10 Video Games That Will Help You Lose Weight

Losing weight is a combination of a well maintained diet and a regular exercise routine. Finding the balance between diet and exercise can be a challenge, particularly when time is limited and gym memberships are too costly. Exercising from home has become a practical option. A variety of interactive video games combine constant activity with sensor and motion controllers to create a complete workout in your own living room.
Video games as a fitness alternative may seem like an oxymoron. Playing video games are often equated with a lack of physical movement and laziness. With the advent of more participatory, motion sensitive, video game controllers, the physical movements of the player are required to progress the game. Fitness video games take the movements one step further to engage the players in various types of fitness routines and workouts while measuring physical abilities and progress.
When shopping for fitness and exercise enhancing video games, it is logical to start in the video game section of an electronics store or in video game stores. These stores will not only carry the video games but the video game equipment required for play. Shopping online is also an option for researching and finding the most fitting video game to help with weight loss. An online marketplace such as eBay offers a wide variety, with the ability to comparison shop and narrow searches categorically.
The following 10 games will help to enhance a fitness regime and help with weight loss.

Where to Begin

The following table details each of the 10 active video games, the types of game consoles that are required, any special equipment that may be required to participate in the activities, and the rating of the game. Utilizing the details in the table will help to discern which games work with certain consoles or which games may not be useful without certain equipment.

Game	Console	Equipment	Rating
Your Shape	Xbox Live	Kinect	E
Active 2	Xbox, PlayStation, Wii	Kinect, Body Tracking, Balance Board	E
Wii Fit	Nintendo Wii	Balance Board	E
Dance Dance Revolution II	Wii, PlayStation, Xbox, TV Plug and Play	Dance Pads (come with the game)	E
Biggest Loser	Xbox, Wii	Kinect	E
NFL Training Camp	Wii	Balance Board, heart monitor included	E
Zumba Fitness	Xbox, Wii, PlayStation	Kinect for Xbox and Move for PlayStation	E
Dance Central	Xbox	Kinect	T
Gold’s Gym Cardio	Wii		E
Kinect Sports	Xbox	Kinect	E

Because video games are designed for various types of game consoles, a player may decide to either pick fitness games designed for a specific console or games that may be based on a specific type of exercise regime for maximum results. Should the purchase of extra equipment be a concern, focus on the games that either come with their own special equipment or that have a variety of programs that do not necessarily require additional equipment.

1. Your Shape: Fitness Evolved

Created by UBISoft, the Your Shape video fitness program is designed specifically for Xbox Live. The game offers over 90 hours of activities for players to design their own workout. Players can choose from boot camp, boxing, jump rope, yoga, and dance. Workouts are completely customizable so that beginners as well as advanced users can tailor their own levels, goals, and preferences. The Kinect sensor is required to participate in the various workouts and programs. The motion tracking and projection technology that is built into the game with the use of the sensor provides feedback specific to the player (even projecting the player on to the screen) and his or her body, so that movements can be guided and improved for optimal results.

2. EA Sports Active 2

Developed for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii by EA Sports, this video game offers over 70 exercise routines complete with the guidance of a virtual personal trainer. The player is able to track heart rate on screen with various features for each type of game console. Because there are slight variations for each console, the features of each type are detailed below.

Xbox 360

The version created for the Xbox 360 includes a built-in heart rate monitor to track heart rate on screen. With the Kinect sensor, the game also includes wireless full body motion tracking to help with seamless workout experiences, creating hands free workouts. The Xbox version offers over 70 exercises and activities and the possibility to enroll in a 9-week program developed by personal trainers for optimal body conditioning and freshness of workouts. The player also has the option of using a built-in personal trainer as a guide and downloading new content.

PlayStation 3

The PlayStation version includes all of the features offered in the Xbox version. The only difference lies in the video game equipment. The Body Tracking wireless system for PlayStation uses motion sensors in leg and arm straps to track body movement.

Nintendo Wii

The version created for the Wii does not include the option for downloadable content. Unlike the Xbox and PlayStation version, the Wii motion tracking does require that the player hold the Wii remote, in addition to attaching motion sensors, therefore the player is never completely hands free. EA Sports also developed the aspects of the game to be balance board compatible, however the player much purchase the balance board separately.

3. Wii Fit Plus

The Wii Fit game developed completely for the Nintendo Wii gaming system tracks a player's weight, body mass index, and center of balance in 40 activities. The various activities include yoga, aerobics, strength training, and balance. The range of exercises is designed to accommodate advanced fitness gurus and beginners, alike. All routines can be customized specific to preferences and types of activities, even focusing on certain movements and body parts. Much like the Wii video games, the Fit Plus incorporates competition and fun into each routine type, even developing various competitive sports such as hula hooping for snowboarding around the various types of exercises. This game requires the use of the Wii Balance Board.

4. Dance Dance Revolution (various versions)

For those who may be seeking a physical workout combined with fun and dance, Dance Dance Revolution may be an entertaining alternative. The original game was developed in 1998 complete with a "dance platform" upon which the players dance to music and special routines produced by the game. Due to its popularity, versions of the game were released to arcades in a larger, interactive format. The game is not typically promoted as a fitness game; however, the rigorous dance routines set to top 40 hits offer maximum aerobic workouts complete with a calorie-counter. Versions are available for every type of gaming console, as well as a version developed for directly plugging into the television.

5. The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout

THQ developed this game, based on the NBC reality show of the same name, specifically for Xbox and the Kinect platform. The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout is hosted by the trainers from the television show, Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, and offers over 125 exercises and routines. Players are able to work out with friends online and keep a video diary. Another version has been developed for Wii, but it does not include all of the additional features that are included with the Xbox, such as online workouts and video diaries.

6. Active NFL Training Camp

A football based training program, this video game includes training drills and workouts similar to those created for actual football training camps. The more than 70 drills and exercises were developed in collaboration with NFL training coaches to be just as effective and improve strength, power, agility, and balance. Players can track progress, choose a particular NFL stadium, and workout alongside some their favorite NFL players.

7. Zumba Fitness (various versions)

Zumba is a Colombian fitness dance program created in the 1990s which combines dance and aerobic elements. The choreography includes aspects of hip-hop, samba, salsa, mambo, martial arts, squats, lunges, and belly dance moves. As a way to bring the Zumba class into the home, the Zumba Fitness games combine the popular Zumba dance workouts to strengthen and sculpt the body while offering a well-rounded cardiovascular workout. Players follow various instructors in a variety of Zumba dance routines.

8. Dance Central

Much like Dance Dance Revolution, this game is primarily promoted as a dance only game, rather than fitness specific game. However, dancing can be a powerful ally in the venture to lose weight and stay in shape. This game includes an instructor who takes the player through individual dance moves as a measure to learning a full dance routine. Once the player learns the moves, he or she then participates in the full routine set to music from popular artists. Because the game was not developed purely as a fitness game, there are no progress trackers as offered with some of the other fitness and sports games.

9. Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout

Based on the "shape boxing" workout, the exercise video includes a variety of physical challenges aimed at enhancing cardio fitness. In partner with the Gold’s Gym fitness center chain, the game was developed as highly intensive, physically demanding workouts. Features of the game include cataloging workout schedules and helping to determine fitness levels depending on the way the player performs in initial workout routines.

10. Kinect Sports

The sports video game that is designed for the Xbox Kinect enables the player to become the game controller. Soccer, tennis, skiing, basketball, golf, baseball, and football are some of the sports that are included in the game which also allows for players to compete online with other players. Motion simulation brings the players into each game, simulating the participation into various types of sports with various performance levels and challenges. Players can also download additional content to expand the features of the games.

How to Buy Video Games for Weight Loss on eBay

When shopping for fitness and active video games, you may want to begin by evaluating which games work with which consoles. If you are limited by equipment or type of console, search only for fitness games that are developed for that particular gaming system. When shopping for video games online, the process can be a bit overwhelming considering the large number of choices available. Perusing the listings in an online marketplace such as eBay helps to narrow down choices and organize fitness and sports games by preferences.
To locate fitness and sports video games on eBay, begin in the Electronics section. From here, select Video Games, Consoles & Accessories and select Games to reveal all of the video games listings. From here the games can be categorized by console, genre, condition, or region. Selection Simulation or Sports will help to narrow down the listings to more sports and fitness related choices. However, to find specific games, a specific search such as "fitness video games" or "exercise video games" will narrow the search to games specifically designed for exercise regimes.
When shopping for a fitness video game, you may want to consider that most sellers, just like retailers, will not offer a return policy on a new game. Unless the game is damaged or not in working order, you may not be able to return your purchase. If you have questions regarding the return policy or any other aspect of the purchase, eBay has a convenient "contact member" portal that you can reach simply by clicking on the seller’s screen name.

Conclusion

Losing weight can be an uphill battle that may seem even more daunting with the prospect of joining a gym or fighting cold, rain, or extreme heat to exercise outdoors. Enrolling in classes only offered at certain times or hiring a trainer also put constraints on scheduling and the pocketbook. The fitness and sports video games developed for various gaming consoles offer an interactive alternative to fitness without having to leave home.
In addition to a variety of fitness and exercise video games that have been developed, there are a range of sports and dance videos that require the same amount of activity and commitment. If you are having trouble deciding on the type of fitness or exercise or video game to help you lose weight, first start by evaluating which types of activities most interest you. Depending on your abilities and interests, there are a variety of choices to help you on your quest.
When shopping for video games to help you lose weight, consider which games will work well with which gaming consoles. Shopping in an online marketplace such as eBay will help with evaluating and categorizing each type of exercise video game to narrow down your choices. Once you have focused on a certain type of exercise related to your interest, you will be on your way to goal kicking, cardio boxing, or dancing to a trimmer you in no time.

Available at: http://www.ebay.com/gds/10-Video-Games-That-Will-Help-You-Lose-Weight-/10000000177628511/g.html

Experiences from Real People

 You may think it's shocking and unbelievable, however this truthfully has worked for thousands of women, so what makes you any different? It's not perfect and it isn't exactly the same for everyone, but try it and I guarantee you'll see a change. Here are some testimonials from women who have tried it before you:

 

Sherah Taylor, Oregon

Vital Stats: Age 36, weight lost 60 lbs., inches lost: 12" on waist, 7" on hips.
Eight children in 12 years and I look and feel better than I ever have in my entire life! I've always had the determination and willpower to exercise and eat right, but was never EVER able to see such unbelievable results until I found Venus. I pinch myself every day to see if I am dreaming...

 

 Terry C. Warrington, Pennsylvania

Due to time constraints I typically do half of a workout in the early morning and either finish it that night or the next morning. I do not spend a lot of time in the gym working out. This program is so doable even for someone who works full-time and is very involved in my church, son’s school and has a very active social life. I love the VF workouts and my body has transformed into something I thought I would never have! At my age I cannot believe the shape that I am finally getting, and I owe it all to the Venus Factor program.
My 54th birthday is next month and I want to thank John for creating a workout and an environment that has helped me have the shape I have always dreamed of, I feel awesome!

 

 

Barabara Highland, Mexico

Vital Stats: Age 44, weight lost 50lbs, inches lost: 9" on waist, 10" on hips.
After following the program to the T, here I am now, three months after, 44 years old with the same waist I had in college, with a ten month old baby, fit and strong as ever and with the toned body I always dreamed of (without exercising, of course). I look better than most of the girls I see at he gym that are less than half my age. Thank you John.



 To find out more, go to http://smplw8loss.venusind.hop.clickbank.net/. 

7 Healthy Holiday Tips To Help You Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

With visions of sugar plums and holiday treats dancing in your head it is time for you to follow my healthy holiday tips for weight loss. According to the British Nutrition Foundation, between the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, people gain between three and seven extra pounds. Although that may not seem like a large weight gain, once this weight is gained most people do not lose it. As your certified trainer I can help you with my healthy holiday tips so that you can reach your weight loss goals!

1. Start Your Day with a Workout

With the sun rising later in the winter due to daylight savings, it is often hard to get motivated to get up out of bed and get going. Get up and push yourself to a wake up workout so you have the payoff of bettered health, more energy, and a better body. I rise early every day because this is usually the only time I can find to dedicate to focus on my personal fitness so do what works with your schedule. This is one of my effective holiday tips that really transforms you.

2. Stock Your Home with Healthy Treats

Ditch the apple pie from your countertop and replace this with some healthy baked apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon you will be sure to love. You will save some calories and your waistline by making the healthier choice. And make sure your home is stocked with plenty of fruit as your healthy treats.

3. Entertain The Healthy Way

Do you find yourself begging your guests to take the leftover pie home so you can eliminate temptation? Stop feeding your guests all the foods that you do not even want in your home and make skinny changes. If you make dark chocolate covered strawberries you are providing your guests with some antioxidants and you will be guilt free. A fruit salad is always the star of all the dessert platters so why not make this for your next holiday event.

 4. Keep a Food Diary

Start keeping a food diary so you can track your food intake. This comes in handy over the holidays when you are cooking. Often when we graze throughout the day we are unaware that all this extra noshing can add up to mega calories. You can track your calories online on myfitnesspal.com or any other online site you choose.

5. Share Your Knowledge with Friends And Family

If your friends and family are asking you how you look so good, share your fitness and health knowledge. If you pay it forward and motivate them, you will better their health and you will feel great. Remember to only share this information to willing individuals because if they are not interested you could get on their nerves which is definitely not a good thing. I never push but I always help those that have open arms and positive energy.

6. Enjoy Your Hot Beverage

Did you know? If you substitute your daily latte, apple cider or hot chocolate for a cup of coffee or tea, it can save between 150 and 500 calories a day. Over the three-month winter period of pre and post-holiday time, that’s a saving of up to 21,000 calories - equivalent to 6 pounds of body fat! Now that is well worth the swap!

7. Catch Plenty of Zzzzzs

According to a Case Western Reserve University study, women who sleep for five or fewer hours a night are 32 percent more likely to gain weight and 15 percent more likely to become obese than women who sleep for seven or more hours. It is believed that lack of sleep may slow metabolism or decrease the calories burned by spontaneous activities such as fidgeting. What better reason could there be to get some extra shut eye this winter? Eeek I better start getting more sleep! Do you get adequate sleep?

I hope my tips will help you avoid holiday weight gain and have a blessed and healthy holiday season. Wishing you good health and cheer for a happy new year! Are you ready to make healthy changes this holiday season?

To find out more by Tara Zimliki, please go to http://weightloss.allwomenstalk.com/healthy-holiday-tips-to-help-you-reach-your-weight-loss-goals.

How to Lose 10 Pounds in One Month (or 30 Days)

It is absolutely possible to lose ten pounds over the next month. It will take dedication, determination and a positive mental attitude. The following are not only the six steps for losing weight in the next thirty days, but they are also necessary to laying down the foundation that will turn into lasting results.

Step One - Set a Goal and Move Immediately into Action

In this moment, take time to set your ten pound goal. Write it out on a piece of paper and date it for 30 days from now. Writing it out is important when starting out. Keep it in your pocket at all times and read it at every chance you get. The most important part of this task is that if you always read over your goal - you will always have it in mind. Your statement should look something like the following:

"I will lose 10 pounds by Dec.25/2013"

Step Two - Prepare and Execute a Diet Transformation

From a realistic point of view, we should understand that it is not so much a diet that we will be getting into as it will be an overall lifestyle change.

The reason is simple; if we change our diet for the next month and choose to go back to what we consumed prior to the change, our bodies will go back to the way it was.

A simple and yet very effective daily diet would be; assorted fruits for breakfast and assorted vegetables for both lunch and dinner. If you want that extra protein kick in animal form, keep it to a minimum and only allow three to four ounces of freshly cooked fish. You can also snack on nuts and fruit when feeling a bit hungry in between meal times. Limit the portions of each snack to a handful only.

Your new way of eating should not consist of processed foods (including fast food, preserved foods, and other man packaged products), sugar, saturated and Trans fats, and all cooking oil. Also eliminate soft drinks and concentrated fruit juices completely and drink only water.

Step Three - Get Physical Daily

Make time to go for a 45 to 60 minute walk daily without "days off" in between. You can also fit in a natural weight resistance program prior to walking to step it up a notch. The best combination of physical activity for weight loss is a cardiovascular routine (walking, brisk walking, jogging) and a weight resistance routine (push ups, chins, crunches).

There are also other ways you can keep physically active on a daily basis that requires no extra time out of your pocket. When you go for groceries or to the mall, you can park at the far end of parking lot and walk. You can put more effort in cleaning the house on a daily basis. You could also find yard work around the home is you have your own residence. There are so many ways to be naturally active. All we have to do is open our mind to the opportunities.

Step Four - Get Proper Rest

Sleep is a very important time for everyone. Sleep helps rejuvenate the soul, repairs damaged body tissue, and lowers stress levels. It's important to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Another source of rest can be doing something you enjoy doing. It could be a hobby like reading a good book or even meditation if you enjoy that. When we engage in something that is relaxing and joyful it also helps eliminate stress.

Step Five - Clean Your Insides

Okay, so it does not sound like an appetizing job, but this step is also important to help aid weight loss. By keeping your intestinal tract clean, it enables your body to extract the essential nutrients that you need. It will also help keep constipation out of the way!

To do this you can add fiber rich foods in your daily diet. Foods that are high in fiber and packed full of nutrients are; apples, oranges, berries, beans, dark leafy greens. Mother Nature provides the best variety of natural foods and we should absolutely accept them.

Step Six - Eliminate Bad Habits

If you smoke to the point where it's difficult to go for a walk, then it's time to cut back or quit. Smoking should not get in the way of your health. If you spot any other bad habit that you believe is getting in your way of a healthy success - eliminate it. You can do this by replacing the bad habit with a good habit.

We are all habitual beings and no one is an exception. We have the ability to choose and mold a new habit at any given time. When we create new habits by reinforcing the new habit over and over again - we can keep it for life. Once a new habit is fully formed it is set on autopilot, meaning we don't have to attend to that specific habit anymore and we can reap better results daily.

Written by Russ Nagamori at: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Lose-10-Pounds-in-One-Month-(or-30-Days)&id=8142239

30 minutes of exercise better for weight loss than longer workouts

Contrary to what you might have thought, just 30 minutes of exercise a day could help you lose more weight than daily hour-long sessions, according to Danish researchers.

They split a group of 60 moderately overweight Danish men into two groups and instructed them to exercise vigorously for either 30 minutes or an hour a day for 13 weeks.

By the end of the study, those who did half an hour a day lost 3.6kg compared with 2.7kg for those who exercised for an hour.

The researchers believe it's because those who scheduled less time for formal exercise included more incidental activity throughout their day, whereas those who blocked out an hour a day were more likely to put their feet up.

"The subjects in the test group that exercised the least talk about increased energy levels and a higher motivation for exercising and pursuing a healthy everyday life," said Associate Professor Astrid Jespersen from the Unviersity of Copenhagen.

"They take the stairs, take the dog for an extra walk or cycle to work. In contrast, the men who exercised for one hour a day, after training, felt exhausted, demotivated and less open to making a healthy change."

Australian exercise guidelines suggest people aim for 150 minutes of exercise a week, which is roughly 30 minute sessions on five days.

Professor David Dunstan, head of physical activity at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, told ninemsn this study proves that we all need to increase our movement throughout the day.

"I'm encouraging people to consider movement from the time they wake up until they go to bed," he said.

"It's great to get 30 minutes of exercise in the morning, but to sit on our backsides for the remainder of the day is not beneficial. Try to think about reducing sitting time throughout the day. We need to think of movement as an opportunity not an inconvenience."

Dr Nathan Johnson, from the Sydney University faculty of health sciences, told ninemsn that you don't need to exercise in solid chunks.

"Do at least 10 minute blocks and accumulate it throughout the week. For most people a brisk walk is enough. It doesn't have to be structured," he said.

Dr Johnson also said that it's a better idea for people to focus on reducing abdominal fat, than worrying about purely what's on the scales.

"If you can lose fat from the abdomen, your risk of disease improves, even if you don't change on the scales," he said.

"Weight loss is a good goal, but waistline reduction shows you're losing fat from the right areas."

The study was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health.

For the video and article by Kimberly Gillian, look at http://health.ninemsn.com.au/fitness/8726562/30-minutes-of-exercise-better-for-weight-loss-than-longer-workouts or click on the video's picture.

Effects of Stress on Weight Loss

The effects of stress on weight loss can be quite dramatic! High stress, which raises cortisol levels in your body, stops your body from burning fat and losing weight through several mechanisms.

It seems that we experience some degree of stress almost every day of our life. Work, family, relationships, financial, and even travel can cause us varying levels of stress at certain times.

Since stress appears to be a constant in our lives, it is important to be aware of the effects of stress on our ability to lose weight and keep it off.

Even though the stresses that our ancestors experienced many years ago are vastly different to what we experience today, our bodies respond in exactly the same way. Plus, different types of stress (i.e. physical, psychological and emotional) all invoke the same response, which is an increase in the output of stress hormones, primarily cortisol.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the outer portion of the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. It has the effect of increasing the blood sugar level, suppressing the immune system and aiding in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It prepares the body for action; it's the 'fight or flight' hormone.

Unfortunately though, there is a strong correlation between cortisol and obesity and there are several mechanisms through which cortisol may cause you to put on weight as well as stop you from losing weight.

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Here are the Effects of Stress on Weight Loss

Increases blood sugar level

Cortisol blocks the absorption of glucose into cells and also promotes the production and release of glucose from the liver, which come from amino acids that have been liberated from muscle tissue.

Prolonged cortisol production leads to constantly elevated blood sugar levels, which in turn, causes insulin levels to rise. Since insulin stops the mobilisation and utilisation of fat as a fuel source as well as promoting fat storage, losing weight becomes difficult. Furthermore, prolonged insulin levels leads to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is strongly correlated with obesity.

Increases muscle loss

Cortisol is the most 'catabolic' hormone in the body, which means it promotes the breakdown of body tissues, including muscle. Since muscle is one of the most metabolically-active tissues in the body a loss of muscle results in a depression of the metabolic rate, which makes fat burning and weight loss more difficult.

Increases fluid retention

Cortisol has a similar (but weaker) effect to aldosterone on the kidneys. This means it causes the retention of sodium and water along with the release of potassium. The increased water retention in the body may lead to weight gain even though the additional weight is only water and is not due to fat accumulation.

Negatively affects sleep

Cortisol is often referred to as the 'anti-sleep hormone'. This is one of the major effects of stress. Under normal circumstances, cortisol peaks early in the morning just prior to waking; it gives us the necessary 'jolt' to wake us up and get us moving. Then, as the day progresses, it tends to taper off and reaches its lowest point in the evening just before and during the first part of the sleep cycle.

People with insomnia have been shown to have high levels of cortisol in the evening, which affects their ability to sleep. Stressful events during the day may also cause high levels of cortisol in the blood stream in the evening, which negatively affects sleep.

Poor sleeping habits, as one of the effects of stress, are strongly associated with weight gain for several reasons. During sleep the body goes through the processes of repair, recuperation, recovery and rebuilding of body tissues. If sleep is impaired then this process cannot occur as effectively as it should and therefore the body's ability to rebuild lean tissues, like muscle tissue, is negatively affected. This has a negative effect on the body's metabolism and fat-burning ability.

Also, since growth hormone, our body's most powerful lipolytic (fat burning) hormone, gets produced mostly at night during deep sleep, if our sleep habits are impaired due to high cortisol levels, the body's production of this hormone also gets impaired as does our ability to burn off body fat effectively.

Affects thyroid hormone production

Cortisol has the effect of increasing the conversion of T4 (thyroxine) into rT3 (reverse tri-iodothyronine) instead of T3 (tri-iodothyronine). T3 is the most active thyroid hormone and is responsible for controlling the metabolism of all body cells whilst rT3 is the 'brake' that blocks the T3 receptors on cell membranes. Having higher rT3 compared to T3 slows the metabolism down, causes thyroid problems and makes weight gain more likely.

Lowers anabolic hormones (i.e. testosterone)

The body's production of cortisol and testosterone relies on the same precursor hormone, pregnenolone. Therefore, if the level of one hormone in the body is high, the other is low. Since testosterone is a powerful anabolic hormone, which helps to maintain and build lean tissue, it can have a dramatic effect on a person's metabolism and therefore their ability to burn fat and lose weight.

By the same token, if cortisol is high, testosterone will be low and so will the ability to maintain and/ or build muscle. This will make fat storage and weight gain more likely.

Increases appetite

Appetite is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain. It responds to a variety of stimuli, particularly a group of steroid hormones known as 'glucocorticoids'. Cortisol is one of the most powerful glucocorticoids and therefore has a stimulatory effect on a person's appetite. An increase in appetite often results in an increase in food intake and resultant weight gain or inability to lose weight. Therefore lowering cortisol may help to lower appetite.

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How to Lower Cortisol (and Stress) Levels Effectively

Due to the various effects of stress mentioned here, high cortisol (stress) makes it very easy to put on weight (including fat) and very difficult to lose it. However, high cortisol (and stress) levels may be lowered effectively by relaxation techniques, meditation and breathing exercises. In today's society though, we are often too busy (and stressed!) to take the time to perform these exercises. It is sometimes easier to simply take a supplement!

BCN's Rhodiola Advanced is a powerful stress-relieving herb that has been shown to lower the effects of stress quickly and easily. It has been used in Russia and Scandinavia for decades! Also, Rhodiola Advanced has standardised levels of active ingredients to ensure you get maximum benefits from the product.

If you are suffering from high levels of stress in your life then BCN's Rhodiola Advancedmay be just what you need to reduce the effects of stress in your body and start losing weight!

Written on: http://www.quick-weight-loss-principles.com/effects-of-stress.html

Proven Methods to Avoid Overeating

If you have ever tried to lose weight, you know how difficult it is to stay clear of the foods that caused you to gain weight in the first place. Once you start a diet, how many times do you search for reasons to tell your self, it's ok, have a piece of cake or slice of pizza? If you're like me, fairly frequently. The problem is, once I have a "forbidden food", I tell myself I might as well go ahead and eat want I want the rest of the day and then start fresh tomorrow. Tomorrow comes then I tell myself, I will wait and get a fresh start on Monday. If you are a career dieter, you know exactly what I am talking about.
There are several situations that cause me to repeat this cycle over and over again.
I will share four of these situations and what I do to overcome the temptation.

Situation # 1 - Parties and Social Events

 Christmas parties, birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, etc. What they all have in common is an abundance of food. When you pass on that piece of pie or cheese dip, other guest encourage you to try just a little. They tell you one piece won't hurt; besides it's a special occasion. Soon you have a nibble then another and so on. Before you know it, you are stuffed and feeling guilty.

How I avoid it:
Just before leaving, I will enjoy a large healthy meal so I am full for the next couple of hours. If I do get hungry, and I typically do, the first thing I will go for is the veggie tray. Often times, veggies may not be available so a little food knowledge will come in handy. Search the table for other healthy alternatives. If there are sandwiches on whole grain bread, you are in good shape. If not, toss the bread and enjoy a piece of ham or turkey. Just stay away from the chicken wings, chips and dips. If you are asked to bring a dish, make sure it is healthy choice so you are sure to have a healthy snack. Many times I will bring the veggie tray and/or flavored rice cakes. If you have no other choice, choose the healthiest food and eat a small portion.

Situation #2 - Spouse or Significant Other Sabotage

It's difficult to eat healthy if your spouse or significant other does not necessarily eat the same way. Not that they would try to sabotage your diet, it's just not food choices they currently want to make.

How I avoid it:
My wife does not always eat the same things I do, but that's ok. We normally make enough chicken or fish to last a couple of days. That way I always have a good choice for a lunch, snack or dinner. If my wife decides she wants pasta and garlic bread, I boil broccoli, heat a piece of chicken and we are both happy. If she insists on Chinese, I will make the healthiest choice off the menu and eat in moderation. I just make sure it is the exception and not the rule.

Situation # 3 - When Looking in the Mirror, you don't see yourself as Overweight

How I avoid it.
Many times I look in the mirror and say to myself, "self, you don't look that over weight". When I see a picture with me in it, my response changes, it's more like, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe how fat I look. So grab your worst fat picture and keep it with you. Next time you decide you want a piece of pizza, look at the picture.

Situation # 4 - All or Nothing Attitude

This situation is my worst enemy. A cold Friday night, my wife and I snuggle up and watch a movie. She decides she wants pizza so I think about situation # 2 and say ok, I will have just a piece or two. Well the pizza gets there and I have a piece or two. Next thing I know, I am telling myself, "well, you already blew it, might as well eat all you want and start fresh tomorrow.

How I avoid it.
This is the most difficult situation for me. I find often times I just can't avoid it so we compromise. Normally, we decide I am too weak. She understands and supports my efforts to be healthy. We will opt instead to make our own pizza. You would be surprised how good a whole grain tortilla, grilled chicken, fat free cheese, tomato sauce, onion and turkey bacon taste oven baked!. There are times she will order a pizza but she will either get a personal size or the next smallest. That way, if I do fall to temptation, there will not be too much to eat.

Written byMike Conley at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Proven-Methods-to-Avoid-Overeating&id=340641

Raw Food Benefits - Uncommon Tips for the Uncommon Eater

If you eat raw, you're most likely idealist like me. You want the energy to do the things you want. You want to look good in your body and feel good in your mind. And you want to avoid the ailments of modern society. Experience and study have shown that these guidelines help bring about that favorable lifestyle.

Optimal Digestion: Chewing and Liquids

Digestion doesn't begin after you swallow. 80% of the enzymes that break down fats, sugars and proteins dwell in your mouth.

Cooked food doesn't usually require much chewing so most people aren't keen on using the old jaw bone. But simply chewing more makes meals more nutritious! More of the food becomes usable to the body. It goes toward building muscle and energizing you instead of being stored as fat. 

• Chew your food until its warm and sweet.

Warmth means proteins and fats are being broken down. Sweetness indicated that sugars are burning.

People usually have a beverage with their meals. But liquids swish digestive enzymes out of the mouth. It takes at least 20 minutes for the mouth the gain its normal digestive power after drinking.

• Enjoy drinks about half an hour before meals

Having green juices 30 minutes before eating solid food actually boosts digestion. The vegetable juices stimulate enzyme activity.

Food Combining: Melons are good.. ALONE

The common melon digests in about 20 minutes. Other foods take 2 hours or more. Throw a melon in with slower digesting foods and it will ferment. This doesn't exactly feel the most pleasant and might leave you gassy.

• Melons go in alone

You really shouldn't eat unsoaked nuts and seeds at all. Every one of them (except hemp) contains enzyme inhibitors that stop your digestive enzymes from properly breaking down food.

But if you do decide to eat some unsprouted almonds or some dried sunflower seeds, don't combine them with others foods. Their slow digesting proteins take the longest to digest. Other foods will be over digested, causing bloating and nausea.

• Combine only soaked nuts and seeds with other foods

Usually sweet and acid fruits (example: pears and sour apples) don't mix well. They call for two different digestion responses. A confused stomach expends a lot of valuable energy and leaves you drained.

Don't mix sweet and sour fruits.

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There is one exception. Lemons have proven themselves very versatile! They promote digestion when combined with just about anything.

We went (or are going) raw because we want to look and feel our best. Simple tips like these make all the difference. Little distinctions help you get the results you want and keep moving forward. Why try to figure it all out on your own? Experienced raw fooders want to give you their wisdom so you don't have to suffer the trial and error. So take advantage of this Free Raw Food Diet Presentation and discover the proven raw food diet strategies of thriving raw fooders.

Written by Angela R Parker at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Raw-Food-Benefits---Uncommon-Tips-for-the-Uncommon-Eater&id=6328136

Juice Weight Loss Recipes - A Sweet Way Towards a Perfect Body

Today, losing weight can now be done in a very juicy way. Unlike other weight loss methods, juice weight loss recipes do not oblige you to eat boring food and to indulge in tiring exercises. Before, the perfect juice for losing weight is a glass of water with a splash of lemon. However, there are a lot of other more exciting juice recipes that can help men and women to be perfectly fit today.
What is good about these juice recipes is that they give natural vitamins to your body that are of no question great for your health. Fruit and vegetable juices can make the stomach feel full considering the fact that it actually is not a full meal. This is actually fine since weight loss juices can give you the nutrients you can get from a full meal.
Diet juices can be made in a lot of variations, from a single fruit to a combination of two or more. It can also be a mix of a fruit and a vegetable. Whatever you wish to combine, that is fine as long as you get to enjoy it. Here are some juice weight loss recipes that can become your exciting weight loss buddy daily:

• Flying Orange Juice. This is made out of two pears, three grapefruits plus one sweet potato. Indeed, this is a sweet and refreshing drink, without any hangover.
• Papaya Passion. To have this, you must prepare a combination of one medium-sized papaya, one red apple, and five pitted dates on it.
• Strawberry Delight. This includes a refreshing blend of around four to eight strawberries, one to two bananas, and about eight to 10 dates.
• Potassium Drink. This juice differs in any other weight loss juice recipes because it is richer in vitamins and it contains potassium. This is a blend of one celery stalk, a handful of spinach, a handful of parsley, four carrots, and half a lemon.
• Joggers' Paradise.  This is another healthy juice made from a combination of one small yam, three oranges, and two pears. This juice is commonly known as muscle-blasting and power-pushing juice drink.
• Calcium Drink. A glass of calcium drink can be accomplished with a combination of three carrots, an apple, half a cup of broccoli, a handful of parsley, and half a lemon.

Moreover, these combinations of fruits and vegetables are helpful keys in detoxifying your body and are proven to be useful in internal cleansing. They also increase the vitamin intake of the body. Basically, a glass of juice done in a combination of fruits and vegetables also provides a package of vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and photochemical that is helpful for the health of your body.
So if you no longer want to suffer from your tiring exercise workouts and from your boring food diet, you can take a glass of juice and get the same results. For sure, if you have a regular intake of any of these juice weight loss recipes, you will never have to lose with your weight problem. One sip of a refreshing and sweet juice can definitely give you a sweet result.

Written by Ronald Yip at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Juice-Weight-Loss-Recipes---A-Sweet-Way-Towards-a-Perfect-Body&id=3113840

Developing a Healthy Weight Loss Plan

This has been in for a long while now; a little flab here and an extra inch there are widely regarded as being bad news. Look around and you will see weight loss representatives eager to help you start off on programs for healthy weight loss. "Healthy" -- now that is a word to emphasize. Fad diets are all over the place these days. Most often, they are not ways of guaranteeing healthy weight loss. After all, what is the point of losing weight if you end up with metabolism-related problems? Obesity does lead to health problems, but so do fad diets. So how does one come across a healthy weight loss program?

Obesity eats your energy levels and affects your self-esteem. Your neighbors might suggest a crash diet program that worked wonders for her. However, this does not mean that the same diet would work for you. Yo-yo dieting is bad news for health more often than not. Cut down on your fatty indulgences and drink some protein shakes and you could be on your way to losing fat and building muscles. On the flip side, however, you could end up with kidney troubles. Similarly, reducing your calorie intake might help you shave off a few inches in the short term. However, the weight loss might not be a permanent one.

So how does one come up with a healthy weight loss plan? Popeye, the well-known cartoon character is always shown eating spinach, while his friend Wimpy is constantly chowing on hamburgers and fries. The results are there for all to see. While Wimpy is flabby, Popeye is muscular enough to take on any villain that comes his way. It is just another reminder that the key to healthy weight loss lies in eating right.

To begin with, one's weight loss targets need to be reasonable. You can't just wake up a week before Christmas and hope to lose twenty pounds before that Christmas Eve party. Not only is this an unreasonable target, but achieving it can only be done through unhealthy means. You need to develop a healthy weight loss plan. This would involve setting reasonable goals. Tell yourself that you will lose two pounds a week and work towards it. Start slow, be patient and be persistent -- that is the secret to healthy weight loss.

It is best to visit a doctor or a qualified dietitian to figure out what would be a healthy weight loss plan for you. Each person has a different kind of metabolism combined with different health issues. You will need to chart out a suitable diet plan that will give you your daily dose of carbohydrate, calories, proteins, fats, and vitamins. You would also have to start doing some regular exercise. You could set out for a jog every morning; or you could get together with some friends and join an aerobics class. If you are the sporty type, playing tennis more often could work wonders. Healthy weight loss need not be a faraway dream if you are focused on your goal.

"Lose 10 Pounds in 1 Month" (realistically)

Written by Ethan Quinn and available at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Developing-a-Healthy-Weight-Loss-Plan&id=1330590

The World's Healthiest Diets

Is the American diet really so bad that it’s time to look to other countries for help?
That’s the premise behind a spate of recent books and Web sites touting plant-heavy diets of various far-away places. Looking at traditional diets has become something of a fad in recent years. Numerous books, including The Jungle Effect and The China Study, have tried to document the link between diet and great health in various countries and regions. Researchers, for example, are still trying to understand how a sweet-potato-based diet may boost longevity on the Japanese island of Okinawa, home to a large population of centenarians. But you don’t have to wait for the definitive answer–The Okinawa Diet Plan can be bought right now.
The latest entrant is The Five Factor World Diet by celebrity trainer and author Harley Pasternak. During his far-flung travels with stars like Jessica Simpson and Hillary Duff, Pasternak noticed that people in many of the countries he visited were slimmer and ate a more nutritious diet than most Americans. The experience left Pasternak (who has a master’s degree in exercise physiology and nutrition) convinced that Americans have a lot to learn from the rest of the world.
His book lists countries with healthy diets that also have long life expectancies and low obesity rates. These metrics best capture the effects of a lifetime of good eating and exercise habits, he argues. Japan tops his list because it has a 1.5% obesity rate (for men) and an 82-year life expectancy, vs. a 36.5% obesity rate and a 78-year life expectancy in the United States. South Korea, China and Singapore also do well. France makes the list with a 6.6% obesity rate and an 81-year life expectancy, as do Italy, Spain and Greece. Pasternak’s rankings aren’t scientifically rigorous, but they may shed light on how other countries eat well and manage to stay healthy.

In Pictures: The World’s Healthiest Diets

What virtually all these countries have in common are low-fat diets rich in fish, lean protein, vegetables, fruits and beans. Plant-based diets can reduce cholesterol levels, while fruits and vegetables also contain antioxidants that may protect against cancer. Consumption of certain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may reduce heart disease risk. Many of the traditional diets only include small amounts of red and processed and salt-cured meats, whose consumption may increase risk of colorectal and stomach cancers.
Most of the countries in question practice portion control. Although they indulge in high-fat cheeses, cured pork and condensed milk coffee drinks, they rarely pig out like Americans. “Whether you adopt one or multiple things [from these countries] and bring them into your life,” says Pasternak, “you’ll be healthier and lose weight and keep it off.”
Beyond this common-sense message, science doesn’t have much to say about which traditional cuisines are the healthiest. It’s impossible to tell whether the long life expectancies of some countries are actually the result of better health care systems, not better eating habits. No researcher has developed a method to accurately measure the comparative health benefits of one country’s diet vs. another, says Harvard epidemiologist Dimitrios Trichopoulos. “We have no evidence because we don’t have a yardstick,” he says. There are indications that Japanese and Chinese diets, for example, are protective against chronic diseases and improve longevity, but Trichopoulos says that they haven’t been studied enough to say that conclusively.
The one exception, he says, is the Mediterranean diet, high in olive oil, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. A 2008 meta-analysis of 12 studies of 1.6 million subjects found that people who stick closely to the Mediterranean diet had a 9% lower death rate than people who ate the same diet less stringently, according to the results published in the British Medical Journal. Numerous other studies show it can protect against heart disease.

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But pinpointing the most beneficial components of Mediterranean diet is tough, says David Jenkins, a University of Toronto nutrition professor. “It could be pasta, bulgur, hummus, fava beans,” he says, “What we generally mean is a diet with more fruits and vegetables and less dependence on red meat.”
Trichopoulos says that traditional diets have pitfalls of their own. The Japanese, for instance, eat lots of nutrient-laden cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, and their main sources of protein are fish and soy. That’s the good news. The downside: Thanks to a preference for cured foods, they also consume colossal amounts of sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and more strokes.
So while it may be useful to borrow dietary tips from other cultures–whether it’s rye bread from Sweden, buckwheat noodles from Japan or bok choy from China–it probably doesn’t matter exactly which things you borrow.
 Written by Rebecca Ruiz at: http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/02/healthy-diet-country-lifestyle-health-soy-vegetables.html

The top 25 healthy fruits: Blueberries, apples, cherries, bananas and 21 more healthy picks

Take your pick of the 25 most nutritious, fibre-filled, disease-fighting healthy fruits for sale at your local supermarket. And they're delicious too!

This story was originally titled "A Glossary of Healthy Fruits," in the March 2008 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

Few things compare to the sweetness of fresh-picked strawberries or the luscious first bite of watermelon that leaves juice dripping down your chin.

Fruits are not only delicious but healthful too. Rich in vitamins A and C, plus folate and other essential nutrients, they may help prevent heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent some types of cancer and guard against vision loss. They're so good for you that Health Canada recommends that most women get seven or eight servings of fruit and vegetables each day.

If it's the vitamins that promote good health, you may wonder if you can just pop supplements. Nope. Sun-drenched peaches and vine-ripened grapes contain more than just vitamins; they're a complex combination of fibre, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals – as well as the vitamins – that work in combination to provide protective benefits. You can't get all that from a pill.

All fruits offer health benefits, but the following 25 stand out as nutrient-dense powerhouses with the most disease-fighting potential. (Note: Only the best sources of each vitamin, mineral and antioxidant are listed in the "nutritional value" section.)

Apple 
• Nutritional value (1 medium): 75 calories, 3 g fibre
• Disease-fighting factor: Apples contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help lower the chance of developing diabetes and asthma. Apples are also a natural mouth freshener and clean your teeth with each crunchy bite.
• Did you know? An apple's flavour and aroma comes from fragrance cells in apple skin, so for maximum flavour, don't peel your apple. Plus, the vitamins lie just beneath the skin.

Avocado
• Nutritional value ( ½ avocado): 114 calories, 4.5 g fibre, source of vitamin E and folate
• Disease-fighting factor: Avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol levels when eaten instead of harmful saturated fats. For a heart-healthy boost, replace butter with avocado on your favourite sandwich.  
• Did you know? Babies love avocados. Their soft, creamy texture makes them easy to eat, and their high fat content helps with normal infant growth and development.

Banana
• Nutritional value (1 medium): 105 calories, 3 g fibre, source of vitamin B6, potassium and folate
• Disease-fighting factor: With 422 milligrams of potassium per banana, these sweet delights have more potassium than most fruit and may help lower blood pressure levels.
• Did you know? People with rubber latex allergies may also be allergic to bananas since the two come from similar trees and share a common protein.

Blackberry
• Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 mL): 31 calories, 4 g fibre, rich in antioxidants
• Disease-fighting factor: Blackberries get their deep purple colour from the powerful antioxidant anthocyanin, which may help reduce the risk of stroke and cancer. Studies show that blackberry extract may help stop the growth of lung cancer cells.
• Did you know? The ancient Greeks called blackberries "gout-berries" and used them to treat gout-related symptoms.

To read more about this article by Cara Rosenbloom, go to:  http://www.canadianliving.com/health/nutrition/top_25_healthy_fruits_blueberries_apples_cherries_bananas_and_21_more_healthy_picks.php