Four homemade beverages for summer weight loss

Don’t take it for granted that reducing food intake and being hungry will make you slim. Weight loss beverages may produce the same effects as that of various diets. Choose the right drinks will get you more slender.

1, Appetite suppressing drinks: V8 vegetable juice and Smoothie

What kind of drinks helps lose weight? Most drinks function to satisfy your thirst. But there’s one drink not only make you thirstless but also has the additional effect of appetite control. V8 vegetable juice and Smoothie are the most representative appetite suppressing beverages on the market.

V8 Vegetable Juice is a trademark name owned by the Campbell Soup Company for beverage products made from either eight vegetables or a mixture of both fruits and vegetables. A smoothie is a blended, chilled, sweet beverage made from fresh fruit. In addition to fruit juice, many smoothies include crushed ice, frozen fruit, or frozen yogurt. These drinks are thicker than slush drinks, but unlike milkshakes, they do not usually contain ice cream, but can contain milk.

A study found that drinking a glass of V8 vegetable juice or Smoothie 15 to 20 minutes before the meal helped reduce the calorie intake from food. This, to a large extent, is a mystery. But the researchers believe that it’s related with the density of the viscosity and calorie. However, don’t drink them during meals, it’ll lose afore-mentioned effectiveness.

2, Slimming alcohol: Vodka Soda

Are you a party monster that can’t not live without liquor at hand? Try Vodka Soda then.

More moderate the liquor, lower the calorie contained. Therefore, a mixture of soda water (containing no calorie or low-calorie) with Gin or Vodka is the right spirit for people with a weight loss prom, because a cup of such drink only contains 80 to 90 calories.

3, Sports drinks before exercise: Green tea

A study found that green tea extract can improve the sports endurance by 24 percents, it also can increase the fat burning. Japanese researchers conducted experiments on mice which were thrown into a water pond to let them struggle for survival, and in the end they felt exhausted. The results showed that those fed the green tea extract more sustained longer than others, and in 10 weeks later their lost fat was significantly more fat other mice. This study makes the researchers believe that a cup of green tea on the human body has the same effect.

4, Diet supplements after exercise: Skimmed chocolate milk

It is a wise move to drink something after practicing yoga or taekwondo. In fact this is the right time to lose weight. Milk is an ideal drink to restore the vitality. The the proportion of calorie/protein in milk is a great fit to meet the body needs. It contains about 3-4 calories per gram of protein.

But why chocolate milk? Because the cocoa beans in chocolate contain antioxidants which can help repair muscle cells. If it is difficult to buy milk in the gym, you can bring from home a bag of milk for breakfast.

Drinking ice water has similar effects. A study found that two glasses of cold water (below 22 degree C) contributed the reduced consumption of calories. Because 40 percents of calories are consumed to ‘heat’ the water to the body temperature. Drinking a liter of cold water a day will help you lose five pounds of body weight a year.

Seven classic teas for body detoxification and slimming in summer

Mangosteen tea - sweet alternative
You have to say bye bye to sweets in order to maintain a graceful body. But sometimes your eyes are bigger than your bellies. If there is a cup of genuine sweet tea with low calorie content, can you wrestle with this temptation? Mangosteen tea is such a good drink! Although it’s as sweet as sugar, there is almost zero calorie in Mangosteen tea.

Chrysanthemum tea - a guard against radiation
Made from white chrysanthemums and fine oolong tea, baked chrysanthemum tea is a necessity for those white collar workers and people who work in offices that are surrounded with electronic pollution. It is because an ingredient in chrysanthemum has detoxifying effects. It helps resist and cleanse harmful chemical or radioactive material in the body.

Pu’er tea - eradication of lower abdomen fat
Majority of Chinese teas have the effect of promoting fat metabolism, Pu’er tea is the master in eliminating excess fat. Ingredients of this tea contain elements that enhance the effectiveness of abdominal fat decomposition. Pu’er tea has a special flavor, but is not bitter.

Artemisia argyi tea - cleaning body fluid and relieving swelling
Edema, in particular a swollen face will affect the moods during your work. Swelling treatment is mainly performed through cleaning extra body fluid to relieve swelling. Consistent drinking of Artemisia argyi tea during days with edema has the effect of detoxification and diuretic. For those with no luck in long-term weight loss, having Artemisia argyi tea might be a good try.

Oolong tea - sobering you up with equivalent drink
In a banquet or a gathering, the warmer atmosphere, the more people drink. Drink an equivalent volume of oolong tea if you want to sober up early. Oolong tea can prevent the body from cold caused by energy deficiency, absorb the alcohol intake and the accumulated cholesterol in the body. It’s better to have the hot oolong tea for diuretic detoxification.

Aloe Vera tea - your assistant to quit smoking
It’s a nice enjoyment during smoking. But once there’re pathological changes caused by cigarette smoking, you’ll feel regretted. For your health quit it as soon as possible. Make a cup of Aloe tea whenever you have a craving for tobacco. The similar unique bitterness is the best substitute when you’re longing for that. In addition to helping you stop smoking, Aloe tea may promote body defecation and metabolism.

Chinese wolfberry tea
Chinese wolfberry tea is a traditional Chinese medicine. If there’s no defecation in three consecutive days, make yourself a wolfberry tea with no bitter taste. Drinking enough tea in the night will make you refreshed in the next morning.

The 14 misconceptions and truths about weight loss

Why can’t you lose weight? Do you have misconceptions mentioned below? It is more likely that it is these concepts that make you fail in weight loss. There’re no secretes in weight loss. Methods for weight control are already known. These weight loss methods include dieting, exercising, pharmaceutical medications, appetite suppression, bowel and stomach surgery. Moderate regulate exercise combined with a well balanced diet is the most effective way in weight control.

Misconception 1, Eating vegetables and fruits ALONE will achieve a healthy weight loss
The truth: Research shows vegetarians have leaner body mass that other people. But if you are a vegetarian, you have to work out a strict diet plan, so as avoid malnutrition due to the long-term single diet structure. The supply of nutrients necessary for human health, such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and animal protein can not rely solely on the intake of vegetables and fruits.

Tips: Choose vegetarian diets rich in above nutrients, in combination with a healthy diet plan.

* Iron-rich foods: cashew nuts, spinach, soy products, black fungus
* Calcium-rich foods: dairy products, fortified soybean milk beverages, tofu, kale vegetables, dried small shrimps, rice, flour, spinach, cabbage, etc.
* Food rich in vitamin D: skimmed milk, cheese, nuts, fortified foods that added with vitamin D
* Vitamin B12-rich foods: soy, Stinky tofu
* Zinc-rich foods: beans, peanuts, millet, radish, cabbage

Misconception 2, Do not try weightlifting and other violent exercises that will make you an ugly ‘muscle woman’
The truth: Weightlifting, sit-ups, and other sports assist to lose weight and build muscle. Muscle tends to consume more calories than fat. Which means if you have more muscle, there’s more consumption of calories during metabolism. Of course, you don’t have to worry about to become a ‘muscle woman,’ because exercising two to three times a week is not enough to develop a strong muscular body. It only brings you solid and well-developed muscle masses though.

Tips: Apart from the regular 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, such as walking and jogging, you can also do strenuous exercise 2 to 3 time a week, such as weightlifting, pull stretch, sit-ups, push-ups, and etc.

Misconception 3, Starch-rich foods will let you gain weight
The truth: Many foods are rich in starch and with a small amount of fat and calories. Such foods include bread, rice, pasta, oats, soybeans, fruit and potatoes, and so on. The reason why they appear to make you fat is simply because you eat too much, or a variety of high-fat, high-calorie sauces such as butter, ice cream, syrup, are added in your meals. Remember, the starch is one of the three major energy sources for the human body.

Tips: Try to avoid adding high-calorie dressings to foods. You’re recommended eat 6 to 11 types of food grains in your every day’s meals. Make sure to control the total amount.

Misconception 4, Grapes, celery, and cabbage can help you burn fat and lose weight
The truth: There is no scientific proof to confirm that such fruit and vegetables can help you burn fat, despite some of the caffeine-rich food may speed up your metabolic rate in the short term, but this does not mean that it can help you lose weight.

Tips: The best way to lose weight is scientific dietary intake and moderate regular exercise.

Misconception 5, Natural or green products can help you lose weight healthily and effectively
The truth: Most of those claimed to be natural and healthy weight loss products did not undergo a rigorous scientific test. For example, some slimming products containing natural plant extract from the ephedrine. Ephedrine and will cause serious health problems. Other non-ephedrine weight loss products is not safe because they may contain other harmful ingredients.

Misconception 6, No need to control food intake for natural weight loss
The truth: To lose weight, you have to ensure that the calorie intake lower than the expenditure of calories (calories that are burned during base metabolism and physical activity). Eat whatever you take does not affect the weight loss effect. But you must not eat too much, also meanwhile take some moderate exercise.

The truth: Select low-calorie food as much as possible. If you can not stand the food temptations can not help, taste a little to satisfy your appetite.

Misconception 7, Low-fat food or food with no fat and calorie
The truth: Low-fat food does contain lower quality of calories that those contained in the high-fat food. But there’re exceptions, and some low-fat foods have equivalent quality of calories, or even more. As they may add a lot of sugar.

Tips: Before buying food, check the ingredients list to see if large amount of calories is contained.

Misconception 8, Fast food is unhealthy, step away from them if you want to lose weight
The truth: As long as you have tricks, fast food may help obesity treatment.

Tips: Do not eat large packages of snack food, and share with friends. Never drink coke, boiled water or low-fat milk. Choose some fruit and vegetable salad, and roasting food, for instance, chicken sandwiches or small Hamburg. Fried dishes, for example, French cooking, fried chicken, etc., are usually very high in concentrations of fat and calories, so do not eat often. If you really want to eat, invite a friend to enjoy and share the food.

Misconception 9, Reducing meals can help losing weight
The truth: Research shows that those who do not eat breakfast every day and have small meals have more possibility to get fat than those who adhere to having breakfast and regular meals. Often and little eating helps curb your appetite. Less meals will only make your stomach more greedy and you eat much more in very meal.

Tips: More meals a day, less eating in a meal. Take low-fat and green food.

Misconception 10, Eating after 8 pm will make the body gain weight
The truth: The primary cause of getting fat is not because you eat in an inappropriate time. It’s because your caloric intake is more than your caloric expenditure. Only excessive food intake will make the body gain weight.

Tips: If you want to eat something before bed, think about what you’ve eaten that day and whether these foods have met the energy needs. Avoid having snacks while watching TV, this will only make you eat more without any notice.

Misconception 11, Low-starch and high-protein food structure is conducive to weight loss
The truth: The long term health effect with high-protein low-starch diet on the human body remains to be researched. But eating high-protein foods such as eggs, meat, cheese, etc., along will cause nutritional imbalance. At the same time, this may also result in excessive intake of fat and cholesterol, increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease risk. Meanwhile, it is easy to trigger constipation without having vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain food. In addition, long-term intake of protein only will have side effects including nausea and fatigue weakness. Daily intake of less than 130 grams of starch will increase the blood ketone concentration in the human body, and results in high uric acid levels, causes kidney stones and gout.
Tips: Weight loss with high-protein diet by limiting the body’s calorie intake will be effective in a short term. But eating grains, fruits and vegetables are necessary for your health.

Misconception 12, Seed food is rich in fat and should be avoided
The truth: Seed plants such as peanuts and sunflower are rich in fat, but also contain a number of unsaturated fatty acids, e.g. linoleic acid and linolenic acid which are of great benefit to the human health. Seed plants are also rich in protein, dietary fiber, a variety of minerals.

Tips: Moderate consumption of seed food is conducive to health. But keep in mind seeds in amount of a third of small bowl contain 270 calories.

Misconception 13, Meat is not good for health and weight loss
Truth: It is a part of a healthy diet plan to eat a small amount of meat. Chicken, pork, and fish contain some nutrients for human body, for instance protein, iron, zinc, and etc. Although they contain certain amount of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids.

Tips: Choose lean meat, such as steak. pay attention to the amount of meat (2-3 ounces are enough)

Misconception 14, Fat-rich dairy products are harmful for health
The truth: Low-fat or skimmed, yogurt, and cheese are rich in nutrients as those in whole milk, but contain less fat and calories. They are rich in protein and calcium, as well as vitamin D, which’re beneficial for muscle and bone health.

Tips: Those with 9-18 years of age and people over the age of 50 should take three servings of dairy products everyday, and people of 19-49 years of age need to drink two servings of dairy products a day (a glass of milk or yogurt, 1.5 ounces of natural cheese, or 2 ounces of processed cheese)

If you have lactose intolerance syndrome, you can choose the low-lactose products or other foods equally rich in calcium and vitamin D, for example, enhanced fruit juices, soy milk beverages, or tofu.

Five vegetable juices that promote healthy weight loss

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Filed Under: Weight loss tips

Tags: Summer weight loss • Weight loss beverage • Weight loss tips

Carrot juice

Drinking a certain amount of fresh carrot juice every day can improve the status of the whole body organism. Carrot juice can increase the body’s appetite and improve the immunity to infection. Milk secreted by breast-feeding mothers who drink carrot juice has better quality and more quantity than that from those who do not drink. People suffering from ulcer disease can significantly reduce the disease symptoms by drinking carrot juice. Carrot juice is also effective in mitigation conjunctivitis and maintenance of the entire visual system.

Celery juice

Celery has a pleasant odor and can enhance people’s appetite. In the hot and dry day, drink a cup of celery juice after getting up will make you feel refreshed. It is also beneficial for health to drink celery juice between meals. Celery juice can be used as a diuretic, a cathartic, as well as methoserpidine. The celery roots and leaves are rich in vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C and vitamin P, celery juice is especially suitable for people lack of these vitamins.

Chinese cabbage juice

Chinese cabbage, also known as celery cabbage, is useful in the recovery of hematopoietic function, preventing of vascular sclerosis and deposition of serum cholesterol. Vitamin A in Chinese cabbage juice can promote child growth and prevent childhood nyctalopia (night blindness). Lack of vitamin A affect the body’s growth and resistance to disease and can cause night blindness. In addition to prevention and treatment of amblyopia, selenium in the juice helps improve the bactericidal power of leukocytes and prevent the body from heavy metal poisoning. During the time the gum infection induces periodontal disease, drinking mixed cabbage and carrot juice can help clean the mouth as well as supplement a large amount of vitamin C contained in the juice.

Tomato juice

Medical experts believe that 2 to 3 tomatoes a day meets the body’s daily vitamin C need. Several glasses of tomato juice can supply half the amount of vitamin A needed during night. Tomato contains a lot of citric acid and malic acid which enhance the body’s metabolism, promote the production of gastric juice, and strengthen the digestive capability of greasy food. Vitamin P in tomato protects blood vessels, prevent and treat hypertension, and can improve the heart’s work. In addition, long term drinking of tomato juice can improve skin health. Tomato juice, in combination with apple juice, pumpkin juice and lemon juice, can also play a role in obesity treatment.

Cucumber juice

Doctors believe cucumber juice has the best diuretic effect among its other health benefits. Cucumber juice may play an important role in maintaining strong heart and blood vessels, regulating blood pressure, preventing excessive tension and cardiac atherosclerosis. Cucumber juice can also make the nervous system sedative and strong and enhance memory. Cucumber juice contains many nutrients for hair and nails, and helps to prevent hair loss and nail splitting. Cucumber juice contains less fat and sugar, which is ideal for weight loss.

What it takes to commit to be fit

The word “commitment” often has a negative connotation to it. When some people hear the word, they envision strait jackets and sanitariums. Others picture a ball and chain imprisoning their ankles. What makes people want to run away when they hear the word “commitment?”

Honestly, I don’t know. But I can offer a good guess.

Commitment requires long-term effort. Because it’s easier to take shortcuts and bypasses rather than put in effort over a long period of time, I think it’s just part of human nature to dread the idea of making a commitment.

But the idea of making a commitment and actually making a commitment are two different things.

The idea of making a commitment brings up those negative images mentioned earlier.

Making a commitment is usually something positive.

Making a commitment to being fit is probably one of the most positive things you can possibly do for yourself and for your loved ones.

As I said, commitment requires long-term effort. When you hear about pills or machines that promote quick weight loss, instant energy or strength, or some other speedy remedy to health concerns, you can be fairly certain that those products should not be part of your commitment to fitness. Sure, these items might work for a while, but what about in the long run?

Truth be told, what works when you make a commitment to be fit is you. You must be physically, emotionally, and mentally prepared. You must visit with your doctor and/or nutritionist. You might meet with your personal trainer. You need to learn what food your body requires. You need to learn how to exercise your muscles properly. As you learn, you must apply what you learn. All of this takes work. And time.

If you are not willing to work, if you would rather let something or someone else work for you, or if you don’t make the time to do the necessary work, then you don’t have the commitment required to become more fit.

If you are willing to work at it and make the time to do the work, then you are on your way to a healthier life.
When you are committed to be fit, you take control of the state of your health. Others may assist you, such as your doctor, dietitian, or personal trainer, but because YOU are the one making the time and expending the effort, YOU are the one who will reap the benefits. And there are many. To name just a few:

* sleep better
* say good-bye to lengthy depressions and/or persistent aches and pains
* age with the ability to keep doing things you’ve always done
* play with and care for your kids, grandkids, or great grandkids
* enjoy the outdoors
* feel vital and energetic naturally
* bring a healthy life into this world
* enjoy activities you used to enjoy

The list goes on. You know what your individual reasons are for wanting to be in better condition. The first step to living them is to make your commitment NOW.

Yes, it takes effort. Yes, it takes time. And YES, YOU CAN DO IT!!!

What to look for in a gym for you weight control plan

Gymnasiums always remind me of fancy gadgets and gizmos, of perfectly-sculpted bodies and health freaks wanting to trim and tone every part of their body. My romance with the gym began some 10 years ago, when it was considered fashionable to go to the gym, especially at that time many of my friends were mad at a slim figure. Armed with a friend (for moral support) and oozing with loads of confidence, we walked in our best track pants to the neighborhood gym. Believe it or not, but we were the first members of the fairer sex to enroll and even got a 20 per cent discount because of that. So far so good. But the experience that followed could hardly be described as pleasant. The interiors were dingy and smelly, the equipment looked old and neglected, there was no instructor to guide us and there were men of all shapes and sizes - apparently working out - to cacophonic music. Needless to say, we ran as fast as we could. After this disastrous maiden experience, it took nearly a decade before I could summon the courage to enter another gymnasium.

And this one took my breath away. Swanky, huge interiors, trained instructors and last but not the least, state-of-the-art machines. Treadmills, rowers, steppers, cycles, weights - you name it and it was there.

As people get more and more health-conscious today, the numbers who frequent gyms has grown by leaps and bounds. Fitness centres have sprung up in almost every nook and corner. You’ll be surprised if you don’t find a gym in your locality. But for all you fitness fanatics, who love to sweat it out, do you know what to look out for in a gym? Is your decision based on peer pressure, or on the look-and-feel of the place or is it simply a matter of convenience? Whatever gym you choose to go, make sure that your decision is based on pure hard facts and more importantly, helps you in achieving your goals - especially when most gyms charge quite a packet today.

Typically, here’s what you should look out for:

The physical environment: The gym you choose should be airy, ventilated and have ample space. What’s more, it should be neat and clean, with toilet and drinking water facilities. These may seem trivial now, but after you’ve done 20 minutes on the treadmill, and are huffing and puffing, there is nothing more frustrating than not getting a drink of water. In addition, make sure that the machines are evenly spaced out or else you’ll be stepping on your neighbor’s toes, literally. Having an adequate number of mirrors is also necessary as you can do a self-check on your posture, besides which looking at your reflection gives you that much-needed motivation to carry on.

The trainer: No gym is complete without a trainer, and that too a certified one. Ideally, he should have certification from the American Council of Exercise (ACE). Your trainer is like your guru who initiates you into the gym, informs you about the various guidelines, helps you choose which machine will suit you best and monitors your progress. What’s important is that your trainer is physically present when you visit the gym and is available for any query that you may have. He should also be able to customize a fitness and nutritional programme for you, if you so desire. Training centres with half-baked instructors should be strictly avoided.

The PAR Q or the Personal Activity Readiness Questionnaire: It is mandatory that before you join a gym, your trainer makes you fill the PAR Q to determine whether you are medically fit to take on the rigours of exercising. If you have a history of heart-related problems, or suffer from diabetes, arthritis, asthma etc, you need to consult your doctor before you start on any programme. In fact, it is strongly recommended that you get the green signal from your doctor before enrolling.

The Equipment: Don’t get fooled by the hi-fi machines and sophisticated gadgets. Make sure that your gym is geared for fitness. In other words, the machines should provide you with real benefits and not be there for aesthetic beauty. A good gym should have the following machines: for cardiovascular fitness there should be treadmills (motorized or the flat belt ones), cycles, steppers, a rowing or skiing machine. To exercise your muscles, you need a leg press, leg extension and leg curls for the lower body, pec dec, chest press and an overhead press for the upper body and free weights such as dumb bells and bar bells. Besides, the machines should be well-oiled and in adequate number so that there is no time lost in waiting. Music plays an important role in exercising, but it should be soothing and relaxing. Loud music is bound to distract you from your exercise. Remember, if you are using a walkman or a personal stereo, tone down the volume. Your neighbor may not share your taste in music. I tend to look for clean, well-maintained gyms, which have a similar profile of people who have common goals. I hate gyms which have very loud music.

Quick weight loss tips

Being overweight not only causes a lot of weight-related health problems but also diminishes self confidence. Many people are unhappy with their current weight and are on the look for finding a quickest way to lose weight. One has to ascertain if you are at healthy weight or not. If you need to lose weight, you need to consult a doctor or dietitian before looking for a quickest way to lose weight.

Your body weight is dependent on the number of calories you consume and the number of calories burn each day. To lose weight you have to eat lesser calories than what your body needs or burn more calories than you consume. Here are some tips for finding a quickest way to lose weight.

1. Eat smaller 5-6 meals instead of large 3 meals a day. Never skip meals as it slows down the metabolism and burns lesser calories.
2. Include leafy green vegetables and fruits into your daily diet. They are not only rich sources of fiber and water but also make you feel full.
3. Adequate rest and sleep helps to balance the leptin levels in the body and helps in weight loss.
4. Proper diet though effective for weight loss needs to be supplemented with adequate exercise. Moderate exercises for 30 minutes everyday is essential for faster weight loss. Exercises not only help build muscles but also increase the metabolism rate that aids in burning calories.
5. Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated; it has zero calories and gives you a ‘full’ feeling.
6. Try to remain active through out your day. Use stairs instead of the elevator, or bike instead of driving.
7. Stay away from fast foods, high carbohydrate foods, sodas, fried foods and junk food.
8. Do not try fad diets as there is every possibility that you will gain back all the weight lost through these diets.
9. Control and measure the portions and the type of food you consume. Never overeat or eat when you are full.
10. To lose weight one has to be consistent and disciplined to stick to your plan of action and not give up on your goal.

The quickest way to lose weight is to set a realistic target for weight loss and go in for a lifestyle adjustment. By changing your diet, drinking plenty of water and doing resistance exercise you can lose weight without too much effort. This is a more healthy, ideal and quickest way to lose weight.

Weight loss motivation is everything!

When it comes to weight loss, one reputed program is often as good another. Stick to it, and you are likely to get results. But very few people actually lose weight for life using these programs, because at some point or the other, they give up. Sustained weight-loss motivation is what you need, not only to lose weight, but to keep it off.

There are two fundamental aspects of weight-loss motivation: 1) weight-loss is not just a program, it is a change in lifestyle and attitude, for life; 2) motivation, whether for weight loss or anything else, is naturally phasal, and needs to be boosted from time to time.
Weight loss is a change in lifestyle and attitude, for life

The long-term way to slim down and keep your weight down is to stay motivated. You have to continue with a healthy diet and exercise. To do this, you need to ask yourself:

Why am I losing weight?
An important way to sustain weight-loss motivation is to figure out why you want to lose weight in the first place, and then keep reminding yourself of that reason. Do you want to look better? Has your doctor asked you to lose a few pounds for health reasons?

* Figure out the reason, then keep a record of your body and your state of mind: before, during, and after the weight loss. This can be through pictures, measurements of weight and girth, or a diary of your feelings.
* Each time you reach for unhealthy food or skip exercise, revisit these records. You will realize that your pictures and state of mind after weight loss are much better. You will find the motivation you need to go on.

Why am I dieting?
Of course, the obvious answer is so you don’t put on weight. But the right answer is because you want to be healthy.

* Dieting does not mean deprivation. Yes, you have to forgo your favorite food fixes, but you need to understand that there are healthy food alternatives that you can enjoy equally well, without the risk of disease or discomfort. Just find what works for you.
* Equally important, figure out whether you are an emotional eater: if anger, stress, or lack of control on your life makes you eat more. If yes, you need to find different ways to channel your emotions. Then, sustaining your motivation to diet won’t be a problem, because your emotional turmoil won’t lead you to seek comfort food.

Once you have done all of this, you will create a lifestyle change in terms of food habits that would keep you motivated.

Why am I exercising?
Exercising is not punishment. You will lose motivation the minute you treat it as such. Your reason for exercising is not only to lose a certain number of pounds. Exercising gives you energy and stamina, removes harmful substances from your body, even adds to your brain power. If you constantly remind yourself of these gains while exercising for weight loss, your motivation will never fail.
Weight loss motivation has its phases

Remember that motivation is not a constant thing in any individual. It is usually at its peak when you start a program, hits a plateau, and then peters out if it does not receive a boost from time to time.

1. When you start on a weight-loss regimen, you must keep up your morale, and avoid boredom.
2. If your workout seems monotonous, listen to your favorite music or TV program while you exercise. Vary your workout timings, venues, and activities.
3. Make a good friend your gym buddy, so you can spur each other on.
4. If possible, hire a trainer, whose very job is to keep you motivated on your diet and exercise.
5. Train for a special event like a marathon, instead of just working for weight-loss.
6. Make a public vow of weight-loss, so you have to keep your word.

In conclusion, weight loss motivation is easy if:

* You never let yourself forget the reasons why you want to achieve weight-loss.
* You remember the additional health and psychological benefits of diet and exercise.
* You accept that human motivation naturally wavers, and needs to be frequently reinforced.

Tips on losing weight the natural way

So, you have decided to take on another weight loss program, yet you are unsure of whether it works or how much unwanted fat it will take off. Chances are you have already tried various programs before, but you had quit because you were not seeing any results. Here are 10 tips that can be taken with your new weight loss program or made into a program of your own. Losing weight has numerous benefits in the long run, and the best time to start is now.

1. Refresh and replenish with water. An open secret among those who have lost weight is to cut their soda intake and drink more water. We have already been told that at least eight glasses of water per day is needed to say hydrated, and there is a reason behind this. Water encourages building muscle mass and it improves circulation, thus improving the efficiency of your body’s waste elimination.

2. More meals. The breakfast-lunch-dinner plan will not do for people who want to lose weight. In general, large meals cannot be metabolized rapidly by the body, thus they accumulate and become excess poundage. Six small meals per day is the way to go, according to many experts and nutritionists.

3. Weight training. Regular routines that only include cardiovascular exercises or aerobics are slower in terms of burning fat. Weight training, on the other hand, will strengthen and tone your muscles. Muscles burn more calories, so you may appear to weigh heavier but your body is much slimmer.

4. About protein. Foods that are rich in protein improve the metabolism and promote efficiency in fat-burning. A protein-laden diet can also rebuild muscle at the same time maintaining its leanness. Choose lean meats that have no excess fat deposits so that there will be no extra calories consumed.

5. About calories. Many weight loss programs advocate drastically cutting your calorie intake. This may not be healthy for the body. Instead, adopt a step method in which you consume progressively less calories for each day.

6. Rewards. Losing weight is by no means an easy thing, and you need motivation to keep going. Indulge once in a while in your favorite treat so that you won’t feel so deprived. But make sure to exercise discipline in consuming these foods; you don’t want all your efforts to go to waste.

7. Marathon work-outs are a no-no. Many people make the mistake of engaging in one long work-out session as an attempt to burn fat quickly. Instead, it is better to break off your routine into smaller chunks that last the whole day. For example, go brisk walking in the morning, a regular exercise routine during lunch, and go jogging before or after dinner so as to ensure that your metabolism will be maintained throughout the day.

8. Variety is the key. Try not to indulge in a single exercise routine every time you have a work-out. The body will quickly adapt to your routine, and before you know it, you have hit a plateau. Mixing up exercises will prevent this kind of complacency in the body. You can vary your cardiovascular exercises or what sorts of resistance training moves you engage in.

9. No alcohol. Alcohol contains substances that are rich in carbohydrates and sugars. These will quickly accumulate in the body, preventing it from making use of the necessary nutrients that should keep the body going. In addition, alcohol inhibits fat-burning.

10. The glycemic Index. Foods that rank low in the glycemic index can make you feel fuller longer. Thus, you don’t have to eat as much. You can still get the nutrients you need, especially because low-glycemic index foods are usually the healthiest ones such as meats, dairy, vegetables, fruits, and some grains.

Easy weight loss for teens

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 14% of the teenagers in the United States are obese. Teens who want to lose weight fast have to understand the need for a proper diet and exercise routine. Weight loss should be healthy and not for being popular or good looking.

Teenagers want to lose weight fast but they should remember that their body is growing and too stringent diet could hamper their development. Targets set to be achieved should be realistic and healthy. The main objective should be to reach ideal weight levels and achieve a healthy lifestyle. Support and love of the family is very important.

1. Consult a body mass index chart and find out if you are really overweight.
2. Eat nutritious foods that are low in calories such as lean meats, steamed vegetables, whole wheat grains and fresh fruit. Avoid junk food, fried food, sodas and sugary desserts.
3. Increase the intake of protein and consume fewer carbohydrates.
4. Make sure you get enough exercise. It not only helps to build muscles but helps to burn calories.
5. Do not overeat or eat when you are not hungry. Also avoid late night eating.
6. Got to bed hungry. It increases your morning apatite and a big breakfast in the morning helps your weight loss efforts.
7. Have plenty of water and low calorie fluids. Avoid soda as it contains empty calories and loads of sugar that does not help weight loss.
8. Try and keep yourself mentally active and busy. Instead of eating opt for some extracurricular activities, after school programs or volunteer opportunities. Weight loss is fast when we are preoccupied by something meaningful.
9. Be realistic in your weight loss approach. Consult a doctor or dietitian before beginning a diet plan. Once the plan is made stick to it. Do not succumb to peer pressure.
10. Never try any fad diets. They are not only unhealthy but could lead eating disorders such as anorexia.
11. Maintain a daily log of the calories consumed and expended. This helps you track your progress.
12. It is alright to give in to temptation once in a while. Do not feel guilty about it. All you need to do is to recommit to your diet plan and exercise routine.

Teenagers who want to lose weight should be determined and strong willed, as weight loss required serious commitment. They should have a positive attitude and look for weight loss methods as a serious lifestyle adjustment for better health.