Think Green To Stay Lean

Think losing weight on an all-you-can-eat diet is the stuff of infomercials? Think again.

A recent study showed obese subjects placed on a vegan diet -excluding meat and animal products, but not limiting calories - lost more weight than a control group that followed a low-calorie, low-cholesterol diet.

The veggie edge: approximately 13 pounds lost over 14 weeks for the vegan dieters, versus 8 pounds for the control group.

More recently, the same researchers reviewed 87 studies on vegan or vegetarian diets, concluding that the high-fiber, high-water, low-fat content of vegan or vegetarian diets - not calorie counting per se - was responsible for weight loss. Indeed, overweight individuals who "went vegan" lost about a pound per week, regardless of additional lifestyle changes made.

Other research found that vegetarian women weigh less. After evaluating the diet and health data of 56,000 American women, the same researchers found the meat eaters were significantly more likely to be overweight when compared to their vegetarian peers: 40 percent of carnivores, compared to 25 percent of vegetarians and 29 percent of flexitarians, or semi-vegetarians (those who avoided meat but ate fish and eggs).

If a slimmer figure isn't enough incentive to go greener, how about a longer life? A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a low meat intake was associated with a 3.6-year increase in life expectancy.

Yet another reason to minimize meat and make more room for plant-based protein on your plate: A recent Mayo clinic analysis of data from nearly 30,000 postmenopausal women found a 30 percent lower risk from heart disease among those who ate the most vegetable protein from beans and nuts in place of either carbohydrates or animal protein.

A large-scale analysis of dietary patterns and prostate cancer risk found that animal products such as meat and dairy were the strongest risk factors, while fruit and vegetable consumption had the most protective benefit.

Processed meat may be the unhealthiest of all, the researchers stated those who consumed the most processed meat had a 67 percent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Diets rich in red meat and pork increased the risk by about 50 percent.

If you're like most Americans, you are probably like most who are not getting enough protein and simple carbohydrates; your challenge (and health opportunity) is to increase consumption of fruit, vegetables and legumes.

Little changes can make a big difference. Add more fruit to your cereal (try frozen berries for convenience and freshness). Make a banana or a fruit cup your morning snack.

Have a vegetable-based soup with your lunch and, you will see that you might just end up eating less. Same goes for dinner: Start with salad and you'll consume fewer calories and far more nutrients.

Written by,

Dwight Obey, Independent AdvoCare Distributor

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or any doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any weight loss program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

7 Tips To Help Burn More Calories

You may have heard stories about people who have lost dozens of pounds simply switching their diet soda or walking a few extra minutes each day. These were are all small changes in habits that contributed to a big difference and increased their metabolism over time.

You can increase your weight loss goal quicker and easier by increasing your metabolic rate and burning more calories.

I have listed a few tips below, that I think will help to get you started.

1) Move More

Sedentary people burn about one-third less calories per day.  By simply taking every opportunity to move can make quite a dramatic difference to the amount of calories you burn in one day. Small movements will add up over time to lots of calories.

The trick is to keep moving throughout your day. Write the word move on post-it notes and put them in places you will notice them when you are sitting still. Try a few of these while sitting still:

• Tap your feet
• Swing your legs 
• Stand up and stretch 
• Move your head from side to side 
• Change position 
• Wiggle and fidget 
• Pace up and down 
• Use the restroom upstairs
• Park in the furthest corner of the parking lot
• Stand up while on the phone and step from side to side
• Clench and release your muscles

2) Eat Little and Often

Evidence suggests that eating small meals every 2-4 hours will keep your metabolism burning faster than larger, less frequent meals. When you eat small amounts often your body is constantly working to digest and absorb food which requires energy.

3) Eat Fat

If you want to feel good and keep the fat off you need to first put it in.  Fat not only tastes good, our bodies need it to work efficiently.  By consuming several servings of healthy fats every day you will actually increase your calorie burning potential.

Try incorporating fats like Flaxseed oil, hempseed oil, olive oil, avocados, salmon, albacore tuna, nuts and seeds into your diet daily.

4) Drink Cold Water

Evidence shows that your body might expend more calories trying to raise cold water to the temperature of your body then hot beverages, and being well hydrated will help your body metabolic processes burn quicker.

5) Exercise With Weights

Training with weights boosts your metabolism in a number of ways. By lifting weights you will build muscle tissue, and muscle tissue is metabolically active, so it requires calories even when at rest and helps to increase fat-burning enzymes in your body.

6) Spice up

Eating hot spices might speed up your metabolism.  Just half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day can help boost metabolism and keep blood sugar levels in check. Cant stand the thought of cinnamon in your morning cup of coffee? Spice up with cayenne, crushed red pepper or wasabi instead.

7) Eat More Protein

Protein requires a more complex chemical breakdown by your body in order to be digested and used as fuel. For example, 100 calories of protein may take up to 30 calories to process.   Protein also takes longer to digest and helps to stabilize blood sugar for longer periods of time  and this can help you to not overeat later in the day.

By eating a portion of protein at every meal and as part of your snacks, you can increase the total number of calories you burn each day.

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or any doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any weight loss program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

Weight Loss Blunders To Avoid During Your Weight Loss Journey

Lets face it, there are times on your weight loss journey when progress can come to a halt. Days or weeks can go by without you seeing movement on the scale, and it can get downright frustrating. After working with thousands of clients, I've noticed certain patterns that can cause this weight loss stoppage.

Here are 3 of them.

Eating more than you need

Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and other diet systems have one undeniable benefit to them they define for the average person how large an actual serving is. Most of us underestimate the volume of food we eat (and consequently, underestimate the number of calories we consume in a day).

By fixing in your head what a serving size or portion of food looks like, we can better estimate (and consequently, evaluate and calibrate) the amount of food we eat at each meal. Keep in mind, when it comes to weight loss, you need to take in less calories than you burn each day.

Two good rules of thumb:

A portion of meat (3 oz.) is the size of a deck of cards.
A portion of carbohydrates (1 cup) is the size of a tennis ball.

Please remember to fill up on non-starchy vegetables, they are full of nutrients, have very little impact on blood sugar, and contain little in the way of calories.

Not eating frequently enough

It is a social custom to eat three square meals in a day. While this may do for social purposes, for weight loss, you will want to aim for more frequent feedings. It is recommended that you consume a minimum of 5-6 small meals each day. By doing so, your body gets the signal that food is abundant, and there is no need to conserve energy.

Additionally, frequent feedings maximize your metabolism, as your body is constantly busy, burning calories by digesting your meals. By not letting too much time pass between meals, you stabilize blood sugar levels since they never really get the chance to drop. By keeping your blood sugar stable, your hunger levels are minimized, decreasing the chances that you will be tempted to overeat at your next meal.

Choosing to drink your calories instead of eating them

This is a very common problem among those attempting weight loss, due to the abundance of unhealthy diet smoothies, protein concoctions, and weight loss shakes. There are 2 factors to keep in mind when relying on these liquid meal replacements.

First, many of the liquid diet shakes on the market and all fruit smoothies have an abundance of sugar in them. This causes an immediate surge in energy followed by a huge crash due to the release of insulin to control the blood sugar rise. This dramatic shift in blood hormone levels (particularly insulin levels) is something you want to avoid, both for health reasons and for weight loss.

Secondly, most weight loss shakes are devoid of fiber. Fiber is one of your most precious allies when you are dieting. It helps you feel full and blunts the rise in insulin levels when all that sugar hits your bloodstream. While fruit smoothies do contain some of the fiber from the pulp of the fruit, a better strategy would be to eat the actual fruits contained in the smoothie.

Lastly, the amount of calories that can be concentrated into a shake or smoothie is far greater than the equivalent volume of actual food.  A 16 oz fruit smoothie may contain as many as 600 calories, and will not fill you up all that much! On the other hand, eating 600 calories of fruit will prove to be much more than the typical person can manage in a single sitting.

Think about it- when making major dietary changes, you want to get the most out of your calories. But remember not all Meal Replacement Shakes are bad, to learn more about meal replacement shakes, and how utilizing the right one for your weight loss needs can help you CLICK HERE, to read more.

Dwight Obey, Independent AdvoCare Distributor

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or any doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any weight loss program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

Top Foods To Help Promote Great Health And Weight Management In Kids

Have you ever wondered what foods should you feed your kids to help promote great health and weight management?


Here is my list of the top 7 healthiest foods to feed your kid and why I believe they are so healthy:


Oatmeal: A fabulous breakfast food, full of B vitamins, iron, zinc and calcium. Old-fashioned oatmeal offers plenty of carbohydrate for quick energy and high fiber.  Add berries and honey to make it a delicious perfect food for those fast-paced school day mornings!

Yogurt: Kick your child's dairy consumption up a notch and include yogurt on the menu. A great source of calcium, yogurt is easier to digest than regular milk, and the cultures (check the label to make sure they're in there!) are very beneficial to good colon health. Watch it on the sugar content though.  A great idea is to buy plain yogurt and sweeten it yourself with fresh fruit!

Broccoli: It is one of the best vegetables for anyone, especially growing kids.  It has loads of calcium, potassium, beta-carotene and a wide variety of the B vitamins.  If your child is not a fan of plain vegetables include broccoli in a casserole or put a little shredded cheese on top to add flavor.

Protein: One size does not fit all when it comes to protein. The fact is that growing kids need protein to keep growing. How you're going to give it to them can vary widely, according to your preferences. Good choices include legumes, beans (combined with a grain to make a complete protein), soy products like tofu, eggs or lean meat, fish or poultry.

Whole Grains: The best nutrition is found in whole grains. Brown rice and whole wheat bread are a quantum leap over their white counterparts and offer necessary fiber, minerals and vitamins.

Nut Butters: Peanut butter and other nut butters are great fast and easy foods for kids. Kids need fat (it's a good fat if it doesn't have hydrogenated oils mixed in it) and they need the protein.  Try spreading almond or sunflower seed butter on crackers, toast or celery sticks for a quick and nutritious snack.

Fresh Fruit: My personal choice would be cantaloupe in the melon department. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, bits and pieces of B vitamins and a trace of minerals and calcium fill every juicy bite. Any in season fresh fruit is sure to be packed with healthy goodness!

There you have it....7 of the top healthiest foods that I feel you can feed your kid to promote weight management and why I believe they are so healthy!

Dwight Obey, Independent AdvoCare Distributor

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or any doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any weight loss program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

Why Losing Weight Was No Longer An Issue I could Overlook - My AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge Review

I heard it constantly, it's something we all either hear about, or read about daily. Obesity is the second leading cause of death after smoking. It is associated with an increased mortality rate of all ages including children. Losing weight though commercialized is still to your benefit if you carry more weight than you should.

Obesity and overweight are terms often used interchangeably. However, technically they refer to two different states.

Being overweight technically means excess body mass. This includes all the body tissues. Obesity on the other hand refers explicitly to excess body fat e.g. a professional heavy weight body builder is overweight because of excess muscles but is not obese.

Being Obese at age 53, is what really concerned me. Losing weight was no longer an issue that I could afford to procrastinate with, and probably a good health scare was in order, had I not finally taken action.

I decided to list several reasons why losing weight was important, and why I needed to get moving. I wanted to list reasons besides family, and love ones.

Although wanting to lose weight, not only for yourself, but those you love as well is huge, and normally ranks at the top of everyone's list.

I wanted to use reasons, that would cause me to most likely not be around much longer for those I loved because of complications, that may be caused by other issues due to being obese. Yes I wanted to scare myself into losing weight, by finally facing reality square in the face. The thought of not attending my kids graduations, or giving away my daughters hand in marriage really scared me.

Honestly, and truthfully the whole thought of death from being overweight scared me, and I became driven by the fact that I had a reason to exist, and more importantly, a reason to live a long healthier life.

Reason #1 to lose weight

Diabetes:  It is well known that 80 -90% of type-two-diabetes patients are overweight. Diabetes is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., as well as the leading cause of adult blindness in the world. One of the direct causes of obesity is eating wrong foods. Some of these wrong foods include high glycemic foods. High glycemic foods are energy dense foods that quickly increase the level of blood glucose in your body after been eaten. This results to the body reserving the unnecessarily high glucose/energy into fat. This makes losing weight very difficult.

Releasing a hormone called insulin does this. Type-Two-diabetes occurs because the body cannot produce enough insulin to remove the excess blood glucose and store it as body fat. This will occur after straining insulin production for some time. And that is how you end up being fat and diabetic.

Reason #2 to lose weight

Stroke:  Obesity is associated with arteriosclerosis, the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries through out your body. This makes them narrow slowing blood flow and among other things increases risk of the blood clotting.

Arteries at risk include those supplying blood to the brain. If clotting occurs due to narrowed artery, it blocks blood supply to an area of the brain resulting in a possible stroke. Losing weight reduces this risk.

Reason #3 to lose weight

Cancer:  The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates between 25% - 33% of cancer patients world wide are overweight and suffers from physical inactivity. Body fat evidently promotes higher levels of insulin production and excess estrogen, a hormone. Both insulin and estrogen accelerate cell division.

As research has indicated, the faster cells duplicate the more they increase chances of a cancerous cell developing. The situation is further complicated as the rapid cell division caused by the excess hormones lead also to rapid cell reproduction of the one cancerous cell, hence cancer starts to develop actively.

 In addition fat cells tend to keep carcinogenic,  cancer-causing agents, trapped in the body which increases the chances of developing cancer.

Types of cancers you might be at high risk for due to obesity include:

• Breast cancer- affecting the breast possibly in both men and women. 
• Colorectal cancer- affecting colon and rectum. 
• Prostrate cancer- affecting the prostrate gland in men. 
• Endometrial cancer- affecting the uterus. 
• Esophageal cancer- affecting the esophagus. 
• Renal cell cancer, the cancer of the kidney, etc.

Reason #4 to lose weight

Respiratory problems: Obesity causes lungs to become smaller in size and chest walls to become heavier to lift during the process of breathing in. The most common respiratory problem is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where by an individual stops breathing for some time while asleep. A soft tissue in the throat collapses around the air way probably due to weight, blocking it.

For the severely obese sleep apnea may get more complicated with hypoventilation. Hypoventilation is accumulation of toxic levels of carbon dioxide (the gas we breathe out) in the blood, due to inadequate breathing. Losing weight would be the only permanent safe and healthy solution to sleep apnea.

Reason #5 to lose weight

Urinary Incontinence:  This is involuntary release of urine. Being overweight can contribute to urinary incontinence. A heavy abdomen due to body fat deposit may cause valve of urinary bladder to be weakened. The weight also exerts pressure on the urinary bladder, trying to push urine out.

This results to leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing or laughing. This is because of a slight relaxation of the bladder valve that normally will not result to leakage. It can even result to bed wetting at night. This particular problem can be a very effective motivator to lose weight.

Reason #6 to lose weight

Varicose veins: Also known as Venous Stratis Disease. The leg and thigh muscles assist the heart in blood circulation just like most large muscles in the body. They are involved in pumping blood against gravity back to the heart with the help of valves that close to avoid a backward flow.

Pressure as a result of a large abdomen may increase the work load on the valves eventually causing damage. Damaged valves then allow for blood to back up, due to gravity, causing high pressure in these veins leading to swelling, thickening of skin and skin ulcers.

Reason #7 to lose weight

High Blood Pressure:  The BMI (Body Mass Index) and age together are the strongest indicator of risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. At least a third of hypertension is related to obesity.

Reason #8 to lose weight

Other Diseases: Other diseases which MAY occur as a result of being overweight include;

• Gout 
• Coronary heart disease 
• Lower back pains 
• Osteoarthritis 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Gall stones 
• Neural tube defect, 
• Prenatal mortality, 
• Maternal hypertension,
• Gestational diabetes etc. 
• Impaired immune response 
• Liver disease 
• Pancreatitis 
• Bad body smell 
• Depression 

Research shows that even modest weight loss of even 10 pound for the overweight significantly reduces the risk of developing these diseases. Weight loss is in fact a challenge taken by many every year.

Unfortunately many fail in this healthy endeavor. And all because of one thing; they lack proper information on effective weight loss, which is what we at 1st N Weight Loss hope to provide.

Dwight Obey, Independent AdvoCare Distributor


This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or any doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any weight loss program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

5 Easy Tips To Boost Your Metabolism

We all know that exercise is essential when trying to lose weight, but even more calories can be burned while at rest by watching what and when you eat.

Below are five more simple tips you can use, when trying to boost your metabolism.

#1

 Don't Skip Breakfast

The morning meal jump starts your metabolism and helps to prevent bingeing later in the day.  A cup of coffee does not count, while the caffeine and added sugar may give you a bit of energy and suppress your appetite for a little while it is sure to back fire into severe hunger and you will be more likely to overeat later.

Breakfast should include complex carbohydrates like whole grains (granola or oatmeal), along with some protein and fat (low-fat yogurt or milk), this will help keep your energy levels even and hunger in check.

#2

 Eat more often

Get into the habit of eating every three to four hours or at least four times a day.  Eating frequently stabilizes blood sugar, when blood sugar drops too low you want to eat more.  By keeping your blood sugar stable you can control your appetite and keep you metabolic rate high.

When going many hours without eating, your body in time will start to compensate for its lack of fuel, by slowing down to conserve energy, this in turn can sabotage your weight loss efforts.

#3

Eat protein at every meal

Protein will help to reduce your appetite, it takes more energy and time to digest, in fact eating more protein will help you feel fuller longer than eating carbohydrates alone.  Research shows that eating more protein can help you lose weight without cutting calories.

Try these protein possibilities: turkey on whole wheat; hummus and pita; vegetarian chili; fruit and nuts; or protein snack bars that contain 12 or more grams of protein.

#4

Hold off on snacking

Many of us grab a snack for a quick burst of energy when we are feeling tired.  But do not confuse true hunger with fatigue.  If you are feeling tired go for a 15-20 minute brisk walk.  This will raise your heart rate and give you a boost of energy.

Follow it up with a large glass of cool water.  If you are truly hungry have a protein and complex carbohydrate rich snack like; whole wheat crackers and peanut butter or cheese.

#5

Consume enough food to fuel your body needs

Eating too little slows your body metabolism the same way eating to infrequently does.  If you want to lose weight, do not slash your calories too drastically.  Instead, cut out some of the extras in your diet, like soda, juice, packaged goods or candy.

Processed foods tend to be high in fat and calories, while being low in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Other Tips you may enjoy: 5 Genuine Weight Loss Tips , 5 Simple Weight Loss Tips

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or any doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any weight loss program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

 

5 Genuine Weight Loss Tips

The world as we know it is fascinated with weight loss, some for health reasons and others for cosmetic. No matter the reason, many people try harsh diets that never work, extreme exercise regimens that result in injuries or other weight loss program that end without success.

The reason that none of these weight loss methods seem to work is because in order to stay with a program, you have to enjoy it. Not only that, but it has to be safe as well.

Below are 5 genuine weight loss tips, which almost anyone can do without tossing out their favorite food or spending every spare minute in the gym. Realistically, any weight loss program will take time. If anyone promises you different, they are either not being completely honest or are simply uninformed.

Follow one single weight loss program for 30 days, whatever it may be, and see if you have results. If not, move on to something else. In the meantime, check out several tips to getting started today.

Tip - 1

Walking. 

If you can set aside 30 minutes every day to enjoy a leisurely stroll, you will be strengthening your legs and your heart while burning some calories in the process.

Tip - 2

Use a mini cycle.

These portable little exercise units offer the look of bicycle pedals set up on a metal bar, but without the high price or weight of a standard exercise bike. With a min cycle, you can pedal at your desk, on the couch or anywhere else that you can comfortably set and reach the pedals.

Tip - 3

Walk or take the stairs instead of an elevator.

This is a terrific weight loss exercise without even noticing the extra effort. Something as simple as a few extra steps every day can go a long way where weight loss is concerned. The next time you go to the store, park in the middle of the parking lot and walk to the store. Avoid parking in the closest spot to the door, which is tempting, but opt to walk instead.

Tip - 4

You do not necessarily have to cut out all of your favorite foods, but you should eat them in moderation.

There is no single food that will completely hinder your weight loss attempt but, if consumed excessively, it may. For instance, simply limit your intake to one candy bar or, if you are being really careful, a miniature candy. There is no reason to cut out your favorite food when a conservative amount of the things we love can still have a place in our lives, including during the times that we are focusing on weight loss.

Tip - 5

Whatever exercise routine, you decide to use, set aside a certain time each day to do it.

Individuals who set a routine are much more likely to stay with it and find success than those who simply exercise whenever they have time. The goal to successful weight loss is to make time.

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or any doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any weight loss program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

Stop The Madness, And Do These Tips For Consistent Weight Loss

Uncover the five simple steps to stopping the madness and finally getting on track to consistent weight loss. Get the full picture of the path you will take and build your accountability team to make sure you get there.

If you are carrying around a few (I use that term loosely) extra pounds like most of us are, you all know all the reasons why we should take the weight off. It will reduce stress on our heart, reducing the chance of heart disease, cancer, possibility of diabetes; feel better, look more attractive, etc.

There are 101 reasons why, but it can be a real pain to finally get that weight off. You push really hard, make a little progress, get side tracked, and bam you are heavier then you started...sounds familiar.

It drives us crazy.  Enough with that hassle, I have put together 5 simple steps to actually losing weight and keeping it off, and hopefully for good. These steps can be applied to anything, but we are focusing on weight loss here.

1. Know What You Want
2. Know Where You Are
3. Track Your Results
4. Make Course Corrections
5. Being held Accountable

Now all your extra weight will effortlessly melt off.  Yeah right! A simple list of 5 items is not going to do it, so let me explain the intricacies of the 5 items and where the hang up normally occurs when applied to losing weight.

Know What You Want

This one is dead simple. Most people that want to lose weight have an idea of how many pounds they would like to lose or how they would like their body to look.

I think we can safely say if your body started looking the way you wanted it, you would know, even if you did not have it completely mapped out and detailed.

Know Where You Are

This is the big trip up. It is almost always overlooked and is the number one reason for the up and down Yo Yo effect we experience with losing weight. We are unhappy with how our body feels and how it looks and it is painful to zoom in and get an accurate picture of where we are. Unfortunately, we have to know where we are, to be able to accurately judge the results we are getting.

You are on a trip to San Diego, California. You would like to start your trip from Phoenix, Arizona, but you really don't know where you are. No problem.  You get an Arizona/California map and find that a simple 6 hours trip west on interstate 8 will get you to San Diego.

6 hours later, you have no clue where you are and it is definitely not warm San Diego.  You feel defeated and you want to give up!  Do you blame the car? The stupid maps? San Diego? Yourself?

Now what if I told you, you were actually in New York City, not Phoenix, Arizona.  A 6 hour car ride west from New York City will never get you to San Diego.

If you took the time to accurately find out where you were, you would have been able to choose the appropriate means to get to San Diego and have an expectation as to how long it would take.

This is the same with weight loss and our personal physical condition. In our minds, we think we are starting in a different physical condition then we really are. When the results don't follow the illusion in our mind, we get upset.


Track Your Results

This is conceptually simple. If we have no clue as to WHAT we are doing, how do we know what is working? It might be a simple to do, but is also simple not to do. In the end, most people never track their results.


Make Course Corrections

We love to do this one. We have it hands down. It is like step 1 of knowing what you want. We try the new food diet, the super sit up machine, and the cardio hip hop power energy yoga fat burner class.

We might be great at switching it up, but without knowing where we are starting from and a history of tracked results, we have no clue as to what we should change or even which direction we should go.


Being held Accountable

No, not accountability! That is an evil word. I don't want someone to know what I am doing, or more importantly what I am not doing.

So, why do we resist accountability, your secret weapon to weight loss?  Because it works!  If you know someone is going to be watching, you would follow through or at least feel very uncomfortable not following through.

Accountability when used wisely is the ultimate turbo booster to your weight loss. Since you are going to be accountable anyway, you might as well get something out of it.

Using accountability up front, you can achieve the body of your dreams. If you let your body hold you accountable, it will throw on fat in places you don't want it to be.

The biggest obstacle to weight loss is not taking any action. It does not  matter how good the plan is, it is worthless if you do not follow it. So what do I do now?

First and foremost get Accountable.

Forward this article to someone you respect and care about and tell them I want to be accountable to finally taking off my extra pounds. When they agree to support you, start working through Steps 1 thru 5.

I held myself accountable, by telling everyone, and anyone who would listen, that I was sick and tired, of being sick and tired of being overweight. After seven months, people are taking notice in the difference Im making in my health, at age 53.


This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or any doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any weight loss program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

5 Simple Weight Loss Tips

Weight loss is a subject that everyone is always talking about. It seems you can't go anywhere without seeing or hearing some type of weight loss message. Stories of the dangers of not losing weight appear regularly on the nightly news. Retail outlets and the Internet both are full of weight loss books and products. Weight loss is discussed in medical centers and at schools and even in the work place.

If you are trying to lose weight, here are a few tips to get you started.


Tip - 1

Stop Talking About It!

All that talk about how much you want to lose weight is not going to make the weight come off. You have  got to take action, starting right now. So take this simple advice: Stop moving your mouth and start moving your body! Before you know it, you will begin seeing the results.

Tip - 2

 Nice And Slow While Keeping it Steady is Best

Slow and steady weight loss is better (and safer) than riding the dieting roller coaster. If you are looking for long-lasting weight loss results, aim to lose an average of about two pounds each week. In order to lose weight you have got to consume fewer calories than you burn. As a bonus, when you combine dieting with exercise, you will reduce your caloric intake and increase your caloric burn rate at the same time.

Tip - 3

Save Your Money

Don't go spending your hard-earned money on the latest weight loss gimmicks. Pills, fad diets, hypnosis, and extreme surgical procedures are not the answer! These gimmicks will not slim you down, but they will fatten the bank accounts of those who promote them! Eating a nutritionally-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, good fats and lean proteins will encourage weight loss faster than any miracle cure you can buy. If you cant eat a nutritious meal, try a meal replacement shake instead. To learn more about meal replacement shakes, and how they can help you, go here....

Tip - 4

Weight Loss Is A Change Of Life

Unfortunately, the issue of weight is something that most people will struggle with throughout life. Excess processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle are the two biggest contributors to this constant struggle. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, youíve got to change the way you think about food. It should be thought of as a source of fuel, not a passion. Successful weight loss really is about making lifestyle changes, including making the right food choices, and then sticking with those choices throughout life.

Tip - 5

Losing Weight Is More Than Just A Number

When you are  dieting, do not become a victim of the dreaded scale. When the numbers go down, happiness goes up. But when the numbers stay the same or go up, it is easy to give up and give in. Remember that even if your weight is not changing as you would like, your body is. You will be taking better care of your heart.

You will also be lowering your cholesterol levels. Not to mention you will be sporting a leaner body and your clothes will begin fitting more comfortably. When you learn to find joy in these other benefits, you will want to keep on being a loser!


This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or any doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any weight loss program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

How To Lose Five Pounds A Week

Let's face it...most diets are not easy to maintain -- some are designed to help you lose the weight quickly, but what they don't teach, is how to maintain your weight loss, through a change of lifestyle. Because of this, most once they come off their diet, the weight comes right back, along with a bit more. Thus, some people end up worse off than before.

To learn five simple yet sound tips that when followed could possibly enable you to lose five pounds, or more, a week, and keep it off by changing to a healthier lifestyle continue reading


Do any of the following sound familiar?

You desperately want to lose weight, but you've tried so many different diets and failed over the years that you've grown discouraged.

Let's face it, most fad diets are not easy to maintain -- No matter what diet you are trying, from the cabbage soup diet to the Master Cleanser to low-fat diets such as the Atkins Diet....one of two things usually happens:

• You lose some weight along with your sanity as life becomes an unbearable drudge of eating boring food.
• You don't lose weight because you just cannot stick to the fad diet.

In either case, you feel bad, discouraged, and maybe even like a failure. But, take heart, losing weight is possible. In fact, here are five simple yet sound tips that when followed could easily enable you to lose five pounds, or more, a week!

Tip #1 

Cut the Carbs! Cutting down on your carbohydrate intake, particularly white carbs (that is, carbs from white bread, potatoes, etc.) and instead eating more high quality lean proteins (such as chicken and fish) is a great way to drop a few pounds quickly. But don't cut carbs completely! You should still eat fibrous carbs, such as berries, spinach and apples.

Tip #2 

Stop Eating Processed Foods! Instead eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Often, people who are used to eating a lot of junk food will discover they can actually eat a higher quantity of delicious fruits, vegetables and whole grains without gaining any weight.

Tip #3 

Cut Down on Your Sugar Intake! In particular, watch how many sodas or juice drinks you consume. The sugar in these beverages can add up quickly and these drinks aren't filling. You should also watch out for "fat-free" products. Sugar is often used to replace the flavor that is lost when the fat is removed. You will also want to be careful about how much sugar you add to coffee and tea.

Tip #4 

Drink More Water! Water naturally helps to suppress your appetite and drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will help you lose weight and burn fat. On the other hand, if you don't drink enough water every day, your body may store water and fat that you don't need. To determine how much water you should drink: multiply your bodyweight by .66 to get the required number of ounces per day.

Tip #5

Exercise More Often! The healthiest way to lose weight is to exercise. Someone who increases the amount they exercise, but maintains the same diet and calorie intake, will almost certainly lose weight. Plus, excessive sweating from cardio activity, such as running, walking and using aerobic gym equipment, will help you de-bloat and lose inches and pounds quickly.


Having trouble eating a nutritious meal to help you lose weight? If so read how the proper meal replacement shake may be right for you by visiting here Now

Dwight Obey, Independent AdvoCare Distributor

But a word of caution, if you have not exercised in a while be sure to check with your physician first and also be sure to start any exercise program slowly.

Obesity Is Killing More People Every Year, And Fad Diets Aren't Helping

Obesity is killing us, but using fad or extreme weight loss schemes may be making it worse!

Obesity is a physical state that refers to excessive body fat. Chances are you have experienced the frustrations of dieting at least once in your life time, if you have problems with your weight.

Close to a hundred million Americans go on a weight loss diet in any given year and up to ninety-five percent of them regain the weight they lose within five years.

Even worse, a third will gain back more weight than they lost prior to starting, because of "yo-yoing" from one popular diet to another. Focusing on fad weight loss diets or weight loss drugs, may leave you with just as much weight and the additional burden of ill health.

Today, an estimated sixty-five percent of all American adults are obese or overweight. Our culture obsesses about staying thin even as we grow fatter, but this is NOT about appearances. Obesity is known to be a precursor to many debilitating health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and gallbladder disease, JUST TO NAME A FEW.

Obesity contributes to as many as 375,000 deaths every year. In addition, the public health costs for obesity are staggering. According to researchers at Harvard University, obesity is a factor in 19% of all cases of heart disease with annual health costs estimated at 30 billion dollars; it Is also a factor in 57% of diabetes cases, with health costs of $9 billion per year.

How to tackle the bulge:

First set Realistic Goals:

No doubt we all have fallen for one or more of the weight loss diet schemes over the years, promising quick and painless weight loss. Many of these quick weight loss diet programs undermine your health, cause physical discomfort, flatulence, and ultimately lead to disappointment when you start regaining weight, shortly after losing it.

Fad or quick weight loss diet programs generally over stress one type of food. They contravene the fundamental principle of good nutrition - to remain healthy one must consume a balanced diet, which includes a variety of foods. Safe, healthy, and permanent weight reduction is what is truly lost among the thousands of popular fad diet schemes.

Some of the weight loss diet schemes reign supreme briefly, only to fade out. While some wane from popularity due to being unproductive or unsafe, some simply lose the public's curiosity.

A few examples of such fad diets include the Grapefruit diet, Cabbage Soup diet, the Rotation diet, Beverly Hills diet, and the list goes on and on. These fad diets advocate a specific technique (such as eliminating a certain food, or eating only certain combinations of foods) in conjunction with the basic idea that the body makes up the difference in energy by breaking down and utilizing some part of itself, essentially converting matter into energy.


This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or any doctors recommendation. Prior to beginning any weight loss program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

1 Pound Of Fat

There are 3,500 calories in one pound of fat. Thus, if you cut back or work off just 3,500 calories, you will lose an entire pound of fat.

While it is possible to cut back on your calorie intake and increase your exercise regimen in order to lose pounds quickly, it is important to note that doctors recommend that you lose no more than 2 pounds of weight per week in order to ensure that your body properly adjusts to the weight loss.

Here are some tips to help you safely drop 3,500 from your regular routine:

Run

Running for about 1 hour at a slow pace will help you lose approximately 350 calories, depending on your body type, speed and terrain. Thus, if you run for one hour five days a week while maintaining a consistent diet, you will safely lose one pound.

It is important to understand that many people who just begin running will eat pasta and other foods high in carbohydrates in order to compensate for the exertion. They think that because they worked out so hard, they deserve a treat. After all, they justify, the pasta will help to keep their energy levels high.

However, what they may not realize is that while they are justified in thinking that the carbohydrates will infuse their workout routine with energy, they are not actually setting their bodies up to lose weight. When you burn 350 calories but intake 450 over a high-carbohydrate pasta dish, you are adding more calories to your body than you otherwise would have.

Running does, however, help to boost our metabolism and change your muscle tone so that you burn calories more efficiently. Instead of inhaling a pasta dish after a run, select instead to have a large salad and splurge for the carbohydrate-rich croutons.

Eat In

When you eat out at a restaurant, not only are you subjecting your body to an array of high fat, high calorie foods, but you are also tempting yourself to eat a larger portion than you might normally eat.

Therefore, what could be a simple 500 calories meal can easily turn into a 1500-calorie fat fest. In order to lose weight by cutting calories, it is essential that you are aware of exactly what you are putting into your body. Especially in the beginning of your new routine, it is important that you prepare your meals and monitor your level of hunger.

When eating out, generally you are in a social situation where food is not a priority, whereas spending time with your friends is. For this reason, people tend to eat more than they normally would. Non-dessert eaters often even spring for the extra round of calories. If you must eat out, help yourself avoid temptation by selecting a salad rather than a plate of pasta or burger. You will be amazed at the difference in the amount of calories you intake when you make simple choices such as meal option.

By reducing your overall calorie intake and increasing your level of physical activity, you will be able to lose those 3,500 calories without much trouble. Make sure that you stay focused, motivated and on task. You will shed unwanted weight in no time!

See also Diet -vs- Exercise.

Introduce Yoga To Your Weight Loss Journey

Many people today are trying all sorts of things in their pursuit of a more healthy, permanent weight loss goal, or change for a healthier lifestyle.  Unfortunately, many seem to fall all to often for fad diets, diet pills, or celebrity diets, just to name a few .

While someone might temporarily lose a few pounds with a "diet", diets are not successful when it comes to permanent weight loss and healthy weight loss. To achieve long lasting results, require more than a diet, it requires you changing , or switching to a long lasting healthier lifestyle. In other ways, its a way of living.

Now, as my mother use to tell me, I have good news, and bad news......

The good news is that there is a known and proven way to achieve significant, healthy, permanent weight loss, and even more good news is that, although some modification to what you presently like to eat will be necessary, extremely drastic changes are seldom required.

Of course you might have to learn to substitute something you don't like that much right now for something you do like, but, in time, you can get accustomed to this, and even learn to like the new flavors and foods.  I know.  I've been there.

The bad news is that, along with modifications to your eating habits, you are going to have to become more active.  Dare I say it....?

You will have to exercise!

The benefits of exercise is an article in itself, and I have written elsewhere about how exercise can take many forms, so there is no need to lock yourself into an unpleasant or painful exercise regimen.  What I really want to do here is give a small pitch for the practice of yoga as my exercise program of choice.  Remember, however, my exercise program of choice might not be yours.  As much as I like yoga, you will have to decide if yoga is right for you.

Before I speak specifically about yoga, let's just list some of the known benefits of regular exercise in general.

Exercise...

>Reduces the risk or affects of many illnesses and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis to name a few.  Some studies even show possible reductions in the risk for some cancers.

>Elevates mood and reduces depression.

>Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, joints, and nervous system.

>Delays affects of aging, making seniors more mobile and self sufficient and less likely to fall prey to injury or illness.

>Reduces risk of premature death (sounds like a big one to me).

>Helps maintain a healthy weight.

Okay, since any good exercise program can provide these benefits, what does yoga have to offer that makes it special?

In addition to providing the basic benefits of exercise in general, yoga does have a few specific things going for it.

Despite the apparently agonizing contortions seen in every yoga book, the benefit is in the attempt to achieve the position.  The models in the books arrived at their present level of ability over time, and many a skilled practitioner of yoga today began in the same shape you're in right now.  It is okay to modify a position or to come out of it a little early if your body is not ready yet.  The regular practice of your best version of the movement or position (asana), combined with yoga breathing techniques (easily learned) will produce progress over time.

No personal trainer or special equipment is needed, nor is it necessary to go to the gym or even out in public at all.  You can do yoga naked if you don't have a pair of gym shorts, and a carpet is just as good as a yoga mat...at least at first.  Yoga is actually so simple that it can be learned from a book, although it certainly wouldn't hurt to get guidance or training from a certified instructor.

Yoga is relaxing and relieves stress.  Not only is this of great personal value in today's world, but if any part of your weight loss problem is stress related, and I can almost guarantee some relationship, the stress relief offered by yoga can ease that portion of your weight loss journey.

In addition to being good for your health for several reasons, simply learning yoga breathing and practicing it regularly can help you burn fat.

As you begin to progress in your ability to better perform yoga poses (asanas) you will notice a sense of control, of mastery of life and self, which will become more evident.  This new inner strength will aid you in facing difficulties, including temptations concerning eating and your new eating behaviors.  You will also find yourself more forgiving, not only of others, but of yourself as well, and when you slide a little, you will be better able to shrug it off and get back on your path to success.

With more progress in your yoga practice, you will begin to experience new feelings of health, strength, and well-being.  These feelings will in turn motivate you to take even more control of your life so that you can continue your progress with no desire or temptation to return to the way things used to be.

Nothing is perfect for everyone, but, as you can see, the practice of yoga does have some benefits to offer which may make it valuable in the pursuit of healthy, permanent weight loss, and a healthier lifestyle.

Back To School 24 Day Weight Loss Challenge And Cleanse

The idea of the Back To School 24 Day Weight Loss Challenge And Cleanse is for you to develop a consistent approach to weight loss as well, and more importantly assist in you in your lifestyle change.  The weight loss challenge objective is to get rid of the excesses in your body, the excess fat, and other stuff we have taken into our system over the summer months.  Not the healthy and lean muscle tissues and body fluids.

After all the summer fun, vacationing, celebrating, and at times eating anything and everything we wanted, its time to get back to business.

The challenge requires your focus and dedication, so therefore you need to be prepared in both mind and and body.  It is advised that you first visit your doctor for a check-up before embarking on any weight loss program, or diet.

It is important that when starting the challenge, that you remain positive, and dedicated enough to work for the desired results.

Often times we become impatient, but long term effects can be accomplished depending on you, your diet, as well as a number of other factors, such as current health.

If you have been inactive for some time, be sure to stretch and stretch some more before starting any activity.  Before actually doing any exercise and working out those muscles, a little stretching is needed in order to avoid any injury or soreness in your body.

Everything should be done in moderation.  Find the level of exercise and training that suits you.  It should be enough for you to be comfortable, but not too convenient that it will not be much of a challenge.

To assist you with your cleanse, you can find everything you need for  the challenge below.

Now that you have joined, here are a few tips to assist you along the way.

The first week

The first week of the cleanse take long and steady walks for a little over twenty to thirty minutes. After the walk, follow it up with a good stretch.  This takes so little of your time for the first week.
In less than two and a half hours you have taken that first step to a healthier lifestyle that could work to your advantage.

By the second week, it is good to focus on strengthening your upper body.  This maintains your strength to be able to go through the whole cleanse, and conditioning you will be doing, throughout the challenge.  During the third week,  start walking briskly or jog for 15 - 20 minutes.

The fourth week should be spent on a low impact exercise such as swimming.  To avoid boredom, do not be afraid to try something new.  The last day of the fourth week is a time to solicit the support of the people you care about.  Spend time with them or get them to be with you in your long walks. Remember, follow up your walks, and low impact exercises with a light upper body workout.

This is just the start of your life changes, and the greater good to come because of those changes.  If by this first week you are able to stick to the  24-Day Challenge, you have a greater chance to further boost your weight loss with the steps Ive provided above and stay with the program until you achieve your desired result.

Try as much as possible to be unlike the people who give up easily just because they could not see the result they want at the time they wanted!   Patience is a virtue.  The same way it took your body time to gain all that weight, it will need time to exert itself to get rid of it. Stick to the weight loss program and you will lose weight. Just as I did, and continue to do.

The ideal of the Back To School 24 Day Weight Loss Challenge And Cleanse is to help .you develop a consistent approach to weight loss as well as assist you in becoming a healthier you.

Written by,

Dwight Obey, Independent AdvoCare Distributor

What Is The Best Meal Replacement Shake? Part 3

Now that you know that meal replacement shakes are effective for weight loss, which one do you choose? Will any old shake do?

When it comes to choosing the right shake, there are some things you are going to need to consider:

• Does it provide adequate vitamins, minerals, carbs, and protein?
• Does it taste amazing?
• Is it a good price?
• Does it have some sort of hunger blocker to keep you from going hungry?
• Is there any sort of guarantee with the shake or social proof?

If the shake you choose can answer all of these questions, chances are it’s a good fit.

At 1st N Weight Loss our personal favorite is the Vanilla flavor Meal Replacement Shake from AdvoCare. 


Dwight Obey, Independent AdvoCare Distributor

To return to Part 1 of this three Part series.....

Personal testimonials reflect individual experiences of AdvoCare Independent Distributors and are not necessarily typical of the results you may obtain. Results vary with individual effort, consistency of use, body composition, eating patterns and exercise. AdvoCare makes no guarantee as to the results that you may experience. AdvoCare encourages healthy, sustainable weight loss with consistent healthy lifestyle activities over a period of time. If an individual has a medical condition or is pregnant or nursing, AdvoCare recommends that the individual consult his or her healthcare professional before starting an AdvoCare Product regimen. Individuals should always read the product label before use.