Does Your Personality Dictate Whether You'll Be Overweight?

People who are impulsive, aggressive or risk-takers more likely to weigh more, study contends.

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Personality traits may play key roles in body weight, according to a new U.S. study.

Researchers from the U.S. National Institute on Aging found that people who are impulsive, cynical, competitive or aggressive were more likely to be overweight. And those who are highly neurotic and less conscientious are likely to see their weight go through many ups and downs.



"Individuals with this constellation of traits tend to give in to temptation and lack the discipline to stay on track amid difficulties or frustration," said the researchers in an institute news release. "To maintain a healthy weight, it is typically necessary to have a healthy diet and a sustained program of physical activity, both of which require commitment and restraint. Such control may be difficult for highly impulsive individuals."

For the study, published online July 11 in the American Psychological Association's Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, the researchers examined data compiled over 50 years on nearly 2,000 generally healthy and highly educated people to determine how their personalities might affect their weight and body mass index.

The participants were assessed on the so-called "big five" personality traits — openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism — as well as 30 subcategories of these traits. They were also weighed and measured over the course of the study.

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Although people tend to gain weight as they age, the study found those who are impulsive were the most likely to be overweight. People who scored in the top 10 percent on impulsivity weighed an average of 22 pounds more than those in the bottom 10 percent, the researchers said.

 

"Previous research has found that impulsive individuals are prone to binge eating and alcohol consumption," the study's author, Angelina R. Sutin, said in the news release. "These behavioral patterns may contribute to weight gain over time."

Those who are risk takers, antagonistic, cynical, competitive and aggressive also had greater weight gain, the study showed.

On the flip side, the study found that conscientious people are typically thinner and their weight did not trigger changes in personality during adulthood.

"The pathway from personality traits to weight gain is complex and probably includes physiological mechanisms, in addition to behavioral ones," Sutin concluded. "We hope that by more clearly identifying the association between personality and obesity, more tailored treatments will be developed. For example, lifestyle and exercise interventions that are done in a group setting may be more effective for extroverts than for introverts."

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Are Carbs Standing in the Way of Your Weight Loss?

When it comes to weight loss, carbohydrates have been portrayed as public enemy No. 1. But only certain carbohydrates may be to blame. Do you know which ones?

There’s no question that obesity is a major problem in the United States, with about two-thirds of all adults weighing more than they should. In recent years, carbohydrates have shouldered much of the blame for our struggles with weight loss and eating a healthy diet.

The reality, however, is that a low carb diet is not the only factor when it comes to weight loss. Americans are eating about as many carbohydrates as the government recommends — the problem is the type of carbs we’re choosing.

Although the recommended daily allowance of carbohydrates is around 130 grams, that’s the absolute minimum amount that is recommended for brain function. In 2010, the government suggested that Americans get about 45 to 65 percent of their calories from carbohydrates. For a 2,000-calories-a-day diet, that’s about 275 grams of carbohydrates, which is right in line with what most people are eating.

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“Americans are not eating too many carbohydrates. This is a fact and not my opinion,” says Mary Hartley, RD, director of nutrition for www.caloriecount.com. “An analysis of the most recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed the average carbohydrate intake to be about 50 percent of total calories. The Acceptable Macronutrient Density Range for carbohydrates is 45 to 65 percent of total calories.”
However, though the amounts of carbohydrates for a healthy diet are about right, the kinds of carbohydrates are wrong.

Are You Eating the Right Carbohydrates?

Americans should be eating more unprocessed complex carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and less refined carbohydrates, such as packaged crackers, cookies, cereals, and breads.
These refined carbohydrates are certainly part of the reason that Americans have trouble with weight loss and a healthy diet. “My thoughts are that people eat too many calories and too much sugar, period,” Hartley says. “An upper limit of 10 percent of total calories should come from added sugar. On a 2,000-calories-a-day diet, that’s 50 grams (1 gram of carbohydrate is equal to 4 calories). To put it in perspective, a 12-ounce can of soda has 27 grams, and that's not to mention the added sugar in yogurt, cereals, energy bars, syrups, salad dressing, and other sources.”

While eating the wrong carbohydrates is part of the problem, it’s not the only stumbling block to weight loss. “The issue is that we consume too many calories for the amount of activity (calories burned) we expend each day, and the quality of those calories is not very good,” says Timothy S. Harlan, MD, medical director of the Tulane University Medical Group in New Orleans and author of Just Tell Me What to Eat.

To put it another way, adds Dr. Harlan, Americans are just eating too much to promote weight loss and a healthy diet, plain and simple. “The most recent and reliable data puts the average calorie availability in the United States at around 3,700 calories per day,” he says. “This is a lot considering that the average American female needs about 1,500 calories and males need 2,000 calories per day.”

Weight-Loss Help From Complex Carbs
 
Considering all this, the answer to weight loss may not necessarily be a low carb diet. Instead, it might be to eat the correct type of carbohydrates — complex carbohydrates rather than refined carbohydrates.

“Of an average intake of 250 grams of carbohydrates on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet, at least 125 grams should come from whole grains, such as foods made from whole-wheat flour (bread, cereal, pasta), bulgur (tabouli), oatmeal, brown rice, whole corn meal (tortillas), popcorn, barley, and the novelty grains such as amaranth and millet,” Hartley says. “However, this intake amount can vary per person.”

And when it comes to carbs and weight loss, one critical factor is to choose carbohydrate sources with plenty of fiber. Hartley adds that, “the recommendation is to eat at least 14 grams of dietary fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed. You’ll find dietary fiber in whole grains and also in fresh fruit and vegetables — in peels, seeds, stalks, leaves, roots, and pulp; in dried fruit, dried beans, and legumes; and in all seeds.”

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BEST HOMEMADE SMOOTHIES FOR WEIGHT LOSS!

Which one is YOUR favourite?

Mid-Morning Snacks May Thwart Diets

Women who ate between breakfast and lunch lost less, study found.

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Dieters may want to reconsider that mid-morning snack.

In a 12-month study of 123 overweight or obese women, those who snacked between breakfast and lunch lost less weight than those who skipped a mid-morning nosh.

The finding may not relate to time of day as much as the short interval between breakfast and lunch for these snackers, explained study author Dr. Anne McTiernan, director of the Prevention Center at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's Public Health Sciences Division.

The women may have been eating out of boredom, or for reasons other than hunger, she said. The net result is too many calories in a day.

"Snacking, per se, isn't bad, it's more what you eat and when you are snacking," she said. "If you start snacking in the morning, you might be eating more throughout the day and taking more food in."

Smart snacking can be part of a sound weight-loss plan, McTiernan noted. The timing of snacks, frequency of eating them and quality of snacks all have to be considered, she added.
The study is published in the December issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The U.S. National Cancer Institute and U.S. National Institutes of Health funded the research.
McTiernan assigned the women, aged 50 to 75, to either a diet-alone program or a diet plus exercise program. Those in the diet-alone group ate 1,200 to 2,000 calories a day, depending on their starting weight. Those in the diet and exercise group also reduced calories but, in addition, put in 45-minute workouts five times a week.

The participants were given counseling about nutrition but no special instructions about snacking.
The women recorded the time, type and frequency of meals on a normal day. The researchers evaluated calories from fat and fiber, fruit and vegetable intake, and other information.

 

At the study start, the average body mass index (BMI) was 31.3. (A BMI of 30 is termed obese.) Weight loss in the two groups was similar. Those in the diet-only group lost about 10 percent of their body weight and those in the diet and exercise group lost 11.6 percent after one year.

However, snacking patterns were linked with the amount of weight loss. The mid-morning snackers lost about 7 percent of their total body weight, but those who didn't snack mid-morning lost 11.5 percent, according to the report.

More women snacked in the afternoon than the morning. Snacks might be appropriate if the interval between meals is long, such as five hours or more, McTiernan said.

Commenting on the study, Connie Diekman, director of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis, said that appropriate snacking is key.

"The study shows that appropriate snacking can help with achievement of nutrition goals and aid weight loss," Diekman said. "While it isn't conclusive from this study, it appears morning snackers may not lose as much as those who snack later in the day. More studies are needed to assess if this connection is real, is about food choices or if it is just a difference in the individuals," she added.
"Snacking can help boost nutritional status and often helps manage emotional eating, but the key is choosing the right snack choices," Diekman explained. "Since this study was done in overweight women it would be helpful to see if similar results occur in normal-weight, postmenopausal women."
Until more research is in, McTiernan encourages dieters to limit a snack to no more than 200 calories.

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 Healthier snacks include low-fat yogurt, string cheese or a handful of nuts, she suggested. Other good choices are non-starchy vegetables (avoid potatoes and corn), fresh fruits and whole grain crackers.

The study included only women, so the researchers can't say for sure if it applies to men. "But studies have shown calorie intake is equally important in men and women," McTiernan noted.

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Would You Rather Gain 10 Pounds or Rack Up $10,000 in Debt?

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Quick, what's your answer?

How about 50 pounds vs. $10K in debt? Read on to find out how many  agree with you.

Would you rather take on $10,000 worth of debt or gain 10 pounds?

According to a new survey from Yahoo! Health and Reader’s Digest, 78 percent of Americans would rather have the extra padding than the whopping debt.

However, 22 percent said they would take the debt over an extra 10 pounds. When the weight increased to 50 pounds, almost half of the 2,000 survey respondents (46 percent) said they would rather gain weight to avoid debt.

Ten thousand dollars is a lot of money, but the findings are somewhat surprising considering that two in five adults surveyed were currently trying to lose weight — and past surveys have revealed that dieters are willing to go to extremes to slim down. Last year, a British survey found that a full third of young women would give up a year of their lives to lose weight.

Yahoo! Health and Reader’s Digest also probed survey respondent’s healthy habits. Seventy-one percent were of the opinion that exercise is the best way to lose weight, though experts generally say that cutting calories through diet is a more effective way to lose weight than simply exercising.

Beyond exercise, 61 percent of people thought that eating in moderation was an effective way to trim pounds (true), along with drinking a lot of water (also true), restricting calories (your best bet), and not eating out regularly (usually true).

The majority of people surveyed regularly perform cardio exercise, but less than half were strength training, though building muscles through weight lifting can boost bone health, increase metabolism, and help fight disease. Most adults agreed that cardio burns the most fat, and they might be right — studies have shown that running or other cardio exercise is more effective in shedding belly fat than weight training. When working out, 29 percent of adults said they push themselves a lot while 59 percent admitted to only pushing themselves a little. Men and younger adults (ages 18 to 49) were the most likely to work hard at the gym.

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When it comes to weight-loss motivation, 62 percent of women said wanting to be more attractive is what fuels their weight loss while 50 percent said they started trying to lose weight after seeing a bad picture of themselves. Respondents’ top reason for weight loss overall was to get or feel healthy and wanting more energy.

 

Would you rather gain weight or take on debt? Sound off in the comments below.

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Lack of Sleep May Give You the Munchies

Sleep-deprived people eat more than 500 extra calories daily, study finds.

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People who don't get enough sleep consume more calories and may be more likely to become obese, according to a new study.

The study included 17 healthy young men and women who were studied for eight nights. Half of the participants got their normal amount of sleep (control group) while the other half got only two-thirds of their typical amount of sleep (sleep-deprived group).

All the participants were allowed to eat as much as they wanted during the study.

Those in the sleep-deprived group slept one hour and 20 minutes less each night than those in the control group, and consumed an average of 549 additional calories per day.

Both groups burned about the same amount of energy for activity, which suggests that those in the sleep-deprived group didn't burn additional calories.

Lack of sleep was associated with increased levels of leptin and decreased levels of ghrelin, both of which are appetite-associated hormones. These changes were more likely a result of overeating, rather than the cause of overeating, according to the study, which was presented Wednesday at an American Heart Association (AHA) meeting.

"Sleep deprivation is a growing problem, with 28 percent of adults now reporting that they get six or fewer hours of sleep per night," study co-author Dr. Andrew Calvin, a cardiology fellow and assistant professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, said in an AHA news release.

Although this study suggests sleep deprivation may be an important and preventable cause of weight gain and obesity, it was a small study and does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship, the researchers noted.

"Larger studies of people in their home environments would help confirm our findings," Calvin said.
Because this study was presented at a medical meeting, the data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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Why You're Not Losing Weight On A High Carb Plant-Based Diet

Anyone still on a high carb diet?  What do you think?

Eating for Exercise

Learn how to properly time meals and workouts to build lean muscle and burn more calories.

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We all know food is fuel, so it only makes sense that a proper fill-up is critical to a rewarding workout. Even if you're looking to lose weight, skimping on calories before exercise is not the path to success. Not only will it result in a lack of energy, but more muscle mass will actually be lost than created.

"Basic exercise does not burn all that many calories," says William D. Hart, PhD, assistant professor in the department of health sciences at Rogers State University in Claremore, Okla. "You cannot get rid of the three pieces of pumpkin pie at the gym tomorrow. But exercise adds muscle, so that over time your body naturally burns more calories per day."

For a healthy diet, Hart recommends following the United States Department of Agriculture My Pyramid guidelines, emphasizing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding fried and fatty foods.

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As for exercise, it's critical to combine weight training with high-intensity interval work during aerobic activities such as walking or jogging on a treadmill or using an elliptical machine.

Pre-Workout Meal Plan

While it's important to eat something before exercising, be careful to allow enough time for digestion. A good blood supply is required to process food, so conflicts can occur when the same blood is needed to bring nutrients to muscles during a workout. "Your goal is to make sure that the meal is essentially gone when you start the exercise," says Hart. "A good rule of thumb would be eating no closer than one and a half to two hours ahead of time."

Keep in mind that the amount of fat in the meal and the intensity of the exercise can also affect digestion time. The more fat, the longer it takes to be digested and the more time should be allowed. How taxing the workout is can change the amount of blood needed for the muscles. If the exercise is mild, eating closer to the start time is acceptable.

 

As to the type of food, Thomas A. Fox, an exercise physiologist and author of The System for Health and Weight Loss, recommends fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread. An ideal pre-workout meal consists of protein — 10 to 35 percent, carbohydrates — 45 to 65 percent, and fat — 20 to 35 percent.

   

And what about those who exercise in the morning vs. the evening? The timing really shouldn't affect the diet. Many people have a preference for foods appropriate to the time of day, but as long as the right amount and type of calories are ingested, the specific selection is not important.

Post-Workout Meal Plan

If the exercise has been intense, it's crucial to eat within an hour of the end of the workout in order to refuel the body's cells. "A decent-sized meal within that 60-minute post-workout period will greatly increase the ability to recover and help build lean muscle tissue," says Jonathan Mulholland, DC, a chiropractor, exercise scientist, and consultant for the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, N.Y. An ideal ratio is 4:1 carbohydrates to protein, with an easy option being a glass of chocolate skim milk.

For mild workouts, a light snack is sufficient to tide you over until the next meal. Another good idea is eating less but more frequently, since consuming more than can be digested and burned at one time translates to the extra food turning into fat.

Finally, no matter when or how vigorous the exercise, be sure to always eat breakfast. A variety of studies have shown people who ate the most in the morning are generally thinner and consumed fewer calories the rest of the day. Turns out, Mom was right all along.

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Healthy Asian Meal Plan to Lose Weight

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Exercise: Lose Weight, Keep It Off

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Learn how to get the most out of an exercise workout and maintain that goal weight you worked so hard for.

For the vast majority of people, there are two ways to lose weight: eat less and exercise more. And a combination of the two usually leads to the best result. But what about after those excess pounds have been shed? Is it okay to cut back on exercise and get a little extra shut-eye in the morning?


Unfortunately, no.

Exercise Goals: Lose and Maintain Weight

First and foremost, it's important to understand how the process works. A pound of fat contains 3,500 calories, so to lose one pound you must either burn 3,500 calories or restrict 3,500 calories from your diet. Weight maintenance, on the other hand, involves balancing the number of calories consumed with the number burned through daily activities and exercise.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Web site MyPyramid.gov, 60 minutes of moderate to intense exercise is needed on most days of the week to lose weight or prevent additional accumulation. For people who have lost weight and want to keep it off, they may need to exercise 60 to 90 minutes a day.

    

Exercise Goals: Key Parts of Every Plan
 
Whether to lose weight or maintain, you need to include the various types of exercise that make up a balanced program: cardio, strength training, and stretching.

Cardio always counts. The cardio aspect can include anything from walking and jogging to swimming and cycling; incorporating high-intensity interval training into your cardio routine is particularly important for losing weight.

"Doing long, slow workouts on the treadmill or bike will do very little in speeding up fat loss," says Jonathan Mulholland, DC, a chiropractor, exercise scientist and consultant for the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, N.Y. "The key to fat loss is hard and fast intervals. An example on the treadmill might be a five-minute warm-up (easy), followed by five to eight 30-second intervals (done at near 100 percent) with a 90-second rest period of easy walking, followed by a five-minute cool-down." Over time, increase the "work" periods while decreasing the "rest" periods to retain high results.


Strength training boosts metabolism.

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Whether through lifting free weights, using weight machines, or employing equipment like kettlebells, resistance bands, and stability balls, strength training focuses on building muscle strength and increasing muscle mass.

"Your resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the pace your body burns calories at rest," says Erica Tuttolomondo, athletic director at Rush-Copley Healthplex, a fitness center affiliated with the Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, Ill. "Your RMR is closely linked to the amount of muscle you have. Muscle burns more calories than fat, and strength training elevates the RMR permanently. Even a modest increase will help burn off more fat. Therefore, adding muscle will raise your RMR and will greatly increase the chance that the weight loss (more accurately, fat loss) will be maintained."

Eight to 10 strength-training exercises with eight to 12 repetitions each should be done at least twice a week (but never on two days in a row), according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Keep in mind that more weight with fewer repetitions builds more muscle than doing more repetitions with less weight.

Check with your doctor before starting a vigorous workout regimen, significantly increasing the intensity of your current one, or have a serious health condition.

Exercise Goals: Everyday Exercise Is a Must

Ultimately there isn't a big difference between exercise for weight loss and exercise for weight maintenance. "As far as I'm concerned, they're really one and the same," says Laura Stusek, fitness coordinator for Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. "If someone is trying to lose weight, cardio and diet are extremely important. But once you reach your goal weight, you can't slack off on cardio — it's still just as critical. We have to maintain our healthy eating and exercise habits to keep the weight off."

Rather than looking to ease up on the workouts, a better idea is to find an exercise routine that will make the work feel like play.
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Before & After VIDEO Of My 55+ Pound Weight Loss

Inspirational! Who agrees?

Three weight loss obstacles you've probably never considered and how to get around them

Making plans to lose weight is the easy part. Applying those plans consistently is what really matters.

The primary obstacles to consistently applying your plan to lose weight aren't about knowing what to do. They're emotional.

Read on to discover three obstacles you should consider as you implement your weight loss plan.

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Weight loss obstacle #1: lack of emotional preparedness

Many overweight people are simply not prepared for the emotional consequences of losing weight. In fact, most people never even consider this all important factor.

If you lose all the weight you need to lose to be physically healthy, what will your emotional life be like? It's easy to think, "Of course, I'll be ecstatic!"

Think again. It might not be that simple.

One interesting study sought to determine whether losing weight actually made people healthier and happier. Participants who lost weight were indeed physically healthier according to lab results.

But were they happier?

No. Not at all. Actually, people who lost more than 5% of their body weight over time were more likely to report depression!

I am emphasizing this to prove an all important point. Losing weight will NOT automatically make you happier, according to research.

Fascinatingly, while losing weight will not necessarily make you happy, being happy will help you lose weight! Research shows that a positive body image -- being happy with who you are now -- is what leads to successful weight loss.

This means your level of compassion and tolerance for yourself right now is critical to your success. This is the necessary emotional preparation -- developing tolerance for yourself.

But if I were thin, then I would not criticize myself....

Not necessarily. Self-criticism is a universal phenomenon among all types of people. If you are prone to self-criticism, you will always find a reason to do it unless you learn how to stop from the inside out.

One participant in the AHA Weight Loss Coaching group put it this way:

So, I'm questioning myself EVERY time I eat, even when it's totally appropriate (eggs at breakfast). It is becoming abundantly clear that my MO is to find any and every way to trash talk myself and I think this is part of that...

In this particular group, participants learn how self-sabotage works. And we slowly discover that this nasty little phenomenon is the #1 obstacle to losing weight. Most of us already know the mechanics of losing weight. The problem isn't knowing what to do. It's that we chronically get in our own way.

Releasing the self-criticism, self-doubt, helplessness, futility, shame and other negative emotions clears the way to apply what you know consistently. This is where the magic really happens. AND, while making better choices, we are also becoming happier people along the way.

End the self-criticism first, then losing weight will be 100% easier. Think about it. Doesn't it make sense?

Weight loss obstacle #2: sabotage from friends and family

Have you ever considered that you may have family or friends that do not want you to lose weight? Most of the time, they don't come right out and say it, but the expectation lingers, floating around as an "unconscious contract."

This contract manifests when you start to lose weight. Slowly but surely, the people who are more comfortable with the overweight version of you begin to treat you differently.

It's as if they are sending one of the following messages:

• People in this family are heavy. If you become slender, you won't be one of us.

• Don't betray me by becoming thin.

• If you look good, you won't be humble. People who look good are so full of themselves.

• What are you, some sort of health nut?

• If you start looking good, I'm going to lose you.

People who begin to succeed at weight loss are routinely offered all kinds of junk food goodies from "well intended" family and friends who seem to be uncomfortable with the success.

Often, the best thing to do in this case raise the issue. Without a doubt, if you succeed and become your ideal weight, you'll need new ways to relate with people who have become accustomed to the heavier you.

Any lifestyle change requires adjustments to relationships. Best to take this one on consciously and get the support you need from people who understand what you are going through.

Weight loss obstacle #3: powerful "screw it!" moments

This one is the lurking vulnerability for so many of us. We get going on a weight loss plan. Things are going ok and then whamo! We get hit with an "ah screw it" moment.

During the "screw it" shenanigan, we simply stop caring. What was once our most enthusiastic and committed goal suddenly becomes the stupidest idea in the world.

During these moments, we say to ourselves things like:

Who cares? I'm not going to succeed anyway.

What does it matter? Nobody is ever going to like me.

What the hell -- I don't even want to lose weight anymore.

You know what? Life's difficult enough. I don't need to deprive myself of these donuts.

So and so is such a pain to deal with. Why should I expect myself to be perfect when I'm surrounded by jerks?

Screw this! I can eat what I want!

It's as if a part of you rebels against any expectations, even your own. Isn't that something? And it's a very, very common experience among people who set goals to better themselves.

Ultimately, to be successful, you must take the rebellion head on by owning it. Yes, I rebel against expectations -- even my own -- and this rebellion sabotages my goals.

Behind the rebellion may be a sense of rejection, oppression or even deep pain for having been controlled, deprived or rejected early in life. Many of us, upon enduring such treatment, vowed to never let anyone have power over us again.

The problem is, we end up rebelling against our own conscious will. Recognizing this is the first step toward letting this emotional rebellion go.

The bottom line: You need to be interacting with people who are successfully dealing with these issues in order to learn how to deal with them yourself and receive support.

Mike Bundrant is Founder of the AHA Weight Loss online coaching group. If you like this article, like Mike on Facebook.

About the author:
Watch the free video The AHA! Process: An End to Self-Sabotage and discover the lost keys to personal transformation and emotional well-being that have been suppressed by mainstream mental health for decades.

The information in this video has been called the missing link in mental health and personal development. In a world full of shallow, quick-fix techniques, second rate psychology and pharmaceutical takeovers, real solutions have become nearly impossible to find. Click here to watch the presentation that will turn your world upside down.

Mike Bundrant is co-founder of the iNLP Center and host of Mental Health Exposed, a Natural News Radio program.
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How to Get Rid of Belly Fat

Why Diet Plans Don't Actually Work (How To Actually Lose Weight)

What do you think about this?

Top five weight loss detox plans

Every day your body absorbs a wide range of substances, depending upon your diet and environment. From coming into contact with pollution in the air to consuming unhealthy foods packed with chemicals and preservatives, there are many ways in which your body can be exposed to toxins - and these rarely pass out of your system quickly. For this reason, many individuals opt to do a detox to cleanse their systems of the substances that are making them feel sluggish, sick and just not right. But what are the best ways to rid your body of these toxins? Below are five different approaches that you might consider - all of which may result in weight loss due to the simple process of flushing your system of the substances that are making it work inefficiently.

Juice Cleanse

Juicing is a great way to flush the body of toxins and fill it with vitamins and nutrients that you need to thrive. Try to incorporate greens, vegetables and some fruit to act as a natural sweetener into each juice recipe. Don't peel the ingredients first unless absolutely necessary, as the skins of fruits and vegetables hold the most fiber and other key substances.

Lemon Cleanse

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Lemons are highly acidic, which is a property that allows them to naturally aid in the detox process. Add some lemon to your water and make sure that you hydrate well each day. Through this, you can help break down fat molecules, leading to a healthier body and weight loss. Make sure not to go overboard with this, though, as the acidic nature of the lemon can wear away at the enamel of your teeth.

Salt Cleanse

Salt can help to heal the body by removing bacteria from the lungs. Additionally, it has been shown to improve asthma, allergies and irritations of the skin. The key, though, is consistency. If you have access to a man-made salt room, then that would be the best option, but you can create your own salt therapy regimen at home. Three times a week at the maximum, pour Epsom salts into a warm bath and soak. Choose a salt that has a smell you enjoy and that is either soothing or invigorating, depending upon the time of day you plan to bathe.

Sweat Cleanse

Sweating out toxins is a great way to detox and lose weight. If you have access to a sauna or steam room, make use of it to sweat out harmful substances in a peaceful environment. If not, simply up the ante on your exercise routine - sweating is sweating, after all. Just make sure to drink a lot of water when engaging in a sweat cleanse, as it is important to keep your body hydrated.

Lymphatic Cleanse

Massaging the lymphatic system can move toxins out of the body, allowing lymph to flow more freely and exit the body in a healthy way.

Starting Your Cleanse

All of these detox methods are proven effective, but it is important to find what works for you. Talk to your doctor before starting your detox to make sure that you are choosing the right method for your body's needs.

Sources:

http://www.marieclaire.com

http://www.womenshealthmag.com

http://www.marieclaire.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/042962_weight_loss_detoxification_natural_cleansing.html

About the author:
Alex Malinsky aka RawGuru is an award winning chef and one of the leading experts in the field of raw food. He started to learn about raw foods at the early at of 15. After 10 years on the raw food diet he continues to be on the cutting edge of nutritional research and product development. Visit Alex's website at: www.RawGuru.com for more information.

Take advantage of four unusual weight loss strategies

 

Statistics from the CDC show that over one-third of adults in the US are obese, while nearly 70% are overweight. Discussions about weight loss often focus on issues like calories or the best types of food choices. Are we eating too many calories, getting too much fat, too many carbs or not enough protein? What type of diet is best? Is it vegan, paleo? As critical as these considerations are, a holistic approach to weight loss also recognizes the importance of many lifestyle choices that can have a profound impact on success, including issues as varied as where you stash your snacks and how long you sleep.

Out of sight, out of mind?

Removing temptation from easy reach is surprisingly effective.

A study at the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab found that moving candy just a few feet away from a worker's desk reduced consumption significantly. Researchers counted the number of candy kisses eaten by office workers when they sat in a bowl on the person's desk. They then moved the bowl just six feet away. Results showed that moving the candy that short distance resulted in a 48% decrease in consumption. Even putting the candy in a desk drawer reduced consumption 25%. These outcomes suggest that visibility and convenience can be important variables influencing the quantity of food we eat.

Lights out

You may have seen the research showing a connection between sleep and weight gain, but did you know that keeping a regular sleep schedule is also important?

A recent study of university women between the ages of 17 and 26 compared body composition and wake and sleep times. Results showed that a consistent sleep schedule, and especially a regular wake up time, corresponded to lower body fat. Women whose wake and sleep times varied more than 90 minutes had more body fat than did those who experienced variations less than 60 minutes. Other variables predicting more body fat included poor sleep quality and sleeping less than 6.5 or more than 8.5 hours per night.

Stand up

Too much sitting is associated with a number of adverse health outcomes including weight gain. A recent study in the journal Diabetologia looked at 878 individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK. The researchers compared health outcomes like adiposity and cardiovascular risk with hours spent sitting and time spent in physical activity. They also considered breaks in time spent seated.

Results showed that physical activity and breaks in sitting time were significantly and inversely correlated with participants' amount of body fat.

An earlier study in the same journal also found a strong positive correlation between too much sitting and the development of type 2 diabetes, a result which also supports standing whenever possible. In addition, if your job or other activities involve lots of sitting, take regular breaks. Your health will benefit.

Texting

In a study conducted at Duke University, scientists followed a group of obese women in a weight loss program who agreed to track behaviors such as avoiding sugary drinks or walking at least 10,000 steps per day. Every day, they received texts reminding them to submit their results. Based on their reply, they received a follow up text message with advice and information. After six months, women who used this texting approach lost an average of 3 pounds, while those who relied on more traditional weight loss diaries gained an average of 2.5 pounds. The researchers cited the ease of texting, and the nearly real time interaction that it provides as possible reasons for its effectiveness.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.cdc.gov

http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com

http://www.diabetologia-journal.org

http://www.bbc.co.uk

http://www.nlm.nih.gov

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/043128_weight_loss_obesity_diabetes.html

About the author:
Celeste Smucker is a freelance health writer and blogger with years of experience in sales and marketing. She is also a meditation teacher and staff member at Synchronicity Foundation located in Virginia's blue ridge mountains.

In addition to writing for NaturalNews.com she blogs about how to live younger longer with joy and vitality at celestialways.com.

Why I Like To Lose Weight Slowly (Steady Fat Loss)

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST 10Kg in 10 Days

Green tea weight loss secrets proven by science

In recent years, there have been a lot of news stories about the benefits of green tea in weight loss management. But does it really work, or is it just more hype being promoted by vitamin companies hoping to boost sales? Fortunately, there's no need for conjecture. Lots of scientific studies have been conducted with the aim of unlocking green tea weight loss secrets, and what researchers have found time and time again is that drinking green tea does, in fact, offer significant benefits for those seeking to manage weight.

One of the primary ways green tea helps control weight is by preventing the degradation of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in helping the body shed pounds. Here's how:

The body naturally produces a chemical called catechol-O-methyltransferase, or COMT, which regulates the production and activity of norepinephrine. Green tea contains catechins, chemical substances that inhibit COMT to prevent it from breaking down norepinephrine. As a result, more of the neurotransmitter is available to aid the body in losing weight.

Tea contains several catechins, but the one that's found in the greatest concentration is epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG, which is often mentioned in ads promoting green tea supplements.

The great thing about these catechins is that they can be easily included in supplements, which means you don't need to drink a boatload of tea in order to experience all the weight-loss benefits that tea offers. And the even greater thing is that there have been lots of scientific studies to prove it.

 

What the studies are saying
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has published several studies about green tea extract and its benefits in weight loss. In one study of healthy men, researchers looked at both fat oxidation -- that is, how well the body burns fat -- and the ability of the body to control and tolerate glucose with and without green tea supplementation. What they found was that the men who were given the green tea supplements had better glucose tolerance and significantly greater fat-burning activity; in fact, they found that the fat-burning rate in men who took the green tea supplements was a whopping 17 percent greater than it was in men who did not take the supplements. (1)

In another study published in the journal, researchers decided to determine if the catechins in green tea really promote weight loss or if the extra fat-burning activity demonstrated by tea could actually be attributed to the beverage's caffeine. They divided their subjects into three groups, giving green tea supplements to one group, caffeine supplements to another group and a placebo to the third group. Then they looked at how much energy the body expended during a 24-hour period. What they found was that the group which received the green tea supplements had a significant increase in energy expenditure compared to the other groups, meaning the fat-burning properties of green tea have nothing to do with the caffeine contained in the beverage form. (2) In fact, no increase in fat-burning energy expenditure was noted in the group receiving just caffeine. Their conclusion: Green tea promotes fat oxidation "beyond that explained by its caffeine content per se." In plain English, it's not green tea's caffeine content that promotes weight loss.

Not only does green tea help increase the amount of fat the body burns, but it also seems to prevent fat cells from collecting additional fat. In a study that focused on the effects of green tea's ECGC content, the compound found in green tea supplements, researchers found that ECGC "effectively depleted fat accumulation" in fat cells, or adipocytes. (3)

And in a study from Penn State University, mice that were fed ECGC along with a high-fat diet gained weight much more slowly than mice that were fed the same exact diet but without the addition of ECGC, indicating that consumption of ECGC can aid in weight loss independently of other effects or activity. (4)

Maximizing the benefits
So what does all this mean? In a nutshell, all of these studies (and many others) have clearly shown that taking green tea supplements with ECGC can have a significant effect on weight management and weight loss. Of course, when those supplements are combined with other healthy lifestyle habits, shedding pounds can become even easier. To get the greatest weight-loss benefits, add in a healthy diet and exercise regularly -- simply taking regular walks will work wonders.

The best time to start any weight management program, including introducing green tea supplements for weight management, is now. Take that first step toward healthier living and see how quickly you start to feel more energized and more in control of your own life and health.

Source:

(1) http://ajcn.nutrition.org

(2) http://ajcn.nutrition.org

(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(4) http://www.eurekalert.org

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/045284_green_tea_weight_loss_secrets_catechins.html

Probiotics accelerate weight loss in women, say researchers

A Canadian test determined that probiotic supplementation helped women lose weight and keep it off. Why just women? It may have to do with they type or strain used in the test, which didn't affect men in regard to losing or gaining weight. Let's take a look at their study and other factors involved with probiotics.

The researchers at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada, recruited 125 overweight men and women and put them all through a 12-week weight loss diet. After that 12-week period, there was a 12-week weight maintenance schedule. So the study was actually for 24 weeks.

Half of the men and women took two capsules daily of one strain of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The other half took placebos.

There were two interesting results: Despite all participants losing weight after the first 12 weeks, only those women who took the probiotic pills lost more. And after the second 12 weeks for monitoring maintenance, the women who took the probiotics continued losing weight, while the men who did and those who didn't take probiotics simply maintained or gained.

The researchers were somewhat perplexed about the gender disparity, grasping at straws to determine why.

Questioning parts of the study

They only used one probiotic strain. A high-level probiotic supplement may contain 14 strains. And fermented foods and beverages can contain even more. Maybe the strain they used didn't interact well with the types of intestinal flora in males, or maybe males have too many bad bacteria? Whatever. Having only one friendly bacteria strain for a study is questionable.

And what about those 12-week weight loss diets? Weight watchers? Aspartame sweeteners? Processed foods? GMOs can mess up the intestinal flora balance. After the 12-week diet, there was the 12-week "maintenance" section. The test subjects continued with the single-strain probiotic, but what were they eating?

Though it's possible that not everyone would experience weight loss with probiotic consumption, it doesn't seem feasible that probiotics would affect only women for weight loss and not men.

Probiotics for general health and immunity

 source

Most health food advocates understand that there has to be a proper balance of bacteria in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract for optimal digestion. That balance is figured to be around 85% good bacteria to 15% bad bacteria. There are many ways to upset that balance: antibiotics, processed foods, sugar, tension and anxiety are some.

Supporting the ages-old traditional medicine adage that all health starts in the gut, there are even more reasons for consuming probiotics than digestion. Those friendly bacteria trigger immune responses throughout the body and even affect signals within the nervous system and brain. This is why the gut is slowly being recognized as the "second brain."

You can shop and research for the ultimate probiotic supplement, which will be expensive, or you can use fermented foods and beverages that you can make yourself to practice the age-old adage of making food your medicine.

Some examples are kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh (fermented soy), fermented soy sauce and other veggies that you can Google search on how to ferment. Homemade kombucha is another source. Fermented sourdough for bread can be homemade, but you can also search for that occasional bakery that uses real fermented sourdough starters too.

My favorites are homemade water and milk kefir, which have abundant amounts of several probiotic strains. They both require starter grains that can be ordered online.

If you're interested, you can start your research here (http://www.naturalnews.com) and here (http://www.naturalnews.com).

Use the links in the sources sections or texts of those articles.

Sources for this article include:

The study abstract:
http://www.eurekalert.org

http://www.thegabrielmethod.com

http://chriskresser.com

http://consumersguides.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/043863_probiotics_weight_loss_women.html

Detox Water: How To Drink Water To Lose Weight

Who fancies this one?

Study shows weight loss at any age is beneficial for heart health

 

In a study published in The Lancet: Diabetes and Endocrinology, findings suggest that "losing weight at any age can result in long-term cardiovascular health benefits, and support public health strategies and lifestyle modifications that help individuals who are overweight or obese to lose weight at all ages." (1)

This study reinforces that shedding extra pounds is linked to improved health, and that, cliche as it may sound, it's never too late to start.

In the study, led by a team of British researchers, men and women's weight changes and cardiovascular health were monitored over the course of 60 years, starting from their birth in 1946 (2). The study noted that the longer a person was overweight in adulthood, the more their chances of having cardiovascular health problems like increased blood pressure and diabetes rose later in life. However, it also showed that individuals who lost weight, even if they regained it and lost it again, were able to lessen those risks.

Just a 10-pound weight loss can improve heart, overall health

Source

In fact, Dr. Oz explains that losing just 10 pounds contributes to better health. As an example, his site explains that the average American woman has a body mass index (BMI) of 28, rendering here nearly obese (3). A weight loss of merely 10 pounds can protect the kidneys, reduce the risk of heart attacks, improve sleep, diminish joint pain and even help prevent the onset of dementia (3).

Establishing an exercise plan is beneficial when trying to lose weight, as are eating healthy foods such as oatmeal, apples and cauliflower (4). Cauliflower, for example, contains high levels of vitamin C, which has been shown to burn more fat during exercise. Apples are ideal for weight loss since they have a high water content and contain insoluble fiber, both of which play a role in keeping cravings at bay. As for oatmeal, studies from the University of California, Berkeley, have shown that those eating it for breakfast had a lower BMI than those who ate other foods to start their day (4).

As always, choose fresh, organic options.

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.scienceworldreport.com

(2) http://www.alphagalileo.org

(3) http://www.doctoroz.com

(4) http://www.livestrong.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/045483_weight_loss_heart_health_exercise.html

About the author:
A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST | Drop 5 Pounds in 5 Days!!

Perfect for those last minute events!  What do you think?

Cayenne pepper makes herbs up to 75% more effective, aids weight loss, offers pain relief, improves circulation and heals ulcers

source

 

Cayenne pepper, also known as capsicum, adds flavor to your food and has some impressive health benefits. Cayenne stimulates blood flow and can help burn body fat. It also fights inflammation and stimulates digestion, which helps break down food for better nutrient absorption. Cayenne is also a warming herb that has the power to significantly reduce pain.

Cayenne fights diseases of the circulatory system

Cayenne is a catalyst. It's added to many herbal blends to help them perform better. Clinical studies conducted with cayenne pepper and ginkgo biloba have revealed that ginkgo is 75% more effective when used with cayenne due to cayenne's ability to improve circulation. This single attribute make cayenne pepper especially useful for individuals with poor circulation. This evidence shows that cayenne pepper can help fight diseases of the circulatory system, such as:

Atherosclerosis: fatty plaque build up within the arteries, causing the arteries to harden
Myocardial infarction: a blockage of blood flow that results in the death of the muscle tissue
Angina pectoris: chest pain caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle
Spider veins or varicose veins: caused by the pooling of blood in valves and veins that then build up pressure, causing the veins to break down

Cayenne and weight loss

Cayenne pepper can be used to boost a fat-burning workout. Studies have shown that cayenne can increase the body's process of melting excess fat and converting it into energy, known as fat oxidation. Cayenne pepper increases fat oxidation by 42% when used with exercise. In some trials, cayenne pepper has proven helpful in decreasing appetite, furthering its ability to help with weight loss. A general recommendation would be to drink a half of a teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper in eight ounces of water or juice 30 to 60 minutes before a workout.

Cayenne offers pain relief

Clinical studies have shown capsaicin cream to be effective as a temporary pain reliever when used topically. Cayenne's pain relieving properties are attributed to its ability to inhibit substance P, which is a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory pain processes. Creams containing cayenne pepper can be used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, post surgery pain, neuropathy, psoriasis and shingles.

Cayenne can help heal ulcers

Cayenne pepper can also help heal ulcers. It's commonly believed that spicy foods cause peptic ulcers, but that information is incorrect. According to Dr. George F. Longstreth of Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in San Diego, most peptic ulcers are caused by bacterial infections, primarily H.pylori. Overuse of some medications, such as Advil and Motrin, are also common causes of ulcers because they cause acid production in the stomach, which damages the stomach lining. Cayenne pepper helps neutralize acid. Sipping cayenne pepper tea can help heal a peptic ulcer. Capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne peppers, can repair a damaged stomach lining and protect the colon, according to the Medical University of Pecs.

Cayenne pepper is generally safe for most people. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Since cayenne is a catalyst, it can multiply the strength of medications and other herbs, so please be sure to use caution and logic when using it. When introducing cayenne pepper into the body for the fist time, it's best to use it once a day and work upward from there, following the body's tolerance level.

Click here to read more about healing with cayenne pepper by the author, Jeanette Padilla.

Sources for this article include:
http://examine.com
http://blog.doctoroz.com
https://umm.edu
http://www.happyherbalist.com
http://www.livestrong.com
http://www.drweil.com
http://www.naturalnews.com/045687_cayenne_pepper_ulcers_pain_relief.html

About the author:
Jeanette Padilla is an experienced herbalist and iridologist. Read more health articles from her at Sunshine Natural Healing, or follow her on Facebook