Rapid Weight Loss Diet Fads - Important Information and Advice

By Loren R Antonios

How many diets or crazy weight loss regimes have you tried in the past? No doubt countless. In fact, because today's society has more overweight persons than ever before in the entire history of the human race, weight loss regimes are among the number one practices that humans spend so much time, effort and money on. I'm sure you would agree. But why are so many of us still fat? Clearly these rapid-burn weight loss regimes (i.e., fad diets) do not work, otherwise we'd all be skinny by now, and weight problems would be a thing of the past. The following paragraphs will relate some of the crazy fad diet ideas which clearly have proved to be faulty and non-fruitful.

Crazy diet fad #1 - The Grapefruit Craze

This promises rapid weight loss if you eat unlimited amounts of grapefruit (and little else) during the day. This is based on the belief that grapefruit speeds up one's metabolism to the point where weight will magically start to melt away. This diet is not only based on starvation methods but is also very dangerous and could cause one's body permanent damage.

Crazy diet fad #2 - The "No-Carbs" Diet

I honestly don't know who made this diet up, but when you think about it, it makes little to no sense. Everyone knows that if you have 100g of fat, 100g of protein, and 100g of carbs all lined up on the table - it is the fat should be avoided due to the high kilojoule content, not the protein or the carbs. In fact, carbs by themselves are very low kilojoule. I've never been able to work this one out!

Crazy diet fad #3 - The Low-fat to No-fat diet

This also makes no sense. Fat is a highly nutritious and important element to our daily food intake. In fact, avocado, olive oil, fatty salmon and walnuts all contain healthy omega 3 fats which are absolutely essential to a healthy diet. If these fats are omitted or drastically cut back from one's intake - cravings, low-energy, low-concentration and extreme bouts of will inevitably occur. Clearly this is not how we are supposed to eat in the long-run!

Crazy diet fad #4 - The Replacement Shakes

Although I see no harm in swapping one meal a day with low-calorie diet shakes, any more and a person is liable to start going crazy. That's right, literally bonkers! You know why; it's because us humans are born to enjoy fine food, and most days, we incorporate this into our social life. If we are not able to sit down and enjoy a meal anymore, depression and moodiness often take over our 'otherwise' happy or positive self. Can this type of diet be maintained for very long? You tell me.

Crazy diet fad #5 - Counting Calories to Lose Weight

Let's be honest - who of us has not attempted counting our calorie (kilojoule) intake at some point in the past? I know I have. It can sort of be fun at first, but after a few days of it you seriously start to go loony! Keeping this up requires a massive amount of work, not to mention a lot of time involved in reading food labels and recipe energy content, recording your energy consumed, and calculating your new daily total with each consumed addition! If you want to remain reasonably sane, then counting calories to lose weight is NOT the way to go! I'd stay clear from this idea altogether.

Clearly, there are no rapid weight loss diets (i.e., crazy fad diets/ crash diets) that are really safe or suitable to conform to for very long. Attempting to burn rapid amounts of weight off is not safe and is liable to damage your body. The initial weight that comes off from fad diets may excite you, but this is only water weight that you are losing, not actual fat. Rather than attempting to lose weight rapidly you should instead undergo a healthy diet plan and moderate exercise regime that will give you steady results and will be achievable.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Rapid-Weight-Loss-Diet-Fads---Important-Information-and-Advice&id=7623542

What To Do If You Are Struggling With Weight Loss

By Kathy VanMol

Many moons ago when man first appeared on the planet, life as we know it today was VERY different...

We had to hunt for our meat, brave the elements, and had to grow our own vegetables... There was certainly no grocery store down the block.

So our bodies were designed to protect us and let us adapt to the many harsh conditions... The problem with that is, it is a far cry from how we live today. We have diets of fast and processed foods, and virtually foods that are dead, and no longer holds any nutritional value.

Our bodies are very primal in nature and the reason we gain weight is for protection. Our bodies want to protect us from famine and starvation. Just about 100 years ago, famine was a real threat to most of the world. We needed to survive until a food source was again available. Survival was Job #1!

Our DNA is programmed for this, and has not adapted to the way that we live today. So your body is doing everything it can for your survival.

That is why dieting doesn't work. Calorie restriction along with grueling workouts put your body into fat storage mode... or as what I refer to as "Turning on the Fat Switch ". Once this has happened our body does everything it can to store fat, slow metabolism, and turns on the hunger signal in the brain.

Our body does not realize that there is no real threat of food shortage. Scientists are now studying animals ( in the wild, not domesticated pets ) as to how they stay the perfect weight for their species. Their weight stays in balance even if there is a food shortage, or they have to endure a brutally cold winter. They have discovered this "fat switch" mechanism in them and now they are studying how this also works with humans. You will see that domesticated pets have the same weight problems that humans have.

One major cause of our "fat switch" being turned on is processed food. Processed food affects the body by "turning on the fat switch" for numerous reasons. First of all this food is stripped of any of its natural components which made it healthy and nutritious to eat. This in turn tells the body it is starving, even if you have just eaten a huge meal. It also is laden with chemicals which the body perceives as a threat, so it goes into survival mode.

Your body will fight you when you try dieting, by doing everything it can to store fat, make you more sedentary, it even deadens your taste buds, so that you crave more sugary and salty foods and have to keep eating to feel satisfied.

If you want your body to start working with you instead of against you... you need to learn how to "Turn Off The Fat Switch". Eliminating processed foods is a great start! Try replacing at every chance you can with fresh, whole foods. Your body knows exactly what to do with that!! Your cells will be jumping up and down for joy at the addition of fresh fruit and vegetables, and it will reward you!

To Your Good Health!

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-To-Do-If-You-Are-Struggling-With-Weight-Loss&id=7654057

A Guide to Carbohydrates and Weight Loss

By Shane S Stewart

Carbohydrates are nutrients that your body breaks down to create sugar. Like other nutrients, carbohydrates also provide vitamins and minerals. But what does this have to do with losing weight?

Why Does The Body Need Sugar?

The cells in our body use sugar to make energy and your brain runs off of it exclusively for fuel. So, just like gas for your car, carbohydrates keeping the motor running. And while it is also true your body can run off fat and protein for a while, it will eventually need to switch back to carbohydrates, otherwise it will start eating its own muscle for fuel - not a good idea when dieting since it lowers your overall rate at which your body burns calories.

Two Kinds of Fuel

There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are easily absorbed and provide quick energy to the body. Have you ever reached for a candy bar when you were feeling tired? That's you feeding your body simple carbohydrates to get the boost you needed. More examples of simple carbohydrates are honey, breakfast cereals, breads and biscuits made with white flour, fruit juice, and most crackers.

Complex carbohydrates aren't as quickly digested as your body since they usually contain fibre and as a result, don't cause the spikes in blood sugar. They also carry a lot more nutrients than simple sugars. Some examples of complex carbohydrates include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

There has been a lot of talk about carbohydrates and how they hinder weight loss. To a certain extent that is true - if you eat too many carbs, then your body will end up storing them as fat. In addition, when you continue to go overboard on carbs, you become sluggish, overweight and retain water. But here's the thing: you body needs carbohydrates to fuel your brain, to create red blood cells (a key component of blood) and to repair wounds. So how much is too much?

Recent scientific studies show that daily carbohydrate intake between 100 grams and 150 grams per day is right where you want to be; enough carbs to run your body in a healthy, efficient manner but not get in the way of weight loss. Of course, if you are exercising strenuously on a daily basis, are recovering from illness or surgery, or have other health issues like diabetes, your optimum carbohydrate intake level may be different - and in some case, dramatically different. It's best to check with your doctor to be sure.

http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Guide-to-Carbohydrates-and-Weight-Loss&id=7653508

Prasouda Diet: A Lifestyle Change

By Kevin M Wood

There are a lot of dieting choices out on the market today, and I am not sure about you, but I have always struggled with figuring out which one is best for me. About a month ago my wife introduced me to a new diet that she simply referred to as a lifestyle change. She told me the word diet has such a negative stigma to it and that if we thought of this as more of change in the way we live our lives, then we would more than likely stick to it. You know what? She was right. We are exactly one month in to the Prasouda Diet and I couldn't be happier.

The Basics

The basics of the Prasouda Diet are pretty simple and the resulting benefits (weight loss, more energy, and better looking skin) are stellar. The way the diet is broken out is as follows: 10% bread/cereals, 10% oils (olive), 20% meats (fish and chicken mostly but you can occasionally have red), and the rest, 60% is fruit, vegetables, and dairy.

First of all the Prasouda Diet really does not limit what you can and cannot eat. Of course you shouldn't eat excessive amounts of candy, fast food, fried food, or anything along those lines, but that goes for all diets. With the Prasouda, you are more focused on whole, natural food. If you have ever been to the Italy or Greece, think about the things you found on the restaurant menus: fresh pasta, fruit, salads, olive oil, fish, chicken, and wine (you read that right!).

What makes the Prasouda different from a lot of other diets is that you are not limiting yourself from eating anything. You can still have a moderate amount of carbs, red meat, and pork. Your meals become more of an experience then just another dinner. For example, here is what a typical Prasouda dinner would look like:

• Green salad with chicken stripes, croutons and dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and a glass of red wine.

Does not sound too bad does it? If you take on the Prasouda diet from the mindset of changing your lifestyle, like my wife and I did, you really will find success with it.

The Results

The results have been astounding. I have more energy now than I can ever remember and that is saying a lot since I have a 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter. My wife has lost 10lbs in the first month alone and her acne has begun to clear up on her back. I have only dropped 3 pounds but my goal is not weight loss. Instead I am trying to firm and tone up through an exercise regime of strength training and running.

The great thing I have seen from the Prasouda Diet is the amount of energy that I now have prior to working out. Before, I would literally have to frag myself to the gym, during lunch, and force myself to run. This resulted in inconsistency and I never really accomplished anything that I set out to achieve. Now that has changed and I owe it all to this diet.

So if you were like me and looking to make a healthy lifestyle change, then look no further. The Prasouda diet is a proven diet that will help you achieve your goals of weight loss, fitness, and wellness.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Prasouda-Diet:-A-Lifestyle-Change&id=7670440

Are Hormones stopping you from losing weight?

I can really relate to this. I have had the implant fitted in my arm, and my weight has fluctuated. This doesn't mean that the implant is a bad thing, just that my hormones are not in balance. Hopefully, this information will help you, like it helped me..... Steph

Have You Given Up On Losing Weight?

As a Doctor who has seen many overweight patients, I’ve been witness to their deep-seated frustration. My colleagues and I hear a disturbingly consistent set of complaints and negative self-talk.

Does any of this sound familiar?

• I’m doing everything right and STILL can’t lose the weight.
• I feel hopeless and depressed.
• Not only do I look old, I feel old.
• Go out? I don’t want to go out. I don’t want people to see me.
• I don’t want to buy new clothes. What’s the point?
• I just don’t feel valuable.
• I’m never going to look good again.
• This is out of control! How big will I get?
• What’s WRONG with me?!

Sorry for the dramatization, but it’s hard for me not to respond to the pain and suffering that THEY felt and YOU might be feeling. The kind of pain that makes too many people simply GIVE UP on their dream be being slim and feeling good again.

But, there’s something you need to know BEFORE YOU throw in the towel:

It’s Not You, It’s Your Hormones!

And they’re standing like brick wall between you and your goals.
But I’m here to tell you there’s a way to smash through that wall, lose the weight, and be in control of your life again.

I’m about to reveal some breakthrough tools you can use to literally melt the fat away that has been holding you down for so long. And it’s not what you think.

So let’s get started… Here are:

The 4 Big Reasons Why You’re Not Losing Weight

Fat Burning Barrier #1: Not Enough Adiponectin

Adiponectin is literally the hormone that tells your body to burn fat for fuel. And it’s like your body’s “fat burning torch.”

Multiple studies have shown that the more of this super hormone you have circulating in your bloodstream, the more fat you burn.

And research shows that low levels of adiponectin are associated with a higher incidence of obesity.

According to Dr. Leo Galland, Director of The Foundation for Integrated Medicine,

“A lack of adequate adiponectin is emerging as a significant factor in people’s inability to melt flab and stay slim.”

The frustrating thing about adiponectin is that the more fat you have, the lower your levels – which is why LOSING fat is so darn difficult at the beginning. You need a kick start…

So here are 2 “at home” methods for naturally boosting your adiponectin levels and stoking your fat burning fire:
Adiopnectin Boosting Method #1

• Increase your magnesium intake, either by taking a high quality supplement,
  which is quite inexpensive, or by consuming seeds – pumpkin seeds are great – and green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.

Adiopnectin Boosting Method #2

• A much more aggressive approach is to do something called “intermittent fasting,” which has been shown to significantly increase adiponectin levels. This works by fasting one day, and then eating big the next…and so on. While it can work for weight loss, the jury is still out as to whether this is healthy or not. Plus, who wants to live this way?

There’s another solution I will get to later that I think you’ll really appreciate.

Now let’s move on to the hormone that’s keeps you famished and running to the fridge, especially at night, which is the worst possible time to be overeating.

And that’s…

Fat Burning Barrier #2: Too Much Ghrelin

Ghrelin is called the “Hunger Hormone” and, basically, the more ghrelin you have in your system, the hungrier you are.

So if you find yourself fighting cravings and can’t seem to stay away from the fridge after dinner, it’s probably due to elevated ghrelin levels…

And the hard fact is that ghrelin works directly on the hunger center of your brain by activating the brain’s reward response to highly addictive sweet, fatty foods. This increases your food intake at the worst possible time, usually at night, and ultimately makes you gain more weight.

Even worse, it appears ghrelin makes us fatter whether we eat more or not.

You can see now why losing fat is almost impossible with elevated ghrelin levels.

But here’s something you can start doing TONIGHT to lower your ghrelin levels and feel more satisfied tomorrow…

Natural Ghrelin Busting Tip

New research makes it clear that even low levels of sleep deprivation increase your ghrelin levels and lead to more fat being stored in your body.

Most people need between 7-8 hours of sleep.Unfortunately, jacking yourself up in the morning with caffeine or energy drinks is exactly the WRONG thing to do if you want to lose weight, which you’ll see why in just a moment.

But if you thought ghrelin was bad news for your waistline, YOU need to see what’s been dubbed the “Fat Storage Hormone.”

Fat Burning Barrier #3

If you’re overweight, there’s a good chance that you’re experiencing some level of insulin imbalance, resulting in excess glucose, or sugar, in your system.

While this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re diabetic, it does mean that your body’s insulin, or glucose regulator, becomes less effective at lowering your blood sugars.

The end result is that instead of using the excess sugar to feed your muscles or burning it for energy – most of the carbohydrates you consume get stored as fat.

It’s simple, if you have insulin resistance it makes it virtually impossible to lose fat…

But there’s a surprisingly simple trick to addressing the excess glucose problem, and it just might already be in your kitchen cupboard…

Natural Glucose Reduction Trick

A recent study found that consuming 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before a high carb meal significantly reduces blood glucose levels for those people with insulin resistance, which is that imbalance I spoke about.

While this might not be appetizing for everyone, the study did say that apple cider vinegar might work as well as prescription drugs at regulating blood sugar.

But even if you do drink your vinegar, you’ll still continue to store additional fat, especially abdominal fat, if you don’t keep this final fat burning barrier at bay…and that’s

Fat Burning Barrier #4: A Cortisol Overload

Your body produces cortisol in response to stress and ramps you up so you can be ready to fight or flee.

This CAN be a good thing in dangerous situations, like if you were to run across a bear while hiking.

But the constant stress we’re all under in today’s hectic, 24/7, crisis-driven world elevates our cortisol levels far beyond what we were originally designed to handle.

The result is a quadruple whammy on your waistline:

#1Excess cortisol increases your cravings for sweets and carbs, which can lead to overeating and constant hunger.

#2Cortisol causes your body to actually BREAK DOWN your muscle tissue for energy. Which is absolutely the worst thing for weight loss since the less muscle you have, the lower your metabolism will be and the more fat you’ll gain.

#3Elevated cortisol levels cause a larger percentage of fat to be stored in the abdominal area. What’s worse is that the more abdominal fat you have, the more cortisol you produce in response to stress, which then causes more abdominal fat to be stored.

#4Finally, recent studies link high cortisol levels to depression in adults and children. And we all know that when you’re depressed, you eat MORE.

It’s like a vicious cycle with no end in sight!

So here are some simple tips you can start using immediately to reduce your cortisol levels naturally:

Natural Stress Relief

First of all, you need to know that caffeine increases cortisol secretion in people undergoing mental stress. For many of us, that’s just about all the time.

Here’s a really good exercise I use with my family that reduces stress fast:

• As you’re sitting there, simply breathe in through your nose and count to four, hold it for 2 seconds.
• Make sure to breathe into your belly- it should expand.
• Then let the air out through your mouth until it’s comfortable – then pause for one second.
• Repeat this 8 times and you’ll reset your stress response… easy!

http://www.realdose.com/weight-loss/the-four-fat-burning-barriers-and-how-to-shatter-them/