This is a guest post by Jacquie.

Losing weight is a difficult thing to do, but it's much more achievable if you follow the right mindset. Here are a few of the most important things I learned during my weight loss journey.

Losing weight tends to be a bit of an obsession in our culture. To some degree of course, that's good. A healthy body weight is one indicator of our overall health and fitness and it's clear that obesity carries with it some significant health risks. I struggled to keep the pounds off for years before I finally realized that what I was really looking for was that health and vitality that I'd had back in my early 20s, before workplace and family responsibilities pushed my personal goals to the backburner.

Then one day I finally realized that in order to be there and at my best for my family and myself, meant taking some time for myself to work on losing the weight and getting back to being the healthful, energetic and youthful person that I once had been. It wasn't an easy task, but I did learn some things along the way that made the process easier. I'd like to share them with you now in the hopes that you can benefit from them and avoid some of the pitfalls I met with along the way.

3 Weight Loss Lessons For Success

1. Food is not the enemy. Ok, I'll come out and say it, I love food. There are so many varieties and tastes to discover and I enjoy cooking up a storm and experimenting with new recipes. I think this was one factor in my reluctance to get serious about weight loss. I associated losing weight with depriving myself of food.

   I gradually came to realize though that food is not the enemy. The key is to replace fatty, sugary, processed foods (which, when you get right down to it aren't very satisfying anyway) with healthy, nutrient packed and delicious foods.

   In my quest for healthy culinary choices, I took a healthy cooking class and learned some new recipes that were not only delicious, but also nutritious. Realizing that I didn't have to give up my love of food was a very important moment in my progress.

2. Aim for being healthy, not just thin. It's hard to escape the tyranny of the scale, but it's very important to realize that your actual weight is only one measure of health.

   In the beginning, your weight will tend to fluctuate and it will be hard to see progress until you've been at it for a while. The remedy is to set goals for general health, rather than just weight loss. Studies have shown that it's better to be fit and active while carrying a few extra pounds than it is to be skinny and inactive.

   Look for ways to improve your health, whether it's through increased fitness, lowered stress levels or even just getting a proper sleep at night. This will help you feel better and have more energy to put towards achieving your goals. And after all, improved health is ultimately what we're all looking for in a weight loss program anyway.

3. Be sure to get your exercise. Exercise is beneficial in so many ways. It can boost your metabolism, help you burn calories and improve your mood and decision making abilities. Doctors and scientists have known about the benefits of exercise for years and yet many of us don't get enough.

   There are two broad categories of exercise that are helpful, strength training helps build muscle, tone your body, and boost your metabolism. Bigger muscles need more caloric energy for support and this helps you burn more calories throughout the day, not just while you're at the gym. Cardiovascular exercise is even more effective than strength training at burning calories during a workout.

You should do whatever exercise that appeals to you and gives you a sense of variety. I added Pilates to my program and started a regular walking and then jogging program several days per week. My Garmin Garmin GPS Forerunner 305 really helped me control my workouts and see my progress. It showed me exactly how many calories I was burning with each session and I loved the way I could upload the data to my online training log and chart my progress over time. This was probably the best thing I did for my motivation. Seeing the actual fruits of my labor in terms of calories burned helped me look forward to my workouts and got me out there on the trails when I might otherwise have stayed home. It's amazing how satisfying it feels to look back after a couple of months and see all that you've accomplished.

The biggest thing is just to stick with it. There are no big secrets that will help you lose the weight overnight, but if you stick with a simple, well thought out plan, in time you can accomplish more than you ever dreamed possible.

Jacquie is an avid runner who loves to challenge herself when she exercises. She is always ready to enhance her workouts with something new and strives to reach new levels in her fitness routines. Jacquie also loves to write about running and invites you to visit Online Running Gear where you can find informative articles and detailed product reviews such as the Garmin 305 review or the jeep overland limited jogging stroller fierce reviews.

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

3 Lessons Learned While I was Busy Losing Weight

This is a guest post by Stephanie Creed.

When you think of playing golf, the first image that springs to mind is probably of a couple of overweight, middle-aged fellas tottering around a course at a leisurely pace without a care in the world. And while it’s true that it’s a more sedate sport in comparison to others, golf’s image is changing all the time as more and more players take the issue of personal fitness more serious.

You only to have to take a look at the likes of Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy – who are currently first and third respectively in the world rankings – to see that they are in peak physical condition and that’s due to the hours they spend pounding the fairways day in, day out.

High fitness levels in turn have helped them to become the players they are today and there’s no doubting that there’s a definite correlation between fitness and golfing prowess. The great thing about taking up golf is that it’s a brilliant source of exercise without really having to strain yourself. And then if you want to take it one step further and embark on golf holidays Turkey, Spain, Portugal and Britain are all popular choices in Europe that you can head to and play on some of the best courses in the world.

When you consider that the average length on an 18-hole course is over 5,000 yards – which is roughly three miles or nearly 5km – then playing a round or two every week will strengthen your calf and thigh muscles and improve stamina, so walk as much as possible and resist the urge to hire a buggy. Swinging and putting will enhance your upper body strength and providing your posture is good, it will also benefit your core muscles. Obviously, regular exercise is just one part of leading a healthy lifestyle as it’s also vital to have a balanced diet, avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake.

Stephanie Creed is a copywriter with a journalism background and she has a passion for all things golf and language related. She is part of a team of experts who always come up with all manner of wonderful, weird and downright crazy ideas.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

The health benefits of playing golf

This is a guest post by Chloe Hibbert.

As we enter the New Year people everywhere are dusting off their trainers and starting to pound the pavements to lose that excess holiday weight. A person weighing 60kg burns an average of 300 calories per half hour of ten minute mile running, and the best part is that anyone can do it.

But whilst running is great for your waistline, without taking proper precautions it can also lead to acute and chronic conditions. Here are some important steps to take when hitting the trail to avoid common running related problems.

Choose the right running shoe

Every runner begins with a first step, but that first step could lead to disaster if you aren’t wearing the right shoes. Before taking the plunge, go to a specialist running shop to have your running style reviewed.

A biomechanics expert or experienced shoe retailer will carry out a gait analysis to measure the natural inward roll of your feet. By knowing your ‘pronation’, you can pick a shoe that will protect you from foot and leg discomfort.

It is also important that you change your running shoes every 500 miles or every year, depending on which comes first. If you run frequently it's a good idea to have more than one pair of shoes.

Stretch

Whether you are going on a short sprint or a long distance plod it is essential that you give yourself time to stretch before and after your run. Stretching is one of the most important things you can do after a warm-up to protect your body from injury, as well as easing muscle soreness.

Always make sure you stretch your muscles slowly, holding each stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. A common mistake is to bounce during a stretch, but this actually risks tearing the muscle. Stop the stretch when you begin to feel tightness in the muscle.

Hydrate well

When doing any type of exercise it is important to keep well hydrated. Running when dehydrated will affect your performance, slow your ability to recover for the next workout and can lead to heat stroke.

Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after a run and adjust your fluid intake depending on the weather conditions. Choose your tipple carefully- water and sports drinks are the best for rehydrating, but caffeinated and alcoholic drinks can actually leave you less hydrated than you were before.

Build your mileage gradually

If you increase your mileage too quickly your body will not be able to adapt to the additional stress on the joints. You should increase only one aspect of your running program per week, choosing between intensity, frequency and duration. Increasing one of these between 5 and 10 per cent per week will prevent unnecessary injury.

It is also important to have one or two days off from running each week, whether that means doing a different type of exercise or taking a break entirely to avoid fatigue.

Include other fitness regimes

Mix it up! Including other types of non-impact cardiovascular activity will help you avoid injury and build your endurance. Go cycling, take a swim or use a cross trainer to keep your workouts interesting.

Make sure you also vary your running routine. Excessive hill running can put unnecessary demands on the calf muscles and cause painful shin splints. And whilst downhill running may be easier on the lungs, it can actually put as much stress on your body as running uphill, particularly on the quadriceps muscle.

Seek treatment for injuries

Over half of recreational runners develop an injury at least once a year, almost always of the lower limbs. Common injuries include Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinitis, IT Band Syndrome, Runner's Knee and Shin Splints.

Most runners will need to see a physiotherapist at some stage in their life for unresolved injuries. Physiotherapy can be expensive, but with private medical insurance you will be covered for the cost of consultations and treatment.

Armed with these tips anyone can become a runner, so take that first step outside and start reaping the rewards of a healthy lifestyle.

Chloe Hibbert writes expert articles on health and the medical insurance industry for ActiveQuote Health.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Running Safely in the Great Outdoors

This is a guest post by Finley Crest.

One of the keys to feeling better is to get in good physical shape, and stay that way. If you adopt this philosophy when you’re young, and stick to it, you’ll increase your chances of being able to enjoy a long, healthy life. The longer you wait to start an exercise program, the harder it will be to do the things that are necessary to get in shape. However, it’s never too late to start–even a moderate exercise program will most likely make you feel better. Following are a few exercise tips for seniors.

First Things First

Before you start exercising, you should see your doctor. This is especially true if you’ve led a sedentary lifestyle up to this point, or have neglected to keep up with an exercise program. Tell your doctor you’d like to get in better physical shape, and ask them to make sure you’re in good enough condition to begin a program. They may even be willing to make a few suggestions about the type of exercise you should engage in.

Alone, or With a Group

Not everyone is cut out to join a gym and work out in front of a lot of other people, or engage in group exercise programs. Some people prefer to get their exercise by themselves, or with one or two other people. You will have to decide the type of environment you’ll be most comfortable with. It may be necessary to try it both ways before you can determine which method works best for you.

Start Slow

It is important to start your exercise regimen slowly, especially if you haven’t been physically active for awhile. Jumping right into hard physical exercise without allowing your body to get used to the activity first can be detrimental, as well as physically painful. You could pull or strain a muscle and end up not being able to exercise for an extended period of time, which would be worse than doing nothing at all. Instead you should enter a physical exercise program with the intention of making slow, steady progress toward getting your body in good shape. An old adage may say it best–you have to learn to crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run. If you’re not in good shape, but want to get that way, keep in mind that your body is like an infant–the muscles need to develop before they can be used to run a marathon.

Set Short-Term Goals

Whether your intention is to be able to run a marathon or simply feel better, an exercise program works best if you set goals along the way. When you begin exercising, it may be helpful to have an ultimate goal in mind, such as being able to walk five miles, or jog for 30 minutes without stopping–but don’t try and reach those goals too quickly. Instead you should set short-term goals that may help you achieve your ultimate goal. If your intention is to be able to walk 10 miles, but you haven’t walked for more than a couple hundred feet in years, then trying to cover 10 miles will not only wear you out, but overexertion could cause extensive physical damage. Set a goal of walking a 1/4 mile the first day, and increase that distance every few days. Your muscles will become conditioned to the exertion, and before long walking 1/4 of a mile won’t strain you at all–then you can increase your goal to a mile, and work up to that point. As you attain each short-term goal you’ll be one step closer to achieving your ultimate goal.

Leave Bad Habits Behind

If you’d like to achieve your ultimate goal even quicker, you may have to make some additional changes to your lifestyle. It has long been known that the best way to become healthy and stay that way is to eat right and get plenty of exercise. Now that you’ve decided to exercise, you may have to leave some bad habits behind, including eating unhealthy foods. That daily trip to the freezer for a bowl of ice cream may have to stop, or at least cut down the portion. Instead of eating red meat every day you may have to eat fish or chicken a few times a week. Fruits and vegetables should become a regular staple at mealtime.

Other bad habits that have nothing to do with food may also have to be addressed. Long periods of inactivity in front of the television may have to be replaced by long walks. Instead of driving a couple of blocks to the store or the post office, take a walk and enjoy the fresh air. No matter what your physical condition is, the more you use your muscles, the better you’ll feel. Just don’t overdo it.

Guest post from Finley Crest. Finley writes for SeniorCare.net

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Exercise Tips for Seniors

This is a guest post by Marie.

It's that time of year again – the holidays are soon to wrap up and people around the world are making resolutions for the New Year. Paying more attention to your health and wellness is likely on your list, whether you're vowing to start a new diet or drink more water throughout the day. Here are some suggestions for improving your wellness in 2012.

Exercise daily

It's crucial to your wellness to get your body moving. Exercise comes in many forms, including walking, running, weightlifting, and swimming. If you hate exercise in its typical forms, consider upping your activity level by engaging in vigorous housecleaning, dancing around the living room, or simply taking the stairs instead of always opting for the elevator. You might adapt to regular exercise easier if you create a home gym, complete with a stability ball, hand weights, and exercise mat. Activate your ADT security system to stay safe while you crank the tunes and work up a sweat.

Breathe deeper

Engaging in a regular yoga and meditation practice can do wonders for your wellness. Deep breathing rids the body of toxins, as you expel carbon dioxide when you exhale. Taking the time for a series of yoga postures, whether you start each morning with a few sun salutations or attend a class at a local studio, will improve your strength and teach you about the meditative breath that can keep your stress levels lower.

Consume wisely

Sometimes it's a little too easy to zip into a fast food restaurant and drive away with a meal that may taste good temporarily but will do little, if anything, for your health. Opt for cooking at home and enjoying healthy meals that aren't loaded with sodium, fat, and fillers. Eat locally when possible and take a cooking course if you feel your skills around the kitchen are lacking. Consider working healthier foods like vegetables into your life by participating in healthy food movements like Meatless Mondays.

Mind your environment

It's well known that indoor air is often more polluted than what we breathe outdoors. As such, keep to a minimum the toxins you release inside, such as those that are by-products of store-bought cleansers. Use household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice to get your housework done without exposing your family to harmful chemicals that can linger long after you finish your chores. This approach is especially helpful if you live with conditions like asthma or suffer seasonal allergies.

When it comes to discovering a new side of yourself – or renewing the wellness you once attained – keep in mind that your goals should be realistic. While you might want to be at the gym at 5:00 a.m. every morning to swim laps, starting with a more attainable plan like two or three times a week is the better choice. Ease into using natural cleansers, teaching yourself a new yoga pose or eating vegetarian meals. Taking baby steps will help you find your way to lasting wellness with more ease.

Marie enjoys cooking Mediterranean food, treadmill running, and practicing yoga.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

New Year Wellness

This is a guest post by Betsy.

Some things are just better together like peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, cake and ice-cream. Aside from pairing foods complement each other in taste and flavor, there are nutrients that can be combined together for best results. While our bodies can take in nutrition when a food is eaten by itself, the absorption can be increased if combined with another nutrient. Fortunately, there are many such combinations of food that can be eaten together to improve the nutrient absorption. Some of the combinations are listed below.

Iron and vitamin C:

Vitamin C improves the absorption of the iron, especially the iron from plant sources. This is really beneficial for vegetarians or people who eat only small amounts of meat. When you pair a good source of vitamin C with a good source of iron you are guaranteeing almost 100 percent absorption of the iron. For example, sprinkle lemon juice on your spinach salad or add some tomatoes to your salad. Have a side of red bell pepper when eating lentils.

Calcium and vitamin D:

There is a good reason why milk is fortified with Vitamin D. They make a great team. Vitamin D can easily be made by body if it is exposed to sunshine. However, more and more cases of Vitamin D deficiency are reported each year as people are exposed less and less to sunshine. Calcium is not well absorbed in the body with vitamin D deficiency. Combining a good source of vitamin D such as eggs, with a good source of calcium such as cheese will ensure absorption of calcium.

Vitamin A, D, E, K and fat:

These vitamins are fat soluble vitamins. So having them in combination with a good fat will help trap these vitamins and enhance their absorption. Drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil on greens (high in Vitamin K) or dip baby carrots (high in beta carotene) in an oil based dressing to absorb the fat soluble vitamins. Foods like avocados and nuts have both fat and fat soluble vitamins packed in one. So you can enjoy them as is without combining it with anything.

Acidic foods and meat:

Acidic foods such as pineapple or tomatoes are good tenderizers for meat products. Tenderized meat release protein and iron better thus improving the chances of absorption. Tenderized meats are easy to digest and the protein is released better for absorption. Have a fruity side dish or a salad with your meat entrée and enjoy the flavor while reaping the benefits.

Chocolate and wine:

Treat yourself to some dark chocolate and red wine. These foods are high in polyphenols which is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are beneficial for the body in many ways. Antioxidants reduce the risk of degenerative disorders like heart disease and cancer. So next time you want to pamper yourself, get some dark chocolate to go with the red wine.

Proteins and Non-starchy vegetables:

Protein is one of the macronutrients. Macronutrients provide energy for the functioning of the body. If proteins are combined with starches, it inhibits the digestive process as proteins require acidic medium and carbohydrates require alkaline medium. When they are combined together it creates a neutral medium that does not digest either food properly leading to indigestion, bloating and other GI issues. Combine proteins with non starchy vegetables like green, carrots, broccoli and squash to enhance the absorption of protein and get maximum benefit from eating the meat.

Try these combinations to enhance the absorption of the nutrients and get the most out of your meal. Get most out of your meal choices by following these simple rules.

Betsy is a registered dietitian and contributes regularly on slimming pills reviewed. Check out the latest previews of Capsiplex Plus and Nuratrim.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Food Combinations for Best Nutrient Absorption

This is a guest post by Jaime A. Heidel.

Many people just like you are struggling to lose weight. If you’ve tried diet after diet with no success, it may not be what you’re eating, but what you’re drinking. Diet sodas, vitamin waters and certain fruit juices contain additives such as high fructose corn syrup that make you pack on the pounds. Cut them from your diet and replace them with these 5 diet-friendly drinks instead!

1. Water – Eighty percent of our bodies are made up of water so why don’t we drink more of it? Water is a great weight-loss friendly drink because it helps detoxify your body, improves your digestion and helps control your appetite.

   It may also surprise you to know that the body can confuse hunger with thirst. The next time you feel a hunger pang, drink a glass of water. If the food craving goes away, you were just thirsty. To get the most weight-loss benefit, drink pure, home-filtered water instead of bottled.

2. Green Tea – Green tea is another great drink to help you lose weight. The caffeine helps boost metabolism and the antioxidants help the body detoxify naturally. For best results, replace your morning cup of coffee with a cup of unsweetened green tea. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, try de-caffeinated. You’ll need to drink a few more cups but you’ll get the same results.
3. Coconut Water – Coconut water is a great alternative to sugary sports drinks and can help replace electrolytes after a work-out. One of the great coconut water benefits is weight-loss. When you’re properly hydrated, your body is less likely to store fat unnecessarily. Coconut water also boosts your metabolic rate and helps your body eliminate toxins. Plus, coconut water is only 50 calories per cup!
4. Kefir – You’ve probably heard about the health benefits of probiotic yogurt. The only problem with this method of getting healthy bacteria into your gut is it contains fat-promoting high fructose corn syrup and other additives. Instead, try organic kefir. This probiotic-rich fermented dairy drink helps balance your digestive system by repopulating your gut with good bacteria. This helps your digestive system better absorb nutrients from food and helps make waste elimination easier.
5. Vegetable Juice – Studies show that drinking an 8-ounce glass of vegetable juice before meals can help reduce a person’s appetite. Vegetable juice combines vitamins, minerals and nutrients in an easy-to-digest liquid form. For best results, choose organic, low-sodium vegetable juice or better yet, juice the vegetables yourself!

The best way to lose weight fast is to trade your soda, vitamin water and high-calorie coffee drinks for purer choices. Not only will you lose weight faster, but you’ll avoid developing autoimmune disease and mystery symptoms.

Jaime A. Heidel is a freelance writer with a passion for natural health. Her blog: http://itoldyouiwassick.info is dedicated to helping others with mystery symptoms heal using natural remedies.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

5 Drinks to Help You Lose Weight Fast

This is a guest post by Brenda Lyttle.

Okay so if miracle diet is what you are searching for, you need to have some illusions shattered for no such thing exists. As a general rule, if you eat more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. Period. No macherel or milkshake will be available to your aid in that case.

Wait! This is not to discourage you and say that no foods can help you lose weight. There certainly are foods that can make you feel fuller than other foods and ensure that you eat less throughout the day. These are usually foods that are high in water content, fiber, and have lots of healthy protein and fats, suggests Dr. Barbara Rolls, a nutrition professor at the Penn State University. The good news is that these foods are normally the ones that pack additional benefit of nutritious minerals, vitamins, and nutrients.

Anyway, so for all you curious but lazy minds, below is a list of top 5 foods that help you lose weight:

1. Apples – Its high water content make apples your perfect weight loss snack. It contains both types of water-busting fiber – soluble as well as insoluble. While soluble fiber prevents the increase in blood sugar levels that causes cravings, insoluble fiber keeps you full for long.
2. Eggs – Protein-rich, eggs also make you feel full for extended hours. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition concluded that people who eat two eggs in the morning consume 400 less calories throughout the day in comparison to when they eat bagels for breakfast. Eating eggs regularly can also have great weight management benefits in the long-term, says Dr. Nikhil V. Dharundhar, from Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Loisiana.
3. Cauliflower – Non-starchy foods like Cauliflower are one of the very few foods that can be consumed limitlessly when you are trying to lose weight. Cauliflower consists of Vitamin C and folate, which is good for weight watchers, says Dr. Rolls. Plus, a Purdue University review also pointed out the importance of Vitamin C in burning up more fat during the physical activity. Brocolli and spinach are some other choices you have, in case you do not like cauliflower.
4. Soup – A recent study led by Dr. Rolls, published in journal Obesity Research, concluded that an addition of mere two 10-ounce servings of broth-based soup to the daily diet of weight watchers almost doubled the weight lost by them over a period of 6 months. The reason for this is that adding water to a food is a lot more filling than drinking the water alone, explains Dr. Rolls. So, addition of water to the soup increases the volume of the meal, making you feel fuller without any extra addition of calories. In fact, this also cuts down your calorie intake throughout the day as well.
5. Bulgur – Bulgur are the high-fiber whole wheat grains that can easily be cooked at home. They are a great substitute for pasta and rice that have low fiber content and are highly processed. High fiber content of bulgur also ensures that there are no blood sugar pikes in your body that may otherwise be a problem with low-fiber carbs, like rice or white pasta.

Make these foods a part of your daily diet but do not forget to exercise alongside and you are sure to see a remarkable improvement as you see your love handles disappear in a few months, giving way to the beach body you always wanted.

Brenda Lyttle is a freelance writer and a health freak who loves to share her wisdom on weight loss, diet pills, and healthy eating. Quite recently, she has grown fond of sharing her knowledge related to Halloween, be it the recipes, Halloween costumes, or Halloween wigs.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Top 5 Foods that Help You Lose Weight

This is a guest post by Brennan Smith.

Recently I was contacted by the team at Natural Hypnosis asking if I wanted to try their 3 free hypnosis downloads, or their weight loss albums. It's not something I have tried before, but after a few emails back and forwards I became quite intrigued and have asked them to write a blog post for you too – explaining how hypnosis can help you to lose weight.

Miracle Solution?

First of all it is important to start off by making it clear that hypnosis is NOT a miracle solution.

If you JUST listen to hypnosis and expect to lose weight completely effortlessly then you might be disappointed. If you eat junk food while listening then yes you will still put on weight, and if you don't take other action such as eating a balanced diet and exercising, then again, no you probably won't get the result you want.

The Reality

Although it is not magic, hypnosis really can help you to lose weight, and HELP being the key word here.

Hypnosis can be an amazing tool when combined with your own efforts. If you really want to lose weight then it can give you a real boost and the mental edge which could even be the difference between success and failure.

If you have been constantly going through the weight loss cycle for years; starting a diet, struggling, giving up, going back to your old ways, and then starting over.. then something is missing..

You have the knowledge, you know what you need to do, you even do it for a little while and perhaps even see some results.. but there is something missing, something you are not "doing".. and this is having the right mindset, the willpower, motivation, and the mental strength to succeed.

• Motivation: Hypnosis is an excellent way to help you to stimulate motivation. This absolutely applies to losing weight too – hypnosis can get you into that state of mind where you are super charged, positive, motivated, and even excited.. excited about your diet, about exercising, about the possibilities of losing weight, how it will change you life if you lose the weight that is holding you back.
• Willpower: It can also be an excellent “pick me up”. When you have one of those tough days, when you feel low, or can feel that you are going to cheat, then just pause, play your hypnosis album and see how you feel afterwards. One of the main benefits of hypnosis is that it taps directly into your subconscious mind, and it really can change the way you feel.
• Mindset: Overall, hypnosis works to change your mindset for the long-term. It is not just a quick motivation / willpower boost, no, the end goal is to make lasting changes to the way you think. If you chat to a hypnotist, then they will tell you that the reason you are still overweight is that you have different patterns of thinking to those people who are naturally slim, eat right without thinking of it and do exercise without seeing it as a chore, exercise to some people is enjoyable or more – just a normal part of their daily life. Imagine if you thought like this too, how much easier weight loss would be – this is the exact long term goal of hypnosis; to make you think like one of these naturally slim and healthy people too, so that you can acquire these habits too, and lose weight much more naturally.

If you start using hypnosis with a mindset of "Right! This time will be different! I will eat right, I will stick to my meal plans, I will go to the gym 3x a week and live healthily, and I will listen to my hypnosis every day for a month and I will succeed" then, yes, with this positive mindset, hypnosis really can help you.

If this interests you then you can get started with these weight loss hypnosis CDs / MP3s from Natural Hypnosis, or get a free introduction to hypnosis you can try their 3 free hypnosis mp3s and see exactly what their style of hypnosis is like and if it is right for you.

Brought to you by master hypnotist Brennan Smith. Cht. Brennan has held his own private practice in Beverly Hills, California for 10 years, he has also served as an executive director on the board of the American Hypnosis Association. He is passionate about creating lasting personal change for his clients through hypnosis.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Weight Loss with Hypnosis?

This is a guest post by Jaime A. Heidel.

If you’re struggling to keep the weight off despite numerous diets, it may be the diet food you’re eating. Processed “diet” foods are actually loaded with artificial sweeteners and preservatives that may push you further from your weight-loss goals. Read about these 5 surprising foods that actually help you lose weight.

Eggs

When it comes to foods for weight loss, a nice cheesy omelet may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, eggs, when prepared the right way, are a great way to get a protein punch that keeps you full all morning long. Scrambled, hard-boiled or poached, two medium eggs will give your body the extra fuel it needs to resist those mid-morning trips to the vending machine.

String Cheese

String cheese is another food you might not expect to find on this list but it’s actually a weight-loss friendly snack. A couple of sticks of string cheese along with some hot sauce (cayenne pepper is a weight-loss friendly spice) is a great way to stabilize your blood sugar when cravings strike. Regulated blood sugar means fewer cravings and more rapid weight loss.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a fermented food ideal for weight loss because it speeds up your metabolism and improves your digestion. Serve some up on a hot dog or alongside a sandwich on your next lunch break. A boosted metabolism means more calories burned during your work-outs!

Potatoes

If you think all carbs are bad, you’re not alone. The truth is carbs in moderation are ideal for weight-loss. Potatoes are packed with fiber, protein and potassium that will fill you up for less than 300 calories. Top it with butter and broccoli and you’ve got a light, healthy meal!

Beans

Beans aren’t only heart-healthy they’re a good protein choice for those looking to lose a few extra pounds. Loaded with fiber and antioxidants, these delicious dietary gems are a great way to slim down. With beans, you have a lot of variety. Choose black, red, white, navy, pinto, kidney, etc. Serve them as a main dish, a side or in home-made chili or soup.

When it comes to reaching your weight-loss goals, whole food is best. Avoid processed snack and “diet” foods that only add inches to your waist-line. These foods can improve your digestion, stabilize your blood sugar and keep you full so you won’t feel deprived. Losing weight the healthy way is one of the first steps to healing naturally in an unnatural world.

Jaime A. Heidel is a freelance writer with a passion for natural health. Her blog: http://itoldyouiwassick.info is dedicated to helping others with mystery symptoms heal using natural remedies.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

5 (Surprising) Foods That Help You Lose Weight

This is a guest post by Marina Salsbury.

Building muscle mass and sustaining energy after your workout requires fuel, in the form of food, so your muscles have a nutrient-filled environment to grow while you continue on with your day without fatiguing. Ideal food for sustaining energy, maintaining health, and realizing results pre and post-workout include whole wheat bread or pasta, lean chicken or fish, beans, green vegetables and fresh berries.

Energy-rich grains include wheat bread, wheat pasta, bran cereal and brown rice. These foods ensure you are at peak performance because they are a natural source of carbohydrate energy. The nutrient, carbohydrate, is metabolized by the body into smaller glucose molecules that absorb into the bloodstream and then travel to your cells, supplying them with energy. Not all carbohydrates are created equal and when it comes to healthy, natural energy from this nutrient, experts, nutritionists, and masters degree holders in health sciences all choose whole grains such as wheat bread, wheat pasta, bran cereal or brown rice because they have a reputation for slowly increasing blood glucose levels, which allow for longer bursts of energy for your workout instead of a rapid rise in blood glucose followed by a sugar crash.

Strawberries, broccoli or a spinach salad also make for tasty, energy-boosting foods to add to the pre or post-workout meals. These healthy carbohydrates play a role in restoring energy because they also contain potassium, sodium, magnesium, and the B-vitamins your body needs to maintain fluid balance for internal electrical activity between the nerves and muscles.

Adding chicken, salmon, tuna or egg whites to your meal plans for a protein boost. Protein is the building block of all muscle in the body. Energy is an essential component pre and post-workout, but without protein to help your muscles perform at peak levels your intended workout efforts might fall short. Muscle cells constantly require protein and this is especially important after a muscle-straining workout. Protein consumed within a couple hours post-workout helps regenerate the muscle cells and research evidences that post-workout protein increases restoration of power and force to the muscles worked during the exercise.

The ideal pre-workout meal includes a 3-ounce baked, skinless chicken breast sandwiched between whole-wheat bread. As an alternative you can choose a scrambled egg white with a side cup of fresh blueberries and one slice of whole wheat toast. The chicken and eggs serve as your protein for muscle maintenance and the wheat bread and berries supply healthy carbohydrate energy.

If you pump hardcore iron as your workout consume a high-protein snack afterwards. Four ounces of grilled salmon or baked chicken are protein-filled items that support muscle recovery. Include a full glass or two of water to replenish fluids to your muscle cells. An intense cardiovascular workout warrants a post-exercise snack with light protein and more healthy carbohydrates. Opt for one boiled egg white chopped over a one-cup serving of a leafy green salad or as an alternative consume plain tuna on whole wheat bread with a side of strawberries. Be sure to include a full glass of water as well.

The best foods for pre and post-workout are those with high nutritional value and little to no processing. The items you choose do not have to be full meal portions but just enough to give your body the energy boost it needs for the workout and to sustain itself as well as glean the best results after the workout.

Nothing feels more exhilarating than a solid workout where you exerted your maximal effort. Pumping iron and optimizing the heart rate through continuous movement, or cardiovascular activity, on a regular basis are sure fire ways to gain lean muscle, burn calories or supplement a weight loss program.

But as you commit to a solid workout program, make sure you keep enough fuel in your tank with the suggested foods, so you can get through the workout from start to finish and beyond.

Marina Salsbury planned on becoming a teacher since high school, but found her way instead into online writing after college. She writes around the Web about everything from education to exercise.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Pre/Post-Workout Recovery Foods

This is a guest post by Kathleen Hubert.

The holidays are here again, and everyone knows that means tons of gluttonous merrymaking. After all, who can resist all of that delicious pie, candy, turkey and egg nog? Sadly, all of that wonderful food comes with a price. Such an excess of dense calories all but guarantees that you won't be fitting into the nice outfit you bought for New Year's.

Things don't have to turn out that way, though. This holiday season, resolve to do things differently. You can get started by taking a look at these tips that will keep you from gaining a lot of weight and allow you to indulge without feeling guilty or deprived.

Alter Your Cookie Recipe

By adding, removing and substituting different ingredients in your holiday cookie recipe, you can greatly improve their nutritional value and reduce their impact on your waistline. Try adding lots of nuts to your cookie dough, as they contain abundant fiber, good fat and protein to fill you up and keep blood sugar stable. Next, use apple juice concentrate as a sweetener in place of white sugar. Unlike refined sugar, the juice still has some nutrients and won't cause as dramatic a glucose spike.

Finally, use coconut oil in place of margarine. Margarine is made from soy, which promotes excessive estrogens and therefore, fat gain. Furthermore, it's been found to be terrible for your heart. Coconut oil actually encourages fat loss and heart health.

Get Up and Move

After the grand feast, don't just sit around surfing the internet for LED TV reviews. Get up and go for a stroll around the block and enjoy the beautiful decorations in your area. The exercise increases metabolism so you won't store as much fat. It also not only helps to wake you from your food coma, but it will make you digest your food better. Improved digestion means less bloating and heartburn.

Holiday Roast

When choosing the main course for your meal, try to pick meat that doesn't contain a huge amount of fat like pork loin, beef brisket or good old turkey. If you're feeling really luxurious, you can even find giant lobsters for sale. Fat contains a whopping 120 calories in a meager tablespoonful and there may be several cups of it in the bottom of the pan after cooking. You can see how easy it is to go overboard on calories when eating Christmas dinner.

Weight Bearing Exercise

Nothing makes the extra pounds go away like lifting weights. It causes a huge surge in testosterone which can not only boost mood to help you feel the holiday cheer, but also sends metabolism soaring. Just a little bit goes a long way, too. If you're too busy to hit the gym, stand in place and squat down, pushing yourself back up using only your legs. This is called a body weight squat. Do it repeatedly until you tire.

Set Limits

Nobody likes to feel deprived, especially when everyone else is enjoying themselves. Instead of choking down half of a pie, limit yourself to something that is still indulgent, yet more reasonable like 2 moderate slices.

Eat Your Vegetables First

Studies have shown that people who ate their vegetable before the rest of their meal tended to eat fewer calories and lose more weight. This is because vegetables are loaded with water and fiber, which work together to take up space in your stomach. They also burn more calories to digest than you get from them, so they help facilitate faster metabolism.

Use these tips to allow you to indulge without feeling guilty or deprived this holiday season.

Kathleen Hubert is a blogger who writes on a variety of different sites. Check out more of her work at LED TV reviews.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

How to Ultimately Enjoy Christmas Celebrations Without Gaining Extra Pounds

This is a guest post by Matt Cruz.

As health consciousness increases and time decreases, more and more supplements are flooding the market. But most of these supplements are very expensive and recent studies are starting to ask questions regarding their effectiveness. Not to mention, the underlying concerns that were always there, such as what the consequence of so much preservatives in these products have on the body?

Like most things in life, there’s a better solution. You don’t need to buy Dr. so-and-sos’ pricey supplements, simply stay at home and start juicing your way to health. Fruits and vegetables have various benefits and, according to recent findings, juicing brings out the best in them.

Why Juice?

There are many benefits to juicing, but one of the biggest benefits is that you consume vegetables and fruits that you wouldn't normally have consumed. Maybe it's because cooking the certain produce is tedious or you don't like the taste. By juicing you can cover up the bad taste of the produce you don't like.

- Carrots have cancer preventing carotene
- Potatoes have blood pressure battling potassium
- Apples prevent extreme blood sugar ups and downs

What’s in the bottle?

Unfortunately, not what you think it is. Most of the time you might as well have bought a bottle of juice concentrates than a bottle of ‘pure’ juice. The heat during the well intentioned ‘purifying’ processes your juice is objectified to, practically kills all remaining vitamins and minerals.

When you’re juicing from the comfort of your own kitchen, you can steer clear of anything that will reduce the nutritional value of your fruits and vegetables and give you the freedom to choose your own recipes for juicing. Juicing is quick and convenient and can become one of the most enjoyable things in your daily routine.

Invent your Own Recipes for Juicing

Whilst juicing has become somewhat of a fashion statement in the newly embraced wholesome living philosophy, it’s still a very personal choice. You have to identify your own causes for concern or prevention priorities to decide which juice would meet your needs. Then you must make sure that the fruits and vegetables you pick, contains these necessary nutrients to assist you in your (probable) problem areas. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, but have a very sweet tooth; cherries will satisfy your craving without any sugar or fat.

What’s in a Juice?

It’s crucial to ensure that you’ve made the right choice before putting it in the juicer. Keeping in mind that all fruits and vegetables have different vitamins and minerals which aid different areas, you must choose the ones that will best suit your situation. Always ensure that your produce is fresh and organic. Even if you can’t grow it in a garden patch in the backyard, there’s no excuse to buy low quality goods. Your best bet is a grocery store you can trust on stocking exceptional products, as well as your nearest farmers market.

You will have to juice about four fruits or vegetables to fill a cup, but the volume can be increased by merely adding some bits and pieces. At the end of the day, you will find that not only is juicing a healthy option, but that it’s super quick and simple with loads of opportunity to experiment.

To round-up:

-Get to know your fruits and vegetables
-Decide which ones will be most beneficial to you
-Start juicing, drinking and licking your lips

Matt Cruz is a regular juicer, who advocates tailoring your juicing rather than juicing random fruits & vegetables together. For information on recipes for juicing head over to TailoredJuicing.com.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

The Glorious World of Tailoring Your Juicing

This is a guest post by Joel.

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a report in January of 2011 that verified that a person’s gait was a good predictor of life expectancy. The research that backed up this finding followed on the heels of other studies that took place over fourteen years. The studies in this research found that those older Americans who walked at greater speeds than their counterparts could be expected to live longer. It is thought that better physical fitness is achieved by walking at a faster gait.

There have been many such studies that have proven the value of walking on human fitness levels. Home exercise equipment, such as elliptical trainers are thought to be the easiest ways to include walking into daily routines. The use of other equipment as well as taking walks during the day are other ways of including workouts that help to achieve better health.

Walking and Health Benefits

Many studies have also shown that when an individual engages in frequent walking throughout their life they can expect to reap health benefits that others who do not are unable to take advantage of. It is also shown that walkers are able to control their blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure better than those who are more sedentary. That means that they are not as likely to develop conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Because of the calories that are burned and better muscle tone gained through exercise on such equipment as elliptical cross trainers, a healthier body weight is also maintained.

Life-threatening diseases are often avoided, and this may account for much of the reason longer lives are enjoyed by those who walk routinely. Even those who are out of shape and it is difficult for them to exercise can take advantage of this type of simple activity by starting out slowly and building up to a faster pace. As time goes by, endurance will increase, and the cardiovascular system will be conditioned to the point that speed will naturally increase.

Developing a Walking Routine

Anyone who can walk can develop a walking routine that will help to improve their fitness level which will be visible on the outside. It should not matter what is going on in your personal life or your current age, and it will only take about twenty minutes of your time each day. Even the most sedentary person can benefit from better fitness.

All you have to do it begin by discovering the best routes to walk. There are generally some walking trails or parks in every neighborhood or fields where you can walk daily. You can even purchase some type of fitness equipment to work out right at home, and doing this will provide you with the ability to get your exercise at any time of the day and without regard to the weather.

Common exercise equipment

Treadmills
Elliptical Trainers
Rowing Machines
Exercise Bikes

Elliptical trainers and treadmills are better suited to walking, but there are many benefits to be realized from rowing and biking. Each person has their personal preference about the type of equipment they would like to use, but there are many considerations when making that choice. If you are worried about your muscles and joints you might want to consider an elliptical since it is not as likely to cause injuries.

As you develop your exercise plan you should include walking outdoors along with some exercise at home on your personal equipment. Consistency is the key to your success in getting and staying fit and reaping all the health benefits that go with it, so be sure that you schedule specific times of the day and week and stick with your plan.

Energy, Metabolism, and Walking

Most of us would simply like to be able to age gracefully and that includes ordinary people right along with professional athletes. Therefore, stay-at-home parents and pro athletes alike can benefit from increasing their energy levels and metabolism rates by walking. Walkers even experience enhanced performance regardless if they are playing sports or just working around the house.

The benefit of greater cardiovascular endurance enhances the lives of anyone who is willing to add walking to their daily routines. As you get more fit, even the humdrum activities such as housework can become easier and much safer when you add walking to your life.

Maintaining a healthy weight and fighting off disease as you age are just some of the benefits that can be realized through workouts that include walking. If you think you would like to increase your predicted life span, maybe you should dust off your walking shoes and get on that elliptical trainer and get with it.

Joel is an all-time fan of aerobics exercising who recently discover the hidden power of walking. He decided to run a topfitreviews.com site where he reviews home exercise equipment for people who can’t go out for a walk but still want to learn the benefits of walking.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

What You Don't Know About The Importance of Walking

This is a guest post by Aaron McCloud.

Why lift weights for weight loss? And if you are lifting, how can you maximize your fat burning?

In two words: Work Hard!

Aside from the general rule that hard work produces better results that easy work, here's why you should seriously consider weight training for fat loss. And real weight training, with big multi-joint lifts!

Big Lifts Build More Muscle

You can do bicep curls when you go to the gym. And calf raises, and shoulder shrugs. But you're stressing your body to put on muscle in the most inefficient way possible.

You can stress your arms by doing bicep curls, tricep extensions, wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, and some dumbbell flies for your chest. Or you can just save yourself a ton of time and do a bench press or standing barbell shoulder press.

Big, multi-joint lifts place a massive amount of stress on your whole body. And these lifts build both your primary muscles (biceps, triceps, and pectorals in the example above), but also strengthen your little stabilizer muscles and all the connective tissue in between. You strengthen your whole body as a unit, rather than just one little piece at a time.

Big Lifts Take More Effort and Do More Work

Doing a heavy barbell squat takes effort. Doing a bicep curl, even a heavy one, doesn't take as much effort. And doesn't do as much work.

If you do 10 squats with a barbell that has even a light weight, say 135 pounds, you're moving that 135 pounds four or five feet up and down with each squat. With a one arm bicep curl, you might move 30 pounds (if you're strong) a foot and a half or two feet.

You do much more work with the heavier weight and big lifts. And more work means more calories burned. In 10 minutes of heavy lifting you can easily do more work than your friends do in an hour on the treadmill. So think about doing some big lifts next time you go to the gym.

Big Lifts Are Efficient

Doing a workout comprised of just a few big lifts doesn't take that long. Heck, you can't lift that intensely for that long.

When you start a beginner weight training program, you can make progress with just two or even one workout each week. For 45 minutes a workout, you can actually make a ton of progress for less than two hours a week!

Think of that contrasted against the conventional wisdom of jogging for weight loss for four or five hours a week. Or even more. You're not building significant muscle mass, and you're just pouring a lot of your time down the drain.

Lifting weights makes excellent use of your time, and actually makes a significant difference by actually changing your body composition. You put on more muscle which helps you change how you look, feel, and how much fat you have long term.

It takes time, but it works really well for completely changing your body composition. In a year of lifting you can put on a good 15 or 20 pounds of muscle even if you're small and/or pretty bad genetics (like me), which will make a huge change in how you look, how much fat you have, and how much you weigh.

Aaron McCloud is a certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine, has practiced martial arts for the last 10 years, and writes and runs www.Complete-Strength-Training.com. Check out Complete Strength Training for information about strength training, diet, exercise, and how to start your own beginner weight training program.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Big Lifts For Big Fat Loss

This is a guest post by Jaime Castle.

If you're looking for some ideas that will bring you and your significant other closer, why not try working out together? Hectic work schedules, kids, and many other of life's obligations can make it difficult for couples to spend time together–and tossing in separate workouts several times a week is just one more thing that prevents them from enjoying some quality time with each other. Here are 7 workout ideas for couples that will exercise their hearts in more ways than one.

Play a Sport Together

If you and your partner like to play sports, sign up to play on a local league or team. Check with health clubs and fitness organizations in your area to find out if there are any recreational leagues you can join. Volleyball, basketball, and softball are just a few of the sports that couples can have fun playing together.

Sign Up for a Class

Signing up for a class is another great way to stay active together. Some ideas include dancing, yoga, Pilates, or martial arts. Couples will learn something new while getting in shape together.

Take Advantage of the Great Outdoors

There are plenty of activities for couples to do in the great outdoors–and best of all, most of them are free. Biking, canoeing, hiking, and swimming are some excellent ways to get some exercise and fresh air together. If you live in the city or don't have easy access to these kinds of outdoor activities, try incorporating them into a romantic weekend camping trip.

Train for an Athletic Event

Marathons, triathlons, and bike races are more fun to train for if you have company, so pick one, set a goal, and do it together. In order to prepare for the big event you can set up a training schedule that will work for the both of you–and don't forget to encourage and support each other along the way.

Join a Gym

A really convenient way to work out as a couple is to join a gym or fitness club. You can head there together before work or meet there after–and chances are if you pay the money for memberships you'll be more inclined to make the effort to get there and actually exercise. Don't forget to ask about discounts for couples or families–many gyms and clubs offer them and they're usually cheaper than individual memberships.

Play in the Snow

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you have to be stuck indoors. Don't let the snow slow you down–get out there and play in it. Skiing, snowboarding, skating, and snow-shoeing are fun activities that will get the blood moving in the winter, and they're even more exciting to do with someone you love. If those ideas don't appeal to you, try sledding together. You'll get a great workout trudging to the top of the hill after each run, and you can take turns carrying the sled!

Go for a Walk

One of the best ways to work out together as a couple is to simply go for a nice, long walk. Whether you've both had long days at work or you just want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, a walk is the perfect way to share some much needed-time with each other–and you can hold hands while you do it.

As you can see, there are many benefits to working out with your other half. Look good, feel great, and have more time to share with the one that you love.

Jamie Castle writes about dating and dating sites for OnlineDating.org.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

7 Workout Ideas for Couples

This is a guest post by Jonathan Jenkins.

If you have ever dieted then you will surely have suffered at one time or another with hunger urges. These urges are quite common and have led many people to quit their diets.

When these hunger urges appear it is easy to forget all about your diet and binge, however this is not good for you. It is important that you find a way to fight off these hunger urges.

Keep reading and you will find a few tips that can help you to overcome your hunger and help you to finally reach your goal weight.

Try to reduce the amount of carbs you consume

The first tip that can help to reduce your hunger is to eat fewer carbs than you do currently.

This does not mean cutting them out completely, just use a little moderation.

Out of all the different food groups, carbs are the ones that make you feel hungry the most.

If you can keep the consumption of carbs to a minimum and by adding some protein to your diet you will be able to last a longer time between meals and ensure that those hunger urges don’t ruin your diet.

Eat smaller meals but more often

The next tip to help control your hunger is to eat smaller meals at regular times through the day. Rather than eating 2-3 large meals, you should instead split them into 6 smaller meals.

Doing this has been shown to boost your metabolism, and will ensure your blood sugar levels do not drop.

Try eating every 3-4 hours as this can help to significantly reduce your appetite.

Eat more soup

When you go out for a meal instead of eating a large main course you should have some soup as a starter and then a smaller main course.

By eating a starter you will not feel as inclined to eat a large main course so you will be taking in fewer calories in total.

Start drinking Green Tea

Drinking 1-2 cups of Green Tea every day has been shown to be able to reduce your appetite. Also there are many other health benefits including the ability to lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, while increasing your good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

It has been shown that Green Tea can reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes

These health benefits occur due to the large number of powerful antioxidants including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that are found within Green Tea.

Another bonus of Green Tea is that it can help to increase your metabolism so you will also be burning more calories than you would normally.

Make sure you get plenty of sleep

The last tip that can help fight off hunger is to make sure you get enough sleep.

Sleep is important when you are dieting as you will find that if you have a bad nights sleep you are often more hungry the next day.

This hunger is due to your body craving the energy it gets from food, as it is fatigued.

If you can follow these tips you will be able to reduce your hunger and finally get your diet under control.

Jonathan Jenkins is a stay at home Dad who is interested in helping you all to get in or stay in shape. I hope you enjoy my articles and they help you to reach your goals. http://www.weightlosssupplements.org.uk/

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Fight off those hunger urges

This is a guest post by Betsy.

Fish oil, a nutrient found in seafood, contains omega-3 fatty acids, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states provide benefits for a healthy heart. Studies, though, indicate that fish oil also provides help for those trying to lose weight.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are classified as Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). These fats cannot be produced by the body and it requires ingestion for body to use it. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids also fall under polyunsaturated fatty acid or PUFA, which is the good fat. Good sources of PUFAs are oils from fatty fish, flax seeds, walnuts, olive oil and canola oil. EFAs are required for the production of the eicosanoids, which are hormones responsible for regulating the major body functions such as digestion, insulin production and the storage of fat.

Fish oil provides many health benefits, with a bonus linkage to weight loss. Taking a high-quality fish oil is important to prevent from consuming rancid oil or mercury-laden fish oil. Taking the recommended dosage as a supplement will help with weight loss.

Omega-3 is recommended for heart health to help lower cholesterol and decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Fish oil contains the fatty acids essential for brain development and preventing depression. Fish oil also boosts the immune system, aids in proper functioning of the nervous system and helps against dry eyes. The Omega 3 fatty acid in fish oil reduces the risk of developing arthritis. Fish oil is also great for maintaining healthy, acne-free skin and shiny hair.

Benefit in Weight Loss

Research indicates that fish-oil consumption and exercise leads to more weight loss than consuming other fats and exercising. Some research also shows that fish oil might stop the body from synthesizing fat.

A study at the University of South Australia has found that taking omega-3 fish oil combined with moderate aerobic exercise enhances weight loss. This study lasted for 12 weeks and the researchers gave a group of obese adults, daily dose of omega-3 fish oil and supervised a moderate aerobic exercise three times a week. The researches compared the results of this group with the control group that were not given omega-3 fish oil and did not have any consistent exercise regime. The group that had the omega-3 fish oil lost significantly more weight, particularly from the abdominal region, than the people who had not been given the omega-3 fish oil and exercise. The study concluded that Omega-3 fatty acids in the fish oil boost weight loss when combined with exercise and a calorie controlled diet. The researchers concluded that fish oil increased the elasticity of blood vessel walls, which in turn improved the flow of blood to muscles during exercise. The increased blood flow contributed to accelerated fat loss.

The study group also had lower insulin by 50 percent. This may be the key reason as to why omega 3 fish oil had a positive impact on fat metabolism. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage and inhibits growth hormone. High levels of insulin make it less likely for your body to use stored fat as a fuel source. The drop in insulin levels when subjects used the fish oil would have allowed more fat to be used for energy.

Sources of fish oil

The best source of fish oil is found naturally in seafood. Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel and sardines are great sources of fish oil. Fish oil can also be consumed as a supplement. The Omega-3 from the actual fish is more beneficial than the pill.

One thing to remember when taking fish oils, is that it decreases blood clotting. Therefore, it is not advisable to take fish oil supplements before surgeries. While fish oil has good weight-loss benefits, just consuming fish oil alone is not enough. A proper weight-loss plan requires a well-balanced diet and sufficient exercise.

Betsy is a registered and licensed dietitian who provides weight loss counseling and is part of My Diet Planr where you can get your own diet plans.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Fish Oil and Weight Loss

This is a guest post by Alexia.

When watching a mixed martial arts (MMA) match on television or in person, one thing that stands out for many is the toned and muscular bodies of the fighters. MMA fighters train for hours almost every day to achieve this great physical form. Most have been working on their bodies for many months, if not years to be obtain the bodies that so many admire. Almost anyone can train like an MMA fighter and get into great physical shape. They must have the desire and the motivation to engage in rigorous workouts and use MMA training equipment to keep them safe from injury.

Unlike many workout routines where one part of the body is singled out for each workout, MMA fighters work on their entire bodies during each training session. Their workouts also engage not only the body, but the mind as well. Quickly moving from one exercise to another, with no breaks in between helps MMA fighters develop stamina and endurance in the octagon. An MMA fighter may start their workout with cardio sprints, then jump to doing bench dips, then dive into weighted pull-ups, then finish off with jumping jacks, all without taking a break. They may then repeat this routine several time for the remainder of their workout. Challenging themselves like this helps them to gain mental and physical toughness that they will need in the octagon.

Injuries are common during a workout as strenuous as that of an MMA fighter. This does not mean that a person should follow a less intense workout plan to avoid injury; this means that they should workout smarter and take proper precautions during every workout to avoid injury. Using proper MMA training gear can help cut down on the risk of injury during any workout. One easy way to incorporate some MMA training gear into your workout is to start with a pair of MMA training gloves. The hands are easily injured during these strenuous workouts, and a proper pair of training gloves can help prevent common hand injuries.

Make your workouts intense, but stay safe with MMA training gear, and soon you can have the body of an MMA fighter.

Alexia is an active blogger who is happy to be working with MMAIndustries, a proud supplier of MMA training equipment, Muay Thai Gloves, MMA clothing, etc. She continues to bring you the latest news in mixed martial arts, as well as her passion with healthy living, all other sports, and anything fitness related.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

Stay fit: MMA Gear Helps You Train Like a Fighter

This is a guest post by Taylor Harris.

Being away from home and on your own for the first time is an experience many college students share. The freedom can be intoxicating, and could cause you to make a few mistakes, such as eating pizza or burgers for every meal instead of maintaining a healthy diet. With no one to look out for you but you, these college cafeteria eating tips could help you pick healthier foods.

Self-Control

The key to eating healthy in a cafeteria, or anywhere else for that matter, is self-control. The fact that you’re now responsible for your own actions and don’t have mom and dad looking over your shoulder telling you what not to eat means you must take control of your passion for eating the wrong food. Good intentions will only carry you so far–you need to exercise self-control and bypass the burgers and fries and fill your plate with healthy alternatives, such as fruits and vegetables. That won’t always be easy to do, because although many college and university cafeterias are offering healthy foods at mealtime, they still put out the pizza and hot dogs.

Smaller Portions

Although self-control is necessary in choosing the foods you eat at the college cafeteria, you may not always to strong enough to resist. Eating the type of food that tastes good but isn’t exactly a healthy choice doesn’t mean you could keel over today, but if you give into temptation often enough the effects could add up. If you do give in and enjoy a pizza or burger once in a while, the best thing you can do is limit the size of the portion you take. Eating a slice of pizza may not be exactly what you need to get healthy and stay that way, but it’s not nearly as bad as filling your plate with a half-dozen pieces, plus ice cream for dessert–and if you do have dessert limit your intake to a small amount. Will power is the name of the game.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Simply cutting down on fatty foods isn’t enough if your diet isn’t balanced. You need to eat a variety of foods. Sure, a diet of water and carrot sticks will make you lose weight, but in the end you may be even less healthy than if you stuck to pizza and milk shakes. The reason is that the human body is designed to perform efficiently when fueled properly, and going from one extreme to another won’t make you any healthier than you are now. On a daily basis your body needs the vitamins and minerals contained in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and the type of proteins contained in lean meat, chicken, or fish. If you try and cut out all forms of fatty foods, it would be a mistake because your body needs the types of fats that are found in such foods as peanut butter, nuts, or olive oil. The menu in most cafeterias will allow you to choose healthy foods; all you need to do is pick the right combination to improve your health.

Know What You Need

Stating that you need to eat a balanced diet is all well and good, but do you really know what a balanced diet consists of? In order to make sure you’re eating the right foods, and in the correct amounts, you need to know what foods to choose. A little research before going to the cafeteria will help you know what to load your tray with. If you go online and enter something such as, ‘what does a balanced diet consist of’ into your search engine you’ll be rewarded with a variety of resource articles that will guide you into choosing the right types of foods. The basics are fruits, vegetables, grain, dairy products, proteins, and oils. Knowing the right kind of food to eat is important, but you also need to know what quantity of each category will enrich your diet and help you to get healthy and stay that way.

Know What You Want

Knowing what you want to eat before entering the cafeteria can also be helpful. Since you’ve gone to all the trouble of finding out which foods are good for you it would defeat the purpose to walk into the cafeteria and be enticed by an array of good-looking morsels that aren’t healthy. If you decide beforehand what you’re going to have, it will be easier to resist the temptation and stick to a healthy diet.

Remember, at college there is no one to look out for you but you, so use these college cafeteria eating tips to help you pick healthier foods.

Taylor writes about the best online colleges for BestOnlineColleges.com.

Visit my sponsors:

1) DreamHost – Web Hosting used by johnisfit.com
2) Go Daddy – Domain registration
3) Intellilinks – Earn money publishing links on your website

Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

College Cafeteria Eating Tips