Archive for the ‘Weight Loss’ Category

Quick Exercise: Five Minute Health Fixes

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

Are you tired of feeling like the path to health and wellness is a long, drawn out path? Then start small! Use these quick five minute fixes to boost your health and to reach your goals one step at a time!

• Wear a pedometer to determine the distance you walk each day. Shoot for 10,000 steps per day. If you aren’t reaching that goal, add an extra mile to your routine or take the steps instead of the escalator whenever possible.

• Add jumping to your exercise routine – also known as plyometric moves – to build muscle and improve your bone density. Try jump squats or scissor lunges in your next routine.

• Spend the extra money to purchase good work out necessities – clothing, shoes, bras, supports, etc. Purchasing the better brands versus going the cheaper route will ensure that you use them and that they are the best for your workout.

• Don’t spread germs. Always wipe down gym equipment before and after using them to protect yourself and others from germs and bacteria that can be passed from unclean gym equipment.

• Don’t be a creature of habit. Switch up your routines, walking routes, gym machines and even what days you do specific workouts. Change is good when it comes to exercise and fitness.

• Consider the other ways that you can lose weight without really trying – clean the house and burn 200 calories or work in the garden and burn 272 calories.

• Even if you have to travel or spend all day in a car or on a plane, still try to fit in physical activity. Take advantage of bathroom breaks by stretching and doing some light exercise. Walk briskly through the airport in between flights if traveling by plane.

• Build better bones and as much bone density as you can by doing weight-bearing activities like running or jumping as much as you can in your twenties and thirties.

• Yoga has many healthy benefits for your body and your mind. Even if you are a novice, take a class and try something different.

• Work out with your significant other or a friend or family member. This allows you to be a spotting partner for one another or just spend some quality time together working out.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Great Summertime Fruits: Get Them While They Last!

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Summer is a great season to partake in the numerous delicious seasonal fruits. Not only do these summertime fruits taste great, but they also give you many nutritional benefits.

Some fruits to enjoy before the season ends include:

Berries: the phytochemicals in blueberries, strawberries and blackberries all boost immunity, and protect against heart diseases and circulatory problems.

Peaches and Plums: full of vitamin C and beta carotene, peaches and plums help to eliminate free radicals from the body.

Pineapples: being packed with the most vitamins and minerals, pineapples are also a great digestive aid.

Papayas and Mangoes: both are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, beta carotene and fiber.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Overcoming Obesity in Today’s Society

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

Any way you look at it the statistics regarding obesity are unbelievable:

• In the U.S., 55% of adults are overweight, nearly 25% are obese.

• Each year there are approximately 280,000 deaths in the U.S. that can be attributed to obesity.

There is no longer any doubt that the most widespread and the largest threat to our health is being overweight or obese.

And while these statistics are shocking to most, there are still as many as 80 million people in the United States dealing with obesity.

According to Mayoclinic.com obesity can be defined as having an excessive amount of body fat. And it is more than just a cosmetic concern; it increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Doctors use a formula called the body mass index which is based on your height and weight to determine if you are actually obese.

If your BMI is below 18.5 you are underweight
18.5 – 24.9 is normal
25.0 – 29.9 is overweight
30.0 and higher is obese
40.0 and higher is extremely obese

The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity.

Experts are trying to get across to these millions of people who are dealing daily with obesity is that it is not going to cure itself overnight. There is not a magic pill that someone can take that will reverse the toll we have taken on our bodies over the years.

Losing weight and keeping that weight off is a commitment – a lifelong commitment – and something that won’t come easy to many people. Weight loss is not a short term goal. It is a long term lifestyle change that you must be ready to take on before you start any type of diet or fitness regimen.

However, even just getting started will get you on the right track, and quickly.
Keep in mind there are plenty of support groups out there that will help you get you where you need to be as far as diet and fitness goals and most importantly, don’t give up and just get started!

Popularity: unranked [?]

It’s Pool Time: Stay Fit While Afloat

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Whether we like it or not, the warm weather marks the beginning of swimming pool season. The opening of public as well as home pools will soon have people breaking out their bathing suits for another season of swimming.

Swimming can be a good way to wind down after a long day or as another means of exercise. It is an excellent way to lose weight and strength train while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. It’s also an activity that can be continued for a lifetime. It’s an exercise that keeps your heart rate up but takes a lot of the stress off of your body and joints.

According to swimming.about.com, exercise experts recommend swimming as a form of exercise because of the great cardiovascular workout you get from swimming. It is considered a great aerobic exercise because by definition it is an action that maintains an elevated heartbeat for a minimum of 20 minutes. Swimming burns calories at a rate of about 3 calories a mile per pound of body weight. If you weigh 150 lbs. and it takes you 30 minutes to swim one mile (1,760 yards or 1,609 meters), then you will be using about 900 calories in one hour.

In addition to burning calories, swimming also builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. It can also serve as a cross-training element to regular workouts. You can use the pool for a warm-up session before hitting the gym if you like. You can also swim after an intense work out to help cool-down and help your muscles recover while gliding through the water. Or you may want to add swimming to your pre-existing aerobic workout to help switch things up and keep your workouts fresh. Alternate days that you decide to use swimming as your cardio for that day, so you don’t get bored with any one workout.

Instead of staying indoors and using the treadmill or elliptical for a day, get outdoors and swim laps in the pool for the cardio portion of your workout and you will find that exercising comes much easier when you aren’t sticking to the same routine day in and day out.

Like any exercise, you should also start any swimming workout routine by stretching first. You may not realize the affect swimming has on your entire body until it is too late, so be sure to stretch appropriately before you begin. Then start off slow by swimming strides and gradually increasing your speed in the pool. This will help to elevate your heart rate at a safe pace and help you to last longer during your workout.

Experts suggest starting out swimming laps for approximately 20 minutes for women and 30 minutes for men. You can begin to increase your time as necessary and as you continue your workout over the course of weeks or months. Again, this will prevent you from getting too tired, too sore, wore out or disappointed in your swimming workout.

Try out different strokes when you are swimming, too. Do some laps using the breaststroke, then switch up and do the backstroke, or even the doggy paddle. Each swimming stroke using a different variety of muscles and therefore will give you the best overall workout.

Playing games in the pool is also a good way to get some exercise in the spring and summer. You can play water polo, water basketball, chicken fights, diving games, or even just do some aerobics in the water. You will get your workout in without even realizing it!

Be sure to wear your sun block (preferably a waterproof kind to avoid unnecessary reapplications) to fight the harmful UV rays of the sun while you are in the pool.

And lastly, keep it safe and have fun. Before you know it, the warm seasons will be over and we’ll be looking for ways to exercise indoors again. Enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts!

Popularity: unranked [?]

Five Ways to Refresh Your Exercise Routine for Spring

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

Just as soon as the ice and snow begin melting after a long winter there is a startling realization that swimsuit season is around the corner…proceed with the panic. Once the mercury starts to rise, getting back in shape for the spring and summer is on everyone’s mind. But instead of hitting the exercise hard, experts suggest easing back into your springtime routine.

Here are some tips to get you started from WebMD:

Start Slow- Take the necessary time before jumping into your spring diet and exercise plan. If you haven’t worked out much all winter then it’s important to start slowly. By easing into your regimen you will be more successful in keeping with your diet and exercise plan. Commit to regular exercise and slowly increase the intensity as your fitness level improves.

Take it Outside- You’ve more than likely taken your regular exercise routine to the treadmill during the winter months. But now that it’s getting nicer outside try walking or jogging in the park or around a track. Both your body and soul will love the fresh air.

Plan a New Menu- You need to really look at your diet and the amount of calories you are consuming on a daily basis. Choose foods that are low in calories but are filling to help you fight off the hunger throughout the day.

Take Up a Sport-
It’s a new season, so why not try a new activity or sport? Playing a sport can break up the monotony of your typical workout routine and can provide fun as well as connection with others. Try tennis or golf this spring.

Protect Your Skin- If you’re spending more time outside then it’s essential to wear sunscreen in order to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and choose a waterproof kind that doesn’t run off when you sweat.

By keeping these five tips in mind you’ll go from winter weight to bikini body safely and happily and in no time!

Popularity: unranked [?]

What are the Health Benefits of Acai Berries?

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

The acai berry represents a new trend in weight loss. It has been highly hyped by marketers who refer to it as an elite super food with anti-aging and weight loss ingredients. It’s even used in cosmetic and beauty products. But are all these claims true?

According to WebMD, the acai berry is a reddish, purple fruit and usually about an inch long. It comes from the acai palm tree native to Central and South America and contain several substances called anthocyanins and flavonoids. These are both powerful antioxidants that can help defend the body against free radicals. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can interfere with aging and protect against disease such as heart disease and cancer by neutralizing free radicals.

However, few studies can actually confirm that acai berry juice can actually stimulate weight loss. Studies do show that acai fruit pulp contains a higher antioxidant capacity than cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. But so far acai berries show no known health benefit that’s any different that other similar fruits.

There’s no doubt that fruits and berries are a crucial aspect to any healthy diet and weight loss regimen. And although the acai berry may not actually help you lose weight, it is beneficial to you, like other berries in the same family.

Those with allergies to pollen, however, should be cautious. Some allergy sufferers have been sensitive to this berry and should avoid it.

In conclusion, should you incorporate the acai berry into your diet? Of course! It has a place in a healthy diet, just like all fruits. Should you base your weight loss regimen solely on this fruit? Probably not.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Spring Cleaning Workout: Tidy Up and Get a Workout All at Once!

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

It’s that time of year again! The sun is starting to shine….and shedding light on your dirty house. Spring cleaning season is in full swing. Sure, you would be hard-pressed to find a woman or a man who says that they actually enjoy the thoughts of spring cleaning. But, if you just take into consideration how many calories are burned while you are doing your spring cleaning, then you may be a little more excited when spring rolls around this year.

As with any physical activity, cleaning up around the house and garden can actually burn calories as well as stretch and tone muscles. Some sort of moderate activity for at least 30 minutes a day can bring tremendous health benefits, even if it’s just using a little elbow grease around the house.

However, when it comes to losing weigh while cleaning, intensity and speed are vital so here are some tips from WebMD for making your next cleaning session a workout session:

• Listen to fast music in order to pick up speed and enjoy yourself while you’re at it.

• Tighten your abs during chores to make it more of a workout, plus it prevents you from slouching.

• Strive for large up and down movements like when cleaning the shower door. Make big pronounced movements and move those arms!

• Carry heavy baskets of laundry up and down some stairs to get your heart pumping.

• Climb on a stepladder to reach high dusty spots, keep it up and it’s almost like being in a step class.

• Do lunges while vacuuming, just remember to keep toes pointed ahead and to not bend your knees further than 90 degrees. You’ll feel these burning your thighs in no time.

The actual amount of calories burned while cleaning will depend on your weight, gender and age, but there calculators that you can find online (FitDay or NutriStrategy) that will help you to calculate your actual calories burned. But here’s a general idea of how many calories you can burn by just taking care of a few things around the house.

Gardening: 226 calories

Window washing: 226 calories

Scrubbing floors (on hands and knees): 291 calories

Laundry, ironing: 84 calories

Sewing repairs: 36 calories

Dusting: 97 calories

Scrubbing toilets, tub: 246 calories

Vacuuming: 317 calories

Cleaning gutters: 258 calories

Moving furniture, household items: 387 calories

Painting, papering, plastering: 317 calories

Sweeping: 194 calories

Mopping: 153 calories

Mowing the lawn: 148 calories

Washing dishes: 77 calories

So dust off your mops, break out the cleaner and begin to sweat off the weight!

Editor’s Note: The calories burned estimates listed here are based on one hour of cleaning for a 155 pound woman.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Exercises for the Working Girl: What you can do Around the Office

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

As much as you’d like to spend hours on toning your glutes and improving your sexy abs at the gym, the truth of the matter is you just don’t have the time—you’re a working girl. Add the additional responsibility of taking care of a family and chances are your sports bra won’t ever see the light of day. Fortunately there are a few exercises you can do around the office to help keep you in shape. To find out what they are, continue reading.

On Your Way to Work

Before you even get to your place of employment there are tons of simple exercises you can do to help keep you fit. The first is to ditch your car and trade it out for a bicycle or some walking sneakers. Granted not everyone will be able to drastically change the way they commute to work, but if the distance permits, try to ride your bicycle or walk to work a few days out of the week. It won’t only help keep you in shape, but it’ll help you save on gas money and help reduce your carbon footprint as well.

If you prefer to take your car to the office, you can work on your abs while driving. A good way to do this is whenever you reach a red light, squeeze your abs and hold them for about 10 seconds and then release. Continue doing this until the light turns green. The same exercise move can work to tone your butt—just squeeze and then release your glutes in 10 second intervals.

If you usually park in a garage, make it a habit of using the stairs, not the elevator. When climbing back up the stairs at the end of the day, make sure to take double steps—it’ll work out your legs more. If you park in a lot, make sure that you park far enough that you can do some good walking before you clock in.

Around the Office

If you are predominately glued to a desk and computer, chances are you don’t get enough blood circulation. A good way to change that is by making it a priority to move around every 30 minutes or so. This could be as simple as going to the restroom. But to make it a little bit more challenging, try to use the restroom on an entirely different floor and use the stairs to get there. Remember to take double-steps on your way back up. Or, if you have a message to deliver to another co-worker or boss, get up and deliver the message in person instead of using e-mail or Instant Messaging. Some employees are even known to purposely leave important documents or their lunches in their cars so that they can have a reason to get out of the office and move around a bit. With that said, any little excuse you have to get up and move around you should take advantage of.

At Your Desk

If you have a very traditional office job you will most likely spend all of your time sitting at a desk. One of the easiest ways to simultaneously work on your fitness and your job duties is to switch out your office chair for a stability ball. It may seem a little impractical since there is nothing to support your back, but that’s pretty much the whole point. Since you will be working on keeping your balance, your abs, legs and back will constantly work (and get toned in the process) to keep yourself situated on the ball. You don’t have to use the stability ball every day if you don’t want to but a few days out of the week can do wonders.

Calf raises are also another popular exercise move to do at your desk. All you have to do is sit in a chair (or stability ball) and use the balls of your feet to lift your legs off of the floor. You should feel your calf muscles stretch. Once you feel that your calves can’t stretch anymore give them a good squeeze. Hold for 10 seconds and then release. Typically women prefer to do this exercise move until they begin to tire, but you can give yourself specific goals. For example, you can tell yourself “after I’m done with this report” or “after this phone call is complete” I can move on to another body part.

Arm raises are equally as affective. All you have to do is raise your arms above your head or to the sides. Do it with a full water bottle in hand to make it a bit more challenging. This simple move will not only help tone your arms but will also help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

This guest post is contributed by Kitty Holman, who writes on the topics of nursing colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: kitty.holman20@gmail.com.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Straight from the Headlines: Less Sugar in Select Breakfast Cereals

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

According to an article on msnbc.com, Post Cereal LLC recently announced that as of the beginning of 2011 they have reduced the sugar content in their popular cereals, Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles in order to provide healthier breakfast food options to children and parents.

The cereal maker is the most recent food company to take action by reducing sugar content as a way to address heightened concerns regarding childhood obesity. The sugar content in Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles was reduced from 11 grams to 9 grams.

The article also states that Post Foods decided to join in with other companies like PepsiCo Inc. which announced that it is launching new instant oatmeal with 25 percent less sugar. General Mills is also taking a stand against childhood obesity by cutting the amount of sugar in 10 of its cereals to single-digit grams of sugar per serving.

In addition to lowering the sugar content, Post Foods announced that both cereals will also now be certified gluten-free.

Post Foods does remind consumers that both Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles are already cholesterol free and low fat, and will still offer the same great taste that fans of Pebbles have loved since the early 1970s.

Popularity: unranked [?]