How I Lost 20 Pounds in 3 Months - Twice!

Almost as long as I've been alive, the topic of weight loss and staying healthy has been one of the hottest subjects of conversation in our society. Many methods have been attempted and used by people who are not happy with their weight and how they look. Some of these methods have worked for people, some haven't.

I would like to share with you my experience. I am not a person who has constantly struggled with my weight. However, I would like to take you back about 15 years ago. I was in my mid-30s. I had always been able to eat whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. Now, for the first time in my life this was catching up to me and it affected my weight. My weight was also affected because this was a busy time in my life. I had two young children, and I was progressing at a job, which took up much of my time. As a result, I did not spend much time, if any, exercising.

It was when I started to do some research on what weight I should be that the alarm bells went off. The chart said I was in the overweight category. I wasn't drastically overweight. It was just a few pounds according to the chart. However, I was still in shock. After being almost too thin at times in my life I never dreamed I would ever be considered overweight. Regardless, I was at a point where I didn't look right, and I didn't feel right. It was time to take action.

It didn't take me long to figure out what to do. Every year, my father spent the 40 day period of Lent on a calorie limit. He kept his calories on a low limit and stuck to it. He was never one who drastically needed to lose weight, but he always did during this time. I determined that this would be my plan of action. Since my normal calorie intake should be around 2000, I lowered my limit to 1500. Did it work? Within 3 months, I had lost 20 pounds and was once again at my ideal weight. I felt great again. I did this for me, but other people noticed as well, and commented on how fit I looked.

Fast forward to a year ago. For the most part, I have been good at staying in shape and maintaining my desired weight. However, I again reached a point where it had gone beyond control and I was again in the overweight category. I went back to what I did years ago and enjoyed the same result.

In my life I have had two significant experiences where I felt the need to lose weight and lose it as quickly as possible in a healthy manner. I was successful both times. By no means do I claim to be a weight loss expert or know it all. I share these two easy steps for anyone who may be going through a similar struggle and share the same desire to experience victory in this area. Here are two ways that have worked for me and I believe can help anyone lose weight quickly and successfully:

• It's all about calories - In my opinion, it's as simple a formula as anyone can think of. In essence, it's the less you eat, the less you'll gain. Unlike other kinds of diets, a calorie diet has no major health risks. Other diets take away carbs, fats, and other necessary ingredients. You're still getting everything here. What I like best about this is you can still eat whatever you want! You're just eating less of it. You also don't have to give up things like social events. For example, if you are having a big family dinner at night, you can still partake completely. You may just have to sacrifice and eat less at other times of the day. The key is to set a calorie limit and stick to it. It is much simpler to do this now with computer programs and apps. I used an app called My Fitness Pal when I did this last year. This will help you set a daily calorie limit based on the amount of weight you want to lose and the time frame you chose. It even tracks your calories for you, and even factors in any exercise you do. It helped me lose 10 pounds in the first month, and then the rest came off gradually.
• It's all about mindset - Especially for this time around, I have learned how powerful the mind can be. Half or more of the weight loss battle can be won (or lost) in the mind. The key is proper focus. When many people think of losing weight, that's what they focus on. They see themselves as unfit, too many pounds, and focus on the weight. The key instead is to focus on the end result. Visualize yourself at the weight you want to be. Choose an exact number and continually see that number in your mind instead of the one you are at now. Start doing some of the things you would do if you were more fit. Start choosing and preparing clothes at a lower size. Thank God now for His help in getting you to the goal. These are just a few suggestions. The bottom line is that when you focus on the end result and successful accomplishment of the goal, you will get there sooner.

Once again, I will not claim to be an expert in the field of weight loss. I also understand that some people have weight struggles that go beyond proper eating and exercise, and have struggled far more than me. I have been taught some guidelines that I applied when I was in situations that I felt the need to lose weight. The techniques worked for me, which is why I share them with you, firmly believing that if you follow these suggestions, they WILL work for you. If you have any other suggestions, I invite you to share them. In the meantime, I strongly recommend these simple methods for losing weight, and maintaining your desired level. I know you will be happy with the results.

Are you seeking further ways to rapidly manifest this and other goals? I present information that can help as well as bring greater joy, freedom, health, and wealth into your life as quickly as possible. Simply click here for more information... http://joegin3.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-5-step-guide-to-rapid-manifestation.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Dalio

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Nutrition Tips to Live By

Although it has been a few months since people have made New Year's resolutions, (going on a diet being the most popular) as time goes by, it gets harder and harder to stay focused and easier to succumb to temptation. Try to focus on all the benefits that will come with staying on track instead of falling back to old and unhealthy habits. Remember what your health will be like in the long term, how much better you will feel, and also how energetic you will be. Here is a list of a few nutrition tips to live by.

1. Do not overdo it on the fruit - This first nutrition tip to live by is to not eat too many fruits. While fruit is good for you and you do need your daily servings (fruit is a great source of fiber), you do not want to eat too much of it. If you eat too much fruit, your carbohydrates and sugar in your body will reach high proportions and will aid in hindering you from your diet. Try pairing your fruits with a form of proteins such as nuts to help you eat just the right amount you need to stay healthy.

2. Feel Free to Gorge on Veggies - The beautiful thing about veggies is that you can eat a great volume of them while only taking in a few calories. This is another of many nutrition tips to live by. If you have a habit of over-snacking and munching, feel free to dig away at the veggies (just stay away from adding butter). This will help in keeping yourself full and from eating unhealthy foods that will only boost up your calories greatly. Another tip, stay away from using oils when cooking your veggies, try sticking to steamed vegetables for the best results.

3. Level Up your Protein - Do you feel like you could still eat more even though you just finished your main course? You probably should add some more protein to your meal. For example, when you order a salad, even if it is drenched in dressing, it will not feel you up and you will be taking in a lot more calories, try getting less dressing and add on some grilled chicken. This will aid greatly in filling you up and preventing you from raiding the pantry later on.

Take these nutrition tips to live by to heart, and add them as enhancers to the diet you are already on. I know you can do it, you just have to know you can do it!

http://www.cliffpt.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Pape

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Importance of a Healthy and Balanced Diet

INTRODUCTION:

There is a saying that "Health is Wealth". Health is the most precious of all the things in life. If we lose our health then we lose everything. Neither is there any enjoyment nor there is any chance of earning our livelihood properly if our health is deteriorated.
To keep ourselves healthy, the most important thing we need is nutrition. This nutrition and nourishment is derived from a Healthy and a balanced diet. A balanced diet is still a major problem in many developing countries. The people who are economically weak are deprived of balanced diet. In developed countries there is the problem of over nourishment leading to obesity which is a major cause of heart diseases. Heart diseases are the major cause of death in the developed western countries. So, we can say that a balanced diet is needed for every person irrespective of his or her financial or social background. The diet should neither be in excess nor less.

NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENT:

The energy requirements for different activities of a normal person of 70 kg weight are:
Sitting quietly: 25 cal/hr
Standing quietly: 30 cal/hr
Writing/Eating/Reading: 30 cal/hr
Car Driving: 60 cal/hr
Typing: 75 cal/hr
Household work (Dish washing): 80 cal/hr
Walking (slow): 130 cal/hr
Cycling (slow): 150 cal/hr
Running (moderate): 500 cal/hr
Swimming: 600 cal/hr
Walking Upstairs: 800 cal/hr

BALANCED DIET:

A balanced diet or a prudent diet is defined as the diet which contains different types of foods, possessing the nutrients carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals in a proportion to meet the nutritional requirements of the body. A balanced diet supplies a little more than the required amount of nutrition so as to withstand the short duration of leanness and keep the body in good health.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance of important nutrients for an adult man of 70 kg are:
Carbohydrates: 400g
Fats: 70g
Proteins: 56g
Essential Fatty acids: 4g
Vitamin A: 1000 micro gram
Vitamin D: 5 micro gram
Vitamin E: 10 micro gram
Vitamin K: 70 micro gram
Vitamin C: 60 mg (milligram)
Calcium: 800 mg
Phosphorus: 800 mg
Iron: 10 mg

IMPORTANCE OF BALANCED DIET:

The balanced diet is needed for maintaining good health. Without this there is development of several deficiency and nutritional disorders. The most common nutritional disorders are Kwashiorkor and Marasmus. The common vitamin deficiency diseases are:
Vitamin A: Xeropthalmia and Night Blindness
Vitamin B: Beri Beri
Vitamin C: Scurvy or Bleeders Disease
Vitamin D: Rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults
Vitamin E: No specific Disease
Vitamin K: Blood Clotting time is increased
The different components of Vitamin B cause different deficiency symptoms, such as folic acid and cobalamin are needed for RBC and Haemoglobin synthesis. Lack of which causes Anaemia. Niacin deficiency causes Pellagra. Riboflavin deficiency causes cheliosis, glossitis and dermatitis. Pyridoxine deficiency produces neurological symptoms like irritability, nervousness and mental confusion. Biotin deficiency produces anaemia, loss of appetite, nausea, dermatitis,glossitis, depression, halluncination, muscle pain, etc. Pantothenic acid deficiency produces Burning Feet Syndrome.

CONCLUSION:

A healthy and Balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining good health and so, we should choose our recipes keeping that in mind.

Protein is a very important constituent of a healthy and balanced diet. They are needed for muscle building as well as for creation of amino acids. Chicken is one of the best sources of protein. For cooking recipes with high proportions of protein, you can visit websites such as Chicken Food Recipes and Indian Chicken Recipes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Waz_Zaman

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How to Get Obesity Help When You Recognize a Problem

Despite the shocking number of dangerously overweight Americans, it is easy to find obesity help. Those who know they have a problem or families that love a person who is endangering their health need to work with medical professionals before their situation leads to lifetime debilitating diseases. There is far too much bad information and products that advertise unreasonable weight loss miracles. Not only can these products simply empty wallets, many are just plain dangerous.

If it sounds too good to be true it probably is, may be an old adage but is completely accurate when it comes to offers to drop weight magically. On the other side, trusted recognized sources of information abound on the Internet. The Mayo Clinic, the Center for Disease Control and the American Medical Association are wonderful sources of information and local contacts for anyone and everyone in the United States.

Support-based programs like Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and Nutri-System can also provide obesity help. It still is important that anyone considering these first consult with their doctor. Most of these programs are based on sound calorie reduction plans combined with exercise. Weight Watchers provides a method of limiting calories by assigning a number of points that the dieter can eat each day. The other two require the user to purchase their foods.

It is not always easy for a parent to deal with a child's weight problems. Food has always been a way of nurturing and caring for children and denying a son or daughter something they want to eat is extremely difficult. That is why it is vital for a parent to get obesity help from a nutrionist or physician who specializes in pediatric weight issues. Another option that can be fun for some overweight kids is a summer camp program.

People who have weight problems that have led to or contributed to the disease of diabetes have far larger problems. This medical issue can be life threatening or at the very least, cause serious blood circulation problems. While it does not happen as often as it did before the development of better medications, diabetics can actually lose limbs.

Now it is easier than ever before to get obesity help through a number of sources. The important thing is for anyone who wants or needs to lose serious weight to do so under medical supervision. Too many times Americans look for the quick and immediate solution and doing so can cause problems that are as serious as the weight issues alone.

If you recognize that you are showing some of the signs of one of the Diabetes types, you should recognize that you can take preventative medicine and natural remedies that can help show you how-to prevent diabetes. Click on the previous links to find out more about these options.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Dean_Miller

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Essential Oils for Winter and Holiday Skin Care and Health

You want protection from cold, crisp, dry winter air and dehydrated household heating. Wintertime skin care. Enter essential oils to help you prepare for holiday time skin care and protect from winter's worst damage.

There are many essential nutrients, vegetable and fruit oils and botanical ingredients that will deliver potent defense from winter's hazards along with regenerating and supporting youthful, healthy skin.

Essential oils are the therapeutic icing on the already beneficial cake - or cream, or serum. They are an addition to your skin care regimen that offers enhanced and specific healing and defensive activity. The beauty of essential oils in skin care is their holistic ability to treat the symptoms, damage and condition of the skin simultaneously with the emotional factors that may be directly responsible for imbalanced skin conditions.

Winter skin needs some added protection. You'll get this from the more viscous (thicker) and resinous oils. They tend to be a first choice in therapeutic skin conditioning properties. Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, cistus, copaiba, frankincense, myrrh and patchouli are all good regenerative essential oils, extremely good as anti-aging skin care and provide solid protection from environmental damage.

Healthy regeneration of skin cells is a good thing no matter what season you're in. Essential oils have something to offer in the category of regeneration of damaged, aging, compromised, irritated and/or sensitive skin. Helichrysum is the usual choice in this skin revitalizing function. Rosemary verbenone type, palmarosa, and Eucalyptus dives also have beneficial regenerative action. Lavender, geranium and Cape snowbush have full spectrum skin protective and conditioning properties. These oils also provide the stress relieving properties beneficial to any skin care system.

The holiday season can be a time of great stress for some, which will give the skin an irritated, sensitive appearance or cause breakouts. Not the best thing when so many photos are being taken of you with family and friends. Cape chamomile is an anti-stress, anti-anxiety and an anti-inflammatory oil - and a good addition to protective winter skin care.

Rose - queen or king or supreme being of all oils - is not only a superior skin regenerative oil, it is antimicrobial and wrinkle reducing with stress relieving and emotionally balancing activity. Rose is well worth the high cost and is quite effective in lower concentration.

For exceptional skin treatments of all types, essential oils are therapeutically and artistically blended into a nutritive and healing combination of botanical vegetable and fruit oils, herbal extracts and other skin conditioning and protective ingredients. Combining essential oils and botanical ingredients is a creative scientific practice that, when mastered, has extreme beautifying and healing results for skin. The essential oils mentioned here, with the botanicals discussed in the companion article, Winter and Holiday Health Care for Your Skin, were used to develop one of my most potent skin protective and regenerative serums. For youthful healthy skin and anti-stress, this is winter and holiday skin care joy.

90% of the common and average people will never take action towards better natural health care. If you are not one of them, take advantage of the use of natural, organic and essential oil products for beauty and health care now. Learn how to use only authentic, genuine and therapeutic essential oils. Increase your knowledge from a leading expert, product creator and educator - http://www.jimmharrison.com - Get your Free E-book: The Essential Oil Medicine Cabinet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimm_Harrison

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