Raw Food Diet and Weight Loss

It is believed that if food is heated to over 116 deg. F enzymes which assist in digestion and absorption of the food are destroyed. Raw food diet is based on the use of uncooked and unprocessed plant food such as fresh vegetables, fruits, seed, sprouts, grains, nuts, dried fruits, etc.
To derive the full benefit of raw food diet our diet must comprise at least 75 % of the raw and living components.

Raw food is low on saturated fats and components of hydrogenated oils as compared to the conventional diet. It has low sodium content and is richer in magnesium, folate and potassium. It has higher fiber content and it contains phytochemicals which are health promoting plant chemicals. Raw food diet has less fat, less calories.

Raw food has many benefits. It improves digestion and improves skin appearance. It gives increased energy and it reduces risk of heart diseases, diabetes and cancer. It can lead to healthy weight loss.

What can you eat in Raw Food Diet

Use organic and unprocessed items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, fruits. Grains, nuts, legumes, dried fruits, seaweed are permitted. Purified water and young cocoanut milk are also permitted.

What cooking techniques can be used

Food should not be heated to 116 deg. F; such high temperature heating destroys the enzymes and the beneficial properties of raw food. Sprouting of beans, seeds and grains make them easier on digestion at the same time providing their flavor and variety. Similarly you can soak nuts and dried fruits. Juicing of fruits and vegetables as well as blending with other items will add variety to diet. You can use dehydrated food also.

Precautions

Raw food diet is basically very healthy but some people who have been previously used to diets rich in meat, caffeine or sugar may have mild but harmless reactions when they start on raw food diet. They may experience nausea, headaches or cravings for a few days. Raw food diet is not suitable for pregnant or nursing women or children. It is not suitable for anemic persons and persons suffering from osteoporosis.

Raw food diet may be found to be deficient in proteins, calories, vitamins B12. It may be deficient in certain minerals such as calcium and iron. You may consult your physician for suitable supplements.

Criticism of Raw Food Diet

Apart fro nutritional deficiencies of raw food diet, critics are against the basic premise about the foot being unsuitable if heated to over 116 deg F because of destruction of enzymes. Critics argue our bodies do use their own enzymes and are not dependent on enzymes from the raw food.

It is also argued that raw food diet may not be suitable for people in colder climate.
http://weightlosssecrets.com

Best Supplements For Weight Loss

Find out the truth about diet pills, weight loss, and supplements for fat loss. It will save you money and help you with safe weight loss.

The shocking truth about the best supplements for fat loss is, "they don't really work". I'm not convinced any supplement speeds fat loss or boosts your metabolism, or otherwise magically leads to more fat burning.

I have not been impressed by supplement research or by talking to people who have used supplements. Supplements are generally worthless for gaining muscle and losing body fat.

I strongly believe all fat burning pills are useless, unless you need some caffeine to stay awake. Why is it that I've never met a person who has had success with a fat burning pill? Everyone I've ever talked to has yet to see results from these so-called "fat burners".

It doesn't matter if it contains Green Tea (recently shown to be ineffective for weight loss), CLA (full of conflicting research about its effectiveness), or any other glorified caffeine pill, your diet pill is probably not helping you with weight loss.

What about detox supplements?

Also, not going to result in long term weight loss. You need a simple 5-step nutrition plan, like my 5 simple rules for fat loss, and a fast fat burning workout program you can do in the comfort of your own home.

But what about the generally recommended supplements, like protein, creatine, and post-workout shakes?

They aren't all they are said to be either...

Personally, I don't expect to have another protein drink or protein bar ever again. Like most people, I can easily eat all the protein I need from whole, natural foods.

However, if you find it impossible to get all your daily protein intake from meat, beans, and nuts, you might benefit from a protein shake when trying to lose weight and burn fat. So a protein powder is an optional supplement.

On the other hand, I find post-workout drinks from supplement stores to be a waste of money. After all, these drinks are just protein and carbohydrate, which you can get from real food.

Creatine can help a muscle-gaining workout plan. But you just need the plain creatine powder - not any of these new fancy creatines (that are unproven!).

While I'm against supplements for fat loss, supplements can be of real value for health purposes.

I use a fish oil supplement, a Greens Plus product, and a multi-
vitamin/mineral. And the last two are probably redundant given my diet, since I could make a strong claim for "most broccoli eaten by a human being on a daily basis".

The bottom line: Most muscle building, detox supplements, diet pills, and fat burning supplements are not worth the money. Real food is the key to getting the body, and health, you desire. However, if you have a hard time eating a variety of fish or getting all your fruits and vegetables, you might benefit from health supplements.

Instead, save your money and learn how to eat for fat loss using whole natural foods, combined with a quick, home fitness workouts for fat loss.

Use research proven Home Fitness Workouts to burn fat and get maximum weight loss in less than 45 minutes three times per week.

Craig Ballantyne's Turbulence Training for Fat Loss workouts help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment. Craig's bodyweight workouts for fat loss help you lose fat without any equipment at all.

You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (HTML clickable) and references and copyright info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Ballantyne

Weight Loss Supplements That Work

Isn't it best to lose weight the natural way, through diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements? Not necessarily.

Losing fat increases your metabolism and makes weight management easier, so any weight loss supplement that causes you to lose fat without actually harming you is a good thing.

Keeping that in mind, here are some weight loss supplements that actually work.

COENZYME Q10

It may be that many people who are overweight are deficient in Coenzyme Q10. In one study of obese subjects, 52% of the men were deficient in Coenzyme Q10. When they were supplemented with 100 mg of Coenzyme Q10 a day, along with a low calorie diet, the men who were deficient in Coenzyme Q10 lost 29.7 pounds, whereas those with normal levels of Coenzyme Q10 only lost 12.76 pounds.

Considering all of the other excellent benefits of Coenzyme Q10, it's definitely worth trying.

CHROMIUM

Oddly enough, chromium supplementation has been shown to lower body weight at the same time as it increases lean body mass. In another study, subjects who were given 400 mcg of chromium picolinate lost 4.2 pounds of fat and gained 1.4 pounds of lean body mass over a period of 2 1/2 months.

Now, why would this be?

In clinical studies of diabetics, it has been found that chromium increases insulin sensitivity. Since increasing insulin insensitivity is critical in promoting weight loss, it makes sense that chromium would promote fat loss. One last interesting tidbit about chromium. Apparently, it can be depleted by eating refined sugar and refined carbohydrates, such as white flour, and by lack of exercise as well. Sounds suspiciously like the modus operandi of the average overweight person, doesn't it? Hmmm.

COCONUT OIL

Saturated fats, such as those in red meat and dairy products, are normally to be avoided in weight loss programs. Coconut oil is a saturated fat, but it actually promotes weight loss! How can this be?

It appears that coconut oil has a different molecular structure than most saturated fats. Whereas the carbon chains in most saturated fats range in length from 18 to 24 carbon atoms (long-chain tryglycerides or LCTs), the carbon chains in coconut oil range from 6 to 12 carbon atoms in length (medium-chain tryglycerides or MCTs). Apparently, the shorter carbon chain saturated fats in coconut oil are easier to metabolize than most saturated fats.

For example, one study compared a high calorie diet containing 40% MCTs versus one with 40% LCTs. The authors found that the thermogenic effect of the MCTs was almost twice that of the LCTs, with 120 calories burned by the MCTs versus 66 calories by the LCTs . (Thermogenic refers to the amount of calories burned simply by consuming food.)

In a follow up study, the authors concluded that supplementation with MCTs over a six day period increased thermogenesis by 50%.

In yet another study, researchers compared single meals of 400 calories composed entirely of either MCTs or LCTs. The MCTs increased thermogenesis three times more than the LCTs. Amazingly, the MCTs had no effect on fat levels in the blood. The researchers concluded that using MCTs instead of LCTs would result in weight loss, provided that the calories remained the same.

You know, I was just at the store and couldn't stand to spend the money on coconut oil. It's like 10 bucks for a 16 ounce jar. But I'm going back and getting it, anyway.

Simply substitute coconut oil for the oil you normally use in cooking and salad dressings.

5-HTP

A series of double blind studies conducted at the University of Rome showed that 5-HTP does indeed promote weight loss. In the first study, the women taking 5-HTP consumed fewer calories and lost weight even though they made no attempt to eat less. The next study in the series sought to discover if 5-HTP helped the subjects to adhere to dietary restrictions. In the first 6 weeks of the study, there were no dietary restrictions. In the second 6 weeks of the study, the subjects were placed on a 1200 calorie diet. The women who took the 5-HTP lost 10.34 pounds, whereas the women who took the placebo only lost 2.28 pounds. In the third study, which was structured similarly to the second study, the women who took 5-HTP lost 11.63 pounds at the end of 12 weeks, versus 1.87 pounds for the placebo group. In all cases, the women taking 5-HTP reported feeling satisfied by eating less food than they usually did.

The reason for this may be that the women either are eating diets low in sources of tryptophan or lack an enzyme that converts tryptophan to 5-HTP and subsequently to serotonin. If there are low levels of serotonin in the brain, the brain senses starvation, and stimulates appetite. Supplying ready made 5-HTP bypasses the problem and literally seems to turn off hunger.

As a bonus, the only side effect reported for 5-HTP at 900 mg a day is mild nausea.

Michael Kydonieus is a weight loss expert and author of "Why Can't I Lose Weight? The Metabolic Syndrome Diet." For more free articles about weight loss strategies, see http://weight-loss-tipster.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Kydonieus

Five Effective Ways To Get Slim Fast

All of us want to stay in shape and look much younger than our age. But due to our bad eating habits, lack of exercise and sometimes due to our genetic dispositions, we keep gaining in weight. This leads us to relentlessly think about ways in which we can get slim and that too, fast. When in the advertisements we see models claiming to lose tens of pounds in just a few weeks by trying some or the other product, we also feel tempted to use that product and get slim fast. These models also claim that they have not restrain themselves from eating and they were continuing their own eating habits but the product they used was really good and helped them look slim without actual diet.

What we must be definitely interested in is safe and effective methods to get slim fast; methods that will not play havoc with the internal chemistry of the body. The following are five of the most popular methods used:-

Proper diet

Obviously, diet is the primary factor, because this is what we are directly introducing into the body. If you research on diets, you will get several kinds of them, and each of them has a different logic to make your body slim fast. There are low carbohydrates, high protein, low fat, totally fruit, totally liquids ... so many different kinds of diets. You must do a proper research on them and then decide which of them is really good for you. And when you are on a diet, try to be as faithful to the diet as possible.

Lifestyle

The lifestyle you lead decides a lot about how obese or how slim you will be. If you lead a lifestyle parked on an office chair for most hours of the day, you are surely going to put on weight. If you have vices like smoking, alcoholism, etc. they are also going to take a toll on your health and add those ungainly pounds. The reason is that these substances do not allow your body to function properly, which disturbs the digestive metabolism greatly.
Exercise

Everyone advocates exercise as the best way to get slim fast, and it is indeed true. Exercise helps to burn off the excess fat and makes your body trimmer and fitter. You must spend a couple of hours each day doing the right kinds of exercises, and you will surely find the difference that makes to your body.

Body Cleansing

Cleansing your body internally makes a big difference to your overall health, and is of paramount importance in weight loss. When you cleanse your body, you are removing all the excess residual toxic materials that have built up inside it. That improves the functions of the body, and helps your body to metabolize better. The primary result of keeping your body internally clean is that you will not gain unwanted pounds anywhere in your body.

Using Herbal Supplements

All herbal supplements are primarily targeted at keeping your body working in the best possible manner. This optimum limit of functioning is brought about by a variety of herbs which are formulated in the right proportions to create these herbal supplements. The best part of using the herbal supplements to keep your body functioning in the right manner is that they are absolutely safe to use, and you never have to worry about any side-effects when you are using them.

For more information on Bioslim is one of the most effective herbal supplement that will not only make you lose weight but will also help you in getting in shape.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jenny_Hobson

Best Ways to Lose Weight Fast For Women Over 160 Pounds - the "Hyper" Method to Slim Down Fast

Here are some of the best ways to lose weight if you're a woman who weighs over 160 pounds. You'll slim down fast using the "Hyper" Method.

Best Ways to Lose Weight Fast

The "Hyper" method requires that you blitz (attack) weight loss with focus for 10 days straight. If you can do this, you WILL lose weight fast. Listen, you need to shock your body into giving up that extra fat.

It doesn't want to. It's a survival mechanism to keep that fat. Your body is trying to do you a favor. You're thinking, "well gee, thanks a lot body!"

So here is the Hyper Method...

1. Twice a day, do 5 minutes of hindu squats

Ok, that's a total of 10 minutes. That's not much, admit it! But it's intense. Hindu squats create a massive oxygen deficit which creates a "hyper" fat loss condition within your body.

Hindu squats are easy to do... they're bodyweight squats.

Squat up and down as fast as you can. Do as many as you can in 5 minutes. Within a week you should be able to do 100 squats. That should be your goal. That's when fat loss really takes off... when you can do 100 in 5 minutes.

Remember, do this twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night is perfect.

2. Use 2 minutes of free time to keep up the attack on your body fat

2 minute mini-workouts are a great way to radically speed up your metabolism. It's like your body keeps getting assaulted until it just gives up and stays at the new, faster metabolism speed.

For this to work effectively, it's best to use tv commercials as an indicator to workout... or you'll tend to forget to do these 2 minute workout.

So I give you permission to watch tv.

But... workout during the 2 minute commercials. I prefer to use a mini-trampoline. It's perfect for this type of plan. Just set it in front of the tv and get jumping.

You could easily get in 40 minutes of jumping (20 commercials) everyday without sweating and without any time hassles.

This should give you some ideas for weight loss. Look, I consider these 2 things combined the best ways to lose weight fast... especially for busy women who weigh over 160 pounds.

BONUS "tricks"... best ways to lose weight fast... Click http://www.weightlossguide4women.com for your FREE 19-PAGE report "How SPINNING Around Like a Child Skyrockets your Weight Loss".

WHY get it? BECAUSE reading this article shows you're NOT 100% HAPPY with your body. Today is a new day. This report will help you lose 10+ pounds, balance your hormones, and give you tons of energy.

I think you're committed to losing weight BECAUSE you read this article. That's an important 1st step. Look, if weight loss truly is a PRIORITY for you, then click http://www.weightlossguide4women.com to get the free report. 12,000+ women are using the report to lose weight... why not you?

Jennifer Jolan

PS. Click my name at the top of this article to view my author profile and 420 articles I wrote.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Jolan

20 Ways to Lose Weight

1. Take it one step at a time

Start by paying attention to what you eat. Cut back on fat and sweets and add more fruit and vegetables. After you have that under control, add exercise. If you hate to exercise try it for only 15 minutes a day at first, then a 1/2-hour. Keep in mind that while you are exercising you are burning calories and not eating. Also, it will be easier if you chose an activity that you enjoy.

2. Find a friend

It is always good to have support when you are trying to lose weight. Find a friend who wants to lose weight and compare notes, weigh-in together and maybe even have a contest.

3. Use weights

Working out weights will build muscle and raise your metabolism so you will burn more calories. Also, muscle takes up less space than fat so you will be smaller ( but probably weigh more).

4. Eat fewer carbs

Don't eat as much bread and pasta and you will see a difference.

5. Set a goal

Set a deadline to lose the weight and write it down. For example, ' By Dec 14/04 I will weigh 150 lbs or less'. Put it somewhere you will see it daily.

6. Give up soda

If you drink a soda or 2 a day you are adding empty calories. If you find it hard to stop
completely, cut back at first and drink water instead.

7. Grill or boil

Avoid fried meat, grill and use lots of spices. You will get used to it and probably enjoy it more.

8. Don't buy junk food

When you go shopping, don't go on an empty stomach and you will be less likely to buy junk food. Keep your home 'junk food free' so you won't be tempted to indulge.

9. Eat breakfast

Consume most of your calories early in the day and always eat breakfast. Don't eat after 8pm and
not only will you avoid those added calories but you will sleep better.

10. Give yourself a treat

When you tell yourself that you can't have something you want it more. Give yourself a treat once a day ( ie. half a cookie) and you won't feel you are missing out.

11. Use smaller plates

Trick yourself into believing that you are eating more by using a smaller plate.

12. Drink lots of water

Drink water when you are feeling hungry and you will get that 'full' feeling.

13. Don't eat everything on your plate

Many times we eat just because it's there. Pay attention to when you have had enough.

14. Eat five or six meals a day

Eating more frequently will keep you from getting too hungry.

15. Plan your workout sessions

Write your workout sessions in your journal or planner.

16. Stay away from fad diets

Fad diets don't work. If you lose weight fast chances are that you will gain it back ( and more)
just as fast. It takes time to put it on and time to take it off.

17. Do several workouts a day

While you are watching TV do crunches and leg lifts.

18. Measure your food

If you decide to have junk food for a snack - be sure to measure and control what you eat.

19. Keep pre-cut vegetables

...and ward off those cravings.

20. Create Good Habits

It is a known fact that when we do something twenty-one times it becomes a habit. Create good eating habits.

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Dicks

How To Get Slim In The Shortest Time Possible

Are you looking for how to get slim quickly? Many people want to get slim, but many of them are using the wrong diets and exercise methods that yield no results! As I have experienced myself, working out long and hard at the gym and jogging every day will never give you the fat loss effects you want. This article will describe the 2 most important aspects of slimming, and how you can do it quickly.

1. Having The Right Diet

This is the number one factor that determines whether you will be able to slim down or not. No amount of exercise and working out is going to help if you are eating the wrong types of foods and not eating fat burning foods to maximize your results. Your body is ultimately made by what you put in your mouth.

2. Eating 5 Small Meals A Day

Eating effective fat burning foods is the best way to get slim. These foods should be eaten at about 5 small meals per day. By eating more frequently in smaller amounts, you can boost your body's metabolism and slim down fast.

3. Cardiovascular Exercise

Most people know that cardio training is helpful in making the body lose fats, but do you know that most people exercise the wrong and ineffective way? Most generally think that jogging for a long period of time is the best way to lose fat, when in actual fact it is very ineffective.

The right way to exercise is to perform more intense but shorter workouts. You can perform your cardio exercise on any exercise equipment, and start off slowly. After about five minutes, you should increase the intensity of your exercise until you are fully exerting yourself for 1 to 2 minutes. After that time, you can lower the intensity before you increase it up again.

4. Small Amounts Of Strength Training

Most women have the wrong idea that strength training will build bulky muscles. It is only a myth since it is very difficult for women bulk up because they have lower levels of testosterone. Small amounts of strength training can help you tone your muscles and make you look slimmer!

By building some muscles on your body, you will be able to achieve a sexier and healthier looking body. If you slim down without building up some lean muscle, you will look like a walking toothpick.

5. Conclusion

Slimming down is easy if you eat the right foods and exercise the right way. Once you lower your body fat levels sufficiently, you should start to see your body responding in a positive way. Visit the website link below to learn about a breakthrough diet that has helped me lose a lot of weight quickly.

Do you want to learn the truth about weight loss diets and fat burning foods to increase metabolism? See the author's review of the Top 3 Breakthrough Diet Plans discovered at http://www.review-best.com/best-weight-loss-site/fat-loss-4-idiots.htm that has helped her lose 55 pounds in total!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monica_Green