to trim belly fat. Aerobic exercises engage muscle groups and elevate the heart rate. They are low-intensity and therefore easily manageable. Aerobic activities include walking, swimming, jogging, running, dancing, skiing, kickboxing and hiking. You should also alternate between high and low-impact aerobic exercises.

Strength training exercises also have a place in weight loss tips for women. Strength training includes weight-lifting activities. It builds muscles mass and boosts a person's resting metabolic rate.

Be Accountable

Stick with the diet and exercise plan you have decided. Set realistic goals and record small achievements. Stay away from people who discourage you. Be patient for weight loss takes time.

Remember losing weight is not only about looking good; it's about living healthy. As an overweight mom, you are not setting the right example for your children. Make crucial decisions today for a better future tomorrow.

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4 Rules You Must Follow to Get Rid of Cellulite

Cellulite is that orange peel appearance of the skin caused by a poor blood circulation and the accumulation of fat, water and toxins. But, what causes cellulite? And how to get rid of cellulite?

This unsightly condition called cellulite is due to several factors:

- Inadequate food

- Lack of exercise

- Weight loss diets

- Hormonal disorders

- Constipation

- Diabetes

- Smoking

- The excess of alcohol

- Stress

- Insomnia

- Tight clothes

- Wearing high heels

Get rid of cellulite from your legs, thighs and bum with 4 simple rules

If you want to get rid of cellulite fast it is necessary to follow these 4 important rules.

1. You always have to start with a body detoxification, which is essential for treating cellulite. So, first adopt a slightly hypocaloric diet, but nutritionally balanced and rich in water, fruits, vegetables, moderate salt, keep it high in proteins, but stay away from fats, sweets, additives and artificial flavors.

2. Stress affects the hormonal balance, the appetite, the recreation and the body's capability to recover. It is a hidden cause of many diseases and cellulite is no exception. Respect the periods of rest. Sleep 7-8 hours in a well ventilated room, with no electrical appliances and no artificial light.

3. Hydration is essential for your skin's health. A small consumption of water makes toxins accumulate under the skin and leads to water retention and loss of elasticity. So, hydrate yourself with at least 2-3 liters of water each day and drink a glass of water before bed.

4. Do more physical exercises. The best natural way to stimulate and normalize the blood circulation are physical exercises (gymnastics), sports (any sport), fast walking, jogging, dancing, aerobics and massages (performed by a competent massage therapist).

A great way to remove cellulite fast is through anti cellulite massages combined with a therapeutic massage. Massage oils and aromatic substances have a beneficial effect on the skin and blood circulation when combined with an effective massage.

Your physical appearance is the first impression you give to others and your skin is perhaps the most important "coat" that you wear every day. Cellulite shouldn't match your outfit! Now you know what causes cellulite and how to remove it quickly. Do not let the cellulite ruin your vacation. Apply these 4 simple rules and remove cellulite from your life as fast as you can!

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10 Top Tips For Successful Dieting

It is common knowledge that regular exercise and eating lower amounts of food is vital to weight loss but some people still find it difficult to do. The right diet should not be difficult for you to maintain. Here are the best ten tips that will enable you to develop the right attitude for reducing your weight.

Information is a priority.

Read magazines and articles in order to find out about the latest facts on healthy eating. When you have the latest information, it will be easier to maintain your determination and to be confident that your weight loss goals can be achieved.

Be inspired.

At the start of your weight loss program, you have to write down why you want to lose weight. Commitment will be easier for you if you have clear goals. It should not just be about looking good. Your starting point may be to lose weight so as to improve your health. This list will motivate you if you look at it frequently.

Watch what you eat.

Keep a record of your daily consumption of food and drink. If you understand your feeding habits, you can easily trace your areas of difficulty. It is easier to make changes when you watch what you feed yourself. This will make you more conscious of your diet and help you to plan ahead of time.

Set targets that are achievable.

Looking at many studies carried out trying to loose up to 10% of your weight is a good starting point. Break this up in to more manageable chunks aiming for 2-3kg at a time. Just maintaining your weight can be an achievement in itself. However losing moderate quantities of weight in the long term can bring health benefits. When you start your diet programme do it small manageable steps. Having practical goals which are achievable will mean you are more likely to succeed this in turn will lead to self-pride and assurance.

Eat moderately and frequently.

Eating less calories and burning more is a good way to weight loss. However, it becomes difficult to accomplish if you are always hungry. Studies have shown that people who take snacks or 5 meals everyday find it easier to effectively manage their weight. Take time to divide your food into small portions and consume them quite early in the day. It is better not to eat after dinner.

Add protein to every meal.

Diets with higher protein content can reduce overall food intake. This is because protein is more satisfying than both carbohydrate or fat. Protein makes you feel fuller sooner, so making sure you have a lean portion of chicken or fish will help with this goal. Protein also takes longer to digest and enter the blood stream so alleviates that sugar rush associated with diets high in carbohydrate.

Do distractions drive you to eat more?

Most individuals eat more food when they are distracted. Try to eat your meals at specific times each day. You will discover that you will consume fewer calories and will be more aware of what you eat. Studies have shown that eating while watching TV or when in traffic can make you consume 40% more calories.

You can enjoy you favourite foods.

Banning your favourite foods can be counter productive in the long run. Instead make sure your favourite foods are on the menu, however eat less of them and mix it up a little with other healthier options. As with everything in life enjoy it in moderation.

Exercise a little.

Increasing your physical exercise will increase your metabolic rate. You will feel full of energy sleep much better and have a better outlook on life. Joining a keep fit programme will build muscle mass and sculpt your body. Exercising within a group of people has been shown to keep you motivated.

Lastly, have some self confidence.

Don't expect things to happen overnight changing all your ingrained habits will take some time. You may even stray from your diet plan. However don't worry. Stay focused and remind yourself why you set the goals you did - feeling fitter and being healthier than you are now. Think positive thoughts and you will overcome those difficulties, you will win in the end.

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The Science of Weight Loss

For every claim about dieting that is made, there is in fact a counterclaim; eat carbs, don't eat carbs; eat high fat, don't eat high fat; diets don't work; diet do work. Then if diets do work, which diet do you chose? You've got Nutri System, the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet, the Grapefruit Diet, plus many many more that will make your head spin. Where does it end?

Perhaps the answer to weight loss does not come from only dieting. Weight loss does not occur without chemical interactions and reactions inside of the body. To comprehend the process of weight loss one must understand the science behind it.

Get rid of the "JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO FOR WEIGHT LOSS" mentality and learn about your body's chemistry. Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Something like this takes time and energy and most importantly, effort. The science of losing weight includes the ability to burn fat, brain chemistry, and balancing hormones.

Burning Fat

The human body is constantly in motion, it has no off switch. Even when you are sleeping the body is still hard at work breathing and pumping blood throughout your body. We are metabolically active for 24 hours a day, we never come to a complete rest. With so much energy being used our bodies need to properly and consistently fuel up by breaking down energy.

Sugar is a source of fuel that we need to break down energy in a process called metabolic activity. To burn fat one would have to increase their resting metabolic rate, control carbohydrate absorption, and restore insulin sensitivity. To increase metabolic rates, foods such as brown seaweed are essential. Seaweed contains Fucoxanthin can speed up this process. Fucoxanthin is converted by developing fat cells into fuxoxanthinaol, which prevents fat cells from "growing" into mature fat cells. It also reduces the growth of new blood vessels in adipose tissue by blocking new fat cells. Fucoxanthin in addition to pomegranate seed oil can increase metabolic rate, induce fat burning, and block the development of new fat cells.

7 - keto - DHEA a steroid produced by the metabolism. can also increase metabolic rate. It drives liver cells to burn fatty acids for energy which causes a lowering of triglycerides in the liver. Many studies using the steroid have significant greater percentage of body fat loss (6.3lbs vs. 2.1lbs).

Carbohydrate absorption can be controlled with foods that contain fiber and magnesium like white kidney beans. It can also replace those caloric catastrophes like pasta, bagels, bread etc.

When it comes to restoring insulin sensitivity green tea, vanadyl, sulfate, fiber, magnesium, and omega-3 acids are best. Vanadyl Sulfate mimics the effect of insulin. In a study done on Type II Diabetic animals, it significantly reduced blood glucose levels and greatly increased uptake and the metabolizing of glucose in all types of muscles.

Brain Chemistry

Your brain chemistry has a lot to do with the way your hormones are balanced. Ever wondered why a person with a thinner frame gets full faster? Because they eat a moderate amount and feel full. They feel full at the right moment when their body no longer needs more calories resulting in not overeating; their brains persuade them not. Leptin and Serotonin are the primary hormones that determine this hunger.

Leptin is a hormone produced by the fat cells to keep lean body composition by two mechanisms. First it moderates appetite by binding to a specific area of the brain, the hypothalamus. Then it signals satiety and enhances the body's ability to access and utilizes the fat stored as energy. Being overweight leads to chronically elevated levels of leptin and prolonged exposure to leptin overload causes the target tissue to become resistant to the effect of leptin, losing the normal capacity to respond.

In order to combat leptin, Irvingia Gabonesis can come to the rescue. It's a tree that bears edible mango-like fruits that are especially valued for their fat and protein-rich nuts. Irvingia increases leptin sensitivity while decreasing CRP (C-reactive protein) as well as increasing insuling sensitivity, which induces a fat burning state.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found primarily in the brain that controls mood and appetite. Serotonin is converted from tryptophan, which releases serotonin from brain neurons. It diminishes appetite for carbohydrates, which helps with loss of body weight. To increase serotonin you have to raise your tryptophan levels by decreasing cravings and binge eating (especially for carbohydrates). Some foods rich in tryptophan are egg whites, cod, or soybeans.

Balancing Hormones

Avoid stress at all cost. Stress is a main cause for weight gain. Stressing about work, school, bills or life affects your health greatly. Not only does it impact your health, but it can also be a huge determining factor on weight

The hormone that is released in response to stress is Cortisol. Its primary functions are to increase blood sugar, suppress the immune system, and aid in fat protein, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Cortisol is responsible for setting off all the physiological response associated with physical and emotional stress. Sometimes in times of stress, adrenaline can kick in, increasing your alertness and energy level as well as increasing your metabolism by helping fat cells to release energy.

Stress first occurs when fat is broken down to supply the body with a rapid source of energy. When the body gears up for battle, the pupils dilate, thinking improves, the lungs take in more oxygen, the appetite is suppressed, and digestive system shuts off temporarily. Carbohydrates and fats are burned for quick energy. When stress is over, Cortisol helps to bring the body back into balance. It increases appetite so we can replace the carbohydrates and fats we burned.

Today's fight or flight responses come from the stress we experience at work. A secondary effect of Cortisol takes place when there is an excess amount; it stimulates glucose levels. Excess glucose levels get converted into fat, ending up as stored fat. There are some treatment options to aid in Cortisol levels. Relaxing (meditation) for about 20 minutes a day is a great way to combat stress. You can decrease Cortisol with vitamin C, Relora, omega 3 fatty acids, holy basil and magnesium. So there is in fact a science to weight loss. A LOT of science. But at the same time food plays a big role in losing weight. It depends on the persons habits whether or not diets will or will not work. Burning fat, brain chemistry, and balancing hormones are crucial components in any weight loss plan. Remember losing weight is a marathon, NOT A SPRINT!

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3 Tips For Staying Healthy While Working From Home

Stepping out of my comfort zone, I decided to approach this weight loss challenge by making a small change---that change is to move my body. Moving your body is essential to a healthy lifestyle and for maintaining a healthy weight. I have always enjoyed long walks in the park so I decided that taking my body for a walk would be the best approach to get me started. Early mornings works best for me, pick a time that works for you. During this 20-30 minute walk I get a chance to do some deep breathing getting more oxygen moving through my body, reduce stress, all while thinking about how I want to proceed with the next project.
If you have decided to change your eating patterns, think about what and how to make that change.

• Think about your eating patterns? Eating habits make a huge difference in determining your weight. When foods high in fat or sugars are consumed, such as chips and dips; these foods turn to fat in the body. These foods wreck your body especially while in a sitting position and causes much weight gain and in some cases other medical issues.


• How are you serving food to the family? Do you put the portions on everyone's plate or do you bring it all to the table and serve the food family style where everyone can take as much as they want? Portion size is one of the main reasons people eat too much.


• How have you learned to eat? If you are a fast eater, you may not even realize the clues your stomach gives you that it is full. This is something to think about when starting to change your eating habits, and working to develop a customize eating plan for you and your family.

Stay confident as you work towards your weight loss goals. Know that you can achieve any goal you set your mind to, so make the decision to use this information to start that healthy diet plan today. Be positive, keep your eye on your eating patterns and you will get the results you want. I am sure you have heard or even thought about changing your health, maybe now is a good time to begin developing that plan and taking a course of action so you can get on the road to the super healthy lifestyle you deserve? Stay positive, follow these tips and keep moving to achieve the body you deserve.

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The Most Ideal Approach To Lose Weight

The most ideal approach to lose weight can vary from one individual to another to some extent, but there are some standard denominators that will work for every person.

The basic thought is to take in fewer calories than you burn. It sounds pretty simple, isn't that right? And the fact of the matter is that it is not that hard to do but you do need to know how to do it.

As might be expected, if you have any health issues you should always speak with your doctor before you begin any eating regimen or exercise plan. It's a great idea, and will generally improve your total health, help you to lose weight and get in shape, but that doesn't mean there is no risk if your health is already compromised.

The most ideal approach to slim down is to recognize where you can begin making some simple changes in your everyday life. Instead of attempting to make huge changes all at once, why not focus on one little change at a time rather?

By doing this, it will pose no difficulty to make these changes permanent. Thus, what is the one biggest issue you have with your diet? Do you drink too much pop or put too much sugar and cream in your coffee?

If that is the issue, why not simply reduce how much you drink every day? Something so simple can make a difference. Will it have all the effect and help you to lose weight? Possibly not, but weight loss should never be considered a short-term, or a temporary fix.

Rather you should think about all these progressions as only one piece of the weight loss riddle. By making one minor change at once you can get where you need to be but it will take some time.

You can use this same approach with your exercise too. Instead of attempting to go hardcore at your gym, you should just add a little exercise to your day by day routine.

It is easier to stick with small, simple changes than engage in major tasks. If you stay with it, you will get the changes you need and you will be able to lose weight and maintain the weight loss.

Also, make sure you drink more than enough water and get more than enough sleep. By keeping your body hydrated you are allowing your metabolism to work at its best. You can likewise flush a lot of toxins out of your system provided that you continue to drink a lot of water.

For most people, it is advised you drink 50% of your body weight in ounces of water each day.
Ultimately only you can choose what the most ideal approach to lose weight will be best for you. We are all different and we have our own traits and characteristics that will make one path easier than one another. But these tips may give you some place to begin with your fitness endeavors.

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Vital Ways to Lose Weight Fast

How to Lose Weight Fast
You're not alone in your quest to lose weight. Just about 50 percent of US citizens try to lose weight at the same time. Although there are actually several things that you can do to lose a few pounds, losing weight too fast can be harmful. Craze diets, fasting and diet pills might help you appear lighter on the scale, however these solutions can result in significant health issues.
On the other hand, in case you are typically in good health and you are serious about dropping a few pounds fast, there actually are several methods and guidelines you can choose to assist you in accomplishing your short term objectives.

Craze Diets
The point of many craze diets would be to encourage quick weight loss which you can observe practically in a single day. Craze diets are temporary options; should you stick to a craze diet for longer than a couple of days, you may cause significant harm to your body. It is best to seek advice from your physician prior to starting any type of diet program to ensure one's body can handle the extra stress and tension.
Weight Loss Spa Therapies

One more simple way to obtain rapid weight loss success is beauty solutions particularly created to assist you lose inches swiftly. By going to a day spa, club, or health and fitness facilities providing weight loss beauty solutions and treatments, you can choose several treatment options and health spa services which are intended to assist you slim down swiftly or to improve your physical appearance by minimizing bloating, tightening up your skin, or eliminating fluids. These methods only entail short-term weight reduction, however the benefits are instant and don't include diets or exercising.
Healthy Eating Patterns

Modify basic eating routines and life-style practices. Implementing several straightforward but important nutritional and attitudinal modifications could be adequate to boost fat loss for most people. Incorporating these suggestions using your temporary weight loss plan will improve your odds of achieving your weight loss objectives quicker and retaining those outcomes in the long run.
Workout More Often

Don't forget, it is possible to drop some weight both by reducing your caloric consumption or raising the amount of energy you burn up. Any weight loss program ought to involve the two, however if you wish to shed weight quickly, working out is vital. Tiny adjustments in your activity can increase within a day, and you can start seeing weight loss results within a week.

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3 Ways To Lose Your Gut Forever

There is nothing worse than taking a look down and realizing that you can't see your feet for your gut. There are plenty of folks who struggle with weight, and for many that comes in the form of a large spare tire encircling the waist. Of all the areas where you can carry a few extra pounds, the gut is the area that tends to be most prominent. Getting clothes to fit can become a real chore, and your confidence can take a hit when your belly casts a large shadow on the ground in front of you. If you are bigger than you want to be and are looking to lose your gut, read on to discover three great tips that will help you do just that.

1. Watch what you put in your body - We are all aware that fast foods and other processed foods is definitely not the best thing we can eat on a daily basis. While cutting back or eliminating those items will help you lose your gut, there are other things you need to watch out for today. Alcohol is a big contributor to a large gut, so it's advised that you cut back on the beer as much as possible, too. Try to eat a balanced, healthy diet, but if you are put in a position where you have no choice but to eat junk food, try to limit it to no more than 10% of your total diet.

2. Stop doing crunches - The fitness industry has done a fantastic job of convincing us all that ab machines and other such equipment will melt away the fat and leave us with flat, perfectly toned bellies. There is no denying that you will strengthen your stomach muscles by doing crunches but trying to lose your gut in this way will end up being a total lost cause. If you want to burn fat through exercise, look at doing a cardio workout every day, as this will help you start shedding the weight. If you do the crunches, too, you might just have that great looking belly once all the fat melts away via cardio.

3. Get enough sleep - There are many different reasons why extra weight will start gathering around your waist, with what you eat only being a fraction of the problem. Not getting enough rest is another factor that comes into play when weight gain starts to take a hold. When you are tired, your body needs more energy in order to run at full capacity. The way you get that is through eating, with more fuel required to prevent you from running on empty. Try to commit to a regular 8 hour per night sleep schedule so that you can steer away from snacking and still operate at your body's full potential.

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Can You Really Lose Weight With Raspberry Ketone Extract?

It has been suggested that Raspberry Ketone Extract can assist people in losing excess amounts of weight. While this has yet to be scientifically proven in humans, there are some people who want information that states if it can really work. In this article, information has been found to show that it has potential.

Raspberry Ketone Extract: What does it do?

Derived from raspberries, Raspberry Ketone properties are found in raspberries; a natural property, it has been found to be one of the most beneficial supplements to increase a body's strength to lose weight and gain energy. Due to its popularity to help someone lose weight, like anything else placed in a body, it is important to understand what it does.

Raspberry Ketones cause a chemical called norepinephrine to be released; known as a hormone that is found when a person is in distress. When this hormone is created, the heart rate begins to rise; requiring larger levels of oxygen to be carried throughout the body. As these actions take place, energy is instructed by the body to be created in order to sustain them. It is at this point that stored fat will begin to break down. It is during this break down, at a higher level than what is considered normal, that a decrease in the absorption of fat begins and thus weight loss is the successful result.

With this break down of stored fat, there are other benefits with this supplement. Raspberry Ketone Extract can:

• Strengthen Your Immune System
• Increase B and T Cells
• Reduce the Development or Complications of Type 2 Diabetes (Monitored by a Medical Professional)
• Lower Cholesterol
• Decrease Heart Diseases

With these benefits, not only will a significant amount of weight be lost but a boost to the metabolism and increase of energy will be found.

Can You Really Lose Weight with Raspberry Ketone Extract?

It has been proven to make a difference in overall health, but do not be misled; it is not a wonder drug that will magically take the weight off. You will have to make some life and dietary changes too.

The savory property found in red raspberries is what gives raspberry ketone extract its taste and "power". While there is not 100 percent proof that it works, studies conducted on mice to showed that weight gain was prevented. However this was found only when the mice were given a high-fat diet.

This was found because "the anti-obesity effects were due to stimulation of lipolysis (which is how the body breaks down fat in fat cells called adipocytes) in both regular fat tissue and brown fat tissue." With this finding, it was found to interrupt the release of pancreatic lipase. This is an enzyme found in the digestive track to break down that fats found in the wall of the small intestine; keep in mind, though, this research was conducted on mice. As humans, we have different physiology and have different reasons for eating; not to mention our taste buds for different types of food. Raspberry Ketone Extract can work for people who desire to do what they can naturally to lose weight.

Losing weight is not easy, with Raspberry Ketone Extract, there is no better way to know whether it works or not until you try it for yourself. There is not much you have to lose; except the weight you already want to lose overall.

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Are You Caught Up In The Insanity Of Weight Loss

There fitness bee are many things which humans do well and many things we do badly. There is so much good and bad information on almost any topic you can imagine. But there is no popular field of interest which stirs up so much hope and emotion as weight loss.

In fact there is so much craziness written and said about weight loss that the whole topic is a form of insanity. You can go crazy just thinking about all the diets you have tried.

Insanity may seem harsh, but so much of the weight loss industry is pure madness.
Some weight loss insanity examples include:

1. Caffeine infused underwear. Wearing these garments are supposed to boost your metabolism.
2. Tongue sprays to suppress your appetite. In spite of claimed studies, these were proven to be a big con.
3. Weight reduction teas, again some have been totally proven to be a con, none have proven successful under any rigorous studies.
4. Ab machines in many shapes and designs. Complete rubbish, working your abs to death won't make any difference to your butt.
5. Weight loss belts which buzz when you relax your abs, encouraging you to hold tension in your muscles.
6. Most weight loss powders and protein bars. Basically just expensive skimmed milk powder with some cheep vitamins thrown in. fitness bee
7. The new diet which hits the shelves every week, based on some crazy idea.
8. Detox programmes fitness bee which promise that you will cleanse your body in seven days, using only lemons or some other cheep ingredient. A true detox is done in specific stages over at least six weeks.
9. Prolonged fasting, which causes a strong stress effect in the body and a massive oxidation cascade.
10. Consistent severe calorie reduction which the body sees as a state of threat and responds by protecting its fat stores.

Of course you need to eat a sensible diet, but that is really easy. You already know what you need to do.
Daily exercise and activity is a no brainer, you don't need crazy machines just move and have fun, dance exercise is perfect, or just walk and listen to music which keeps you fitness bee moving.

But most importantly you must get your head around eating well and exercise. The simple way to do this is with weight loss hypnosis. The quick easy way to bring sanity and success into your life and your into your goal to achieve your ideal weight as quickly as possible.

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How to Choose a Good Diet Plan for Weight Loss?

The truth behind weight loss may not be always what you see at the face value.
First, you should realize that weight loss involves 100% dedication and a diligent adherence on your part towards the set diet plan. Make sure there is not even a slight deviation from your target.
Prepare a checklist to chalk out a good diet plan, which includes:
i. Your lifestyle
You may not be ready to remodel your lifestyle drastically. For example, if you practice just 2 meals/day and the schedule stresses on 4-5 times/day, then you may not feel comfortable with it.
ii. The level of exercises you undertake
In case you like to take up exercise sessions on your own, with no rigid conditions, whereas the proposal forces you to do exhaustive exercises at a stretch, then you should think twice before choosing it.
iii. Suitability to continue
It is not wise to stick to a diet plan just temporarily; you should feel good to follow it throughout your life.
iv. The ingredients
Sometimes, you may be required to replace the usual items with food that is prepared in a special manner or has some unusual ingredients. Check if you are comfortable with such a requirement.
v. The pace at which you aim to lose weight
Understand the difference between the actual loss of weight and the seemingly quicker loss of water, which may give a wrong impression. So, it is advised that you aim at reducing your weight in a slow and steady manner.
vi. The elimination of any kind of undesirable habit you possess
You may have to give up habits like spending the night time in a bar or being a couch potato to accommodate the new plan of diet.
vii. The possibility of including your all-time favorite items
Denial of your favorite foods can lead to an unstoppable urge to indulge in overeating binges, which is detrimental to your weight loss preparation.
viii. Your ability to adapt to changes that are recommended
Determine the nature of changes you will need to adapt to so that you can prepare your mind and body!
ix. The need to use any supplements or detox techniques
Most of the times, you don't need any kind of supplements as a perfectly followed schedule of food intake and exercises is self-sufficient in managing the pounds you gain and lose for a healthy body.
x. The nature of the plan
If you like flexibility, you should choose a plan that allows you to select your own menu that is by all means a healthy platter.

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How to Leverage a Weight Loss Program, 5 Ways to Turn Yourself Into a Ferocious Health Monster

The conversation at hand was of the topic 'vipasinna'. Where one basically sits in silence for 10 days to quieten the mind. Clearly the words came easily, giving myself the comfort of the idea that I would do it 'one day'. And for that moment, the idea of 'one day' sat well with me. It gave me the sense of gratification that I was going to take action on something at some stage. I felt committed without the commitment. I had happily tricked myself and it was like buying organic chocolate instead of a Mars Bar.


This conversation started to magnify what I was hearing in the gym too.

If only I could find the right weight loss program. I want to lose weight. I want to eat healthier. I want to stop drinking for a month. I want to exercise more. I should do this or I should do that. It's seems as human beings we easily should all over ourselves. A common theme I was beginning to hear more and more (including my own head).

With many great intentions for a healthier existence or improvement, it is certainly a human trait for a constant tug of war. But as long as we point ourselves in the right direction, even it's 3 steps forward and two back, we are still moving forward right? Which is better than standing on the spot.

SO ASK YOURSELF HONESTLY

Do you really want to lose weight? Those few extra kilos. Run a charity race? Improve your diet? Get lean this summer? Have that beach look? Run faster? Lift more? Live a healthier lifestyle? Create new habits? A life with more purpose? Be more grateful?

If you had the ultimate weight loss program, would you implement it correctly and follow it through? From my experience, it's not the weight loss program that's the problem, it is the person applying it.

All these wants can lead you to a healthier more vibrant self. If you answered yes to all of the above but are struggling to get there, then maybe it's time for a different approach and get some leverage - emotional leverage, which is working for me every time.

Be careful though, as I have seen this happen quite often - A person stops questioning things too much, they stop thinking, quieten the brain and just start doing the five things I have listed in this post, and before they know it, they've turned themselves into a ferocious health monster!

1. CREATE PAIN

Think about this for a moment. As human beings, we tend to move away from pain with more intention, than we do moving towards a more pleasurable experience that we want. We tend to tread water and stay in our comfort zone no mater how murky the water is, as apposed to swimming towards new waters that bring change, but along with change comes a sense of uncertainty. Usually we only start swimming when the pain becomes unbearable, or we do things without real purpose and intention behind it.

i.e. If I asked you to run 100m as fast as you can, the chances are you would do it, but not to your greatest ability. But if I pinned two dozen prime rare steak pieces all over you and let loose a ravenous pit-bull terrier that hadn't eaten for a week, do you think you would run faster? Of course!

But the pain we have is never short and sharp like the dog chasing, it's usually slow and gradual. A far off distant drum beat that's so faint you can hardly hear it. But the pain slowly builds like a pressure cooker and finally one day it explodes. That distant drum beat becomes so loud it feels like someone is beating it on your head and this jolts you into action!

I believe in each and every one of us, there is a tipping point that moves us to greater health (or anything for that matter). That tipping point usually comes from a painful experience. A 'that would be nice to have' turns into a 'must have' from one decision. The decision only takes a moment to make, but for some, a life time to get there.

Here is the most important point I am going to make - Why wait for the pain to arrive? Create the pain now.

Time and time again I see people who leave their health until it's a major threshold and that drum is beating so loud they finally want to create change. But by hitting the fast forward button and bringing the circumstances to the forefront, it's usually just a slap across the face as a posed to a sledge hammer.

So how do we create the pain?

First thing you must do is be brutally honest with yourself and not camouflage the truth. This is probably one of the toughest things you will have to do, but worth it. As humans we have a tendency to justify our actions daily. But ask yourself this: Would you rather be right or happy?

When I was sitting on the fence regarding the detox I underwent, I finally had some tests done to see where I was at. I knew they wouldn't be great, but as usual, the longer we leave it, the worse it gets. I also knew if I didn't like the results, it would be the kick-start I needed to get the detox under way, as it was quite a commitment.

So let's say it is weight loss you want to achieve and you know deep down there is a fair bit to shift. We all know the complications and connotations that being overweight can have on the body over time, and when that time comes how painful could that be?

So time for honesty. Take a full length photograph of yourself in your swimmers or underwear (only has to be for your eyes only), front, side and back. Remember, brutally honest right?

By doing this, it will give you a different perspective of yourself. There's no hiding now. I know by this point you may rather stick needles in your eyes, but what are the true consequences if you don't? Smaller pain now or bigger pain later? Which one do you want. The ostrich head burying approach will only work for so long before someone comes along and kicks you up the ass!

Parting with hard earned money is another great motivator. Not a member of a gym? You could pay for a membership for 3 months. If you are a member but you are not utilising the facilities well or just stuck in a rut, hire a personal trainer for 3 months. This money well spent will magnify the pain if you don't begin to follow through to an outcome deep down you truly want.

2. SET GOALS AND VISUALISE

Goal setting sounds as exciting as reading the NY Times financial review, but when implemented correctly, it has a very powerful effect on one's self. There are dozen of books written on this topic, so one I'm not going to go into to much detail with.

In the meantime, is there something you can commit to? A weight loss challenge? A fun run? Something with a timeframe. When I did my detox my Naturopath told me I needed to commit for 6 weeks. This instantly gave me a timeframe.

If you need to lose 10kg, how about 1kg a week for 10 weeks? That's realistic and achievable if you are committed.

Still not convinced? If you want to know what commitment is, you should know the story of my friend Kelli
who was diagnosed with a brain tumour and not given much hope. So the next time you catch yourself complaining about it all being to hard, you should put yourself in her shoes. You will soon find that your goal will probably feel very achievable and the excuses you make are futile.

So once you have made pain your friend, you must set an achievable goal with a timeframe.
But not only do you have to set a goal, you have to visualise yourself already achieving it. As you can imagine, there are going to be many hurdles and you will be tested every step of the way to achieving what you want. So when faced with these hurdles we can either look for obstacles or opportunities.

By continually visualising yourself already achieving what you want, you will be training the most powerful resource you have - your subconsciousness. This will then enable you to see opportunities arise when previously all you could see were obstacles.

To help this process, place your goals or images/pics somewhere you will see them constantly. Bedroom mirror, fridge, toilet door. I have even known someone to laminate their goals and hang it up in the shower! Just do whatever works for you, as long it keeps you on track and moving forward. But make sure you follow this process through!

Just remember, if you are sailing to Tasmania in a head on wind, you don't turn around and go back, you adjust your sails accordingly.

3. REFERENCE POINT

Once you know what you want to achieve, you have to create reference points along the way of your committed timeframe and record as much information as possible. If you don't do this, how do you know if you are making progress?

By now you should know what you want, but you also have to know where you have come from and also be able to track your progress along the way.

You could have a diary dedicated to your weight loss plan. You have probably jumped on the scales to see what your weight is. But this only tells a small part of the story. Break that weight down. Measure your body fat %. Calculate your muscle mass kg. Measure body girth circumferences. (If you not sure how to do all this, pop into your local gym for them to do it).

See how many push ups or sit ups you can do in a minute. Test yourself once a month.

You have taken a picture of yourself, why not take one once a month to compare any body changes. Nothing will give you more motivation than seeing your body shape changing in front of your very own eyes.

Keep a food diary. Write everything down that goes into your mouth. You could even keep a photo diary. Take pictures of the foods and drinks you have for a couple of weeks and track your progress. If you are not hitting your targets, you can look back at what you have been eating to see if you are sticking to the plan.

You have to make your goals measurable. The more data you collect the better and the more it will help you along the way.

4. PROXIMITY

By this point, if you have followed through with the first three principles wholeheartedly, right now you should be chomping at the bit with all the momentum you are gathering. But for this momentum to last and if you are to go the distance with any weight loss program, ignore this word at your peril: Proximity.

This one can be a slightly delicate topic, and for me, one that took a while in life before the penny really dropped. But once it did, it had a MASSIVE implication on my direction in certain aspects of my life and the environment I put myself in on a daily basis.

Simply put, the people and the environment you surround yourself with will have a major impact on whether you follow through until the end or not.

A fantastic form of leverage is to spend time with someone who has achieved what you want. Someone who will make you raise your standards. We generally shy away from people like this, but it's a must if you want to achieve a different result.

When I migrated to Australia five years ago, I was fearful of the ocean. Here I was living 500 meters from the beach and not even able to swim a lap of a pool, let alone get amongst the waves! But this was
something I wanted to overcome.

I started meeting a mate of mine for swimming, but he was not a very strong swimmer either. Before we knew it, we were talking each other out of it and coming up with great excuses. It all came down to FEAR.

As great as my mate is, he was unable to push me because he was suffering the same problem. Eventually I got so desperate and determined, I walked into the local surf lifesaving club and asked what it took to be one, at this point, this was WAY beyond my wildest thoughts, and the bottom line was, if I was willing to commit, they were willing to commit too. So I went for it.

The next thing I knew, I was surrounded by people who had been involved with beaches and surf rescue for most of their lives. Every time I wanted to back off or didn't have the belief I could get through my bronze medallion, there was someone there to tell me otherwise. Because of this I passed and it challenged me every step of the way, but it is still one of my greatest personal achievements to this day.

There's a saying in South America: "burn the ships", because that's what the settlers did when they arrived and there was no turning back. And to get what we want, I feel sometimes that's what we have to do in life to get there. So ask yourself... have you burnt the ships?

Be careful of who you surround yourself with and make no doubt about it.. Proximity is power.

5. THE FINAL PIECE OF THE PUZZLE

The final piece of the puzzle is to go public. By this I don't mean walking down the high-street with a megaphone or telling your mates how you are to undergo a healthy lifestyle change at a party over some extravagant dessert your eating, but actually putting it out there to the world by any means possible that connects us in today's society.

Do you have a Facebook profile? You could tell your friends and family what your about to do and then 
update it every day. If you are shy, not to worry as most people won't actually give a shit, and the ones who do will support you and give encouragement. I think we can spend so much time thinking what others think, it holds us back. But if everyone is thinking what others think of them, then nobody is really thinking about you are they? Are we really that important to be consumed by other peoples thoughts?? Probably not. If they do judge you, it's only fleeting at best. So don't sweat it and just put it out there, because the world will keep turning whether you do or don't.

You could blog your progress. You can set up a simple blog within 15 minutes these days. When I was
about to do my detox, I decided to blog it. This made it VERY REAL. It was the final tipping point and it helped get me through. Not only did it get me through, I had a lot of fun doing it! People got very curious and what surprised me most, there was a lot of support and talk around the topic as others began to look at what they were doing daily too.

The bottom line is, if you are going to do something about it. TELL EVERYONE!

Final Thoughts

If you read this post to the end:

a. You've got to much time on your hands

or

b. You actually can relate to the points I have made and know that not only can they be applied to a weight loss program, but any parts of your life for that matter.

If you are struggling with your weight or health. My view is that it's 80% attitude and 20% applied knowledge. If you find yourself saying mmmmm that's an interesting post, but do nothing, you have simply learned and not applied that knowledge.

So when in doubt, just do SOMETHING. If you do this, the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place in ways you could have never imagined, and before you know it. You've turned yourself into ferocious health monster.

By Guy Lawrence of 180 Nutrition

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How to Leverage a Weight Loss Program, 5 Ways to Turn Yourself Into a Ferocious Health Monster

"Give me a lever long enough and I could move the world." - from Archimedes.

Me: "I would like to do that at some point".

Response: "When?"

Me: "Ummm... soon?".

The conversation at hand was of the topic 'vipasinna'. Where one basically sits in silence for 10 days to quieten the mind. Clearly the words came easily, giving myself the comfort of the idea that I would do it 'one day'. And for that moment, the idea of 'one day' sat well with me. It gave me the sense of gratification that I was going to take action on something at some stage. I felt committed without the commitment. I had happily tricked myself and it was like buying organic chocolate instead of a Mars Bar.

This conversation started to magnify what I was hearing in the gym too.

If only I could find the right weight loss program. I want to lose weight. I want to eat healthier. I want to stop drinking for a month. I want to exercise more. I should do this or I should do that. It's seems as human beings we easily should all over ourselves. A common theme I was beginning to hear more and more (including my own head).

With many great intentions for a healthier existence or improvement, it is certainly a human trait for a constant tug of war. But as long as we point ourselves in the right direction, even it's 3 steps forward and two back, we are still moving forward right? Which is better than standing on the spot.

SO ASK YOURSELF HONESTLY

Do you really want to lose weight? Those few extra kilos. Run a charity race? Improve your diet? Get lean this summer? Have that beach look? Run faster? Lift more? Live a healthier lifestyle? Create new habits? A life with more purpose? Be more grateful?

If you had the ultimate weight loss program, would you implement it correctly and follow it through? From my experience, it's not the weight loss program that's the problem, it is the person applying it.

All these wants can lead you to a healthier more vibrant self. If you answered yes to all of the above but are struggling to get there, then maybe it's time for a different approach and get some leverage - emotional leverage, which is working for me every time.

Be careful though, as I have seen this happen quite often - A person stops questioning things too much, they stop thinking, quieten the brain and just start doing the five things I have listed in this post, and before they know it, they've turned themselves into a ferocious health monster!

1. CREATE PAIN

Think about this for a moment. As human beings, we tend to move away from pain with more intention, than we do moving towards a more pleasurable experience that we want. We tend to tread water and stay in our comfort zone no mater how murky the water is, as apposed to swimming towards new waters that bring change, but along with change comes a sense of uncertainty. Usually we only start swimming when the pain becomes unbearable, or we do things without real purpose and intention behind it.

i.e. If I asked you to run 100m as fast as you can, the chances are you would do it, but not to your greatest ability. But if I pinned two dozen prime rare steak pieces all over you and let loose a ravenous pit-bull terrier that hadn't eaten for a week, do you think you would run faster? Of course!

But the pain we have is never short and sharp like the dog chasing, it's usually slow and gradual. A far off distant drum beat that's so faint you can hardly hear it. But the pain slowly builds like a pressure cooker and finally one day it explodes. That distant drum beat becomes so loud it feels like someone is beating it on your head and this jolts you into action!

I believe in each and every one of us, there is a tipping point that moves us to greater health (or anything for that matter). That tipping point usually comes from a painful experience. A 'that would be nice to have' turns into a 'must have' from one decision. The decision only takes a moment to make, but for some, a life time to get there.

Here is the most important point I am going to make - Why wait for the pain to arrive? Create the pain now.

Time and time again I see people who leave their health until it's a major threshold and that drum is beating so loud they finally want to create change. But by hitting the fast forward button and bringing the circumstances to the forefront, it's usually just a slap across the face as a posed to a sledge hammer.

So how do we create the pain?

First thing you must do is be brutally honest with yourself and not camouflage the truth. This is probably one of the toughest things you will have to do, but worth it. As humans we have a tendency to justify our actions daily. But ask yourself this: Would you rather be right or happy?

When I was sitting on the fence regarding the detox I underwent, I finally had some tests done to see where I was at. I knew they wouldn't be great, but as usual, the longer we leave it, the worse it gets. I also knew if I didn't like the results, it would be the kick-start I needed to get the detox under way, as it was quite a commitment.

So let's say it is weight loss you want to achieve and you know deep down there is a fair bit to shift. We all know the complications and connotations that being overweight can have on the body over time, and when that time comes how painful could that be?

So time for honesty. Take a full length photograph of yourself in your swimmers or underwear (only has to be for your eyes only), front, side and back. Remember, brutally honest right?

By doing this, it will give you a different perspective of yourself. There's no hiding now. I know by this point you may rather stick needles in your eyes, but what are the true consequences if you don't? Smaller pain now or bigger pain later? Which one do you want. The ostrich head burying approach will only work for so long before someone comes along and kicks you up the ass!

Parting with hard earned money is another great motivator. Not a member of a gym? You could pay for a membership for 3 months. If you are a member but you are not utilising the facilities well or just stuck in a rut, hire a personal trainer for 3 months. This money well spent will magnify the pain if you don't begin to follow through to an outcome deep down you truly want.

2. SET GOALS AND VISUALISE

Goal setting sounds as exciting as reading the NY Times financial review, but when implemented correctly, it has a very powerful effect on one's self. There are dozen of books written on this topic, so one I'm not going to go into to much detail with.

In the meantime, is there something you can commit to? A weight loss challenge? A fun run? Something with a timeframe. When I did my detox my Naturopath told me I needed to commit for 6 weeks. This instantly gave me a timeframe.

If you need to lose 10kg, how about 1kg a week for 10 weeks? That's realistic and achievable if you are committed.

Still not convinced? If you want to know what commitment is, you should know the story of my friend Kelli who was diagnosed with a brain tumour and not given much hope. So the next time you catch yourself complaining about it all being to hard, you should put yourself in her shoes. You will soon find that your goal will probably feel very achievable and the excuses you make are futile.

So once you have made pain your friend, you must set an achievable goal with a timeframe.

But not only do you have to set a goal, you have to visualise yourself already achieving it. As you can imagine, there are going to be many hurdles and you will be tested every step of the way to achieving what you want. So when faced with these hurdles we can either look for obstacles or opportunities.

By continually visualising yourself already achieving what you want, you will be training the most powerful resource you have - your subconsciousness. This will then enable you to see opportunities arise when previously all you could see were obstacles.

To help this process, place your goals or images/pics somewhere you will see them constantly. Bedroom mirror, fridge, toilet door. I have even known someone to laminate their goals and hang it up in the shower! Just do whatever works for you, as long it keeps you on track and moving forward. But make sure you follow this process through!

Just remember, if you are sailing to Tasmania in a head on wind, you don't turn around and go back, you adjust your sails accordingly.

3. REFERENCE POINT

Once you know what you want to achieve, you have to create reference points along the way of your committed timeframe and record as much information as possible. If you don't do this, how do you know if you are making progress?

By now you should know what you want, but you also have to know where you have come from and also be able to track your progress along the way.

You could have a diary dedicated to your weight loss plan. You have probably jumped on the scales to see what your weight is. But this only tells a small part of the story. Break that weight down. Measure your body fat %. Calculate your muscle mass kg. Measure body girth circumferences. (If you not sure how to do all this, pop into your local gym for them to do it).

See how many push ups or sit ups you can do in a minute. Test yourself once a month.

You have taken a picture of yourself, why not take one once a month to compare any body changes. Nothing will give you more motivation than seeing your body shape changing in front of your very own eyes.

Keep a food diary. Write everything down that goes into your mouth. You could even keep a photo diary. Take pictures of the foods and drinks you have for a couple of weeks and track your progress. If you are not hitting your targets, you can look back at what you have been eating to see if you are sticking to the plan.

You have to make your goals measurable. The more data you collect the better and the more it will help you along the way.

4. PROXIMITY

By this point, if you have followed through with the first three principles wholeheartedly, right now you should be chomping at the bit with all the momentum you are gathering. But for this momentum to last and if you are to go the distance with any weight loss program, ignore this word at your peril: Proximity.

This one can be a slightly delicate topic, and for me, one that took a while in life before the penny really dropped. But once it did, it had a MASSIVE implication on my direction in certain aspects of my life and the environment I put myself in on a daily basis.

Simply put, the people and the environment you surround yourself with will have a major impact on whether you follow through until the end or not.

A fantastic form of leverage is to spend time with someone who has achieved what you want. Someone who will make you raise your standards. We generally shy away from people like this, but it's a must if you want to achieve a different result.

When I migrated to Australia five years ago, I was fearful of the ocean. Here I was living 500 meters from the beach and not even able to swim a lap of a pool, let alone get amongst the waves! But this was something I wanted to overcome.

I started meeting a mate of mine for swimming, but he was not a very strong swimmer either. Before we knew it, we were talking each other out of it and coming up with great excuses. It all came down to FEAR.

As great as my mate is, he was unable to push me because he was suffering the same problem. Eventually I got so desperate and determined, I walked into the local surf lifesaving club and asked what it took to be one, at this point, this was WAY beyond my wildest thoughts, and the bottom line was, if I was willing to commit, they were willing to commit too. So I went for it.

The next thing I knew, I was surrounded by people who had been involved with beaches and surf rescue for most of their lives. Every time I wanted to back off or didn't have the belief I could get through my bronze medallion, there was someone there to tell me otherwise. Because of this I passed and it challenged me every step of the way, but it is still one of my greatest personal achievements to this day.

There's a saying in South America: "burn the ships", because that's what the settlers did when they arrived and there was no turning back. And to get what we want, I feel sometimes that's what we have to do in life to get there. So ask yourself... have you burnt the ships?

Be careful of who you surround yourself with and make no doubt about it.. Proximity is power.

5. THE FINAL PIECE OF THE PUZZLE

The final piece of the puzzle is to go public. By this I don't mean walking down the high-street with a megaphone or telling your mates how you are to undergo a healthy lifestyle change at a party over some extravagant dessert your eating, but actually putting it out there to the world by any means possible that connects us in today's society.

Do you have a Facebook profile? You could tell your friends and family what your about to do and then update it every day. If you are shy, not to worry as most people won't actually give a shit, and the ones who do will support you and give encouragement. I think we can spend so much time thinking what others think, it holds us back. But if everyone is thinking what others think of them, then nobody is really thinking about you are they? Are we really that important to be consumed by other peoples thoughts?? Probably not. If they do judge you, it's only fleeting at best. So don't sweat it and just put it out there, because the world will keep turning whether you do or don't.

You could blog your progress. You can set up a simple blog within 15 minutes these days. When I was about to do my detox, I decided to blog it. This made it VERY REAL. It was the final tipping point and it helped get me through. Not only did it get me through, I had a lot of fun doing it! People got very curious and what surprised me most, there was a lot of support and talk around the topic as others began to look at what they were doing daily too.

The bottom line is, if you are going to do something about it. TELL EVERYONE!

Final Thoughts

If you read this post to the end:

a. You've got to much time on your hands

or

b. You actually can relate to the points I have made and know that not only can they be applied to a weight loss program, but any parts of your life for that matter.

If you are struggling with your weight or health. My view is that it's 80% attitude and 20% applied knowledge. If you find yourself saying mmmmm that's an interesting post, but do nothing, you have simply learned and not applied that knowledge.

So when in doubt, just do SOMETHING. If you do this, the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place in ways you could have never imagined, and before you know it. You've turned yourself into ferocious health monster.

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