Dieting, Scams and Losing Weight

I’ve been reading so much stuff on diets and weight loss that I’ve lost about 15 pounds since I just can’t stand to eat anything anymore. Not protein, not carbs, not chocolate, nothing.
And I’m getting very hungry, but for what? It’s astonishing how many different diets are being pushed. And then there are the pill, herb, and extract scams. A number of the fad diets are downright dangerous. Use of zero-cal sugar substitutes may not only be extremely dangerous, but there’s some evidence that they may cause weight gains.

I just ran into this site set up by the FTC and the Competition Bureau of Canada to give us all a vivid lesson in how some of these scams work and the kind of claims most fraudulent diet sites use. It’s well worth taking a look at: http://wemarket4u.net/fatfoe/ and be sure to click on the order link to see the analysis they provide of the type of claims you need to be careful of.

If you’re lazy or disinclined to take a look at it, lets look at some of the usual scam tip-off claims. First, you can not lose weight by eating all the high calorie food you want. It sounds too good to be true and it is.

The only – ONLY – way to lose weight is by reducing your caloric intake and/or increasing how much you exercise to burn off the calories you take in.

Now that’s annoying, but true. To lose weight you’re probably going to have to both diet and exercise more.

Any plan that claims you can lose 3 pounds or more a week is either outright lying or exceptionally dangerous. Survivable, sustainable and healthy weight takes time – and effort. dayNothing exists which blocks “fat or calorie absorption” and anything that claims to do it is an outright scam.

No weight loss product or system works for everyone. We’re all different and we need different approaches.

No product can cause permanent weight loss (unless it kills you of course). Maintaining any weight loss requires a sensible diet and regular exercise.

Patches, gels and creams — nothing that you apply to your skin has been proven to cause weight loss.

So why do we continue to fall for this kind of thing? It’s actually pretty obvious. We all want an easy, fast, no pain solution to all of our problems. Scam artists use this to guarantee that what we lose is our money.

The unfortunate truth is that there is no “magic bullet” for anything. Oh, we want to believe. We want desperately to believe that we can achieve whatever our dream is without any pain or hard work. And that desire is the hook that every con is based on.

Weight loss is no different than getting rich overnight (with no work). No way. Don’t be conned, if you want to and need to lose weight there a few simple things you should do. First – see your doctor and develop a reasonable diet that reduces your caloric intake and – with medical approval – start an exercise regimen.

You need to modify your lifestyle and then, to keep the weight off, you need to maintain a healthy diet and a rational exercise plan. We may all wish there were an easier way, but it doesn’t exist.

How to Become a Successful Dieter

7-tip Series: How to become a Successful Dieter!What do thin people know that others do not? Here are the TOP 7 TIPS on how to “think” like a thin person, so that you can become one…
TIP #1: Stop Dieting!!
Or at least, stop calling whatever you’re doing a “diet.” Just the word “diet” alone is enough to make a person’s skin crawl. Why? Because so many of us have tried special diets before only to lose control due to the severe restrictions by which these diets force us to live. If we have been lucky enough to lose weight on any of these so-called diets, then statistically MOST of us have gained the weight back, many of us with an extra pound or two for good measure (no pun intended). So what’s happening? It’s all in our minds. Diets have bad reps, and your mind is very skeptical of dieting. If you’ve failed at a “diet” before, you will fail at a “diet” again… So think of healthy weight loss as a lifestyle change– with specific dietary changes, but no outright restrictions. You’ll be happier, and slimmer, in the long run.

TIP #2: Eat Your Favorite Foods
Was that a mis-print? Nope.

I mean it when I say “eat your favorite foods”… Of course, eating does not imply gorging oneself on chips and donuts, but there is nothing wrong with these food items as long as you eat them only in moderation. But what does moderation mean, anyway? If you listen to your body, it will tell you when it has had enough. If you tend to over-stuff yourself, then you are probably eating too much! But there’s nothing wrong with an Oreo Cookie or a handful of Tostado Chips every once in a while. The only problem is the quantity in which we consume these so-called “bad” foods.Of course, there are healthier alternatives to most snack foods, but if you’re going to crave something sweet or salty – EAT IT. Just watch how much you’re eating and stop after one serving size. Take what you are going to eat, and then put the bag away. Then drink a glass of water, or a cup of peppermint tea. And if you have trouble listening to your body at first, start reading the labels in order to understand how much is enough.

Mmmmmm…. Chocolate…..

TIP #3: Listen to Your Body
Have you ever tried to talk yourself out of eating something sweet or salty, only to wait a few moments and end up eating it anyway? Your conversation probably went something like this:

“Joe, you really shouldn’t eat that piece of pie. You had a piece yesterday, and you had ice cream on it, too. Don’t eat it – you’ll regret it.” “Yeah, you know I did have that pie last night. I’ll wait and eat the rest of it tomorrow.” “But maybe it will be bad by tomorrow. You shouldn’t waste that pie. It was so GOOD!”“Hmmm… Maybe I’ll just have a tiny piece and save the rest for tomorrow. How would that be?”“Well, I guess a little piece won’t hurt.”

And the pie is on the plate with your fork in your mouth before you can say, “A la mode.” Here’s something to think about: Instead of trying to rationalize with your mind as to why you should or should not have that piece of pie, try talking with your BODY about it.This is a new concept to most people, but it really works. Ask your body what it needs. Remember, food is fuel for your body. Your body knows if it needs proteins, fats, or carbohydrates. Rarely will your body ask for pie. It is your mind that wants the pie.But a little pie every now and again won’t hurt anything either. Remember – Everything in moderation. The key here is to make healthier choices MORE OFTEN.

Learn to tell the difference and to listen to your body, and you will be on your way to a slimmer you in no time.

TIP #4: Move!!!
What do you mean “move”??!!?

What do you think of when I say the word “exercise?” I know what I think about. I think of sneakers and shorts and beads of sweat running down my face as I watch the aerobics instructor lead me through a complicated routine that I really couldn’t follow if my life depended on it. Well, I used to be able to follow those routines, but somewhere along the way, I got turned around and I can’t seem to follow their instructions anymore.

Exercise is often equated to “hard work.” And sometimes I just don’t feel like exercising. Can any of you relate?

Maybe “exercise” doesn’t create those feelings for you. If so – Great! Keep exercising!But what about the word, “move?” Movement doesn’t have the same threatening connotations attached to it that many people feel with the word “exercise.” I have started a “movement program” now instead of an exercise program. What’s the difference? My movement program doesn’t require a background in gymnastics to perform, and I “move” as often as I can throughout the day. Movement has become a part of my daily routine, rather than a one-hour trip to the gym that I have to do 5 days per week (that doesn’t mean I never go to the gym. I still do! But now I go because I want to, not because I “have” to). Movement means taking the stairs, walking through the parking lot, dancing in my living room, playing a game of pick-up basketball, stretching, sitting on my Ball (you know those big, colorful balls you see at the gym or on TV?) so that my lower back is always working and I work on my posture throughout the day.You see, movement is easy. And it can be fun, too. Wouldn’t you like to go take the dogs for a walk in the park, and feed the ducks while you’re there? Or to go dancing with some friends? Or maybe you enjoy gardening or cleaning (okay, there have got to be SOME people who enjoy cleaning!)Get off the couch and enjoy your life. MOVE every day.

TIP #5: Focus on the Progress, not on the Gap
So often when working with people who are trying to lose weight, I notice that many of them focus on how far away they are from their goal, rather than acknowledging the progress they are making. In losing her first two pounds on a program, one of my clients said, “Only two pounds! I still have 23 more to go!” What kind of message do you think that sends to your subconscious mind?

Instead of focusing on the 23 pounds (or whatever it is for you) that you have NOT lost yet, recognize and acknowledge yourself for the progress you HAVE made. This will encourage and motivate you to continue on your weight loss path. Sometimes it’s not easy, which is why a supportive environment, or a coach, can be a huge benefit in your success. In any case, acknowledge yourself as often as you can.

And focus on your success!

TIP #6: Attract Your Perfect Body
Shop at Amazon.com Everything, everything, everything in our lives is a reflection of the vibration we are giving off to the universe. If you want a healthy body, you can attract it, by becoming aware of the thoughts, feelings and emotions that are prevalent in your thinking about your weight. Everything in the universe is made up of energy (ask a Physicist), and this includes our emotions. If you emit positive emotions, you will attract positive results. If you emit negative emotions, you will attract exactly what you say you don’t want in your life.

The Law of Attraction is a complex, yet very simple principle that has been clearly explained by Michael Losier in his book, “The Law of Attraction”. Successful dieters understand that their thoughts and feelings lead to their results (your inner world creates your outer world).

TIP #7: Play
What does playing have to do with dieting? Everything!

If you perceive something to be hard, tedious, boring or no fun, your subconscious mind will do whatever it takes to take you out of the game. But have you ever noticed that when you do something fun – something you love – the energy of that experience lasts for hours, if not days, after the experience itself has ended? That’s because you have raised your vibrational energy, and when you are in a higher vibrational state, life FLOWS with ease.

The same thing will happen when you “play” with your food! Okay, I know your mother always told you not to… But who’s watching?

When you take care of the part of you that wants to play, you will naturally be more loving towards yourself – and that includes in the food and exercise area of your life, too! So, make a Mickey Mouse in your pancakes. Go for a bike ride in the park, or spend an evening dancing! Whatever you do, PLAY!

The Truth About Ephedrine Diet Pills: Weighing the Benefits and Risks

In the quest for weight loss, many turn to the allure of diet pills, hoping for a quick and effortless solution to shedding pounds. Among the myriad of options, ephedrine diet pills have gained attention for their potential to assist in achieving the desired physique. However, it’s crucial to balance the pursuit of health with informed decisions, as the journey to wellness is never as simple as popping a pill.

Understanding Ephedrine: A Potent Weight Loss Aid
Ephedrine is a stimulant derived from the herb Ephedra Sinica, and it has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It works by increasing metabolism and suppressing appetite, which can lead to weight loss. According to a meta-analysis published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, ephedrine-based supplements may modestly promote weight loss in the short term. However, the study also notes the potential for adverse effects.

The Appeal of Ephedrine Diet Pills
Metabolism Boost: Ephedrine stimulates the central nervous system, potentially increasing calorie burn.
Appetite Suppression: Users may experience reduced hunger, leading to lower calorie intake.
Herbal Origin: Some find the herbal basis of ephedrine appealing compared to synthetic drugs.
The Flip Side: Health Risks and Precautions
Despite the potential benefits, ephedrine carries significant risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra due to serious safety concerns, including heart attack, stroke, and even death. The FDA’s decision was based on an extensive review of scientific evidence on the ephedra’s safety and efficacy.

Who Should Avoid Ephedrine?
Underage Individuals: Those below 18 should not use ephedrine.
Pregnant Women: Ephedrine can be harmful to both mother and fetus.
Individuals with Respiratory Issues: Ephedrine can exacerbate breathing problems.
A Balanced Approach to Weight Loss
While ephedrine may offer some weight loss advantages, it’s essential to approach any diet plan holistically. A combination of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle adjustments is the cornerstone of sustainable weight loss and health.

Alternatives to Ephedrine Diet Pills
Natural Supplements: Options like green tea extract or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may offer safer alternatives.
Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating more physical activity and healthier food choices can lead to lasting results.
Professional Guidance: Consulting with healthcare providers or dietitians can provide personalized advice.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution

Ephedrine diet pills might seem like a promising solution for weight loss, but the potential health risks cannot be ignored. It’s imperative to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss regimen, especially one involving stimulants like ephedrine. Remember, the safest and most effective way to lose weight is through a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Motivation plus you equals weight loss

We all need motivation to make changes in our lives. But some motivations can have short-term effects whilst other motivations can have long-lasting, life changing effects. This article takes a very quick look at how we can cut to the core of making the long-lasting, life changing decisions easier.

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Why do you want to lose weight? Do you want to make someone else happy? Your kids, your husband? The only way to lose weight in the long-term is to lose weight for you.

While some or most of this article might sound like pointless new-age psycho-babble, at its core are valid, solid ways of changing your life. Do not give in, it may well be a life changing experience.

Whilst these are all valid reasons for losing weight they may actually be the reasons why so many people fail to lose weight or lose weight but then put it all back on with a little extra just for desert. In order to understand long term weight loss we need to look at the nitty-gritty at how the mind works and how we become, and remain motivated, to do something.

When we want to change something about ourselves we need to look deep. Not just “Because the doc said I need to lose a few pounds” deep or “I want to look nice when I lie by the pool” deep. We need to look at where we are now, where we want to be and the difference between the two. That is where the deepness lies.

Ok, let’s take any weight measurements out of the equation and look at body size and shape. We might imagine ourselves to look a long way from the way we want to look. But how does that make us feel? Pretty miserable right. But that’s where your change begins – connect with the feelings caused by the difference between the two you’s. The discrepancy between the you now and the person you want to be is the reality and sometimes the reality hurts! The difference between where we are and where we need to get to needs to be bridged.

You need to imagine what it would feel like to be the person you want to be. Stop for a second and think about it. Close your eyes. Really think about it. Think about the person you want to change for. Because this is only a short article I will give you the answer you need to come up with.

The only person you want to change for is you. There are just so many reasons you could have come up with for changing. Kids, husbands, wives, parents, friends, pets, teams – the list is endless.

The only person you need to change for is you. If this sounds too selfish and self-centred for you then I’m sorry. However, the chance of you changing long-term for anybody other than yourself are minimal. If you think about it another way, what would make the person you are changing for happy? Would they be happier to see YOU happy or would they be happier watching you trying to make THEM happy? So if we want to change we have to look at ourselves and see ourselves as we really are. We need to look to the person we want to be. From then on the person you want to be is going to be the person you are.

If you want to lose weight you need to do it for yourself, no-one else. Not only do you get to be the person you want to be but everybody else gets the benefit of basking in the glow of your happiness and success.

Human Motivation – Discover The Power of Hypnotherapy

Are you interested in formulating an exercise plan that will assist you to remain trim and help you to get thin? Studies regularly show that there are two basic types of exercise that are both extremely efficient and successful. Of course, it stands to reason that you must be motivated in the first place, and that is why therapeutic hypnosis can help solve your problems.

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If you’re like most people, you are interested in creating an exercise system that will assist you to remain healthy and slim. It may shock you to find out that research studies usually demonstrate that only two core kinds of exercise are useful — which suggests that you can’t just choose any type of exercise to become trim.

Due to the fact that so many people have trouble with the motivation to exercise, performing the most efficient kinds of exercise is imperative, since the less time you spend exercising – and the less time you waste on low efficiency exercise – the more likely it is that you will persist in your exercise routine and therefore achieve your personal weight and strength target.

Our first type of exercise which has been regularly proven to aid people to lose weight and get trim is progressive resistance. In brief, progressive resistance is one type of strength training. It functions by progressively ramping up the pounds lifted, the number of sets, and number of repetitions performed. As a result, your muscles are never strained or subjected to damage – instead, they slowly and steadily strengthen without any setbacks.

Our second type of exercise that has been scientifically studied is cardiovascular training. This is any type of exercise that gets the heart rate up to 60 – 85 percent of its maximum rate. Some kinds of cardio training may involve jogging, jumping rope, aerobics, or treadmill, among other types of exercise, but it is your choice.

Although progressive resistance and cardio training by themselves have been found to be very efficient forms of exercise, scientists now know that performing both of these types of exercise is the best bet for success. If you combine both progressive resistance and cardio training, you will increase the strength of your muscle groups and increase overall endurance. According to a recent scientific study, exercisers who used both cardio and progressive resistance during a two month time period lost 45 percent more weight than exercisers who did cardio training or progressive resistance alone.

Just as important as the type of exercise you perform is, the way in which you exercise is also important. It probably will be unsurprising that being consistent is the name of the game. Exercising inconsistently may strain your muscles and will probably not aid you to build strength and endurance. In addition, it is unlikely to improve your whole-body health. According to most scientists, the best regime is to exercise for forty minutes to an hour three to five times per week.

Unfortunately, it turns out that for a significantly sized subset of the population, getting sufficient exercise is not as easy as attending the health club a few times every week or listening to what scientists claim. For this group of people, the motivation to exercise is the primary issue – this group of people simply doesn’t have the motivation to go to the gym. Actually, they might resist any and all exercise, to the point of severe anxiety.

Nobody knows what percentage of the population suffers from problems with the motivation to exercise, but scientists say that up to 20 to 40 percent of people claim that they “hate” or “dread” exercise. An even larger percentage of people might have more mild problems with the motivation to exercise, finding that even though it is simple enough to commit themselves to an exercise regime for a week or two, motivation eventually degrades, leaving them where they were initially – unhealthy and heavy.

If you are one of these people who struggles with the motivation to exercise, the good news is that there are some easy strategies to deal with the struggle. In a recent research study, volunteers who needed to start an exercise program were provided with a brief learning program that aided them to decide on the right kinds of exercise, were provided with a therapist who specialized in exercise motivation, and were given a brief course in hypnosis. After six months, they were asked to evaluate their progress. It turns out that over 85 percent of the participants had adhered to an exercise program throughout the whole six months. Even better, they generally lost an average of fifteen more pounds than the control group.

If you have an interest in this study, it might make sense to look into locating a motivational therapist, habit control therapist, or therapist who deals with hypnotherapy. These therapists are provided with special training in helping people to transcend anxieties, build the motivation to exercise, and reinforce the creation of good habits. One more choice for exercise motivation is self-hypnosis – which is a simple and inexpensive process that often helps people take control of their own inborn abilities to be motivated.

Hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis are risk-free ways of increasing motivation that have been proven to provide success in the case of exercise motivation. Hypnosis works by using hypnotic relaxation to enhance the powers of the unconscious mind to influence the modification of behavior and habit development. Hypnotherapy is a good choice for the exercise adverse because it can help increase the drive to get trim and lose weight easily and effectively.

Need Some Tips To KEEP The Weight Off Once You Lose It?

Are you tired of the yo yo effect? These simple 5 steps can help you KEEP the weight off once you do lose it

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Why do some dieters suffer the endless frustration of losing and then gaining weight again and again, while others lose weight and keep it off forever?

And we know you don’t want to be the latter group?

Here are 5 very simple tips successful dieters implement – and you can easily adapt these good habits yourself.

1.) You know that old conventional wisdom that goes “The scale doesn’t matter when you’re dieting”? For a long time experts scorned the idea of frequent weigh ins, pointing out that the scale can be inaccurate because of fluctuations caused by water weight. Remember, muscle weighs more than fat. So if you’re exercising you may be gaining muscle and that will throw the scale off.

However, it turns out that weighing yourself every day is actually an excellent motivator for dieters. A study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that dieters who weighed themselves every day lost the most weight, and kept it off more successfully, compared to a group of dieters who did not weigh themselves regularly.

2.) Keep a log of everything you eat. When you log everything you eat you will feel MUCH more guilty when you cheat because you have to see it and read it.

3.) Do at least 1 15 minute activity everyday. ANYTHING. Walk your dog, go jogging, do tae bo. Most of us work at desks and sit at home all day – then do it at least three times a week. You will lose weight quicker and this is one of the big contributors of keeping the weight off.

4.) Plan ahead. If you are going out to dinner with friends or to a holiday office party or even to the movies, what are you going to do when hunger pangs hit? Eat something before you go and decide BEFORE you get to the party or movies.

5.) Schedule the occasional indulgence. Most weight loss experts suggest and encourage a cheating day. When you get to eat some pizza, brownie or some ice cream at some time in the week your chances of ditching your plan is much less likely. This can also be a day when you throw in some more activity.

Lose Weight Naturally Through Correct Diet

For those of you out there who believe that you can only lose weight through fasting, you cannot be more wrong! Facts have shown that it is not how much you eat but actually what you eat that results in weight gain in most people. If you decide to eat correctly, you will surely be eating your way to weight loss naturally.

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In the developed world today, a whole lot of people seem to be struggling with a particular challenge common to them all and that is the issue of how to lose weight so as to live a healthier life. In the same vein, a good number of the people concerned tend to believe that the only way to lose that excess fat is by starving themselves or fasting. Nothing can be further than the truth in this case. It has been proven by the experts that one can achieve weight loss naturally through correct dieting.

In order to lose weight naturally, the main thing one has to keep in mind and practice is to eat wisely, take enough water and do some regular exercise. This combination of actions will surely help you get rid of that unwanted fat as well as give you a fitter and sexier physique.

It is pertinent at this stage to note that when I talk of losing weight naturally through correct dieting, I am not talking about some very strict diet but simple ones that can be found in some cook books such as the Metabolic Cooking. I am also not talking about a particular diet for the whole day but an intelligent mix of recommended diets that will end up giving you a healthier body through weight loss.

I suppose that at this stage some of you out will want to know exactly how to eat wise and reap the benefits of losing weight naturally in the shortest possible time. It is not rocket science but simply doing what is right as already suggested. For an example, the diet experts claim that our ability to shed fats is eighty percent correct dieting and twenty percent how much exercise we give to our body. This also means that you need to steer clear of that attractive and sweet junk foodstuff you have been destroying your system with only to go back to the gym to try to burn the fat you got from wrong dieting practice.

Another important aspect of correct dieting is the issue of the water intake level. It is a fact that taking a good amount of water on a daily basis helps in ensuring a clean body system. As a matter of fact, the experts have made it abundantly clear that in order to keep our body system in a clean condition we need to take as much as sixty ounces of water daily. This is much better than the sugary drinks that many people use to replace water in their diet. It is recommended by medical experts that every adult should drink at least eight glasses of water in order to enjoy a healthier life devoid of obesity.

In summary therefore, anyone who wishes to enjoy the benefits weight loss simply needs to combine a correct diet with a good water intake and do some exercise. That also means such a person needs to as well avoid taking junk food and replace that with the consumption of lots of fruit and vegetables. When fruits are added to your meals, it is easier for you to ward off the cravings for sweet since you are ingesting natural sugar instead of the artificial one. You are advised to take fruits such as oranges and or apples in between your meals as a means of eating your way to weight loss and good health.

Five Ways to Lose Weight by Reducing Stress

You can begin to lose weight by reducing your stress level. Here’s how!

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There may be many reasons why you engage in the behavior of overeating. Overeating helps some people gain a sense of control over their lives. Other people overeat when they are stressed or upset. Think about the times that you have had a binge eating session? What was the motivation behind it? Do you turn to food when you are upset or have a stressful day? Do you find a sense of comfort in the food that you eat? If stress is a major factor in your eating habits, finding ways to help reduce stress can help you lose weight.

1. Find a Support System

Having people that you can rely on is a great way to start reducing stress. Call on your friends or family when you are in a stressful situation. They can be a great source of advice or just a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes going out with work friends after a long stressful day can work wonders to melt the stress that you feel. We all need to rely on our friends and family at some point. Being able to talk about your stress is a health alternative to overeating.

2. Post Positive Mantras

Think about the negative comments you make about yourself when you are feeling stressed. Most people struggle with negative self-talk at sometime in their lives. Begin to challenge your old ways of thinking. Replace those old thoughts with positive thoughts that will help you push through stressful times. If a long stressful day at work leaves you thinking that you are “no good at my job”, change your thoughts. Think about how hard you worked today. You put in your all and achieved a goal you had set. Whatever your new thoughts are going to be, post them around your house. This will help you stay focused on them even when you are headed for a stress out moment. Thinking positively can help curb overeating.

3. Find Time to Relax

It is important that you take a few minutes everyday for relaxtion. There are many different things you can do in order to relax. If you had a busy day at work and spent the evening running errands, take a long soak in a tub. If you find yourself working late one night, close your office door and read a chapter in a book. On the weekends, go for a walk around a nature trail. The activity can last five minutes or five hours; the important thing is to take some time to relax.

4. Meditate or Journal

Another great way to reduce stress is to be alone with your thoughts. This can help you sort out what is going on in your life in a healthy way. One way to do this is to meditate. Another way is to write in a journal. Writing in a journal is a great way to begin organizing your thoughts about the stresses in your life. Dealing with your stress in this productive way makes it less likely that you will overeat.

5. Listen to Your Body

Stop beating yourself up for overeating. Move forward into a new way of thinking about eating and food. By listening to your body, you will learn when your body is telling you it is full or hungry. Know the signals that your body gives off in order to begin recognizing the difference between hunger and emotional eating. You can pull through this struggle and be on your way towards a natural weight loss.