With so many diet and exercise options out there it can be complex to decide on the best weight loss plan to use. Choosing a weight reduction program is no easy but you can make a sensible selection if you your goals and your lifestyle before jumping into what you may think is the best weight loss plan for you.

First of all you need to consider the core of your weight problem. Do you want to drop ten or twenty pounds? Are you fighting a life long obesity Is your size associated with a recent pregnancy? Does unhappiness or frame of mind adversely affect your weight? In order to find the finest weight loss option, it is crucial that you consider the basis of your problem.

Depression is a grave matter. Rather than trying to find the weight loss plans to use, a person who is depressed is better off to examine his or her condition. This person may find that once the depression is treated, the pounds melt away. Treating the depression itself is often the paramount weight loss plan available.

Someone who wants to drop some vanity pounds after giving birth would want to take a very different methodology than someone who needs to lose a lot of weight that she has been carrying around for a lengthy time. The best weight loss for one person may not be the best for another. The new mum could from taking on a four week fat burning exercise program while the lifelong heavy problem will need medical treatment. Speaking of medical intervention, make sure that you talk to your doctor about the top weightloss program for you. You can save a lot of time and effort by simply asking your physician about which program would be best for you. Your physician can help you start off in the best direction. You doctor can also suggest whether you should start and exercise program.

The best weight loss scheme for many people is to simply start a rational exercise routine. You may find that you dont really need to diet as long as you increase your activity. Others would not benefit from the exercise approach. Some people are not healthy enough to engage in many exercise programs while others can hurt to themselves if they engage in difficult activity. It is always a good idea to talk to your physician about the paramount weight loss package for your requirements and lifestyle.

Let's take a look at the 'big picture' in the world of fitness and weight loss products and use a little common sense. You'll see there's something wrong with the picture in each case.

1. There are more fat-free/low fat foods, health clubs, diet centers, exercise equipment options, and "miracle drugs" than ever. With several options available, you'd think that obesity would be all but obliterated as an epidemic problem. Why is it, then, with the continually increasing fitness options, the problem of obesity is at an all time high, and going HIGHER??? More gyms, diet centers, equipment, diets, etc., and we're getting FATTER???

2. Millions of dollars are spent on research to stimulate "fat gene" without any significant outcome. Many studies of fat loss products "seem to suggest," "may indicate," and "may contribute" to fat loss. This sounds pretty indecisive. Scientists are trying to find a fail-proof way for us to bodies to melt off fat without exercise or eating well, while it seems as though they're forgetting that Americans are consuming over 150 lb. of sugar PER PERSON per year!

While the search for the fat gene continues, Americans are causing their bodies to hold on to their fat stores. This is due to the hormonal changes that sugar brings about, namely insulin. Each one of us has the ability to improve our fat-burning abilities if we just get a grip on our ineffective nutritional habits and start feeding our bodies in a supportive way. The truth is, it's easier and cheaper to buy 'sugar laden' foods than ever before.

3. Not enough emphasis on bone-building, metabolism-boosting, body shaping, lean muscle mass. In their 20's - 30's, American women lose somewhere between 5-10 lb. of muscle. Plus, the average woman's fat accumulation ranges between 15-30 lb. As a man enters the senior years, he often has less than 70% of the muscle he had at 25. Despite OVERWHELMING evidence to support that weight training (at ANY age) can stop and even reverse this deterioration, most Americans who begin an exercise program choose more aerobic activity and neglect the muscle-saving, metabolism boosting, fatigue-fighting strength training. Excessive aerobic exercise can actually waste away muscle.

4. Over-promising and under-delivering. Many of the claims made on these cleverly calculated fitness gadget infomercials are not only misleading, but they are often not even possible with the equipment being marketed. It is simply not possible to exercise 4 minutes a day to get the body you want.

5. If something is sold in a health food store, shouldn't it be healthy? Some over-the-counter "fat burners" are actually addictive drugs that, if misused and abused, can lead to seizures, stroke, and death. 6. Some programs still advocate dramatically restricting calories. Consistently reducing calories to an intake below the body's basal metabolic rate can slow the metabolism and bring about chemical changes that lead to additional storage of fat. Training the body to process food frequently is a factor in speeding the metabolism. Americans, by cutting back on calories, are sabotaging their potential for ever becoming lean. You'll be amazed at how much you really can eat, and still get lean - permanently.

Do you want to know how to lose weight fast and in the process kill yourself? If so, there are many methods for you to choose from including:

Prescription diet pills NOT specifically given to you by a medical doctor. Besides being habit forming, the side effects can affect your sleep blood pressure, heart, and even offer hallucinations to keep you occupied.

Ephedra is an Asian herb and was once found in many weight loss products. Its safety is questioned, as it's been implicated in almost 100 deaths.

Fenfluramine-phentermine (fen-phen), once thought to be the weight loss supplement of choice, this product has been linked to heart valve damage. You may be thinner but the side effects could kill you

Diuretics are better known as water pills. While an occasional use of diuretics is okay, if you're older, you should consult your physician before using any type of diuretic. Removing too many fluids can result in dehydration and putting your body into survival mode where it could begin to hold water, thereby setting up a vicious cycle.

Purging and Laxatives. This is getting rid of the food either through vomiting or causing it to come out the other end as fast as possible. Regular use and abuse of laxatives can result in pancreas damage and low potassium levels It can also be very habit forming so before using laxatives to lose weight fast, think about all the fun you may have using them the rest of your life.

Purging is simply forcing yourself to vomit. Although that breakfast of a donut and expensive Starbucks coffee tasted good when first eaten, it doesn't taste nearly as good when coming back up. ICK! Oh and you risk burning your esophagus with stomach acids.

To lose weight fast doesn't take any special tools or magic. Fast weight loss is accomplished by focusing on the basics of eating less and exercising more. Stop eating the donuts or pop tarts because they're fast for breakfast. Instead, get yourself up to 30 minutes earlier and fix yourself a healthy breakfast. If you don't a how to cook, learn. Don't make excuses for yourself why you need to eat the way you do. Ie: I'm too busy etc.

Stay away from vending machines and the local convenience stores. Both of these have many more empty high calorie snacks than real food. Pack your own lunch with food to enjoy that are high in fiber.

To lose weight fast, you need a commitment to make radical changes in your lifestyle and eating habits. These changes need to happen today and you need to decide to stay with them long term.

This article will review the health benefits of losing weight and how to reach these goals. Weight loss isn't easy to achieve but with a little determination and quality information you can make it happen. Many of you will start off the New Year with excitement about reaching your ultimate goals. Keep that excitement and let's begin!

Weight loss is not something that can be done quickly in most cases. It's more of a lifestyle change that you desire. If you really want to change then do it.

Some points you want to consider for your new healthier weight loss program will be gaining the knowledge to succeed. Another matter is your overall health. If you are healthier your weight will be also. Learn about portion sizes and negative calories.

One thing you will need to acquire for your weight loss results is information.

Information about weight loss may require some intelligent research on your part. There are many things that are just plain common sense and are where your will power will have to kick in.

Drinking cokes and sweet drinks all day won't benefit your weight loss program. You may have to learn what junk food actually is with your research, and then cut these out of your diet as much as possible. Exercise works even better than cutting calories so make sure that you incorporate some form of exercise into your everyday routine. Calories do count though so make sure that you do count them if you want to see greater weight loss results.

Portions are another key point to consider. You must realize that you have been forced by the media and fast food restaurants to consume unnatural portion sizes. "Super size it" is a phrase that you will realize is harmful to your health. "Just say no" is your new positive motto.

Eat your larger meals earlier in the day and don't skip breakfast. Eat a lighter dinner. You may have greater results by eating six smaller meals throughout the day instead of the traditional three.

A healthier you is a slimmer you! Take a healthy approach to life if you want to reap the benefits of weight loss. Your body can't function correctly and eliminate body waste efficiently if it's not in shape.

When you are healthy you will be confident and feel better about yourself and others. You will make smarter choices that you can cherish in the years ahead. Think about it as investing in yourself. Aren't you the most important person to invest in? Others around you will benefit from your improvements as well.

Some nutritious foods are known as "Negative Calories Foods". What are these "magical" foods? Tomatoes actually burn more calories when you eat them then they contain. Other foods that may fit into this category are: Apples Grapefruit Oranges Lettuce Onion Spinach Broccoli Celery and more

This means that you are consuming fewer calories than you are burning by your effort to chew and consume them. You burn more energy digesting them than they actually contain.

Most negative calorie foods contain plenty of vitamins, minerals and enzymes to break down these foods for better digestion.

Remember weight loss is not easy and effortless. You will have to put work into it just as you do with other important things in your life. You just have to decide precisely what is important to you and if it is worth your precious time. I hope that you will decide on the most important thing in your life, you!

A couple of ground rules first. When I say to kick back and relax for weight loss, I don't mean to imply that there is no effort involved in losing weight. The old truths still remain. If you eat more calories than you use, you gain weight. If you use more calories than you take in, you lose weight. A combination of exercise and sensible nutrition are the key. Nuff said!

However, trying too hard to lose weight can actually sabotage your weight loss efforts while possibly creating an unhealthy situation for you.

First of all some simple facts. If you cut your food intake too drastically or limit your food choices, in addition to potentially depriving yourself of essential nutrients, you may actually alter your metabolism so that your body learns to survive on fewer calories. Not only does this mean that strict dieting may result in only small losses, but, as so often happens, when you finally fall off the diet wagon your body will continue to use fewer calories for its daily functions and activities and store even more fat than before. This is why yo-yo dieters tend to gain weight over time.

Seriously restricting your food intake may also deprive you of energy. This can result in lowered ability and willingness to actually perform the very activities that can help burn calories. An extreme decrease in nutrients coupled with related psychological effects may also produce a mental unwillingness to keep going with the program. Since, at least it seems to me, one of the reasons for weight loss is to be happy, healthy, and enjoy life more, creating this sort of situation seems like a lose-lose proposition.

From the physical standpoint, trying too hard in terms of difficulty or amount of exercise may result in actual physical injury. At the very least, someone trying to do more than they are actually capable of may reach a point where their body and mind team up to demand that they "knock it off".

Now, let's talk about stress and weight loss.

If you are trying too hard, whether physically or mentally, you are stressed. In fact, as soon as you decide to "go on a diet" or "start trying to lose weight", you are under stress. Ever hear of "stress eating"? Well, it's real. There are psychological and physiological reasons why, but the bottom line is that when under stress, many of us are tempted to eat more. Chemicals in our bloodstream, such as cortisol, not only cause us to want more food, but even act as a drug, which they are, producing nearly irresistible cravings in some people.

So here's what you do.

Start your exercise program off at an easy pace. Slowly increase the difficulty or time. There's no hurry. The key to good weight loss results with exercise is to keep at it for weeks, months, and even years. In fact, if you're on the right track, you are creating a lifetime habit.

Make your nutritional choices wisely. There is no law anywhere that says a piece of pie or bowl of ice cream will send you back into the gutter. In fact, there is no reason why such treats cannot be an occasional reward for good behavior. The occasional nutritional indiscretion will not offset a daily lifestyle of exercise and good nutritional choices.

Try to relax. Try meditation, yoga, long walks, prayer, good conversations with friends...whatever works for you. Get a good night's sleep, because being short on sleep can actually trigger cortisol production. Yes, this is a bad thing. A good night's sleep can help your weight loss program immensely.

Last, but definitely not least, recognize that you are only human and will err no matter how hard you try. You would tell your best friend to forget about it and just get back on track if she admitted to pigging out on a quart of Rocky Road. Be your own best friend and learn to forgive yourself.

With all of the weight loss programs available today, how can you possibly find the best one and avoid the scams? Although there is a lot of conflicting information out there, by following a few basic principles you can find a reputable and effective method to lose weight.

One of the first things to look for is a plan that is designed by a qualified professional. Depending on your particular goals, one type of professional may be better suited for certain goals but not for others. For instance, if you simply want to improve your eating habits, perhaps seeking the help of a nutritionist is in your best interest. A personal trainer might be a better choice for those who are generally healthy but wish to build up some muscle. Maybe you want to learn from someone who has been in your shoes before. Whatever the particular focus, the professional should be an expert in the area.

Most people looking to lose weight are actually trying to lose fat. While the two phrases may sound the same, they are completely different. Weight loss simply means to see lower numbers on the bathroom scale. The scale does not care if your weight loss comes from water, muscle or fat. It simply congratulates you when something goes down. Fat loss, on the other hand, means that you are losing most of your weight from fat and holding on to the precious muscle that you already have. Unfortunately, the scale is not able to determine when you have lost fat.

Assuming that you are focused on finding a program that will help you lose fat, the professional behind the program must understand the difference between weight loss and fat loss as well. They should not require that you follow a low calorie diet and tell you that exercise is optional. While that would be the easy way to lose weight, you will most certainly end up fatter in the long run. A sound plan will offer a reasonable nutrition and exercise plan that will work together.

Another quality to look for in your professional is trust. You must be able to trust them and know that they are providing you with objective and unbiased information. A professional usually cannot accomplish this if they are also trying to sell supplements or other weight loss products to you.

Of course nutrition and exercise is a given in any successful fat loss program and it is a must for any plan you are considering. Another component that is essential is having the proper motivation to stick with your plan. In fact, this may be the most important component of a program. Be sure to look for a fat loss program that also emphasizes goal setting and putting yourself in the right mindset to carry out your goals.

Finally, a great program will teach you all you need to know in an easy to understand manner while forming the groundwork for you to create healthy lifestyle habits that you can maintain. Once you find such a program, youll never need to look for another one again because it will actually work for you.

Do you find that you have been struggling to shed some of those pounds? If you have, you have probably also been having a go at some of those weight loss pills, a bit of dieting or maybe even a trip down the gym a few times for that dreaded exercise routine. But none of them seem to do the trick, do they?

The problem there doesn't really have anything to do with the things you are trying while you are awake, more like the fact that you are awake.

Research has shown that the more sleep that you get, and also the better quality of sleep that you get, can help you melt away some of those unwanted pounds, without having to shell out on some of those expensive faddy diet regimes. The pointer there for you is, if you want to shed some of those extra pounds at last, instead of wasting your time counting those calories; spend a little more time in bed.

The number one reason that having more sleep can help you get that weight off, is probably fairly obvious to you. The more time that you spend in bed asleep the less time you are going to be down raiding the fridge or tucking into the biscuit tin. Another reason to bear in mind is, we all get a certain craving now and again for a snack or something similar that is not good for us, and the less time we are asleep the more time we have to succumb to those cravings. Also bear in mind that being deprived of sleep actually lowers our reasoning skills, therefore when we are met with those food cravings our power to resist is much lower.

When you get a good night's sleep you get up the following day feeling vibrant and full of energy. By feeling like this you are more likely to get up and have your self a workout, which will in turn further your weight loss efforts.

The way in which our bodies metabolise carbohydrates is another effect that being deprived of sleep has on us. Many people have a problem with digesting carbohydrates if they do not have a sufficient amount of proper sleep. What happens is, instead of the food being used up as energy the calories are kept in the body and are stored as fat. It is also worth noting that by having an excess of carbohydrates in your system it could cause a rise in your blood sugar level and resistance to insulin which both happen to be symptoms of type two diabetes.

So there we have it, if you would really like to melt off a few of those pounds, apart from the little bits on the side you are working on, like a bit of exercise and cutting down on those crispy cream cakes, make it one of your missions to get a full and proper nights sleep every night.

For those looking to lower their body mass index, a typical diet may not prove successful as they are geared towards losing weight. A fat loss diet, on the other hand, can provide you the means of losing fat and inches while still maintaining your weight.

While that may sound like a contradiction, it does make sense because some people may have some extra inches and a few areas with extra fat, but are not necessarily over the ideal weight for their height and build. Those type people should be working on a fat loss diet instead of a weight loss diet.

In order to have a successful fat loss diet you must first understand where fat comes from in the first place and why. Your body is dependent on sugar for energy for body heat, strength and health. When there is an excess of sugar, the body tends to store it as fat for later use. Similar to hibernating bears, if the body believes it may be some time before more food will be available, then it will store more fat.

This can happen frequently with starvation diets. The body believes that food intake will be few and far between it will store more fat out of self-preservation. Their may be some initial weight loss, but eventually your body will beat you in the contest of a fat loss diet.

Reducing Stress And Help Reduce Fat

Today people eat because they are hungry as well as when they are sad, excited, nervous or celebrating. No one has ever said because they received that big promotion they are going to go out and have a diet pill from my fat loss diet to celebrate. Stress can have the effect of prompting excessive eating. Not usually health food, either. Starches and carbohydrates, which are turned into sugar by insulin, are the usually fare and when your bodys insulin level peaks, the pancreas makes more, and with more insulin comes more hunger until a cycle is created that you eat more.

Reducing stress in your life can help reduce the need for food, but if you are serious about a fat loss diet you will have to take control of what you eat and when. Eliminating the tasty choices for meals can be a good first step in that direction, so choose one healthy meal for lunch and then eat the same thing every day. At least the stress of making that decision will be removed for you.

It can be tricky and even frustrating trying to decide on a fat loss program, however this should not be; after all, it will be hard enough enduring through the fat loss program itself, and so the process of choosing one certainly should not be the difficult part. It is important to know that the process of choosing a fat loss program most certainly does not have to be that difficult, and that if you take a few certain things into consideration it will not be.

Choosing a Fat Loss Program

The first thing that you will want to do when you are trying to decide on a fat loss program is to look at the ones that are most popular and see what they are all about; this is not to say that you should automatically choose one just because it is popular with the rest of the world, however for the most part there are obviously results being shown at least somewhat, or else they would not be so popular.

After you have done this, the next thing that you will want to do is speak to your friends and family members; so that you can see what diet programs they have tried, and thus you will be able to get an actual first hand opinion in regards to what apparently works and what doesnt. This will help you greatly as it will help you incredulously in regards to narrowing your search.

Another great idea is to go into your local gym and speak to one of the professional or personal trainers there, and you can tell them a bit about yourself, and they will be able to talk with you and come up with a great workout and diet plan for you; they can let you know what they think would work best and why two incredibly important and helpful factors overall.

Another person that you should and can go in and speak to is your very own doctor; your physician will be able to give you a routine check up, let you know what you should work on and whether or not you have any medical conditions that should be watched out for.

Even if you already know the type of diet that you want to start, you should still consult with your physician so that you can make sure that you are ready to go on the diet that you want, and that there will not be a risk of harm or injury.

One of the newest entries in the seemingly overcrowded weight loss field is the hoodia gordonii plant. It has been used for generations by bushmen in Africa to suppress hunger and appetite on long hunting trips.

By turning off your appetite, hoodia allows you to curb the amounts of food you are eating without making a great effort. You don't think about eating, so you don't eat. And as a nice side benefit, you lose weight.

Your late night cravings disappear. Your constant junk food snacking decreases. It's almost as if someone magically gave you a will power transplant to monitor your food intake.

Hoodia has become so popular that you can find many brands selling in your neighborhood stores today. The theory is that Hoodia works by fooling your brain into believing that you are full. Some have found that using it decreased their caloric intake by as much as 1,000 calories a day.

But even though the Hoodia Gordonii plant has been proven to suppress the appetite, there are some caveats that you should be aware of before you try it yourself.

One is that it's the plant itself that has been proven to suppress the appetite, not diet supplements developed from the plants. So although many people swear that Hoodia Gordonii has helped them to lose weight, there has yet to be an independent double blind study that will verify it's weight loss prowess.

Two, scientists have been researching the Hoodia plant for almost a decade and so far have found that it doesn't cause any harmful side effects. This is much more than can be said of fat burners such as ephedra which can be very dangerous, especially if you have any kind of heart condition.

Three, hoodia in its pure form has no stimulants. It will not make your heart race or cause other known side-effects. It will not give you the shakes, make your heart race or raise your body temperature

Four, the only hoodia that has been shown to suppress the appetite has been hoodia that is grown in the soils of Africa. If the company you are considering purchasing hoodia from does not certify that its hoodia originates from South Africa, you will not be getting what is considered real hoodia.

Will hoodia work for you? We don't know. Our bodies all respond differently. We all have different experiences with foods, supplements, and drugs. Pure hoodia supplements are expensive. Fortunately, the better companies offer money back guarantees so you can try it and if it doesn't work for you, simple send it back.

To lose fat and build muscles is the goal of many fat loss workout programs and while they are all just a little different in their approach they all focus on basic similarity. Proper diet and exercise, along with specific training, can help reduce the amount of fat in your body while sculpting your muscles for a better look for you.

No fat loss workout will have any meaningful affect if you reward yourself for working out with a donut or two. You will have to make the conscious commitment that it is what you plan to do to meet a specific goal. In order to get the best results from your fat loss workout, you will need a map of where you are going, and the directions you need to take to get there.

Most know how to read a street map. You have to have a starting point as well as a destination. You then look at all the options available to determine the best route. You can choose the fastest direction or the scenic route, analyzing the benefits and pitfalls of both before you take off on the drive. It is much the same in finding a fat loss workout.

Choosing A Comfortable Route

While looking at the map for your fat loss workout, choose the one that appears to be the most comfortable for you, otherwise you could end up deciding to take a detour in the middle of your trip. You also need to estimate how much time the drive is going to take and account for any possible delays.

For example, if the fat loss workout is interrupted by events during which you know you are going to falter, Thanksgiving for instance. You can build in extra travel time so when you are not at your destination weight by the time set, you will not give up and turn back.

Chart every turn on the drive to your goal and estimate how long it will take you to get to each point. You may find the need to speed up on occasion if anything, say a friend drops by with treats, slows you down to stay on track for your fat loss workout to reach the finish line on time.

Whichever fat loss workout plan you choose to follow, be sure to tell someone where you are headed in case you get lost. That way you can have a friend come find you and get you back on the right road.

Everyone knows that to lose weight you need to eat less and exercise more. Exercise is essential whether you choose to lose weight or maintain your present weight. Someone that increases the amount they exercise, but maintains the same diet and calorie intake, will almost certainly lose weight. Forget all of the fad diets, the fastest (and easiest) way to lose weight is with a combination of diet and exercise. Remember, don't exercise to lose weight - exercise because you want to have a healthy body!

People diet for two primary reasons, to lose weight, or to improve health or both. Many people who diet fail to lose weight or, if they do lose, fail to maintain the lower weight over the long term. How many times have you heard that the only way to lose weight through diet is to eat less? There is one type of diet that lets you eat well and still lose weight. Learn how to lose weight through a sensible diet and exercise plan.

The only way to lose weight and keep it off is by eating properly and exercising on a regular basis. By taking full control of your eating habits you will begin to lose weight the best way possible - slowly and steadily. You will lose weight by eating, by being more active or preferably by doing both. Don't skip any meals. Lose weight by eating. To lose weight safely, effectively, and for the long term - you need to truly commit to eating and exercising consistently. Eating more often, not less is the way to lose weight.

You may not need to lose as much weight for your health as you think. Talk with a health care professional to get some ideas on how to lose weight and keep it off. Studies show that people who lose only 10 to 20 pounds halve their risk of developing diabetes. Regular activity helps you lose weight and keep it off and improves the health of you heart and lungs.

Many people have tried everything to lose weight. Everyone who's ever tried to lose weight has found it challenging. Getting motivated to lose weight can be hard, especially if you have tried to lose weight in the past.

The best way to lose weight should not involve a battle of willpower - you cannot fight yourself every single day!

So what is the best way to lose weight? Get started. You can't wish it away.

Have you reached a diet plateau that you can't break through? Are you gaining weight even though you're dieting?

Here are 3 diet tips to restart your weight loss, no matter what diet plan you use.

Diet Tip #1: Focus.

When you want to lose weight, make only one change to your weight loss program at a time. That way, you won't become overwhelmed by making too many changes at once.

The key to weight loss is calories. Everything else is a distant second.

Depending on your diet plan, focus on getting your calories or portions under control through diet only. The specific foods you eat don't matter that much, unless you have a medical problem that requires a special diet.

At this point, you just want to get your weight loss started again. That's why you focus on diet first.

Keep working on calories or portion control until it's a habit you no longer think about.

Then move on to the next thing you want to change. Again, focus on it until it becomes routine.

Whether your second goal concerns an exercise program or eating only certain types of food, just make one change at a time.

The more automated each step becomes, the more likely you are to succeed on your diet.

Diet Tip #2: Overcome Your Major Weaknesses.

Most people have only 1 or 2 major diet weaknesses. We seem to fail on our diets for the same reason every time.

You may convince yourself it'll be different this time, but it usually isn't.

To greatly increase your chance for weight loss success, I recommend you turn your 1 or 2 major weaknesses into strengths.

You can do this by indulging your weaknesses.

For example, if you like to snack at night, don't fight it.

Instead, schedule a satisfying snack or two for the evening hours. That way, you won't fail on your diet plan by snacking at night.

Or suppose you crave a certain food, like chocolate. Then put chocolate in your diet in satisfying amounts. That way, you won't go off your weight loss plan because you love chocolate.

What if your weaknesses are snacking at night AND eating chocolate?

Simple. Just schedule a chocolate snack for night.

It's an easier way to succeed with weight loss than fighting against your cravings.

Because the more you can't have something, the more you want it until you become absolutely obsessed. So if you indulge a weakness, the obsession usually evaporates and you overcome it.

But concentrate on your major weaknesses only. If you like to snack at night, don't worry about the morning if that's not a problem. Don't insist on eating only "healthy" foods if you still crave sweets.

Stay focused on what will help you the most.

That way, you'll get the maximum benefit from minimal effort.

Diet Tip #3: Have A Specific Troubleshooting Plan.

If you know you ate too much during the week, then you know why you gained weight that week.



But what if you think you're doing everything right and you still can't lose weight for two weeks or more? Do you know what to do?

Your diet provider should give you specific troubleshooting suggestions, tips on which ones to try first, and exactly what to do if none of them work.

It's not right for someone to tell you to just keep doing what you're doing. Especially when it's not working.

So if you can't figure out the problem yourself, contact your diet provider and insist they help you.

Don't blindly jump from diet to diet hoping something will work. It might seem to work for a week or two, but then you'll probably end up in the same situation.

If your diet provider won't help you, look for one who will.

Important Disclaimer: This information is presented for educational purposes only. This isn't medical advice and it's not a substitute for any advice or treatment from your physician. You should always see your doctor before starting any new diet or changing an existing one.

Dieting is all about healthy eating, not put yourself in a dieting prison. Most people are confusion about eating healthy and dieting regarding about to weight loss. For individuals struggling to lose excess pounds, studies have shown a direct correlation between healthy eating and weight loss.

The best way to show the correlation between eating healthy and weight loss is to evaluate what you eat in a given day. In objective terms, most nutritionists agree that the best path to healthy eating is to eat all the different food groups in moderation. We are what we eat and healthy eating for children is the greatest gift you can give to your offspring.

Although you may find that eating healthy all week is more difficult than simply binging and indulging yourself to high fat, high sugar, high carbohydrate treats around every corner, your body will thank you at the end of the day if you strive to turn around poor eating habits. Of course, nutrition and healthy eating go hand in hand; while vitamins and minerals are required, it is also important to get the right amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, carbohydrates, and fat.

Plan ahead if you know you tend to get hungry in the afternoon at work or know you will be unable to pick up a healthy snack for an extended period of time, plan accordingly and bring along a few healthy eating snacks; nuts, fresh or dried fruit, or easily tote-able vegetables with hummus or another nutritious dip. Instead, look for measures of healthy eating and dieting that will work as a lifestyle change by allowing you to lose the weight and keep it off, in addition to gaining a better sense of your overall health. It is the things you know that just isnt so that keeps you from healthy eating.

There are ways that you can use to get rapid fat loss, however it is important that you truly understand each method fully, so that you do not put yourself in possible harms way and so that you can maintain a proper level of health and nutrition overall.

For instance, you may have heard that in order to gain rapid fat loss you need to stop eating all together, and please know that this is most certainly not true, not even a bit. In fact, if you were to stop eating altogether, all you would accomplish is that you would lose what existing muscle mass there was and it would turn to fat, and this is obviously not what you were looking to do.

Rapid Weight Loss Tip #1: Use Mostly Compound Exercises

Basically, what this rapid weight loss tip is referring to is the matter that when you are focusing on improving your body composition, you have to understand that you cant worry about detail exercises, but rather you should use exercises that will result in getting you the biggest bang for your buck.

As well, if you are seeking to gain rapid weight loss and lean muscle and the increase in metabolism that will thus come with it, then you need to realize that you are going to have to choose those particular exercises which will allow for the greatest load; after all, one of the most main reasons in regards to why squats for instance are superior to leg extensions for quadriceps development relates to the fact that the load that you can thus expose the quadriceps to is much greater than with that of squats.

Rapid Weight Loss Tip #2: When you do Cardio do it First Thing in the Morning

This is an incredibly important fact to understand, and it is rather surprisingly how many people even the most experienced exercisers do not know this; when you work out first thing in the morning before you have had anything to eat, then your body will go to the stored body fats and get rid of those, rather than just working out the food that you just ate.

Therefore, if you make sure to do this, then you will truly realize how differently it will impact your body overall, and you will surely start to make this a part of your regular routine.

The diet and supplement industries are filled with corrupt marketing predators that are becoming rich by feeding on your fears, desires and ambitions. Unfortunately, there has been no way of protecting yourself from becoming a victim of these ruthless scam artists - until now.
There are thousands of diet programs and dozens of people claiming to be experts. However, very few of these so-called "Fat loss experts" practice what they preach or have the credentials and track record to back up their claims.
One thing that you need to realize is that almost everyone is dead wrong in the way they diet to lose body fat. In fact, the way you're dieting to lose weight might be severely damaging your metabolism.

Lose fat for good. It's a fact - 95% of the people who go on conventional diets put on all the their weight back and sometimes they end up putting on more than when they started. How do you learn to be in the successful 5% group that keeps it off forever?
Lose body fat without destroying your metabolism. If you've ever started a diet, then smashed into the dreaded "plateau," it's probably because you cannibalized your own muscle and decelerated your metabolism. Try and keep your metabolism up and eat the right foods.
Lose fat without drugs. When you mention bodybuilders, some people think of steroids or fat burning drugs. It's sad but true - most pro bodybuilders take them. But the joke's on them. Drugs work, but the results are temporary and the side effects are nasty. The tiny handful of natural bodybuilders who have learned how to use training and nutrition science to alter body composition without drugs are the only people in the world who keep their fat loss and muscle gains for good.
Lose fat without supplements. 97% of all supplements are a total waste of money! You are being lied to and ripped off by crooked companies that don't give a rat's ass about your health and well-being. The ugly truth about the $13 billion per year supplement industry, and the $40 billion per year weight loss industry is that they are interested in your money so they will do pretty much anything to peddle their wares.
It is time to start taking charge of your life and start eating correctly. That old saying you are what you eat has never been more applicable than now.

A number of factors can contribute to the development of obesity. These take effect through a range of different mechanisms but, in all cases, the consequence is the storage of surplus energy as excessive quantities of body fat. Spices such as chilies, garlic and fenugreek can help to check weight gain and reduce obesity.

Fat deposition is a defensive mechanism that enables the storage of energy when food is abundant, thereby increasing the chances of survival during times of food scarcity and famine. In earlier times those individuals who were efficient at storing fat were more likely to survive food shortages. Unfortunately, during times of plenty we retain this innate capacity to store fat and what was once an advantage for the efficient energy accumulators has now become a health risk for them.

Viewed simplistically, obesity is caused by too much energy intake, in the form of food, and not enough energy output, in the form of basic metabolic processes and exercise. However, the reasons that so many of us become overweight or obese are a little more complex than this straightforward equation suggests. Although a sedentary lifestyle and the availability of cheap, high-energy carbohydrate and fat-laden foods are the principal causes of obesity, there are sometimes other aggravating factors. These are diverse and include a genetic predisposition; lifestyle-related factors such as stress and sleep deprivation; psychological problems that manifest themselves as eating disorders; underlying illness; certain medications; a diet dominated by high glycaemic index foods; and habitual dieting with its attendant weight cycling. It has been suggested recently that certain virus infections can increase a tendency to put on weight.

In many cases these factors work by interfering with our appetite control mechanisms, which are partially responsible for the maintenance of normal weight. The failure of appetite (satiety) control is often directly responsible for obesity and can exacerbate and entrench the condition once it has developed. Satiety control mechanisms may also be dampened as a consequence of obesity which has been caused by other factors. A number of mechanisms are involved in this complex regulatory system, and a malfunction of any one of these may result in the consumption of excess food.

The senses of smell and taste are two of the most important of the appetite control mechanisms. When we smell or eat food, receptors in the nose are stimulated by food odor molecules and convey these signals to the satiety centre in the brain. By monitoring the intensity of these signals, the satiety centre is able to gauge when we have had enough to eat. As a result, individuals who have a poor sense of smell or who suffer from a complete loss of the sense of smell tend to eat more than those with a normal sense of smell. Unsurprisingly, strongly flavored and seasoned foods which often owe this property to spices stimulate the satiety centre far more effectively than bland foods, and we tend to eat less of the former as a result.



Distention of the stomach by food also induces the release of hormones that act as appetite suppressants and some foods, particularly the spices, have the same effects, even in the absence of stomach distention. A group of hormones, one of which is leptin, are produced by fat tissue and are thought to play an important role in appetite regulation.

Spices have a number of properties that make them effective agents to help prevent and treat obesity. In their role as appetite suppressants, spices are known to work in three principal ways.

1. Appetite suppression: The strong odors and flavors common to all spices rapidly stimulate the satiety center in the brain, thereby diminishing feelings of hunger. Certain spices, such as chilies, act by simulating the release of appetite suppressing hormones in the intestine. Garlic meanwhile reduces the appetite by increasing the brain's sensitivity to leptin.

2. Increase metabolic rate: Some spices stimulate the nervous system to release hormones like adrenalin. These hormones speed up the metabolic rate which, in turn, helps "burn off" surplus fat. Capsicums (including chilies and red peppers) and garlic have both been shown to increase the metabolic rate, in some cases by up to 10 percent. Clinical trials have demonstrated that these spices can be effective both in protecting against weight gain and assisting in weight loss. In the capsicum family, more than one phytochemical is known to be responsible for this effect: capsaicin (found in high amounts in chilies) and the less spicy capsiate (found in the milder paprika and red peppers) both increase metabolic rate.

3. Reduce fat absorption: Ginger, fenugreek and garlic all have the ability to reduce the absorption of fat from the intestines.

The diverse ways in which spices act provide the ideal combination of tools to help with the natural treatment of obesity. In conjunction with a sensible weight loss program, they are useful natural treatments for obesity and overweight.

It can be incredibly hard and frustrating when you are trying your best to lose weight, however you should know that it really does not have to be that hard. If you feel like you have tried every diet and done every possible thing that you could and still have not lost weight, then you should read on to find out about the low fat diet for weight loss, which is one diet that you are sure to win with.

About the Low Fat Diet for Weight Loss

There are many qualities about the low fat diet for weight loss that you are sure to love, for instance you will be cutting out sugars and fatty foods from your diet and so you will notice a difference in your weight almost immediately; as well, with the low fat diet for weight loss, there are not as many restrictions, like there are with so many other types of diets.

Also, with the low fat diet for weight loss, you are guaranteed to stay healthy overall because it is one of the healthiest overall diets that you will find, as the healthiest type of diet is one that is a balanced one which includes foods from all of the food groups in the food pyramid, and according to the food pyramid, all fats and oils should be eaten sparingly in order for you to be healthy.

You should know that your body does need certain fats in order to survive, and so even though the diet is low fat, the key word here is low and not no, and so you need to make sure that you consume at least some healthy fats throughout the day each day.

Before you start any diet however, it is incredibly important that you consult with your doctor so that you can have a check up beforehand to see if you are even healthy enough overall to go on a diet; this does not mean that you have to be a certain way to go on a diet, but it does mean that if there are serious health problems going on with you at the time then you may not be healthy or stable enough to go on a diet. So making sure that you get to the doctor before and during a diet is truly key.

Losing weight is a hot topic no matter whether you fight a constant battle with being overweight and you need to lose a large amount to restore your health or you only need to lose a few pounds. Diet books rank amongst best sellers on the book-store selves and there are many websites catering to weight loss on the internet. When we watch television we are exposed to even more 'magic pills' and weight loss programs. These can be tempting if we wish to lose some weight.

But is it really this easy? Do these pills, diets and program really work? Well, with a failure rate of 95 percent they do not work. That means only 5 in every one hundred people succeed with their weight loss goals after trying one of these products. Would we buy a home appliance or other product with such a high failure rate? Not very likely.

We need to say a permanent goodbye to diets and ineffective activities like walking to really lose weight. The answer lies in our muscular system and its relationship to your metabolism (your body's engine) and the rate that your body burn fuel (calories).

The true secret to losing weight is a very simple one, although it can be challenging to change your mindset to accept it. You will need to make some changes to your level of strength and fitness that will help you lose the extra pounds without resorting to the expense and frustration of useless fad diets.

The main thing you need to get started on is a proper strength training program to tune up your fat burning engine, boosting your metabolic efficiency and maximizing calorie burn morning, noon and night. By shifting your body in high gear with the right exercise program you will burn 200-300 more calories each day. This is how you will burn off that extra fat and get into the shape you dream of.

The one thing you need to get your head around is that a strength training program is not negotiable for a person that needs to lose weight. If you are not comfortable with the thought of working your muscles hard and often then you had better get comfortable with the thought of being overweight for a very long time.

Although it may seem hard at the start, after just a few months o your strength training program it will all become much easier. Strong, fit people are naturally more inclined toward activity and tend to exert themselves at higher levels. That is because activities of all kinds becomes easier as your strength and fitness improves, and even intense (higher degree of effort) levels of exertion become more comfortable.

All of which makes calorie-burning activities a much more appealing proposition, which makes you want to do it even more. And the easier it gets and so on. Then you are burning even more calories at rest - while you are sleeping or relaxing watching television.

You just need to decide how active a human being you are going to be then your food has to adjust. The more activity you do the more you can eat and the more weight is lost. You no longer will be able to eat through the eye of a needle. You will have to eat more high quality food to support your exercise program so; you can put the necessary effort into it to make the changes you need to make to your metabolic motor.

Just 2-3 sessions each week is all you need to do if the program is set up and monitored by a fitness professional so you can get the very best results in the shortest time. Losing weight is easy when you do it right. Try it and see for yourself.

Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body, regaining lost vitality and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "I've Found the Fountain of Youth - Let Me Show You Too!" Secrets to Longevity

If you are looking to lose weight permanently go to Fitness Weight Loss for a free ebook and check out the new Hot Metabolism Fitness System.

Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who coaches clients to look and feel younger. In her nearly 30 years of fitness and bodybuilding competition experience she has helped thousands of people start their journey towards being strong, fit and youthful at any age.

Yoga is a very old form of exercise that has been followed through ages in order to have a healthy body and mind. This form of exercise is becoming very popular in the recent past due to the exposure it is getting worldwide. There are more and more people turning to this form of healthy living in order to get rid of their sedentary lifestyles. This form of activity is not only easier to do but also does not require any external help in terms of equipments or step-up stools.

Yoga has been credited to having solved many problems that we face in our lives. A few changes in our lifestyle coupled up with a few exercises in yoga can help take care of many diseases like diabetes, cancer, and high or low blood pressure. Some yoga exercises that you can carry out daily are:

Anulom Vilom or Alternate Nostril Breathing: This is one of the most common exercises that Yoga offers and can be done by anyone without the constant supervision of a trainer. To do this you will need to hold the left side of your nose with the thumb and breathe from the right. Then go on to closing your right nose with the help of the middle finger and breathe through your left nose. Keep doing this continuously for about 10-15 minutes. This helps breathe in fresh air and also helps in clearing out the congestion in the chest and nose area.

Kapalbhati or Skull Shining Breath: This is a type of pranayama or breathing exercise that will help you get rid of most ailments of the body. You can do this exercise anytime of the day in a sitting posture with your back straight. This exercise requires you to exhale and contract your abdomen simultaneously with each exhalation. You need to exhale in a manner that you're throwing out your breath. In-between several rapid exhales do some passive inhales. Keep doing this continuously for a period of 5 minutes in the beginning and you can increase the time once you're comfortable with the exercise. Take short breaks to let your body relax a little in between the exercise.

Basic Pranayama: Sit in a cross-legged posture or lotus posture and breathe in and out slowly and recite "OM" as loudly as you can. Let your body vibrate with the effect of the recitation. Keep doing this pranayama for about 20-30 minutes. This will not only help you relax your body but will also help in controlling your temper and is a very good exercise for people who lead a very stressful lifestyle.

Roland Poitevin is a dedicated writer with a passion for business and environmental issues. You can check out his new website at Bike Racks For Cars which helps people find the The Best Bike Racks Available and information they are looking relating to this subject.

Yoga diet helps in setting an ideal weight and achieving spiritual and emotional balance. Yoga diet does not insist on planning a complicated menu or calorie tracking, nor does it ask you to stay hungry. Yoga diet refers to vegetarianism, as the principles of yoga regard Sattvic foods to be the ideal diet. These foods create new energy, calm mind and there by enables to use physical, mental and spiritual talents, besides being nutritious and easily digestible. Sattvic products include fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, beans, natural fruit juice, milk, honey, butter and pure water. An ideal yoga diet focuses vegetarianism compiled of simple, natural, pure and effortlessly digestible foods that encourages the overall well-being and health.

The food cycle depends on the source of energy received from the Sun that helps in nourishing plants and hence it is believed to have vital life force, besides promoting life. Owing to this reason, the animal meat value is considered to be inferior by nature, albeit being a strong source of nutrition. Natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and seeds all have varying essential nutrients in differing proportions and quantities. These are considered as they are getting easily absorbed, making the best sources of protein.

Yoga practitioners have listed fish and meat among injurious food believing that death fear pervades in every animal cell while being slaughtered. However, traditional yoga diet concentrates on lacto vegetarian and hence avoids eggs and animal meats inclusive of fish. In reality, modern research as well has given evidences that vegetarians are in better shape than non-vegetarians as the required proteins are obtainable from dairy products, nuts and legumes than that is available from fish and meat. Legumes, seeds, nuts and dairy products give sufficient proteins.

Yoga diet is appropriate with lacto vegetarian and this means it is composed of non-animal foods with the exception of milk and milk-derived products like yoghurt, cheese and butter. The research studies also state that a vegetarian diet is the best for overall health as meat proteins consume longer time to digest and are tough on the liver and kidneys. Relying on a vegetarian diet is not tough as there are adequate tasty alternatives to support the digestive system and health. However, red meats need not be cut down overnight and this can be done gradually by opting for white meats. Similarly, finding nutritious and tasty vegetarian foods will assist in relinquishing poultry, eggs and fish.

Eating fresh vegetables and fruits, and also cooking vegetables without destroying their enzyme and vitamin content with an inclusion of a few raw vegetables are recommended as yoga diet. Having whole grain foods and drinking nearly 2 liters of water everyday is mandatory. Stepping up by taking fluids having fruits and vegetable juices, herb trees, milk and vegetable milks is also suggested. Including Soya, coconut, rice milk and abundant water rich foods are the best yoga diet, while steering clear of foods that are processed, sugar, white flour, fast foods, tinned foods, bottles, jars and pre-cooked meals is recommended.

Following a yoga diet does not compulsorily demand yoga practicing, but it focuses on the proven diet to reinforce a strong body and mind. Yoga insists in having a well-balanced diet to remain energized and alert throughout the day and is hence predominantly vegetarian comprising of simple, pure and natural foods.

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Yoga is a way of healing our internal world to live in greater harmony with the world around us. Yoga is not only about the postures, but about creating deep, inner stillness in order that we enhance the peaceful place that we hold in the world and come together in a more balanced way.

The menstrual cycle is a natural time in a woman's life that can occur monthly from puberty to menopause. Many hormonal changes take place during the cycle, which can last 2-7 days, with symptoms going on for more than a week prior. Yoga is an excellent way to help the menstrual cycle be a time for greater introspiection and healthy reflection in a woman's life, as well as by practicing yoga during other times of the month, can lead to have a healthier and pain-free cycle.

Poses to practice while menstruating, include:

Sukhasana:

Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position, while gazing into the horizon and breathe for 1-2 minutes.

Bhujangasana: (good for the lower back)

Cobra Posture

Lie on your belly. Bend your elbows beneath your shoulders, spread palms wide, and have forearms making contact with the ground. Press the palms down and gently lift the gaze (avoiding overstretching in the neck) and lift your chest. Shine your hear foreward, and rest back down. Lift 2-3 times. Inhale as you extend, and exhale as you rest back down.

Pavanamuktasana: A good relaxing pose.

Wind relieving pose.

Lie down on your back. Lift your legs, bend your knees to your chest, simultaneously bring your chin to reach the knees. Don't try too hard, inhale as you lift knees to chest, and exhale, rest your head back down and straighten the arms, taking the knees away from the chest.

Poses to avoid are as follows:

Inversions (any pose where your head is below your heart)

Such as headstand and handstand

Yoga is a healthy way to relax and rejuvenate while you are menstruating. Yoga offers a break from the stress of life, and is a time to go within and give yourself the gift of healing. Learn to go within during your menstrual cycle to aid in the cleansing process and reflect upon what really matters as you breathe away the tension in order to awaken to greater health and ease in living in being present in your life and body.

Waller McInnes is a life coach, writer, yoga and meditation instructor and founder of Create Radiance offering coaching, customized meditations, classes, workshops and guidance to awaken to your life and shine. Her services and products are designed to relax the Body, release the Mind and restore the Soul. Visit http://shantiloveyoga.blogspot.com to sign up to receive yoga inspiration delivered directly to your inbox. Call 615-618-6556 to book a phone consultation and receive a customized meditation for free.

Yoga is a complete system for achieving physical and mental health. Since there are a plethora of activities targeted at achieving different goals, it is important to choose a yoga training center with utmost care. The first thing to consider is what you are trying to achieve through yoga. Is it to reduce stress or cure an ailment? Is it to lose weight or to remain agile? This decision would determine which yoga postures and meditation techniques would be ideal for you.

Features of a Good Yoga Training Center

Here are some features that you should look for while choosing a yoga training center:

* Physical Setup: Ventilation and space are important factors to be kept in mind. The structure of a training center should be such that students do not get disturbed during practice sessions.

* Environment: It is crucial for a training center to be absolutely noiseless. The location of the center plays an important role in this aspect. If a center is located in the heart of a commercial center, it may not let you practice peacefully. On the other hand, the facility to play soothing music can add value to the yoga practices.

* Accessories: Some training centers will provide you with yoga mats. Others will require you to purchase your own. Also, enquire if they provide you a locker to keep your belongings, such as cell phone and wallet.

* Course: Find out what the course includes. You may not wish to do the same activities in every session.

* Client List: The clientele is a factor indicating the quality of service and recognition of a yoga center. If the center has trained celebrities and business people, it is likely to be highly reliable.

* Branches: A reputed and authentic yoga center should ideally have branches in various cities. Some centers also have branches worldwide.

Steps to Take for Choosing a Yoga Training Center

You can make a list of yoga centers in your city from the Internet or yellow pages. Visit the website of each of them to see if they meet your requirements. A personal visit and enquiry would be most beneficial. Check the number of classes offered in a week or month, duration of the classes and their prices. Be straightforward in asking about the qualification, experience and certifications of the teacher.

Artistic Yoga is a highly reputed yoga training center. It has branches across India as well as internationally. The students of Artistic Yoga include celebrities like Ratan Tata, Saif Ali Khan and Bipasha Basu. To find out more about this unique approach to yoga, log on to www.artisticyoga.com.

Yoga Training Center - Developed by Himalayan Yogi and spiritual master Bharat Thakur, Artistic Yoga is an innovative, dynamic and powerful system of Yoga that affects the body like no other form of exercise.

Deadlines, disappointments and demands can cause stress in your life. While each problem may be small, the cumulative impact can lead to chronic stress. This in turn can cause serious ailments. It is worrisome that most of us do nothing to keep stress away and end up harming ourselves further by consuming painkillers, antidepressants and sleeping pills.

In fact, many of us, especially those who are working, don't even realize that we are suffering from this life-threatening disease. Yoga for stress relief includes a plethora of techniques, including meditation, visualization and exercise.

Yoga for Stress Relief: What is stress?
Stress is our physical or emotional responses to good or bad situations. Mental symptoms of stress include tension, excessive fatigue, insomnia, irritability and lack of concentration. Headache, dry mouth, frequent urination, a fast heartbeat, sweating palms and difficulty in breathing are some of the physical symptoms of stress. Chronic stress can cause high blood pressure, poor immune system, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, infertility and aging. Stress can make you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

Yoga for Stress Relief: How does it work?
Depending upon one's choices, everyone has different ways to de-stress, popularly called stress busters. One may listen to soothing music, dance, watch movies, cook their favorite dish, travel, exercise or play with their pet. One of the best de-stressing techniques is yoga, which is being used for 5,000 years to relieve stress.

Yoga is both a science and an art and is practiced for healing both physical and mental stress. It helps you understand life, increases your ability to think logically and enables to you handle various tasks vigorously without stressing yourself.

Yoga practice includes asana, pranayama, bandha, kriya, shatkarma, mudra and meditation. The various asanas (postures) of yoga relax your body and help release physical tension. Practicing pranayam (breathing), dhyana (meditation) and asana help in releasing muscular tension, increasing body awareness and improving mind and body coordination.

Meditation is a boon for people suffering from low blood pressure, inability to focus and anxiety. After meditation you feel light and peaceful. The various breathing techniques in pranayama supply oxygen to all the parts of body and cleanse it, resulting in increased level of energy and awareness of breathing.

Himalayan yogi Bharat Thakur has introduced a new concept of yoga, artistic yoga. The various techniques of artistic yoga have been devised to suit the physical and mental needs of the modern man and to improve awareness. Apart from offering yoga classes in groups and personal sessions, Bharat Thakur also offers corporate yoga in the form of 'Transformation' to help companies de-stress employees and increase productivity.

Yoga Training Center - Developed by Himalayan Yogi and spiritual master Bharat Thakur, Artistic Yoga is an innovative, dynamic and powerful system of Yoga that affects the body like no other form of exercise.

Yoga is an exercise that's been a trend for quite some years, and for good reason. With the influx of seriousness put on our health, it's essential to find a way to stay fit while eating right.

Yoga can be practiced both at home as well as at classes in health centers. No matter the way you decide to practice yoga, a yoga mat and yoga clothes are all you need to get the job done. Some commitment doesn't hurt, but sometimes that has to naturally come along once you've become comfortable with yoga and you really enjoy it.

In the end, the thing that will really make or break your yoga experience is the yoga clothes you choose to wear. Too loose and you'll spend more time swimming in your yoga clothes than actually working out. Too tight and you'll find yourself too uncomfortable to have a good time practicing yoga exercises.

What to Wear

When it comes to wearing the right yoga clothes, consider comfortable and form fitting wear. Sweat pants work fine as long as they aren't too big, but stretch pants work better because they form to your body, they're comfortable and they don't get in the way of your exercise.

T-shirts are also ok choices as long as they fit correctly. Even better is tank tops or even just a sports bra if you're a woman. Men might even choose to wear no top at all!

Wrist bands and headbands are great accessories to help keep sweat out of your eyes and to keep you feeling comfortable and cool. Long hair should always be wrapped up so it stays out of the way as well.

What Not to Wear

Some yoga clothes that should never be worn include jeans, sweatshirts and shoes. Jeans are constricting and are probably the most unfit yoga clothes. Jean shorts and jean skirts are also bad choices even though they don't constrict the legs. Sweatshirts are too warm, and don't allow your body to breathe correctly. This can get in the way of properly practicing the breathing exercises. Additionally, shoes of any kind should never be worn. Keep feet free and wear only socks, better yet keep your feet free from anything at all!

Final Tips

In addition to the right yoga wear, a yoga mat and instruction either in person or through the use of a DVD make sure a fresh bottle of water is near by. Staying hydrated is a great way to get the most out of yoga. A small snack for after the exercise is also ideal; consider a granola bar or a cup of yogurt with granola.

Scott has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. Go check out his latest website at backsupportpillow.net which reviews and lists the best foam wedge pillow manufacturer's and information.

The temptation of lavishing meals, endless buffets, and tall, frosty beverages can become too much to avoid or consume in moderation. Did I mention the early breakfasts and midnight buffets, this lets you can eat around the clock making it more difficult to eat healthy on vacation.

In most cases, the cost of food is included in your payment for the cruise, so you'll never see a priceessentially, the caviar is free! So is the chocolate croissant, and the filet mignon, and the fettuccine Alfredo, and the crme brulee, etc.

But you should enjoy yourself right?

So you see how easy it is to overeat on a cruise as food is everywhere. Even the best low-calorie, small-portion intentions can add up at 2 a.m. you're still encouraged to nibble on wedges of sea creature-shaped cheese and olives stuffed with lobster.

Dont avoid everything but use these tips to help you enjoy on cruise without overeating completely.

Cruise Buffet Temptations

Before going back for seconds give yourself a couple minutes to digest and rest as you might find yourself satisfied. Eat at a slow pace, enjoy the food and really emphasize chewing and all the taste of different foods. When you have your plate of food, sit in another room or far away from the buffet for a place to eat. Become a fan of fruit and vegetables as they will be a lot healthier for you. Choose foods you normally dont get to eat so you will enjoy your meal more. Walk around the whole buffet before you load up your plate so you know exactly what you want.

Stay Active As Well

Use the chances to go snorkeling, diving, or playing on the beach. When visiting different places walk instead of taking a bus or taxi as much as possible. Use the pool not just for relaxation but for enjoyable lap swim. Use the deck for a nice walk after a meal. Other activities are dancing, fitness facility, and running on the ships deck.

You must remember that you are on vacation though so have fun and enjoy it as much as possible and I guarantee you that eating healthy or just not gorging yourself will make the trip more forth wild.

Have a great day and God bless!

Many people do not realize that a daily yoga routine can not only help you tone muscle, but it can help you lose weight as well. Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on the mind and body working together. Traditional yoga exercises do not normally raise your heart rate, which many associate with burning calories.

However, yoga does burn calories, which leads to losing weight. Many yoga trainers believe doing yoga puts your mind and body in sync together. A person practicing yoga may lose the tendency to overeat or eat foods that are unhealthy for their bodies. Yogis are more familiar with their bodies, and more conscious of what they are eating. This is believed to be why somebody who practices yoga regularly, can lose weight. They are less prone to indulge in sugary or high fat foods. They are more at peace with their bodies and respect their bodies.

Yoga can be done by anybody, at any age. Although walking or running can burn more calories faster, that type of exercise may not be possible for everybody. Yoga can be done at home or in a group. When a person loses weight quickly they may be left with sagging skin. Yoga can help a person lose weight, and keep the skin and muscles toned. Yoga does not require a lot of time and energy to do, a person is more likely to stick with the routine. Instead of feeling drained after a workout, yoga leaves you feeling energized and an overall sense of inner peace.

People are more aware of yoga, and it has become extremely popular for middle aged people. Celebrities like Madonna and Jennifer Anniston have the bodies to prove what yoga can do. Several athletes are also doing yoga to improve their muscle tone.

Visit http://www.angelpaintballguns.net which helps you find the best deals on angel paintball guns and other paintball accessories.

Everybody's interested in sex. Whether it's to get pregnant, who's doing it and with whom, or how often is normal? We wonder what we should wear, or how much hair to remove to get more of it, or even how to market it? It's in our face in some way, often subliminally, and frequently in a distorted way every day. Men and women obviously have differing sexual needs, (not necessarily sex drives guys!), and this often leads to conflict. Conflict is the antithesis of yoga, yet within conflict there is always opportunity for unity. This is where yoga comes into play.

Sex and yoga is about harmony, about bringing balance into the equation so both sexes feel healthy, nourished and appreciated, free from all the usual repercussions or associated pressures. In my opinion the essence of sex is as a pathway to spiritual transformation and lasting physical well being. Basically yoga makes you feel good. It gets the blood pumping. It gets the hormones flushing through the body. It gives your skin a healthy youthful glow. It generates heat and stimulation from the inside out. It gives you energy, and that's sexy.

Sex and yoga are more intimately connected than we think. Sex feels good. Good sex with someone we love opens our hearts, makes us smile and relieves tension. Sex is about relationship, connection, intimacy, love and creative expression. At their best sex and yoga are about union, truth and love. To reveal those things in your life, your yoga practice, and your sex life takes a genuine commitment to creating a deeper sense of intimacy and overall wellbeing. In my journey as a yoga teacher I encourage all those things and created a yoga system as a way of putting it into a concise practice.

I use a unique system of corrective Japanese yoga postures, wholefood medicine and breath work, which has the potential to heal and enliven, stimulate and support both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. When this happens, optimal function of our hormonal, lymphatic, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems is restored. This makes us feel more vital, connected and present. We begin to engage more fully with life on all levels - mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically and sexually.

To keep it simple: each section of our spine is governed by a particular meridian, and our very foundation, the sacrum, our base chakra into Mother Earth, dictates how secure, confident and trusting we feel within ourselves. Our sexual essence, that is, our base chakra or kundalini energy, is the connection between our Spirit and Universal Consciousness, or Love.

The flow of sexual hormones is governed primarily by our kidney energy and is intricately connected to our emotional health and how fluidly we move through life, and whether we speak our truth from our hearts and souls without fear. A strong aligned spine is the foundation channel for this universal energy so we can move through life, embrace challenges and grow into the full expression of ourselves.

Sex and yoga are therefore intricately entwined!

Our sexual and emotional confidence is governed by the quality of our Base chakra (perineum), Solar plexus chakra (navel) and Heart chakra. Yoga works to connect the potential in these chakras and energize the entire chakra system from the pelvic floor to our biggest sex organ, the brain. My female students have noticed marked improvement in their energy levels, regulation of, and reduced discomfort throughout their menstrual cycles, healthier hair and skin and a general sense of heightened vitality, libido and sexual responsiveness - all good things!

For women, the sequence will help correct gynaecological disorders, enhance fertility, counter osteoporosis, reduce varicose veins, rebuild pelvic floor integrity after childbirth (imperative on so many levels!), balance hormonal function and generally improve emotional and sexual confidence. My male students are honoured and nourished equally so they can start to access both their male and female energies (yin and yang) in an appropriate way to experience balance, intuition and emotional expression, rather than traditional repression.

They comment that they have become more empathetic with their partners and other men. They unravel learnt behaviours and stereotypes that stop them from feeling and being true to themselves, without losing their sense of masculinity. You can still be a bloke and sensitive. For men, the important issues of prostate health, virility/fertility, hair loss, libido, body confidence and stamina are addressed to help counter the effects of aging, modern day stresses and work and relationship pressures often placed upon them.

This ripples out into the greater community as energy of understanding, compassion, tolerance, self responsibility and positive response rather than reaction, and ultimately, respect for the opposite sex. These introductory postures take just 20 - 30 minutes a day and if possible should be done at least 3 times a week.

1: Gall Bladder Dips

Interlace hands behind head, R foot against L knee. Exhale and drop elbow to rear foot to open up opposite waist, draw elbows wide. Inhale to centre, repeat briskly x 8. Releases tight sides and brings softness to the shoulders & hips. Also releases the lines that govern the metabolism so we can maintain healthy weight and body image, plus tones the waist/hip line where we often store unresolved issues.

2: Spleen Bridge - Setu Bandha

Exhale and lift hips high, pressing through inside edge of feet. Inhale and lower one vertebra at a time to the mat. Repeat smoothly x 8, drawing knees in slightly to feel inner thigh line. Rest on back after and breathe - feel Spleen blood quality/pulsing up legs into belly. Upper body will soften and thoughts will relax as well as hormone flow improves. When we feel warm and nurtured from within this expresses as compassion and sensitivity towards ourselves and others. Spleen energy helps us make supportive choices & develops personal integrity so we don't repeat negative/destructive patterns in relation to ourselves or others.

3: Kidney/Spleen Lift

Lie on belly with L foot pressed into R inner knee, squeeze elbows into ribs. Exhale and lift hands and straight leg, pressing foot to knee and feeling the kidney area. Inhale and lower, repeat lifting x 6, then hold up and inhale. Exhale and squeeze around to L, lift chest and straight leg to draw awareness into weak points in lower back and increase blood flow and motivation into the kidneys. Inhale to centre, exhale and squeeze round to R. Swing L to R briskly x 10 then rest on belly with head to one side and breathe deeply.

Stimulates endorphins and increases sexual vigor, builds libido and stamina.

4: Bow - Dhanurasana

Lie on belly and bend knees to hold ankles, forehead to mat. Exhale and lift into Bow, press belly into mat and resist feet with hands to open shoulders. Inhale and lower, rest briefly then repeat and hold up for 3-6 breaths. Relax and feel the lungs, heart and belly energies connecting. Excellent for reproductive organs, circulation and developing emotional sensitivity.

5: Downward Facing Dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana

Come onto all fours in Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), hands shoulder width, feet hip width, bend knees if need too. Hold for 5 - 8 breaths, releasing the jaw and neck, lengthening the spine up to the tailbone and rolling the shoulders away from the ears. Downward Dog stretches the spine and nervous system channels to bring mental clarity, nourish the spine and nerves and counterpose to Dhanurasana. Downward Dog builds mental endurance, leg and arm strength and nourishes the endocrine system, strengthens the heart and builds overall health and organ function.

6: Triangle Pose - Trikonasana

Take legs one leg length apart, R foot heel dissects L arch, L toes turned in 30 degrees. Arms out to sides at shoulder height, spine long and legs engaged. Exhale and lean over R leg extending and lifting R arm to open R ribcage. Keep back foot grounded and belly drawn to spine. Lower R hand to shin and L fingers to ceiling in line with shoulder, look to floor or up along L fingertips. Hold and breathe 5 - 8 breaths, focusing on lengthening the spine, rotating the chest, extending the energy from the heart out into the fingertips and anchoring down into the legs. Come up to standing on an inhalation and switch feet to do the other side. Lay down on your back after for a few breaths to absorb the cleansing effect of the pose.

Trikonasana strengthens the legs, tones the abdominal organs, particularly the Liver, flushes the hormones and lymphatics and creates a sense of expansion, acceptance and patience. Clear Liver energy helps connect us with our inner wisdom and ability to see opportunities and make appropriate choices that support our direction and purpose in life.

7: Crocodile - Chaturanga

Lie on your belly, hands beside chest, toes tucked under and knees lifted off the mat so legs are elevated and parallel to the floor. Exhale and contract entire body to lift off the mat and squeeze from the belly out into the limbs. Keep elbows close to ribs, chest in line with elbows and elbows over the wrists. Hold up for 3 breaths then rest with head to one side.

Crocodile governs the lungs and helps develop breath capacity, mental stamina and a sense of empowerment. Strong lungs give us a sense of trust and positivity as we draw in nourishment and breathe out stagnancy. Healthy lungs fuel the blood with oxygen and regulate the nervous system which in turn makes us feel good and radiate vibrant, attractive energy.

8: Hara Bicycle

Lie on your back with legs long and hands interlaced behind the head. Exhale and draw R knee to chest, L elbow up and across to meet it. Feel the belly engage. Inhale to centre, exhale and swap sides. Briskly cycle to build your belly strength and tone your abdominal organs and harness inner strength. Hara bicycle connects the kidney and lung energies to circulate oxygen, adrenalin and promote production of fresh hormones. Hara (or belly centre) strength and integrity is essential to maintain optimal digestion and hormone balance. When we are disconnected from or congested in our bellies, we lose awareness of what is appropriate and inappropriate, on all levels.

9: Seated Butterfly - Baddhakonasana

Sit with soles together, knees wide and hands interlaced around edges of toes. Use hands against feet as traction to lift the chest and lengthen the spine. Close the eyes and focus on your breath at the end of your practice now, observing the shifts in your body and mind and getting a sense of the energies moving within. Baddhakonasana is an excellent hip opener that helps circulate fresh blood around the pelvis to nourish the reproductive organs. Sit quietly for 5 - 10 minutes, breathing in and out through the nose to calm the adrenals, drawing the breath down into the belly and sit bones so you feel grounded, nourished and calm. As always with any posture always move within a sharp-pain-free range of movement. If you feel uncomfortable with a posture just bring it back a little. Do remember though, you need to be fit for good sex so keep your practice going and enjoy Sex and Yoga.

Denby Sheather is resident Yoga expert at http://www.fitforlifeonline.com.au.

In our modern day, people are now more conscious on what we eat and how we live our lives for each and every day. As we all know, exercise is a part of our life that we have to do in order for us to have a healthy mind and body. One may choose in any of the usual physical exercises like jogging, going to the gym for weights, aerobics, dancing or perhaps yoga.

So what is yoga? Yoga in layman's terms is a form of meditation that harmonizes both mind and body. Like any other exercises it can release stress but with more beneficial effect. As we all know stress is the number one killer in terms of diseases that is being associated from it. Through regular practice of yoga, one can achieve a state of calmness that allows our selves to be detached from the things that happen in our surroundings. As a result, one my feel free from burdens or stress providing healthful benefits in both mind and body.

Yoga's ultimate goal according to our history is to attain self enlightenment, and to achieve this, one has to meditate for long periods of time that can take days, weeks or even months. Usually yoga is performed in certain yoga postures known as "Asanas" which is very similar in today's practice. There are numerous benefits from practicing yoga and it is divided into three major categories which are physical, psychological and biological effects. Some of the major befits are;

• Detoxifies the body - by mildly stretching the muscles and joints it ensures normal supply of blood in certain parts of our body that promotes detoxification that slows up aging and give us more energy.
• Enhance flexibility - thru yoga postures, joints are positioned or use in certain movements that are not usually done in our daily activity.
• Toning of the muscles - weak or sagging muscles are toned with continues and regular stimulation.

Though yoga is one of the best forms of exercise most especially with its benefits, still it's not for everyone. Choose wisely and select the one you really love and comfortable with.

If you are looking for a gentle and safe way to stretch and stay in shape while carrying some extra weight during pregnancy, welcome to yoga and pregnancy 101. This isn't a real college class but I'm sure there are hundreds, if not thousands, of yoga classes targeting pregnancy being taught these days.

What is Yoga?
Yoga as is taught in western society is a mix of general exercise principles and awareness of self, body and breathing in relation to the larger world around us. This is sort of the opposite of true yoga, which starts with a premise that all is one and we are parts of that whole going through varied experiences.

Yoga literally means union or yoking - making two come to know they are one. In a way, this defines pregnancy also. The relationship between mother and child is both natural and quite often unshakable. In this light, what better exercise than to explore that oneness in a healthful pregnancy yoga environment.

Natural and Healthful
We can hardly recall a time in our busy lives when we look within and come in touch with our inner self - and that too in a class environment! Who is qualified to teach such a personal exploration into self and what impact does it have on the baby? These are good questions and often the kind that percolate up to the surface during the exploration of yoga in pregnancy.

To safeguard your personal wellbeing and that of the baby, it is suggested, even recommended that you do your research before venturing into the yoga arena. In India, where yoga was born, it is said that there are more yoga teachers than students. This is not said to scare those wanting to explore yoga; rather, it is a reminder to check out the teacher before signing on.

Yoga done properly is a natural and healthful exercise giving benefits to the body, mind and in the case of pregnancy, yoga has been said to help the unborn baby too. Spiritual aspects are prevalent too but this is a very personal area and no other person stands in one's shoes. Ask for references and once satisfied, go for it.

After Birthing Schedule
After child birth, the regimen established during pregnancy plays a vital role in recovery of normal body weight, toning and general strength. The great value of yoga done while pregnant will show itself during and after your child is born. As the hectic schedule of motherhood unfolds, a moment of quietude and remembrance will bring a smile to your face in the midst of dirty diapers and sleepless nights!

How effective is yoga in weight reduction?

In this modern world it is quite difficult to stick only on to diet restriction in order to maintain a healthy body. The tight schedule forces them to limit their meals to junk stuffs. This leads to obesity that affects a person's health and self-esteem areas.

Though there are many alternatives to reduce weight, Yoga is one of the effective ways to reduce weight and maintain a healthy body. Yoga is a great way to get rid of extra flab from the body without any side effects. From ancient times, this has been a very common method of fat reduction and weight control. Some positions (asanas) of yoga are specially meant for weight reduction only. Yoga is also a preferred method for weight reduction as it is does not cause any side effect. Yoga directly affect on the body metabolism by acting upon several hormonal secretions in the body.

Yoga is said to be the best way of weight reduction because it has no side effects on your body... Yoga makes your body structure proportionate with your body weight and age. The deep breathing in Yoga exercises increases the oxygen supply to the cells of the body.

The main yoga asanas for weight reduction are Paschimottanasana, Bhujangasana, Halasana, Dhanurasana, Veerasana, Trikonasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana. Following atleast one of them will surely help to reduce fat. For thyroid patients who put on weight abnormally due to hormonal imbalance should go for Sarvangasana and Matasyasana. Yoga exercises done with sun reputation is said to be extremely helpful in reducing body fat and in gaining a healthy body.

You must stick on to a healthy fat free meal when you are practicing yoga for weight reduction. A regular meal time should be followed and you must avoid food between meals.

Hi, Please contact laluge@yahoo.com for medical dental health related articles.

Doing cardio can certainly help you to lose belly fat. But why not get a double benefit out of it and focus on the kind of workouts which can not only help you shed belly fat but also help you to build strong legs.

After all, your legs are what carry you around. Even if you're totally satisfied with the way they look, having strong legs can certainly help you workout and function better.

So, let's focus on some killer cardio exercises to lose belly fat and get strong legs at the same time:

1. Jumping rope - This is a great and short cardio workout which you can also do at home. Jumping rope works the entire body but it truly strengthens your legs. In addition, you also burn a lot of body fat by doing it, which is great for getting flat abs.

2. Running - We all know how running works the lower body. In fact, it works the upper body as well as your abs but if you do running on a regular basis (especially outside) you will have strong legs.

3. Mountain climbing - Anyone who thinks this isn't an aerobic workout is sadly mistaken. This is one of the hardest sports there is and you will get an awesome cardio stimulation when you do it.

4. Cycling - If you've ever seen the legs of cyclers you may have noticed how incredibly muscular they are. This is because cycling build the leg muscles and also helps you to burn belly fat very fast.

If you do these workouts you will burn belly fat and develop stronger legs at the same time.

In order to help you choose the best carb foods for your diet it is necessary to remind ourselves of the basics. Often, carbohydrates are referred to as either simple carbs or as complex carbs. A diet is high in simple carbs such as sugary foods will result in unstable energy levels as well as cravings, mood swings and tiredness.

Complex carbs, however, are digested more slowly than simple carbs thereby releasing energy much more steadily. Examples of complex carbs include bread, pasta, rice and vegetables. While it may be necessary to reduce your overall carbohydrate intake, having less simple carbs in your diet is much more important, because of their effect on your energy levels.

Out of all the best carb foods, you should aim to eat lots of fibrous carbs such as green vegetables. Not only do they contain few calories, many vegetables are referred to as negative calorie foods. In other words, your body actually uses more calories to digest them than they actually contain, so your body literally burns calories when you eat these foods.

When choosing the best carb foods to help you drop the fat, you should also ask yourself whether the food is natural or highly processed/refined. Simple carbs such as fructose which is what is in fruits, or complex carbs such as potatoes and fibrous vegetables are examples of the former. Sucrose, your average table sugar, and other refined sugars such as glucose and dextrose, as well as highly processed starchy carbs such as white bread and white rice, would come under the latter category.

One of the worst food choices is refined carbs and they can often do more harm then good. These foods are digested very quickly, and all the healthy nutrients have been extracted away from them during the refining process. In fact, they act much like simple carbs in that they can leave you feeling tired and moody, something many of us have experienced after a typical American lunch. Couple that with a Coke or Pepsi, which is very high in sugar, and these side effects are even more obvious.

You can also refer to the GI (glycemic index) values for another tool to help you choose the best carb foods to help you lose weight and have more energy throughout the day. The glycemic index shows the impact foods have on your blood sugar. If the GI value is low, such as with lentils, it will not have a great effect on your blood sugar and you will have a relatively steady release of energy.

If you were to eat a food with a high GI value, however, such as white rice, this will result in an immediate rush of energy followed by a noticeable drop. Apart from the this sugar crash affecting you mentally, in addition to the hunger pangs, these foods limit your bodys fat burning capacity and sets it up for storing food as fat. Eating a low GI food with it, however, can balance the meals average GI value.

It is also important to remember that refined sugars especially are very bad for your health, unless there is a need for them, which may be the case with athletes. On top of this, the GI values are very high, and we already have too much carbs and sugar in our diet as it is. Whats more, when you add unhealthy fats to the equation, this can result in immediate fat gain. Fried foods, pastries and ice cream are examples of such foods. High-sugar beverages such as sodas, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are also very common in the West but are terrible for our diets. I always advise staying far away from foods which are high in refined sugars, and especially if coupled with unhealthy fats.

To summarize, the best carb foods will have little or no refined sugars and very little fat content. It is very unfortunate, however, to see that most low fat and fat-free foods being sold are high in sugar, misleading innocent individuals who think they are making the right choice. However, now you know exactly what questions to ask when choosing the best carb foods.