Tag: Weight Loss


Want to Lose Weight? Try the Low Carb Diet!

15
October

A low-carb diet is just what it says, limited to low carbohydrates in the diet. Carbohydrates come from bread, grains, rice, starchy vegetables and fruit.

Those who practice low-carb diet believe that a decrease in carbs results in lower insulin levels, which causes the body to burn stored fat for energy.

So if you go for a low carb diet, you focus on meat, poultry, fish, eggs and some non starchy vegetables. You should limit your intake of most grains, beans, fruits, breads, sweets, pastas and starchy vegetables. Some low-carb diet plans allow fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A daily limit of 50 to 150 grams of carbohydrates is typical.

To make your low carb diet effective, eat low glycemic carbohydrates such as fresh and canned fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. In particular, low glycemic foods include broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, green beans, peanuts, low-fat yogurt, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, peas, grapefruit, canned peaches, soy milk, pearled barley, dried apricots, cooked carrots and spaghetti.

 

 

Photo Credits:

 Piyachok Thawornmat

vitasamb2001

 

Comment » | Weight Loss Tips

Do You Want to Lose Weight? Get Enough Sleep!

15
October

To some people, this advice may sound weird. Some may ask “where’s the connection?” “What does sleep have to do with losing weight?”

Well, many of us may not realize it, but there is a big connection between getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy weight.

Here’s one very important fact: Sleep loss increases hunger and affects the body’s metabolism, which in turn makes it more difficult to maintain or lose weight.

Loss or inadequate sleep does two things:

One, it makes you feel hungry even if you are, in reality, already full. Sleep loss has been shown to affect the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that regulates appetite. As a result, individuals who lose sleep may continue to feel hungry despite adequate food intake.

Two, it increases fat storage. Sleep loss interferes with the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates, which leads to high levels of blood sugar. Excess blood sugar promotes the overproduction of insulin, which can lead to the storage of body fat.

So if you want to maintain a healthy wait, or if you want to lose weight effectively, get enough sleep!

 

Photo Credit:  Danilo Rizzuti

 

Comment » | Weight Loss Tips

Zumba: A Fun Way to Lose Weight!

27
September

Have you heard about the latest craze called Zumba? I did, and I thought it’s just another dance from a foreign country (obviously because of the foreign-sounding name – you’d think it’s from Africa or something …). One thing I’m sure about it though, many people loved it because according to them, it’s a fun way to lose weight.

As I was not really that interested in loosing weight (not that I love my excess weight or being heavy), it was enough for me just hearing people and seeing friends in fb share statuses saying Zumba is great! I’ve been there – lost a lot of weight but gained it all back again – and I know that only one thing works when aspiring to lose and maintain a healthy weight – a total lifestyle change requiring a strict adherence to healthy diet and regular exercise.

But something changed my mind! As I watched a Zumba video last night (thanks to my niece Eda who “liked” a Zumba video link in fb), I came to realize there’s one thing I like about Zumba as a good work-out: It’s FUN to do! And so … we decided … we’re gonna give Zumba a try!

And by the way, here’s just an FYI. Zumba is not an official dance from a foreign country. It’s actually a video game made for Wii, Playstation, Kinect, and Xbox. According to one website, Zumba is “loaded with red-hot dance steps, pulsating Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow routines, this invigorating dance-fitness “party” will have you movin’, groovin’ and shakin’ the weight off to the sexy, exotic rhythms of salsa, cumbia, samba, merengue and more!”

Want to have fun AND lose weight? Let’s do ZUMBA!

2 comments » | Beauty & Health Tips, Weight Loss Tips

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