Given our mammary-crazed popular culture, some might argue that big breasts are a blessing, but for many women, they are a literal pain. Most very large breasted women suffer more than lewd glances, suggestive comments and trouble finding bras. Common symptoms include back pain, headaches and grooves in the shoulders from bra straps. In 2005, according to American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 291,000 women underwent surgery to increase the size of their breasts, despite the risks and expense. Breast augmentation is far more common, but the incidence of breast reduction surgery has increased by 187% since 1992.
Technically known as reduction mammaplasty, the procedure usually takes two to four hours under general anesthesia, and does not typically require an overnight hospital stay. The incision is usually anchor-shaped, circling the areola, extending downward, and following the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. The new breast contour is shaped by bringing skin down from both sides around the areola. The incision is stitched closed, and scars are often permanent. As with any surgery, there are risks from general anesthesia, bleeding and infection. Rarely, the surgeon has trouble getting the breasts the same size, and a followup procedure must be done to correct the asymmetry. Other risks include a possible inability to breastfeed and a loss or decrease in nipple sensitivity.
Studies show that most women are pleased with the results of breast reduction surgery. Even though there are clear medical benefits to the procedure, it can be difficult to get insurance companies to cover it. Many women end up paying out of pocket, usually around $7000 by the time surgeon, clinic and followup fees are included. This fact alone indicates that where breasts are concerned, sometimes less is more
Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts
The advantages of breast implants versus topical creams for enlargement
Labels:
Fitness,
Health,
Skin and Body
You want bigger breasts, but they simply aren't in your genes. You know that breast enlargement is possible with implants and surgery, but is that the route you want to go? What about all the creams and lotions on the market that claim to lift, tighten and add volume to your breasts without surgery? Here's what you need to know about your options to help you decide.
What it really all comes down to is what kind of results you are looking for. If you want a definite change, surgery is your only option. The topical and oral products may give you a slight improvement that you can see, but they certainly won't have a dramatic effect.
The premise behind breast enlargement creams is that their ingredients are absorbed into the skin and firm the breasts. Some products contain different herbs and plant extracts that claim to stimulate collagen production which is responsible for volume and elasticity. These plants and herbs contain substances called phytoestrogens that act like the human hormone estrogen. The effect is similar to how your breasts tend to swell during that time of the month when your estrogen levels are at their highest.
Another non-surgical option is hyaluronic acid injections. Just like facial fillers, this breast enlargement procedure involves injecting the gel-like substance directly into the area. The problem with this is that it is temporary. The hyaluronic acid eventually reabsorbs into the body. Though this is safe because hyaluronic acid is a natural-occurring substance in the body, it means that you will have to have maintenance procedures.
You could spend a lot of money finding a product that works to your satisfaction, but for a permanent solution, surgery is your only option. Another benefit of implants is that you get to choose exactly what size you want and the results are immediate. With other products, you may have to use them for months before you even see a tiny difference.
Creams may give you tighter, firmer skin and breasts, but they won't really make them larger. The only way to achieve a bustier look is through surgery. You just have to decide exactly what kind of results you want.
Before putting anything in or on your body, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Even topical creams can cause a reaction with other medications. If you decide you want a real change, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your breast enlargement procedure. She has the experience and training to safely increase your bust in a natural and aesthetically-pleasing way.
What it really all comes down to is what kind of results you are looking for. If you want a definite change, surgery is your only option. The topical and oral products may give you a slight improvement that you can see, but they certainly won't have a dramatic effect.
The premise behind breast enlargement creams is that their ingredients are absorbed into the skin and firm the breasts. Some products contain different herbs and plant extracts that claim to stimulate collagen production which is responsible for volume and elasticity. These plants and herbs contain substances called phytoestrogens that act like the human hormone estrogen. The effect is similar to how your breasts tend to swell during that time of the month when your estrogen levels are at their highest.
Another non-surgical option is hyaluronic acid injections. Just like facial fillers, this breast enlargement procedure involves injecting the gel-like substance directly into the area. The problem with this is that it is temporary. The hyaluronic acid eventually reabsorbs into the body. Though this is safe because hyaluronic acid is a natural-occurring substance in the body, it means that you will have to have maintenance procedures.
You could spend a lot of money finding a product that works to your satisfaction, but for a permanent solution, surgery is your only option. Another benefit of implants is that you get to choose exactly what size you want and the results are immediate. With other products, you may have to use them for months before you even see a tiny difference.
Creams may give you tighter, firmer skin and breasts, but they won't really make them larger. The only way to achieve a bustier look is through surgery. You just have to decide exactly what kind of results you want.
Before putting anything in or on your body, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Even topical creams can cause a reaction with other medications. If you decide you want a real change, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your breast enlargement procedure. She has the experience and training to safely increase your bust in a natural and aesthetically-pleasing way.
Foods that are high in calories
In our modern society wit all its conveniences it can be difficult to avoid high calorie foods. Many processed style foods are high calorie traps that many people don’t know about. This list will help you locate high calorie foods and eliminate them from your diet.
Packaged Food
Many foods that come in a package bring with them high calories. This occurs because of all the processing that must go into the food to make it palatable and to preserve its shelf life. Many of these foods contain high levels of sugar which further increase the calorie content. Pre made frozen meals, pizzas, breaded meats, and other quick to prepare meals are often loaded with extra calories that wouldn’t be present if you made the meal yourself with fresh ingredients. Be sure to read the label on any packaged food you buy and pay attention to the serving size which is a good indicator of just how many calories you are getting with the food. Try to look for packaged food that has minimal ingredients in the list which will make the food healthier to consume. Try to eat as few packaged foods as possible and concentrate more on fresh vegetables and fruit which are lower in calories and better for you.
Condiments
Another potential high calorie hazard can be found in the condiment isle. While these foods might seem low calorie we often use too much in the food we are preparing and the calorie content can rise significantly if you aren’t careful. One culprit is salad dressing which is loaded with excessive calories. Most people don’t use a few tablespoons of dressing they drench an otherwise healthy salads with dressing and increase the calorie content of their salad to that of a fast food meal. Dressing should always be a low-calorie version or better yet make your own to reduce the calorie content. Dress your salad with a small amount of dressing and mix it well. Instead of high sugar high calorie condiments try to favor your food with more fresh herbs and spices to reduce your calorie consumption.
Beverages
Most people assume it is food that is high in calories but in many cases beverages are equally to blame for your expanding waistline. Sodas, special coffees, fruit juice, energy drinks, alcohol and other beverages are loaded with excessive calories due to the sugar and other additives in the drinks. These beverages can really add a significant amount of calories to your daily totals. You should keep your consumption of these beverages to a minimum and drink more plain water to reduce your calorie intake.
Restaurant Meals
We all know that fast food like a burger is high in calories but many other meals from restaurants are also high in calories. Food that is covered in gravies, other sauces, or fried should be avoided. Many restaurants also serve extremely large portion sizes which can provided a significant portion of your overall calorie consumption for the entire day. If you must eat out consider getting a smaller portion size or sharing it with another person. Look for entrees that have vegetables as a significant portion of the meal and order the smallest portion of meat. Ask for food without sauce if it is available. You can still enjoy a meal out but just be aware that you will be consuming more calories than you would normally do if you ate the same type of food at home.
You can avoid high calorie food by eating more fresh fruit and vegetables. Reduce your consumption of commercially packaged food and go easy on the condiments. Switch to plain water to reduce the calories you consume from beverages and be wary of high calorie food that you eat in a restaurant.
Packaged Food
Many foods that come in a package bring with them high calories. This occurs because of all the processing that must go into the food to make it palatable and to preserve its shelf life. Many of these foods contain high levels of sugar which further increase the calorie content. Pre made frozen meals, pizzas, breaded meats, and other quick to prepare meals are often loaded with extra calories that wouldn’t be present if you made the meal yourself with fresh ingredients. Be sure to read the label on any packaged food you buy and pay attention to the serving size which is a good indicator of just how many calories you are getting with the food. Try to look for packaged food that has minimal ingredients in the list which will make the food healthier to consume. Try to eat as few packaged foods as possible and concentrate more on fresh vegetables and fruit which are lower in calories and better for you.
Condiments
Another potential high calorie hazard can be found in the condiment isle. While these foods might seem low calorie we often use too much in the food we are preparing and the calorie content can rise significantly if you aren’t careful. One culprit is salad dressing which is loaded with excessive calories. Most people don’t use a few tablespoons of dressing they drench an otherwise healthy salads with dressing and increase the calorie content of their salad to that of a fast food meal. Dressing should always be a low-calorie version or better yet make your own to reduce the calorie content. Dress your salad with a small amount of dressing and mix it well. Instead of high sugar high calorie condiments try to favor your food with more fresh herbs and spices to reduce your calorie consumption.
Beverages
Most people assume it is food that is high in calories but in many cases beverages are equally to blame for your expanding waistline. Sodas, special coffees, fruit juice, energy drinks, alcohol and other beverages are loaded with excessive calories due to the sugar and other additives in the drinks. These beverages can really add a significant amount of calories to your daily totals. You should keep your consumption of these beverages to a minimum and drink more plain water to reduce your calorie intake.
Restaurant Meals
We all know that fast food like a burger is high in calories but many other meals from restaurants are also high in calories. Food that is covered in gravies, other sauces, or fried should be avoided. Many restaurants also serve extremely large portion sizes which can provided a significant portion of your overall calorie consumption for the entire day. If you must eat out consider getting a smaller portion size or sharing it with another person. Look for entrees that have vegetables as a significant portion of the meal and order the smallest portion of meat. Ask for food without sauce if it is available. You can still enjoy a meal out but just be aware that you will be consuming more calories than you would normally do if you ate the same type of food at home.
You can avoid high calorie food by eating more fresh fruit and vegetables. Reduce your consumption of commercially packaged food and go easy on the condiments. Switch to plain water to reduce the calories you consume from beverages and be wary of high calorie food that you eat in a restaurant.
Why people struggle to stick to a diet
Labels:
Fitness,
Health,
Weight Loss
There is more to dieting than losing weight. Successful dieting is losing weight and keeping it off. The only way to keep the weight off is to not go back to our old way of eating. This is where the struggle comes in. Change is hard – even good change.
Serial Dieters
Most people diet until they lose a desired amount of weight and then go back to eating the way they always have. Then they gain the weight back, and then they diet and lose it again, and then they regain it, and so on. Most dieters are yo-yo dieters. Eat, diet, eat, diet, eat.
Change
Dieting involves a complete change in the way you eat. If you want to lose weight and stay slim forever, you can’t eat super-sized portions of butter-dripping, carbohydrate stuffed, high-calorie food. The mathematics of dieting will not add up the way you want them to.
Diet Math 101:
It takes 3,500 calories less in your diet to lose a pound. If you want to lose a pound a week, eliminate 500 calories per day from your diet. If you do this for seven days in a row, you will end up being one pound lighter. The longer you do this, the more pounds you will lose. Do this and limit your fat grams to 30 or under, and you will see a gradual decrease in your weight. Simple? Yes.
If it sounds so simple, then why do most dieters give up long before they reach their weight-loss goal?
Let’s Go Back to the Concept of Change
While dieting, you have to change the way you look at food. Food is not for anxiety or heartbreak or for comfort after a bad day at work. Food is for energy. It takes a long time for this “energy” concept to sink in. Don’t worry, though. It’s not your fault.
My grandma (and probably everyone’s grandma) firmly believed that food could solve every problem – a failed job interview, a romantic break-up, a bad day at the office, losing money in the Stock Exchange. Food was the cure. “Here, Honey. Eat this and you’ll feel better, and be sure to have seconds.”
We were taught that food is therapeutic – which is actually true. It makes us feel better in the short-run. But when we’ve gained weight from eating so much, we feel crummy, so the first thing we have to do is find new ways of comforting ourselves. This, alone, is one of the hardest elements of dieting.
Here are a few “non-food” ways to comfort yourself:
Exercise – This causes the brain to release endorphins, the brain chemical responsible for our sense of wellbeing;
Take a leisurely walk – Walking is de-stressing and helps us to find perspective;
Play a musical instrument – Immersing yourself in making music is a calming activity;
Listen to your favorite fast song and dance along with the music. Again, endorphins are released;
Paint, crochet, do needlepoint, knit, draw, or engage in some other creative venture;
Do something for someone else – Altruism causes us to focus on someone other than ourselves;
Call a sympathetic friend and vent.
Losing weight is 90% in the mind and 10% in the stomach. Diet one day at a time, and you will see good results. Begin to change your attitude towards food, and find non-food ways to comfort yourself. Soon you will feel better, look slimmer, and become a whole new you!
Serial Dieters
Most people diet until they lose a desired amount of weight and then go back to eating the way they always have. Then they gain the weight back, and then they diet and lose it again, and then they regain it, and so on. Most dieters are yo-yo dieters. Eat, diet, eat, diet, eat.
Change
Dieting involves a complete change in the way you eat. If you want to lose weight and stay slim forever, you can’t eat super-sized portions of butter-dripping, carbohydrate stuffed, high-calorie food. The mathematics of dieting will not add up the way you want them to.
Diet Math 101:
It takes 3,500 calories less in your diet to lose a pound. If you want to lose a pound a week, eliminate 500 calories per day from your diet. If you do this for seven days in a row, you will end up being one pound lighter. The longer you do this, the more pounds you will lose. Do this and limit your fat grams to 30 or under, and you will see a gradual decrease in your weight. Simple? Yes.
If it sounds so simple, then why do most dieters give up long before they reach their weight-loss goal?
Let’s Go Back to the Concept of Change
While dieting, you have to change the way you look at food. Food is not for anxiety or heartbreak or for comfort after a bad day at work. Food is for energy. It takes a long time for this “energy” concept to sink in. Don’t worry, though. It’s not your fault.
My grandma (and probably everyone’s grandma) firmly believed that food could solve every problem – a failed job interview, a romantic break-up, a bad day at the office, losing money in the Stock Exchange. Food was the cure. “Here, Honey. Eat this and you’ll feel better, and be sure to have seconds.”
We were taught that food is therapeutic – which is actually true. It makes us feel better in the short-run. But when we’ve gained weight from eating so much, we feel crummy, so the first thing we have to do is find new ways of comforting ourselves. This, alone, is one of the hardest elements of dieting.
Here are a few “non-food” ways to comfort yourself:
Exercise – This causes the brain to release endorphins, the brain chemical responsible for our sense of wellbeing;
Take a leisurely walk – Walking is de-stressing and helps us to find perspective;
Play a musical instrument – Immersing yourself in making music is a calming activity;
Listen to your favorite fast song and dance along with the music. Again, endorphins are released;
Paint, crochet, do needlepoint, knit, draw, or engage in some other creative venture;
Do something for someone else – Altruism causes us to focus on someone other than ourselves;
Call a sympathetic friend and vent.
Losing weight is 90% in the mind and 10% in the stomach. Diet one day at a time, and you will see good results. Begin to change your attitude towards food, and find non-food ways to comfort yourself. Soon you will feel better, look slimmer, and become a whole new you!
Why weighing yourself can be stressful
Labels:
Fitness,
Health,
Weight Loss
Weighing yourself can be stressful, particularly if you have avoided stepping on the scales for a long time and have no idea how much you weigh or you are trying to lose weight and need some way of monitoring your progress. There are some people for whom stepping on the scales is no big deal, but if you’ve long had a weight problem then you’ve no doubt had to contend with humiliating occasions when you’ve been forced to weigh yourself, often as a child. It is these kinds of experiences which can leave you reluctant to be weighed and make you stressed out just thinking about it.
You don’t always need to step on the scales to know you’re overweight. Unless you’re only a couple of pounds overweight and it doesn’t show you usually have some idea when your weight is a problem. Indeed, you’re probably avoiding the scales precisely because you know that your weight is an issue, but aren’t yet in position to want to do something to change it. If you don’t know how much you weigh then you don’t have to face up to how serious a problem it is becoming and actually start to tackle it.
However, as soon as you go to the doctor with any health complaint the issue of your weight will no doubt be raised, and you may be ushered towards a set of scales, bringing back the horror of being weighed in front of your classmates or by your parents and being told that you need to lose a few pounds. If you feel stressed out it is hardly surprising as you simply assume that you are being judged negatively for being overweight and you don’t even want to look down at the numbers, although curiosity often gets the better of you.
Once you’ve seen how much you weigh, though, you can’t erase the figures from your mind and so you feel obliged to go on a diet. You then have to deal with stepping on the scales each week at home or at your slimming club in order to see if any of the changes you’ve made to your diet have actually had an effect on your weight. If you’ve lost a few pounds you’re probably ecstatic and all the hard work seems worth it, but if you haven’t lost anything or even gained a pound or two you feel that it is all a waste of time and that you may as well give up.
Since weighing yourself can be extremely stressful it is hardly surprising that so many people choose to avoid the scales altogether
You don’t always need to step on the scales to know you’re overweight. Unless you’re only a couple of pounds overweight and it doesn’t show you usually have some idea when your weight is a problem. Indeed, you’re probably avoiding the scales precisely because you know that your weight is an issue, but aren’t yet in position to want to do something to change it. If you don’t know how much you weigh then you don’t have to face up to how serious a problem it is becoming and actually start to tackle it.
However, as soon as you go to the doctor with any health complaint the issue of your weight will no doubt be raised, and you may be ushered towards a set of scales, bringing back the horror of being weighed in front of your classmates or by your parents and being told that you need to lose a few pounds. If you feel stressed out it is hardly surprising as you simply assume that you are being judged negatively for being overweight and you don’t even want to look down at the numbers, although curiosity often gets the better of you.
Once you’ve seen how much you weigh, though, you can’t erase the figures from your mind and so you feel obliged to go on a diet. You then have to deal with stepping on the scales each week at home or at your slimming club in order to see if any of the changes you’ve made to your diet have actually had an effect on your weight. If you’ve lost a few pounds you’re probably ecstatic and all the hard work seems worth it, but if you haven’t lost anything or even gained a pound or two you feel that it is all a waste of time and that you may as well give up.
Since weighing yourself can be extremely stressful it is hardly surprising that so many people choose to avoid the scales altogether
Lifestyle changes needed for weight loss
Labels:
Fitness,
Health,
Weight Loss
There are literally hundreds of diet plans, programs, groups, pills and organizations that all promise significant weight loss. They use celebrities or spokespeople to advertise their products, all in the hope of luring desperate and unsuspecting people to whatever it is that they have to offer. The reality is that permanent and long lasting weight loss will not come from a pill or a fancy diet or diet program, or from some special food that you get delivered to your house however often. Permanent and lasting weight loss and maintenance comes from changing the way you live and learning to develop new habits and patterns of thinking.
Permanent weight loss that leads to the improvement or eradication of health problems is something that must involve an overall lifestyle change. Rather than thinking of a "diet" as a way to lose weight, a wiser approach would be one in which the lifestyle change is seen as a way to live a healthier life. Here is a look at some of the things that will need to change in order to lose weight and keep it off.
*The importance of what you eat -
In the past, people believed that diets could be successful by nothing more than counting calories. We now realize that the types of food one eats are also important. Complex carbohydrates are full of vitamins and minerals, but they are also excellent sources of fiber. Complex carbohydrates consist of most vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes. Fiber gives the body the feeling of fullness that can be helpful in preventing overeating.
Getting adequate protein is also essential. Without adequate protein, our brains don't function properly and our bodies lack energy. We are unable to do the things we need to do to stay healthy and fit. Lean meats, skinless poultry and fish are ideal sources of protein, as are beans, cheese (in moderation,) eggs (egg whites are the real protein source in eggs,) and tofu and other soy based products.
*What you drink -
It's easy to grab a coffee or a soda to quench your thirst. A single can of regular soda has 150 calories and 10 tablespoons of sugar in it. What people don't realize is that the surge of energy you get from that soda will wear off quickly, leaving you hungry and cranky. If you're at work, you may head for the vending machine where the choices are most likely junk foods. If you're at home, there's no telling what you'll eat.
Plain coffee has no calories, and is fine in moderation. Soda has no nutritional value and amounts to nothing more than wasted
calories. Sugar free sodas are a bit better in the calorie department, but studies have found that people who drink large amounts of diet sodas tend to be heavier because the soda encourages them to eat more. Juice drinks are full of sugar and very little real ingredients so they amount to empty calories as well.
Tea is said to be a good source of antioxidants. If you can drink tea without adding sugar or sweetener, it can be a good choice when you want a change from plain old water. Sports drinks and flavored waters aren't calorie free and the diet ones are made with the very artificial sweeteners that are used in diet sodas. Unsweetened flavored waters can be a good choice if it encourages you to drink more water because water will fill you up and help encourage you to eat less.
*Exercise -
Exercise is an essential part of the lifestyle changes that are needed for weight loss. Regular exercise helps to stabilize the metabolism, is known to be helpful for preventing over eating, and the most obvious benefit of burning calories. It isn't possible to lose weight without reducing the amount of calories you consume or being sufficiently active that you can burn off calories that aren't needed for essential bodily functions. It is also known that exercise can improve the quality of sleep, and when people sleep well, they are more inclined to be physically active.
*Adequate sleep -
Researchers are determining that people who don't get adequate rest tend to have more health problems, be more overweight, less likely to heat a healthy diet or get proper exercise. It is thought that one of the reasons that this might be true is because people who are exhausted don't have the energy to exercise, so they lead a more sedentary lifestyle, and lack of activity is very likely to cause or contribute to weight gain.
The lifestyle changes that are necessary for weight loss may seem difficult to incorporate into daily life at first. As you get more used to paying attention to what it is that you eat, how much you eat, when you eat and what you drink, you'll develop habits that will make it possible for you to continue to eat in a healthy matter without so much thought. Simple things like doing the bulk of your grocery shopping in the outer or peripheral aisles as opposed to the center isles, not shopping when you're hungry, tired or bogged down with kids will help you make more sensible food purchases.
When you do your grocery shopping, make sure that you've planned meals ahead and made a list to include all of the ingredients you'll need to prepare those meals. Make an effort to confine your grocery shopping to one trip a week. Those additional trips inevitably result in additional purchases, and they usually aren't healthy or low calorie foods.
Changing a lifestyle of bad habits won't happen overnight, and it will require patience and perseverance. You must be committed to making the changes and to sticking with the program you've embarked on, but that commitment will make the process easier and as you see results, you'll be more inspired to continue doing what you've been doing to achieve those results.
Permanent weight loss that leads to the improvement or eradication of health problems is something that must involve an overall lifestyle change. Rather than thinking of a "diet" as a way to lose weight, a wiser approach would be one in which the lifestyle change is seen as a way to live a healthier life. Here is a look at some of the things that will need to change in order to lose weight and keep it off.
*The importance of what you eat -
In the past, people believed that diets could be successful by nothing more than counting calories. We now realize that the types of food one eats are also important. Complex carbohydrates are full of vitamins and minerals, but they are also excellent sources of fiber. Complex carbohydrates consist of most vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes. Fiber gives the body the feeling of fullness that can be helpful in preventing overeating.
Getting adequate protein is also essential. Without adequate protein, our brains don't function properly and our bodies lack energy. We are unable to do the things we need to do to stay healthy and fit. Lean meats, skinless poultry and fish are ideal sources of protein, as are beans, cheese (in moderation,) eggs (egg whites are the real protein source in eggs,) and tofu and other soy based products.
*What you drink -
It's easy to grab a coffee or a soda to quench your thirst. A single can of regular soda has 150 calories and 10 tablespoons of sugar in it. What people don't realize is that the surge of energy you get from that soda will wear off quickly, leaving you hungry and cranky. If you're at work, you may head for the vending machine where the choices are most likely junk foods. If you're at home, there's no telling what you'll eat.
Plain coffee has no calories, and is fine in moderation. Soda has no nutritional value and amounts to nothing more than wasted
calories. Sugar free sodas are a bit better in the calorie department, but studies have found that people who drink large amounts of diet sodas tend to be heavier because the soda encourages them to eat more. Juice drinks are full of sugar and very little real ingredients so they amount to empty calories as well.
Tea is said to be a good source of antioxidants. If you can drink tea without adding sugar or sweetener, it can be a good choice when you want a change from plain old water. Sports drinks and flavored waters aren't calorie free and the diet ones are made with the very artificial sweeteners that are used in diet sodas. Unsweetened flavored waters can be a good choice if it encourages you to drink more water because water will fill you up and help encourage you to eat less.
*Exercise -
Exercise is an essential part of the lifestyle changes that are needed for weight loss. Regular exercise helps to stabilize the metabolism, is known to be helpful for preventing over eating, and the most obvious benefit of burning calories. It isn't possible to lose weight without reducing the amount of calories you consume or being sufficiently active that you can burn off calories that aren't needed for essential bodily functions. It is also known that exercise can improve the quality of sleep, and when people sleep well, they are more inclined to be physically active.
*Adequate sleep -
Researchers are determining that people who don't get adequate rest tend to have more health problems, be more overweight, less likely to heat a healthy diet or get proper exercise. It is thought that one of the reasons that this might be true is because people who are exhausted don't have the energy to exercise, so they lead a more sedentary lifestyle, and lack of activity is very likely to cause or contribute to weight gain.
The lifestyle changes that are necessary for weight loss may seem difficult to incorporate into daily life at first. As you get more used to paying attention to what it is that you eat, how much you eat, when you eat and what you drink, you'll develop habits that will make it possible for you to continue to eat in a healthy matter without so much thought. Simple things like doing the bulk of your grocery shopping in the outer or peripheral aisles as opposed to the center isles, not shopping when you're hungry, tired or bogged down with kids will help you make more sensible food purchases.
When you do your grocery shopping, make sure that you've planned meals ahead and made a list to include all of the ingredients you'll need to prepare those meals. Make an effort to confine your grocery shopping to one trip a week. Those additional trips inevitably result in additional purchases, and they usually aren't healthy or low calorie foods.
Changing a lifestyle of bad habits won't happen overnight, and it will require patience and perseverance. You must be committed to making the changes and to sticking with the program you've embarked on, but that commitment will make the process easier and as you see results, you'll be more inspired to continue doing what you've been doing to achieve those results.
Why you are sometimes unable to control your weight
Labels:
Fitness,
Health,
Weight Loss
It is very easy for politicians to preach to us about how we are being overrun by an obesity epidemic and that society is doomed if we don’t do something to control our weight. However, it isn’t always that easy to control your weight. Few people actually enjoy being obese, yet derive great pleasure out of eating the food they love and watching television. It is this battle between wanting to be slim and wanting to get the most out of life which most people face. For many individuals, the thought of staying slim requires you to deprive yourself and exercise religiously, which seems like too much hassle.
Remaining slim doesn’t have to be all about deprivation and self-denial, although this surely must help! There are people in the Western world who remain slim but still treat themselves now and again to the foods they love. Most probably don’t spend all their time in the gym, either, though they may make an effort to stay physically active. However, if you’re used to doing things your own way, it can be hard to change. Even though you’re confronted with public health campaigns telling you that carrying too much weight is bad for you, this isn’t always enough to motivate you to lose weight.
Sometimes, you do have the determination to lose weight, but life seems to conspire against you. If you encounter tough times, losing your job or ending a relationship, your priorities may change. Suddenly, your weight is no longer your biggest worry, and it may even be food you turn to in your time of need. Although you’re feeling down, eating can cheer you up a bit and thus you keep eating until you’re satisfied. Ultimately, this won’t help you control your weight, as you’re likely to find yourself gaining weight rather than losing it.
There are other occasions when your lack of weight control can come about as the result of ill health or some medication you’re taking. No matter what steps you take, there are some illnesses and prescription medications which will lead to weight gain. The trouble is if you’re going to gain weight anyway, you may find yourself overindulging since you see no reason not to. This can obviously exacerbate the situation and leave you with more weight to lose in future.
The decision to lose weight is up to the individual, as no matter what you are told by health professionals and politicians, you are the one who has to put the effort in. Sometimes, you can feel helpless to control your weight, but you just need to remember that you don’t have to watch your weight going up and down, as long as you’re prepared to make a few adjustments to your diet and exercise regularly.
Remaining slim doesn’t have to be all about deprivation and self-denial, although this surely must help! There are people in the Western world who remain slim but still treat themselves now and again to the foods they love. Most probably don’t spend all their time in the gym, either, though they may make an effort to stay physically active. However, if you’re used to doing things your own way, it can be hard to change. Even though you’re confronted with public health campaigns telling you that carrying too much weight is bad for you, this isn’t always enough to motivate you to lose weight.
Sometimes, you do have the determination to lose weight, but life seems to conspire against you. If you encounter tough times, losing your job or ending a relationship, your priorities may change. Suddenly, your weight is no longer your biggest worry, and it may even be food you turn to in your time of need. Although you’re feeling down, eating can cheer you up a bit and thus you keep eating until you’re satisfied. Ultimately, this won’t help you control your weight, as you’re likely to find yourself gaining weight rather than losing it.
There are other occasions when your lack of weight control can come about as the result of ill health or some medication you’re taking. No matter what steps you take, there are some illnesses and prescription medications which will lead to weight gain. The trouble is if you’re going to gain weight anyway, you may find yourself overindulging since you see no reason not to. This can obviously exacerbate the situation and leave you with more weight to lose in future.
The decision to lose weight is up to the individual, as no matter what you are told by health professionals and politicians, you are the one who has to put the effort in. Sometimes, you can feel helpless to control your weight, but you just need to remember that you don’t have to watch your weight going up and down, as long as you’re prepared to make a few adjustments to your diet and exercise regularly.
Getting fit without spending money
Getting fit without spending money.
You don't have to spend a dime to become fit today. Belonging to a gym or fitness center is all well and good, but it is costly and it's not a requirement to getting fit. You will become just as fit with a program you devise yourself. Here are some ways to become fit without spending money:
1. Exercise before work or after work by going out for a walk. Walking is one of the best ways to increase overall fitness. With each step you take, you are doing a good thing for your body. Walking has also been found to be of great benefit to your mental fitness level as well. When done in the morning, walking helps you prepare mentally for the day ahead. When you incorporate a walk at the end of the day, it helps you clear your mind of the stress and debris of the day. You can also combine your walking exercise with a trip to the park and enjoy the nature in your area.
2. Jogging is another good way to increase fitness without spending money. Setting up a jogging routine is similar to what you would do for devising a walking routine with similar benefits.
3. Weight training is helpful to building stronger muscles. You don't need a fancy set of weights to devise a weight training program for yourself. First, search the Internet for diagrams of good weight training exercises. Make your own weights. For hand weights, for example, you could use canned vegetables or you could fill water bottles of various sizes with kitty litter or change depending on how heavy you want them to be. The point to keep in mind with weight training is to start off with a minimal amount of weight and only a few repetitions and work up from there.
4. You can work on your fitness through dancing. It takes a good deal of fitness to dance for any length of time. Put on some music at home and just begin to move. Increase the amount you do and your fitness by adding one song after another to your free-flowing exercise.
5. An exercise routine you devise yourself or one that you find on TV is another way to increase your fitness without spending money. Check your TV listings for shows that will provide you guidance and keep you moving. Or just make up your own routine and commit yourself to repeating it daily.
By increasing your fitness without spending money, you'll feel good on two levels about what you have accomplished. It's always a great thing when you can achieve something so beneficial and save money at the same time.
You don't have to spend a dime to become fit today. Belonging to a gym or fitness center is all well and good, but it is costly and it's not a requirement to getting fit. You will become just as fit with a program you devise yourself. Here are some ways to become fit without spending money:
1. Exercise before work or after work by going out for a walk. Walking is one of the best ways to increase overall fitness. With each step you take, you are doing a good thing for your body. Walking has also been found to be of great benefit to your mental fitness level as well. When done in the morning, walking helps you prepare mentally for the day ahead. When you incorporate a walk at the end of the day, it helps you clear your mind of the stress and debris of the day. You can also combine your walking exercise with a trip to the park and enjoy the nature in your area.
2. Jogging is another good way to increase fitness without spending money. Setting up a jogging routine is similar to what you would do for devising a walking routine with similar benefits.
3. Weight training is helpful to building stronger muscles. You don't need a fancy set of weights to devise a weight training program for yourself. First, search the Internet for diagrams of good weight training exercises. Make your own weights. For hand weights, for example, you could use canned vegetables or you could fill water bottles of various sizes with kitty litter or change depending on how heavy you want them to be. The point to keep in mind with weight training is to start off with a minimal amount of weight and only a few repetitions and work up from there.
4. You can work on your fitness through dancing. It takes a good deal of fitness to dance for any length of time. Put on some music at home and just begin to move. Increase the amount you do and your fitness by adding one song after another to your free-flowing exercise.
5. An exercise routine you devise yourself or one that you find on TV is another way to increase your fitness without spending money. Check your TV listings for shows that will provide you guidance and keep you moving. Or just make up your own routine and commit yourself to repeating it daily.
By increasing your fitness without spending money, you'll feel good on two levels about what you have accomplished. It's always a great thing when you can achieve something so beneficial and save money at the same time.
How to choose habits to help you stay young and healthy
Your body has an amazing capacity for repair and renewal. However, to begin the process of restoring your good health, it is imperative that you fully appreciate that your physical body and your mind, are two parts of one whole entity: You.
Only when your body and mind are working harmoniously together, can you achieve optimum health and well-being.
So, in order to reverse your biological age and therefore, grow younger, you must create both a healthier mind and body.
How do you achieve this? Eliminate toxins from your life by choosing regenerative life practices over those which lead to accelerated old age and degenerative disease.
The very moment you begin this life-affirming journey, your body will respond positively by repairing and renewing itself.
Step One: Change Your Perception about Aging
We are all conditioned to accept that we deteriorate physically and mentally as we age and that normally, the rate at which this happens is out of our control. After-all, DNA is everything isn't it? This is not always so.
According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, hereditary factors in physical and mental degeneration, accounts for less than 20% of illness and disease. That means a whopping 80% of illness is caused by outside influences such as lifestyle choices, and exposure to environmental toxins.
Isn't it liberating to know that the small everyday decisions you make regarding the foods you eat and your exercise and recreation preferences, essentially determines the rate at which you will age, and the effectiveness of your immune system in protecting you against illness and degenerative disease.
The instant you change your mindset about what it means to age, is like taking a quantum leap into another world brimming with possibilities. No longer do you have to feel like a slave to the "Fate God!"
Step Two: Breathe
As humans, the most fundamental requirement for physical life is oxygen. Deprived of it, even for only a few moments, we cease to exist.
The fact is by the time we are twelve years old, most of us cannot perform even this most elementary prerequisite for a healthy life properly!
Breathing to increase longevity entails filling our lungs with fresh, clean air and expelling all of that breath back into the atmosphere, releasing toxins from our bodies as we do so.
The many benefits of improving breathing technique include: increased energy levels, enhanced absorption of nutrients in food, accelerated healing, improved circulation, lowered
Only when your body and mind are working harmoniously together, can you achieve optimum health and well-being.
So, in order to reverse your biological age and therefore, grow younger, you must create both a healthier mind and body.
How do you achieve this? Eliminate toxins from your life by choosing regenerative life practices over those which lead to accelerated old age and degenerative disease.
The very moment you begin this life-affirming journey, your body will respond positively by repairing and renewing itself.
Step One: Change Your Perception about Aging
We are all conditioned to accept that we deteriorate physically and mentally as we age and that normally, the rate at which this happens is out of our control. After-all, DNA is everything isn't it? This is not always so.
According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, hereditary factors in physical and mental degeneration, accounts for less than 20% of illness and disease. That means a whopping 80% of illness is caused by outside influences such as lifestyle choices, and exposure to environmental toxins.
Isn't it liberating to know that the small everyday decisions you make regarding the foods you eat and your exercise and recreation preferences, essentially determines the rate at which you will age, and the effectiveness of your immune system in protecting you against illness and degenerative disease.
The instant you change your mindset about what it means to age, is like taking a quantum leap into another world brimming with possibilities. No longer do you have to feel like a slave to the "Fate God!"
Step Two: Breathe
As humans, the most fundamental requirement for physical life is oxygen. Deprived of it, even for only a few moments, we cease to exist.
The fact is by the time we are twelve years old, most of us cannot perform even this most elementary prerequisite for a healthy life properly!
Breathing to increase longevity entails filling our lungs with fresh, clean air and expelling all of that breath back into the atmosphere, releasing toxins from our bodies as we do so.
The many benefits of improving breathing technique include: increased energy levels, enhanced absorption of nutrients in food, accelerated healing, improved circulation, lowered
Tips for getting your child to eat healthy
With all the candy and sugary cereals advertised every day, it may be hard to incorporate healthy foods into your child's diet without a fight. It's actually much easier than parents think. The trick is making healthy foods seem just as wonderful as their favorite candy or dessert.
First, make certain your child does not over-indulge in fatty foods. The more parents allow fatty foods, the less likely a child is to want healthier foods. The next step is to eat as healthy as you wish your child to eat. Believe it or not, kids look up to their parents. By setting a good example, even with your food, parents can show children what they need to eat.
The main thing is to get your children used to trying things. Let's face it green peas do not look as appetizing as an ice cream sundae. However, they taste pretty good. Offer them a reward for trying new foods. They do not have to clean their plate, but just try it. Trying a food is half the battle.
Never force a child to clean their plate of foods they do not like. The more you force an issue, the more a child will fight. Taking away dessert because they did not eat all of their salad is not going to make them happy. They will look at healthy foods as the enemy and be less likely to give in, no matter what the punishment. Plus, children, especially school aged, will have access to fatty, unhealthy foods somehow.
Another way of teaching a child to eat healthy is to keep healthy foods around. Provide plenty of fruits and vegetables around as snacks. Surprisingly, kids love fresh apples, celery, carrots, and other healthy snacks. Keep healthy drinks around as well. Water, milk, and some fruit juices are great alternatives to sodas. Keeping healthy snacks and drinks around and in reach will create the desired healthy eating habits in children.
Something parents often overlook is a dinner routine. Things happen and cooking a nutritious dinner isn't always an option. However, try not to make fast food the norm. By creating a routine with healthy meals with the entire family, a child feels more comfortable eating the same way all the time. If you feed them hamburgers and fries six nights a week, how can you expect them to want fish and vegetables one night a week? Remember to keep some fatty foods in your child's diet, but in moderation. Both healthy and fatty foods are important to a balanced diet.
Creating healthy eating habits in a child does not have to be hard. In fact, parents can benefit greatly from eating the same way. By eating healthier together, not only are both the parents and child getting the nutrition they need, but a stronger bond. There are plenty of books and articles on planning healthy meals for to help plan your meals. Parents will be surprised at how easy it is to create healthy eating habits in themselves and their child.
First, make certain your child does not over-indulge in fatty foods. The more parents allow fatty foods, the less likely a child is to want healthier foods. The next step is to eat as healthy as you wish your child to eat. Believe it or not, kids look up to their parents. By setting a good example, even with your food, parents can show children what they need to eat.
The main thing is to get your children used to trying things. Let's face it green peas do not look as appetizing as an ice cream sundae. However, they taste pretty good. Offer them a reward for trying new foods. They do not have to clean their plate, but just try it. Trying a food is half the battle.
Never force a child to clean their plate of foods they do not like. The more you force an issue, the more a child will fight. Taking away dessert because they did not eat all of their salad is not going to make them happy. They will look at healthy foods as the enemy and be less likely to give in, no matter what the punishment. Plus, children, especially school aged, will have access to fatty, unhealthy foods somehow.
Another way of teaching a child to eat healthy is to keep healthy foods around. Provide plenty of fruits and vegetables around as snacks. Surprisingly, kids love fresh apples, celery, carrots, and other healthy snacks. Keep healthy drinks around as well. Water, milk, and some fruit juices are great alternatives to sodas. Keeping healthy snacks and drinks around and in reach will create the desired healthy eating habits in children.
Something parents often overlook is a dinner routine. Things happen and cooking a nutritious dinner isn't always an option. However, try not to make fast food the norm. By creating a routine with healthy meals with the entire family, a child feels more comfortable eating the same way all the time. If you feed them hamburgers and fries six nights a week, how can you expect them to want fish and vegetables one night a week? Remember to keep some fatty foods in your child's diet, but in moderation. Both healthy and fatty foods are important to a balanced diet.
Creating healthy eating habits in a child does not have to be hard. In fact, parents can benefit greatly from eating the same way. By eating healthier together, not only are both the parents and child getting the nutrition they need, but a stronger bond. There are plenty of books and articles on planning healthy meals for to help plan your meals. Parents will be surprised at how easy it is to create healthy eating habits in themselves and their child.