calorie shifting diet - is this another fad diet or does it work?
February 29, 2008
Whereas with the traditional approach, the body protects its fat reservoir, a calorie shifting diet works against nature to counteract this effect. By using this method, your metabolic rate will not decrease because your body will never catch on to the fact that your fat stores are in jeopardy.
Take for example; if you were following a strict 1000 calorie a day diet you would probably not lose any weight. So instead of this you alter the amounts of calories that your body gets. So you could have 100 calories one day and then the next day eat 1200, then you could go back down to 900 a day and so on. This way your body does not become militant to the specific amounts of calories and as it never knows what it is going to get; your metabolism works at its normal fast rate. You are in effect playing a trick against your body.
There are other benefits to this method. For instance, it’s been proven that people tend to snack on certain days, whereas on others, they are not as likely to do so. This allows you to plan snacks accordingly. Calorie shifting also allows you eat a larger variety of foods, as you can make up tomorrow for what you eat today. As a result, you’ll probably stick with the diet longer.
A good calorie shifting diet to follow is that for 4 days out of the week you could eat the same amount of calories and eat low fat foods. Then you could have 3 days of the week eating a higher consumption of calories and in effect eating anything you want. Then after the 3 days you go back to the strict level of calories. This will work in the exact same way and will help your metabolism stay fast to ensure you actually lose the weight you set out to lose.
Your body is smarter than you think; so make sure you are always changing the calorie amount on a regular basis; your body will soon learn to recognise that you eat less after a certain amount of time and will change to accommodate this. When you raise or lower your calorie intake; make sure it is different every time. Always keep track by writing everything down that you eat and the amount of calories eaten that day or week.
If you’re one of those who has thus far found permanent weight loss evasive, take heart! The calorie shifting diet might be just what the doctor ordered, and might be your key to permanent success.
And one last thing, consume at least 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday. This is to ensure that your body does not retain water to make up for the loss of it.
foods that burn calories can help you to lose weight easily
February 29, 2008
One of the problems with Americans is that we are a nation of snackers. Three square meals are not enough for us; we have to have the between-meal snacks, the before-bed snack, and the midnight snack. How can we possibly hope to lose weight with all of that snacking–unless the snacking itself would somehow contribute to the process. Could that be? Could it be that there are actually some snacks that burn more calories than they contribute to the body?
Well there are foods like that and there are many foods that burn more calories than you could ever imagine. These food types are actually called ‘negative calorie foods’ and they burn more calories than you consume by eating them. Making it much easier to lose those unwanted love handles!
Let’s be honest: “Negative calorie” is a misnomer. No food can truly have a calorie count of less than zero. What is meant by the term is that some foods have so few calories compared to the amount of energy required to digest them, that at the end of the process you’ve actually burned more calories than the food contains. So the net result is, in fact, a “negative calorie burn”. This makes them a dieter’s perfect dream food.
Not only will these snacks and meal accompaniments help you lose weight by burning more energy, but they will also help you keep that ‘full’ feeling in between meals. This then stops you from snacking on things that are likely to hinder your diet such as chocolate and sweets.
Here are some of the best negative calorie foods we’ve discovered.
Apricots: Rather than eating a fruit-filled pie, just have the fruit. This sweet, delicious fruit will satisfy that craving you have nicely.
Cucumbers: Pick them up at the store or grow them yourselves. Either way, you can eat these as a snack added to other meals.
Carrots are good, wholesome, and their crunchiness gives you a satisfied feeling.
Strawberries: Let’s face it, the best part of strawberry shortcake are the strawberries, so skip the cake and just eat the delicious, healthy part.
Watermelon: There’s no better summertime treat than this low-calorie, juicy snack.
Tomatoes are low in calories and make great additions for salads and sandwiches.
Cauliflower - Great to eat with literally anything, and can be cooked in many different ways.
Zucchini: Like califlower, there are many ways to cook zucchini. And it has only about 15 calories in a 100 gram portion! It’s hard to beat for a dieter’s healthy snack.
Apples: Several things have long recommended apples. First, they taste great, and are incrediblly satisfying. Second, because they are hard to digest, the body uses a lot of energy (in the form of calories) to do so. Third, they only contain about 80-some calories anyway!
Hot Chilli Peppers can be used as an excellent alternative to fatty dressings, on salads or sandwiches. Instead of mayonnaise on that sandwich, peppers provide a low-calorie flavor alternative.
There are many more negative calorie foods that you can try. Just check out a diet book at the local store or search the Internet. Before you know it, you’ll be an expert on healthy snacking.
what kinds of anxiety disorder treatments you should know about
February 29, 2008
Generally a person will have undergo cognitive behavioural therapy or psychodynamic therapy along with the use of medication to treat their anxiety disorder. Yet as we have previously mentioned there are natural treatments for dealing with these conditions as well, but must only be used after agreement has been made with the patients doctor. A number of people who have chosen to use natural treatments rather than prescribed ones have found that they are far more effective when used in conjunction with some kind of therapy including massage.
However, for all doctors the first course of treatment that they will prescribe to someone in order to treat their anxiety disorder is medication. It is because they find that this provides a much quicker result to bring the disorder under control. Plus it provides the patient with a chance to explore other options for treating the condition after it has stabilized. The most common type of medication that doctors will prescribe for their patients who suffer from anxiety are anti-depressants. Normally ones such as Zoloft or Paxil, although some doctors may prefer to prescribe mild tranquilizers instead of or as well as the anti-depressants. It is the tranquilizers that can help the patient to relax more and especially at those times when an anxiety attack happens.
Once the doctor has been able to prescribe the right dosage of medication then will then choose to start them on a course of therapy. One of the most favoured types of therapy being used to treat anxiety disorders is known as behavioural therapy. Through a course of sessions with a qualified therapist, a person learns certain techniques including breathing which can help them to face those situations, which cause their anxiety levels to rise. However, this particular form of therapy is only effective if the person learning to use it works at learning the techniques correctly.
The other form of this type of therapy which works in more depth to treat the disorder is known as cognitive behavorial therapy. Through this a person is able to recognize those patterns which cause their anxiety to occur and then works on ways that they can then change the situation. In other words, what the person is learning to do is how to react in a different way to those situations which would normally cause their anxiety or stress levels to rise.
As for psychodynamic therapy this is a treatment where they are trying to find what is the underlying cause for a person’s anxiety problems. It is only by bringing this problems to the forefront can a person be able to resolve them and this in turn will help to alleviate the problems that their anxiety disorder is causing.
Although there are plenty of natural remedies available for treating anxiety disorders these are not considered to be part of the mainstream way of dealing with these problems. Some people find that Passion Flower Extract, Valerian Root Extract or Kava Kava can help to alleviate the symptoms. Whilst there are others who find that massage therapy or acupuncture can be effective as well. The reason many people use these is because not only are they easy to obtain, but they cause few side effects on the person. However, you may find that with the Passion Flower extract in some people this can increase their heart rate and sometimes cause nausea as well.
For those who suffer from any type of anxiety disorder if not controlled properly it can be a very crippling condition. But because there are so many different types of anxiety disoder treatments now available a person is likely to find one that suits the perfectly. But it is vital if using any kind of natural remedies they discuss the matter with their doctor first as it may have an effect on any prescribed medication that they are taking.
getting to know rheumatoid arthritis symptom
February 29, 2008
Symptoms
Since the joints are affected, they are of course the parts that will show symptoms too. People with the condition have joints that swell and stiffen. This can result in tenderness and pain that will vary from one person to another. Aside from your elbows, knees and fingers, other larger joints may also be affected. These include neck and shoulder joints. Symmetrical swelling of joints typically happens.
The disease has other symptoms beyond joint swelling. Some who have it may develop nodules or differently sized bumps in various areas of the body. Many individuals also experience symptoms similar to flu. They may suffer from fever, fatigue, weight loss and a lack of appetite.
The gradual progression of a rheumatoid arthritis symptom may happen across several months. Joint swelling and other symptoms usually fade away after a few days. They recur however after a period of time. Symptom recurrences are typically called flare ups. These flare ups can lead to the more serious condition of movement impairment.
Causes
Experts have not fully determined the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms however may develop in you if you are genetically predisposed to the disease. There is also some indication that lifestyle factors such as smoking may contribute to the condition. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly moves against the tissues of the joint linings. Those who are at a higher risk of getting the disease are people over 40.
Treatment
Since the disease causes are not fully understood, there is no current cure for the condition. Doctors however still recommend some form of treatment. Certain medications can help reduce the symptoms, slow down damage and stop total disability. Some possible medications include NSAIDs, DMARDs, steroids and immunosuppresants. In some cases, the disease can be so severe that surgery is required.
Your doctor would usually recommend lifestyle changes along with medications. You would have to stop smoking. You would also be told to eat only specific healthy foods and to perform exercises specifically made for arthritic patients. You should work closely with your doctor on your diet and exercise program. Some foods and movements may not be good for you. Following your doctor’s advice will help you deal with the pain and challenges brought about by rheumatoid arthritis.
Your rheumatoid arthritis symptom may be truly bothersome. For some, the idea that symptoms can lead to disability may be scary. There is no reason to believe though that life has to stop because of the disease. You can still live a happy and normal life is you take your medication as indicated and keep to a clean lifestyle.
massage therapy products - what are the right ones?
February 29, 2008
Massage Tables - If you are going to be working as an independent massage therapist rather than for a practice already set up the first product you will need to purchase is a massage table. You will first need to decide if you are going to be doing massages in a specific location say your home or in a space elsewhere. You also need to decide if you are going to be providing a mobile massage service to your clients as well.
You may even be someone that actually offers both facilities to clients. Then you need to get a massage table that is not only durable (strong) but is comfortable. Plus if you are going to be mobile then you need one that can be easily transported.
Linens - As well as a table you will also need to get table pads, sheets, blankets and face cradle covers. Choose these products very carefully because they will need to endure a lot of wear and tear. If you can choose linens that feel very comfortable against a person’s skin. Remember that for many of your clients they may find it difficult to become relaxed because the linens you are using are either scratchy or uncomfortable.
You can get disposable face cradle covers but if you can spend a little extra on buying ones which you will need to launder. Although more expensive they are less likely to cause your clients irritation. If you cannot actually purchase large quantities of these in the beginning then buy one or two as and when you can. When washing them use laundry soaps which are non-biological and unscented.
Lotions, Oils and Creams - These products are a major part of your practice and these are items that you are going to have to replace on a regular basis. The best way to get good value and save yourself money is to purchase them in bulk amounts. Purchase just a few good unscented base products in bulk, and then buy essential oils which you can use then to make your own massage therapy products.
This means that you can also provide more personalized service to your massage clients as they will be able to choose the essential oils that they like the most, and which is going to help them relax even more. Then as you begin to discover a particular client’s likes and dislikes you can begin to suggest new scents or scent combinations that they may want to try.
Are you someone who is keen to see their massage therapy business thrive? Then you need to make sure that you only buy the best quality massage therapy products that you can. If not your clients will feel uncomfortable and find it difficult to relax and the chances of them returning to you are greatly reduced.
why shifting calories diet works so well for dieters
February 29, 2008
The rationale of the traditional ’starvation’ diet is simply ‘eat less and lose weight’. This may sound correct literally and superficially. However, losing or gaining weight does not depend solely on the individual’s type and amount of caloric intake.
Starvation can bring out changes in the endocrine and metabolic systems of a person due to lesser intake of calories. This would cause the body to adapt to such changes by storing more food in a quick manner leading to fat buildup. Worse still, this would stimulate muscular breakdown so that needed energy will be released.
This physiological adaptation of the calorie-deprived body will end up in water loss as the body attempts to flush out toxic metabolic by-products. This water loss would seem loss of weight at the outset. But this is only temporary as water weight can be regained after resuming normal diet. Further, it can also cause more weight gain in the form of fat- losing general muscle mass at the same time.
The shifting calories diet approach is very different from the normal starvation diet. It revolves around constantly changing your food intake amounts and types, all the while maintaining the necessary nutritional balance to avoid the muscle loss side effects.
What this means on a practical level is that instead of eating three meals a day, you eat four or five smaller ones daily. Each meal varies greatly with the types of food it offers and the amounts. In this way, you allow your body to burn fat and yet maintain a healthy food intake each day. During these mini-meals, you eat all you want, yet never allow yourself to feel “full.” This is important in making calorie shifting work.
The shifting calories diet, like any other diets need to be supplemented with the right amount of regular exercise and other healthy habits to experience its maximum potential. No need to be very enthusiastic about it initially to overlook other essential factors. This diet can benefit wonderfully even with just a daily walk around the block.
Traditional starvation dieting just doesn’t work. Worse, it can cause more harm than good, and is most definitely NOT good for your body. By using the shifting calories diet, you can burn off that excess fat (not muscle) and keep eating the things you normally would in plentiful amounts.
burn calories diet: the secret to your permanent weight loss
February 29, 2008
Here’s the biggest problem most people have with weight loss: They try some quick-fix method that starves the calories away. But soon after, as they return to their old eating patterns, the pounds start creeping back on. Why is this? What causes the yo-yo effect?
It’s because the philosophy of traditional dieting is to get the body to use its stores of fat. The diet does this by basically starving the body. What most people don’t realize is that this is actually harmful to the person who wants to gain a healthy body, because this trains the body to burn muscle rather than fat. The weight that’s lost is usually just water loss.
Consequently, in short order, the weight returns, and usually brings a few more pounds with it, as the person goes back to eating again. Many dieters feel a tremendous sense of failure at this point. Don’t! It’s not your fault! It’s the diet: It’s simply cannot keep pounds off because of what it does to the body.
The key to avoiding this is to look for a diet plan that helps you burn calories and increase your metabolism. With increased metabolism and a healthy amount of calories eaten each day, the body will now prefer to burn fat over muscle; this leads to the desired weight loss effect without damaging the dieter’s body. I am sure that you can see why a diet that burns calories is far preferable to one that slows your metabolism and causes damage to your muscles.
The best way to approach weight loss is to take a holistic approach to losing weight. Exercising to burn calories, diet plans to guide your eating habits, and making sure that you don’t slip back into old habits are all important parts of the weight loss process.
Patience is also key in effective weight loss. Yes, it’s true that noticeable loss can occur often faster than you might think, don’t expect too much too quickly. We’re talking major changes to your body and your life, and it will take time.
What this means is to be kind to your body. Don’t over-exert yourself in exercise, and don’t starve yourself. You might think you’re hurrying the process along, but in reality, you’re just making it less likely that the weight loss will be permanent.
When it’s all said and done, you will determine how successful you are in weight-loss. A good diet is good; a good diet combined with exercise is even better; but a good diet with exercise and a totally committed mindset is best, and the most likely to achieve long-lasting results.
10 Signs To Tell If You’re In Need Of A Hair Makeover
February 28, 2008
SIGN #2 Your high school friends assure you that “you haven’t changed a bit!” Guess what? It’s probably time to do just that, says Sam Brocato of the hair-care company Brocato America (find his products at Real Salon Products). Start getting inspired by collecting images of cuts you’d consider. Revisit them weekly until you can picture living with one of them. Next, schedule an appointment.
SIGN #3 Your highlights are more noticeable than your base color. This is an indication that your highlights have become too heavy. The fix? Consider a single process to cover the streaks and lay off new highlights for at the least three months. (Don’t worry, some of the lighter bits will naturally show through, giving you a subtler, sun-kissed effect.)
SIGN #4 You’re not receiving compliments on your hair anymore. One simple tweak sure to garner attention is to set your strands in hot rollers. Of all the heat-styling tools, they produce the most softest, sexiest waves.
SIGN #5 Your hair and skin tone match. If your tress and skin tones have become too close, you could benefit from lowlights. Add deeper, warmer streaks using peroxide and ammonia-free color to give your look loads of dimension without damaging your hair.
SIGN #6 Your clothes have evolved; your hair hasn’t. According to Brocato, altering your clothing style is the perfect excuse to update your ‘do. This way, your new look will work from head to toe - literally. For example, if you’ve recently lost weight and are finally sporting all those curve-hugging clothes previously relegated to the back of your closet, you might want to get a sleeker, more face-flattering hair cut.
SIGN #7 Two words: Brillo pad. Lopping off significant length may be the only way to eliminate dryness. But in the meantime, switch to a cream-based styler to add moisture to your hair, which will render it more supple and less apt to break.
SIGN #8 You pull your hair into a ponytail all the time. Add some bangs or layers to give your locks some shape - that way, you’ll be more apt to wear them down.
SIGN #9 You spend more than 20 minutes styling your hair. If it takes this long, your cut is clearly not making the most of your texture. A fast fix: Get your stylist to create ‘dos that work with your curls (like long layers) or that boost your lank locks (like a blunt bob).
SIGN #10 Your stylist could cut your hair with his/her eyes closed. Sounds like someone’s in a rut (not just you). Seek out fresh eyes/scissors.
The easiest way to keep current? Start with a more versatile cut, then alter your texture and color as often as you like!
The Relationship Of Amino Acids And Indigestion
February 28, 2008
Here are a few of the essential amino acids: histidine is necessary for tissue regrowth, lysine helps with calcium absorption, phenylalanine affects memory and nerve functions, methionine breaks down fats, and tryptophan aids in sleep and serotonin production.
When the digestive system is not working properly, there are several ways in which we will become aware of this condition. Heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion are some of the more common effects which can cause quite a bit of discomfort. It has now been discovered that the underproduction of HCL acid can actually be the cause of indigestion.
Achlorhydria, which is the technical term for the underproduction of acid, results when undigested protein is sitting and is basically rotting away in the stomach. This in turn causes burping and bloating and is very uncomfortable when food is forced back up the esophagus. Telltale signs that your food is not being broken down properly and is not producing the amino acids that your body requires, are excessive burping, feeling heavy and nauseated, suffering with either diarrhea or constipation and bad breath.
The reasons why your digestive system may not be working properly are plenty. Your body may not be picking up the chemical signals which promote body waste removal, amino acid absorption and protein and mineral uses.
Body chemical imbalance could be due to stress or a strong regime of physical exercises taking the whole of your body’s attention away from other needs. Age is another factor to take into consideration. Hydrochloric acid production is much lower in an older person than in a younger one. Your digestive system can also be affected by an inadequate diet, eating disorders, or a lack of good sleep.
Prilosec, which is a top selling prescribed medication, promises to relieve the discomfort by stopping acid production. This however, does not treat the underlying issues of putting right what should happen naturally. Even though drugs such as Prilosec may provide immediate relief, it does not address the fact that improper digestion prevents the production of essential amino acids in the body.
Many people choose to take amino acids in supplement form to regulate their digestive processes. These supplements act as a boost to the removal of waste and control stomach acid production as well as the absorption of minerals. The body is after all like an intricate machine and needs the proper mix of nutrients to function well.
Is It More Than Just A Massage?
February 28, 2008
Or a massage can go beyond these purposes and take on a sexual nature. One of the great things about massage is its sensual basis. It awakens the senses, opens up the body to sensation and increases blood flow. The fundamental difference between a conventional massage and a sensual massage is that a conventional massage intends to increase relaxation, while a sensual massage intends to increase excitement. A conventional massage is not always pleasurable -a strong hand working out a knot in your back might feel good, but it’s hardly a pure pleasure. Sensual massage is about pleasure, about opening up the body to receive pleasurable sensations and excitement.
In some elements of society, sensual massage has a bit of a bad reputation. This is probably because of the thriving underground sensual massage parlor business. There are thousands (if not millions) of illegal massage parlors where men and women perform sensual massage for a fee. This is illegal and considered immoral, which may lead some people to believe sensual massage is a bad thing.
These illegal massage parlors encourage the sexual subjugation of others, and contribute to other societal problems as well. However, that doesn’t mean sensual massage is wrong or immoral.
When sensual massage is performed between two consenting adults in the privacy of the home, it can be quite fun and rewarding. Far from an impersonal transaction, it can increase intimacy and love between a couple as well as offering a sexual exchange that can’t result in pregnancy and will likely not lead to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
If you are a person who loves to touch or be touched in a sexual way, I highly recommend you discuss sensual massage with your partner. You may be a little embarrassed at first, but don’t be shy about it. You may be missing out on the time of your life!
Fortunately, there is a wealth of information available about sensual massage techniques. If you do a quick search of the internet, you will find numerous illustrated books, videos and other educational tools that will help you teach yourself about sensual massage.
Also, there is an astounding variety of massage oils that are commercially available and intended for use in sensual massage. The come in many different scents (and flavors!) and will greatly enhance your ability to give and receive pleasure with a sensual massage.
Now, you could be ashamed of these desires, and attempt to squelch your feelings of yearning for sexual massage. If you do this, you run the risk of resorting to an illegal massage parlor or an illegal visit with a sex worker.
I recommend you don’t do that. Go out, learn about sensual massage and discuss it with your spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend. You won’t regret it, and if you play your cards right you will greatly enrich your life.