By: Danielle Rivers
Music is the key to the soul. It can lift you up and put a smile on your face or alternatively it can bring you down and reduce you to tears. Music is powerful and fortunately you can use it to help with your weight loss.
The interesting thing about music is that the same track or song can induce different emotions in different people. If you met the love of your life during a particular song, then you probably enjoy it and feel happy when you hear it played on the radio. Another person may have been cruelly dumped by their boyfriend during that same song, played at the same time somewhere else in the world, chances are this song brings back all that pain and hurt the breakup caused.
Have you ever played upbeat music loudly when working out or been to a nightclub and found yourself dancing all night because the music was so good? Music not only generates positive emotions but it can also help to motivate you. Music can bring out the best in all of us, it makes you feel good and encourages us to move or dance. So how can music help you to lose weight?
Here are my top three tips to use music with your diet
1. Choose your favourite music album and as soon as you wake up in the morning put it on. Listen to it as you have breakfast and get ready for your day. It will put a spring in your step and help you to be positive, you will feel capable of anything and that feel-good feeling will carry you through the day. Being positive and happy makes you much more motivated and you will find sticking to your diet easy.
2. Put music in your car. Listening to the radio can help to relax you after a hard days work. If you get home stressed out and grumpy, you are much more likely to go to the cupboard and overeat. Play music in the car, as loud as you like and have a good sing. Putting all your frustrated energy into singing will help you feel relaxed and give your mood a much needed boost. You will get home refreshed and energetic rather than exhausted and feeling down.
3. If in the evening you are bored watching television you will find yourself going to the cupboard to snack on foods. This is a really bad time for all dieters. Turn off the television and put some music on, do your household chores, have a dance with your children, play games or invite friends over for coffee. Not only are you not overeating but you are also spending quality time with your family or friends.
I cannot tell you which is the best song to listen to or even which album motivates people the most. The choice is yours. It will be different for everyone and will probably depend on many factors, age, taste in music, life events, lifestyle, etc. What I can say is have a good look through your music collection and choose several albums, this way you won't get bored too easily and will enjoy the music. Try listening to songs you used to love when you were younger, it brings back happy memories and encourages you to lose those extra pounds
Think about buying a personal walkman or an MP3 player, both are small are portable ways to listen to music when you out and about. It might even motivate you into going for a long walk.Get some fresh air into your lungs and enjoy it. Don't look at it as exercise, it is simply getting out of the house to stretch your legs.
Good luck with your slimming and I hope the music tips help you with your weight loss.
Author Bio
Danielle Rivers is the author of Weight Wellbeing Diet BookFor more information and advice on weight loss visit www.weightwellbeing.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
10 Super Tricks to Lose all the Weight you Want for Life !
By: Randy Stafford
I hate the word "obese". With as much as 60% of the Americans being fat, you'd wonder why there isn't some sort of law suit against certain institutes, public facilities, theatres, and most of all the airlines. Why? The seats are so small.
Think about this for a second, now there is more fat people than there are skinny. Being embarrassed because of your fat isn't the only problem though. If you don't start losing weight, chances are a lot greater, you'll pay for it in the long run. If you don't have any physical problems that are apparent to you, they may be sneaking up on you.
Hey, I'm on your side. I hate the ideal of going on a plane and hoping that somebody sitting next to me will be skinny. With that said, there may only be a 40% chance of that happening. It's been rumored that fat people may have to start paying for 2 seats when going on board the air craft. Now these are only minor costs. Especially since you may not fly that much.
The serious problems that I'd like to drown you with is the medical problems. If you are anything like the majority in your class, it's already affecting you emotionally. I can sympathize with you at the clothes store. It is highly embarrassing.
Sometimes, you try every way possible to make yourself happy with the body you have. It only works temporarily. I even find myself justifying my size. I find clothes that are sloppy. They hide the most when you are wearing oversized clothes. However, when you pass by a mirror at the mall, you discover how ridiculously fat you really are. What is worse, the clothes make you look bigger.
Well, if you are not affected emotionally with all this then maybe it's time to look at some other problems. Heart problems may slip up on you. Diabetes can be another. However, you've obviously heard all this stuff before. It's not secret. Every time you've ever went to a doctor, they tell you to lose weight. Easier said than done.
I do have a way. It's not the only way. I am sure you've tried slim fast, dexatrim, the atkins diet, and some of those crazy diets like the grape fruit diet.
Before you or anyone can lose weight, it's best to get a little knowledge. Now rest assured that if you try to starve your body, it's natural for it to attempt to protect itself. This is why its important for you to understand that no one can lose weight for you.
If you truly want to lose weight, you must understand that a true pound is worth 3500 calories. If you try to lose a pound in one day, the body will try to save itself. If you trick the body and retrain your body into a routine, then you will more than likely have success and still be happy.
Okay, if your ready to lose all that emotional stress, that embarrassment and most of all that weight, then I have 10 super simple steps to help you and get you back to a healthy body.
I hate the word "obese". With as much as 60% of the Americans being fat, you'd wonder why there isn't some sort of law suit against certain institutes, public facilities, theatres, and most of all the airlines. Why? The seats are so small.
Think about this for a second, now there is more fat people than there are skinny. Being embarrassed because of your fat isn't the only problem though. If you don't start losing weight, chances are a lot greater, you'll pay for it in the long run. If you don't have any physical problems that are apparent to you, they may be sneaking up on you.
Hey, I'm on your side. I hate the ideal of going on a plane and hoping that somebody sitting next to me will be skinny. With that said, there may only be a 40% chance of that happening. It's been rumored that fat people may have to start paying for 2 seats when going on board the air craft. Now these are only minor costs. Especially since you may not fly that much.
The serious problems that I'd like to drown you with is the medical problems. If you are anything like the majority in your class, it's already affecting you emotionally. I can sympathize with you at the clothes store. It is highly embarrassing.
Sometimes, you try every way possible to make yourself happy with the body you have. It only works temporarily. I even find myself justifying my size. I find clothes that are sloppy. They hide the most when you are wearing oversized clothes. However, when you pass by a mirror at the mall, you discover how ridiculously fat you really are. What is worse, the clothes make you look bigger.
Well, if you are not affected emotionally with all this then maybe it's time to look at some other problems. Heart problems may slip up on you. Diabetes can be another. However, you've obviously heard all this stuff before. It's not secret. Every time you've ever went to a doctor, they tell you to lose weight. Easier said than done.
I do have a way. It's not the only way. I am sure you've tried slim fast, dexatrim, the atkins diet, and some of those crazy diets like the grape fruit diet.
Before you or anyone can lose weight, it's best to get a little knowledge. Now rest assured that if you try to starve your body, it's natural for it to attempt to protect itself. This is why its important for you to understand that no one can lose weight for you.
If you truly want to lose weight, you must understand that a true pound is worth 3500 calories. If you try to lose a pound in one day, the body will try to save itself. If you trick the body and retrain your body into a routine, then you will more than likely have success and still be happy.
Okay, if your ready to lose all that emotional stress, that embarrassment and most of all that weight, then I have 10 super simple steps to help you and get you back to a healthy body.
- Frame of Mind. The first thing is to remind yourself that you are doing this for you. You do not owe anyone anything. You can't lose weight for your spouse and they can't lose weight for you.Set a realistic Goal - Don't say you're going to lose 100 lbs. Tell yourself that you want to lose 4 lbs this week. Big goals are always accomplished with little goals.
- Trick your body. Do not skip meals, just eat less at those meals. Don't stuff yourself. Just quit early. Eat slowly. Do not eat in front of the television. This has a tendency to make you eat more without realizing it. Try eating in front of a mirror.
- Plan your meals. If you don't plan them and you go out to that favorite fast food place you've been supporting, then you will not lose weight. We are trying to change your habits.
- Track what you eat. Write down everything you eat each day and evaluate it. The more education you have, the more weight you'll lose. Plus it gives you something to do. It also make you consciously aware of your goals.
- Shop on a full stomach. Most people buy more junk food and everything looks so good when you are hungry. If you go grocery shopping, it is extremely important that you eat something before you go.
- Eliminate 2 Fats - You should actually get rid of two different fats. Animal fats which are better known at saturated fats and trans fats. Unfortunately, trans fats are harder to find. You can do some research on this while you're sitting there not doing anything.
- Exercise. I know this is the hardest thing for you to grasp. Did you know you can actually exercise in your office, on your couch or anywhere you please. Just do something more than you did before. Instead of asking someone to do something for you, do it yourself. Make exercise your friend. Do you like to window shop? Go look at some skinny clothes and look forward to it. Climb stairs at the mall.
- Buddy System. It's always been a known fact that if you are doing something with a buddy, chances are great that you'll do better. It's the natural competition in each of us that keep us going. If it's not competition, it's someone to talk to about your anger, your thoughts, and your goals.
- Get motivated. Read as much motivational books you can. To achieve anything, you must want to. When you lose your motivation, it draws you down. Keep your spirits up and your weight will come off.
See you at the scales.
Author Bio
Randall Stafford http://www.randallsquare.com/
Article Source: http://www.articlegeek.com/ - Free Website Content
The 3 Hidden Keys to Rapidly Burning Stubborn Fat
By: Faisal Khetani
You're about to learn three "power tips" for burning fat that fitness models, athletes, & high profile personal trainers use to bring out those sexy abs, arms, & thighs in no time...
Honestly, I'm a little sick and tired of hearing the same old "top ten fat loss tips" circulating in magazines and on websites...
You're smart enough to realize that regular exercise and dieting will help you lose fat, but you're looking for better advice, something powerful yet easy to follow. The following tips offer the solution you've been looking for:
Tip 1:
Replace breads, pastas, & rice with fruits and vegetables. No, this is not the atkins diet, because you are not avoiding carbs, you're just replacing the "types" of carbs you eat.
Fruits and vegetables provide a very fast burning source of carbohydrates, which means that they are used up by your body for energy rather than being stored and converted to fat.
Basically, by eating fruits and vegetables, you'll have a lot of energy throughout the day...
Conventional sources of carbs, such as breads, rice, & pasta, are notoriously slow burning sources of carbs, and eventually convert to fat if not fully utilized for energy.
Additionally, most breads and pasta are highly processed and un-nutritious, so its not a good idea to consume them for proper nutrition reasons anyways.
Lastly, fruits and vegetables are 70-80% water, which means that by eating them you'll stay properly hydrated throughout the day. Also, they are high in fiber and enzymes, so consuming them throughout the day literally causes the fat to "melt away".
As a general rule, eat at least 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day! Whenever you have a craving for something sweet, grab a fruit! Don't underestimate the power of this tip, it is one of the well-kept secrets of fitness models, bodybuilders, and celebrities
worldwide.
Tip 2:
Drink at least 16 glasses of PURIFIED water a day.
The truth is, 8 glasses is okay for the average person, but if you want to burn fat as quickly as possible, 16 glasses will get the job done.
Water helps to supercharge your cells, flush out harmful toxins, and boost your metabolism.
Consuming a lot of water makes it hard for the fat to "stick" to your body. However, this doesn't mean that you can pig out and expect the water to flush away all the fat.
Additionally, by drinking 16 glasses of water a day, you most likely won't have a need for coffee, since your energy and concentration levels will rise.
Be careful, because tap water is not a good choice. Ideally, you want to drink purified water, either through a commercial filter or boiled. Your very best bet, by far, is natural spring water, since it has the balance of minerals that mother-nature has perfected.
Boxers and athletes drink tons of water a few weeks before "game time", to get as lean as possible...
Tip 3:
Do 20 Minutes of Light Resistance Training Before Your Cardio...
If you want to burn up to 200% more fat during your aerobic or cardio workout routine, then you must do a light session of weight lifting or resistance training for about 20 minutes.
Your body does not burn fat for the first 20 minutes of any exercise! Thats right, if you run for 20 minutes without doing any exercise before-hand, you will only be burning glycogen, not fat. Glycogen is the source of energy used by your muscles.
Basically, you have to elevate your heart rate for at least 20 minutes before your body starts burning fat...
The best way to elevate your heart rate and kick-start your metabolism is to do light resistance training for about 20 minutes before your cardio routine. What this does is two things:
1) You break that 20 minute "plateau" your body needs to start burning fat.
2) You raise your metabolism 100-200%, which means that while you do your cardio/aerobic routine, you'll literally burn up to twice more fat.
Resistance, or weight training boosts your metabolism like no other form of exercise, often for a period of 24 hours or more. So, your body will burn fat even while you sleep, as your muscles recover overnight.
Now you know why all those successful "aerobic videos" usually make you use resistance bands or small dumbbells as part of the workout routines.
You can use resistance bands, free weights, or machines. Keep in mind that you must do "light" resistance training so you still have plenty of energy to run or do cardio.
To see fast results from your workout routines, definitely follow this strategy for maximum fat loss.
RECAP:
Okay, so lets summarize the three "power tips" for rapid fat loss:
1) Replace breads, pasta, & vegetables with fruits and vegetables
2) Drink 16 glasses of purified water or spring water a day
3) Do 20 minutes of light weight lifting (resistance training) before your cardio routine
The only thing left now is for you to go out and "get em' tiger". These specific strategies will drop the pant sizes and bring out the curves faster than you can buy a new wardrobe.
Author Bio
Faisal Khetani is a health and fitness consultant, and editor of the Dream Body Fitness Newsletter. Check out his website for scientific workout routines that deliver fast, maximum results: www.weight-lifting-workout-routines.com/Fat-Loss
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
You're about to learn three "power tips" for burning fat that fitness models, athletes, & high profile personal trainers use to bring out those sexy abs, arms, & thighs in no time...
Honestly, I'm a little sick and tired of hearing the same old "top ten fat loss tips" circulating in magazines and on websites...
You're smart enough to realize that regular exercise and dieting will help you lose fat, but you're looking for better advice, something powerful yet easy to follow. The following tips offer the solution you've been looking for:
Tip 1:
Replace breads, pastas, & rice with fruits and vegetables. No, this is not the atkins diet, because you are not avoiding carbs, you're just replacing the "types" of carbs you eat.
Fruits and vegetables provide a very fast burning source of carbohydrates, which means that they are used up by your body for energy rather than being stored and converted to fat.
Basically, by eating fruits and vegetables, you'll have a lot of energy throughout the day...
Conventional sources of carbs, such as breads, rice, & pasta, are notoriously slow burning sources of carbs, and eventually convert to fat if not fully utilized for energy.
Additionally, most breads and pasta are highly processed and un-nutritious, so its not a good idea to consume them for proper nutrition reasons anyways.
Lastly, fruits and vegetables are 70-80% water, which means that by eating them you'll stay properly hydrated throughout the day. Also, they are high in fiber and enzymes, so consuming them throughout the day literally causes the fat to "melt away".
As a general rule, eat at least 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day! Whenever you have a craving for something sweet, grab a fruit! Don't underestimate the power of this tip, it is one of the well-kept secrets of fitness models, bodybuilders, and celebrities
worldwide.
Tip 2:
Drink at least 16 glasses of PURIFIED water a day.
The truth is, 8 glasses is okay for the average person, but if you want to burn fat as quickly as possible, 16 glasses will get the job done.
Water helps to supercharge your cells, flush out harmful toxins, and boost your metabolism.
Consuming a lot of water makes it hard for the fat to "stick" to your body. However, this doesn't mean that you can pig out and expect the water to flush away all the fat.
Additionally, by drinking 16 glasses of water a day, you most likely won't have a need for coffee, since your energy and concentration levels will rise.
Be careful, because tap water is not a good choice. Ideally, you want to drink purified water, either through a commercial filter or boiled. Your very best bet, by far, is natural spring water, since it has the balance of minerals that mother-nature has perfected.
Boxers and athletes drink tons of water a few weeks before "game time", to get as lean as possible...
Tip 3:
Do 20 Minutes of Light Resistance Training Before Your Cardio...
If you want to burn up to 200% more fat during your aerobic or cardio workout routine, then you must do a light session of weight lifting or resistance training for about 20 minutes.
Your body does not burn fat for the first 20 minutes of any exercise! Thats right, if you run for 20 minutes without doing any exercise before-hand, you will only be burning glycogen, not fat. Glycogen is the source of energy used by your muscles.
Basically, you have to elevate your heart rate for at least 20 minutes before your body starts burning fat...
The best way to elevate your heart rate and kick-start your metabolism is to do light resistance training for about 20 minutes before your cardio routine. What this does is two things:
1) You break that 20 minute "plateau" your body needs to start burning fat.
2) You raise your metabolism 100-200%, which means that while you do your cardio/aerobic routine, you'll literally burn up to twice more fat.
Resistance, or weight training boosts your metabolism like no other form of exercise, often for a period of 24 hours or more. So, your body will burn fat even while you sleep, as your muscles recover overnight.
Now you know why all those successful "aerobic videos" usually make you use resistance bands or small dumbbells as part of the workout routines.
You can use resistance bands, free weights, or machines. Keep in mind that you must do "light" resistance training so you still have plenty of energy to run or do cardio.
To see fast results from your workout routines, definitely follow this strategy for maximum fat loss.
RECAP:
Okay, so lets summarize the three "power tips" for rapid fat loss:
1) Replace breads, pasta, & vegetables with fruits and vegetables
2) Drink 16 glasses of purified water or spring water a day
3) Do 20 minutes of light weight lifting (resistance training) before your cardio routine
The only thing left now is for you to go out and "get em' tiger". These specific strategies will drop the pant sizes and bring out the curves faster than you can buy a new wardrobe.
Author Bio
Faisal Khetani is a health and fitness consultant, and editor of the Dream Body Fitness Newsletter. Check out his website for scientific workout routines that deliver fast, maximum results: www.weight-lifting-workout-routines.com/Fat-Loss
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Can A Raw Food Diet Help You Lose Weight ?
By: Lee Dobbins
While raw foods are not new, the focus on eating plans that focus on them are and this trend in healthy eating appears to be gaining strength across the country. The focus of the diet is on eating uncooked, highly nutritious foods - fruits and vegetables. Of course, these foods are low in calories and extremely good for you, but eating them raw or uncooked is favored as it is believed that they lose nutritional value when cooked.
Those who subscribe to the raw food diet eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. They drink unpasteurized milk, water, juice, and tea. It is a revolutionary way to eat, but also a natural way and many of those who follow this way of eating say it keeps them thin and healthy.
However, while the raw food diet is rich in some nutrients, it lacks others. Although fruits and vegetables do have some protein and calcium, this diet may be lacking in these things. Experts are torn on whether it is healthy as a long term way of eating.
Another thing to consider when taking up a raw food diet is that most of the fruits and vegetables that you see in your supermarket are loaded with pesticides. Therefore, it might be best to consume only organic raw food.
If you decide a raw food diet is for you, you might consider supplements to compensate for the nutrients this diet is lacking. Some supplements to consider include vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and chromium. Also, proteins from plants do not the same amino acids as animal protein so you'll have to consume a variety of different type sof raw foods in order to remain healthy.
Some medical experts see great benefits in the raw food diet. In addition to enabling weight loss, the diet can ostensibly increase one's metabolism, making calorie burning easier. Some medical experts have also suggested that a raw food diet is a good antidote to eating disorders. In addition, it can help make your immune system stronger, and help the body rid itself of harmful toxins. Some supporters even claim that eating raw foods improves the look of their skin.
A raw food diet is not recommended for children, women who are pregnant, people suffering from osteoporosis, and those who are anemic. If you try a raw food diet, you should to plan your meals in advance to insure that you are receiving the maximum amount of nutrients. Also, it can be time consuming to prepare all the foods you need so make sure that you set aside the time to chop, blend and puree for each meal every day.
Author Bio
Lee Dobbins writes about Low Carb and Low GI eating as well as other weight loss issues. Visit www.lowcarb-resource.com for more articles on healthy dieting.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
While raw foods are not new, the focus on eating plans that focus on them are and this trend in healthy eating appears to be gaining strength across the country. The focus of the diet is on eating uncooked, highly nutritious foods - fruits and vegetables. Of course, these foods are low in calories and extremely good for you, but eating them raw or uncooked is favored as it is believed that they lose nutritional value when cooked.
Those who subscribe to the raw food diet eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. They drink unpasteurized milk, water, juice, and tea. It is a revolutionary way to eat, but also a natural way and many of those who follow this way of eating say it keeps them thin and healthy.
However, while the raw food diet is rich in some nutrients, it lacks others. Although fruits and vegetables do have some protein and calcium, this diet may be lacking in these things. Experts are torn on whether it is healthy as a long term way of eating.
Another thing to consider when taking up a raw food diet is that most of the fruits and vegetables that you see in your supermarket are loaded with pesticides. Therefore, it might be best to consume only organic raw food.
If you decide a raw food diet is for you, you might consider supplements to compensate for the nutrients this diet is lacking. Some supplements to consider include vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and chromium. Also, proteins from plants do not the same amino acids as animal protein so you'll have to consume a variety of different type sof raw foods in order to remain healthy.
Some medical experts see great benefits in the raw food diet. In addition to enabling weight loss, the diet can ostensibly increase one's metabolism, making calorie burning easier. Some medical experts have also suggested that a raw food diet is a good antidote to eating disorders. In addition, it can help make your immune system stronger, and help the body rid itself of harmful toxins. Some supporters even claim that eating raw foods improves the look of their skin.
A raw food diet is not recommended for children, women who are pregnant, people suffering from osteoporosis, and those who are anemic. If you try a raw food diet, you should to plan your meals in advance to insure that you are receiving the maximum amount of nutrients. Also, it can be time consuming to prepare all the foods you need so make sure that you set aside the time to chop, blend and puree for each meal every day.
Author Bio
Lee Dobbins writes about Low Carb and Low GI eating as well as other weight loss issues. Visit www.lowcarb-resource.com for more articles on healthy dieting.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Eat Healthy and Lose Weight
By: Christopher Ayu
If you accept the analogy that our bodies are like an engine, then it follows that this engine will perform better if it receives the type of fuel that it was designed to run on. In years gone by, before artificially processed and manufactured foods, our bodies normally received the correct nutritional balance every day.
As more and more families saw both the husband and wife holding down jobs outside the home, the dynamics of eating, exercise and nutrition began to change. "Convenience" and "fast foods" became the norm, and farms were gradually replaced by processing plants. Today, the average meal is so laden with artificial preservatives and saturated fat that our bodies are starving for the ingredients that they need, and overflowing with the ingredients that they don't need.
This nutritional imbalance manifests itself through weight problems, skin problems, tiredness, disease, and overall poor health. Although this problem has reached pandemic proportions, you can reverse the effects of poor diet in your own life if you truly want to.
Garbage In - Garbage Out
While this phrase may have been coined for the computer industry, it's very relevant when it comes to our own body. Every moment that we are alive, our body is busy manufacturing the chemicals, fluids, proteins, and tissues that are required to keep us healthy. Food, or rather the nutrition that is derived from food, is what the body depends upon to handle all of these tasks.
Everything that we consume is used, stored, or discarded by the body. The body's particular nutritional needs can vary widely depending upon what's going on inside and outside of us at any particular time. Our body makes decisions on whether to burn carbs or fat based upon our immediate energy needs, how long it has been since our last meal, and the general condition of our health.
The body burns fuel in a very specific order. Alcohol is burned first because our bodies have no way to store it for later use. Protein is burned next, then carbohydrates and, finally fat.
Because fat is consumed last, and the average person has a diet which is rich in fat, our bodies store the fat away to be used at a future time. How is this fat stored? You guessed it; it's stored as fatty tissue. And that's why we call being overweight "fat".
These excess fat stores not only affect our physical appearance, but they have a tremendous impact on our overall health. Study after study has shown that excess fat in our diets are directly linked to these medical conditions:
-> Increased risk of developing certain cancers.
-> Increased risk of arterial and heart disease due to elevated
cholesterol levels.
-> Increased risk of stroke.
-> Increased risk of Diabetes.Increased risk of Liver disease.
-> Direct impact on the body's immune system.
Doesn't it just make sense to avoid these unnecessary health risks by reducing the amount of fat that we consume every day? Of course it does.
Author Bio
Christopher Ayu is the webmaster and content provider for www.swim-wear-in-style.com This is one of the many article posted on his site on health-and-fitness.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
If you accept the analogy that our bodies are like an engine, then it follows that this engine will perform better if it receives the type of fuel that it was designed to run on. In years gone by, before artificially processed and manufactured foods, our bodies normally received the correct nutritional balance every day.
As more and more families saw both the husband and wife holding down jobs outside the home, the dynamics of eating, exercise and nutrition began to change. "Convenience" and "fast foods" became the norm, and farms were gradually replaced by processing plants. Today, the average meal is so laden with artificial preservatives and saturated fat that our bodies are starving for the ingredients that they need, and overflowing with the ingredients that they don't need.
This nutritional imbalance manifests itself through weight problems, skin problems, tiredness, disease, and overall poor health. Although this problem has reached pandemic proportions, you can reverse the effects of poor diet in your own life if you truly want to.
Garbage In - Garbage Out
While this phrase may have been coined for the computer industry, it's very relevant when it comes to our own body. Every moment that we are alive, our body is busy manufacturing the chemicals, fluids, proteins, and tissues that are required to keep us healthy. Food, or rather the nutrition that is derived from food, is what the body depends upon to handle all of these tasks.
Everything that we consume is used, stored, or discarded by the body. The body's particular nutritional needs can vary widely depending upon what's going on inside and outside of us at any particular time. Our body makes decisions on whether to burn carbs or fat based upon our immediate energy needs, how long it has been since our last meal, and the general condition of our health.
The body burns fuel in a very specific order. Alcohol is burned first because our bodies have no way to store it for later use. Protein is burned next, then carbohydrates and, finally fat.
Because fat is consumed last, and the average person has a diet which is rich in fat, our bodies store the fat away to be used at a future time. How is this fat stored? You guessed it; it's stored as fatty tissue. And that's why we call being overweight "fat".
These excess fat stores not only affect our physical appearance, but they have a tremendous impact on our overall health. Study after study has shown that excess fat in our diets are directly linked to these medical conditions:
-> Increased risk of developing certain cancers.
-> Increased risk of arterial and heart disease due to elevated
cholesterol levels.
-> Increased risk of stroke.
-> Increased risk of Diabetes.Increased risk of Liver disease.
-> Direct impact on the body's immune system.
Doesn't it just make sense to avoid these unnecessary health risks by reducing the amount of fat that we consume every day? Of course it does.
Author Bio
Christopher Ayu is the webmaster and content provider for www.swim-wear-in-style.com This is one of the many article posted on his site on health-and-fitness.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Is Your Diet Colorblind ?
By: Lee Dobbins
Next time you have a meal, look at your plate - what colors do you see? If its mostly white and brown then your diet might be colorblind!
In order to have a healthy diet you need foods from all the food groups and that means a colorful plate. Just eating meat and potatoes won't provide you with the essential vitamins and minerals you need to stay in your best health - you need to add in colorful fruits and vegetables!
If you want a good balanced diet, here's some colors you might want to see next time you look down at your plate:
Green
Green colored foods like peas, kale, spinach, honeydew melons, kiwifruit, dark leafy lettuces, and leafy greens contain lutein which helps maintain good vision and can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Another green group includes broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, swiss chard, brussels sprouts, rutabaga, turnips, cauliflower, and watercress. These foods contain indoles, which can help reduce the risks of cancer and reduce tumor growth in cancer patients.
Yellow
The yellow orange colored food are high in bioflavonoids, which work in combination with vitamin C to help reduce the risk of cancer and heart attack. They also contain powerful antioxidants and help maintain healthy skin, strong bones, and good vision. The foods in this group include oranges, tangerines, pears, lemons, nectarines, grapefruit, peaches, apricots, pineapple, yellow raisins, and yellow peppers.
Blue and Purple
Blueberries, purple grapes, blackberries, black currents and elderberries contain Anthocyanins which can reduce the risks of heart attack, cancer, diabetic complications, Alzheimer's disease and age-related memory loss. Dark purple foods contain phenolics, which are powerful antioxidants and can help to slow the effects of aging.
Orange
Dark orange foods like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apricots, peaches, carrots, cantaloupes, mangoes, and butternut squash contain beta-carotene, a powerful antioxident that can help keep your immune system healthy as well as maintain good vision and can even aid in reducing heart attacks and cancer.
Red
Tomatoes, guava, watermelon and pink grapefruit are all red colored foods. These foods contain lycopene which has been much publicized lately as helping to protect against prostate cancer. In addition, these foods can help reduce the risk of breast, and skin cancer as well as reduce the risk of heart attack.
Red onion, cherries, kidney beans, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, beets, red apples (with the skin), and red cabbage contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that can help control high blood pressure as well as reduce the risks of cancer, heart attack, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes complications.
One way to get a colorful plate at every meal is to try to fit in 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Try to include food from all these color groups at least once during the day and you will be surprised at how much your health improves.
Author BioLee Dobbins writes for the A2Z Vitamin And Herbs Guide For Natural Healing where you can find out more about vitamins and herbs as well as natural healing methods.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Next time you have a meal, look at your plate - what colors do you see? If its mostly white and brown then your diet might be colorblind!
In order to have a healthy diet you need foods from all the food groups and that means a colorful plate. Just eating meat and potatoes won't provide you with the essential vitamins and minerals you need to stay in your best health - you need to add in colorful fruits and vegetables!
If you want a good balanced diet, here's some colors you might want to see next time you look down at your plate:
Green
Green colored foods like peas, kale, spinach, honeydew melons, kiwifruit, dark leafy lettuces, and leafy greens contain lutein which helps maintain good vision and can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Another green group includes broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, swiss chard, brussels sprouts, rutabaga, turnips, cauliflower, and watercress. These foods contain indoles, which can help reduce the risks of cancer and reduce tumor growth in cancer patients.
Yellow
The yellow orange colored food are high in bioflavonoids, which work in combination with vitamin C to help reduce the risk of cancer and heart attack. They also contain powerful antioxidants and help maintain healthy skin, strong bones, and good vision. The foods in this group include oranges, tangerines, pears, lemons, nectarines, grapefruit, peaches, apricots, pineapple, yellow raisins, and yellow peppers.
Blue and Purple
Blueberries, purple grapes, blackberries, black currents and elderberries contain Anthocyanins which can reduce the risks of heart attack, cancer, diabetic complications, Alzheimer's disease and age-related memory loss. Dark purple foods contain phenolics, which are powerful antioxidants and can help to slow the effects of aging.
Orange
Dark orange foods like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apricots, peaches, carrots, cantaloupes, mangoes, and butternut squash contain beta-carotene, a powerful antioxident that can help keep your immune system healthy as well as maintain good vision and can even aid in reducing heart attacks and cancer.
Red
Tomatoes, guava, watermelon and pink grapefruit are all red colored foods. These foods contain lycopene which has been much publicized lately as helping to protect against prostate cancer. In addition, these foods can help reduce the risk of breast, and skin cancer as well as reduce the risk of heart attack.
Red onion, cherries, kidney beans, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, beets, red apples (with the skin), and red cabbage contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that can help control high blood pressure as well as reduce the risks of cancer, heart attack, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes complications.
One way to get a colorful plate at every meal is to try to fit in 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Try to include food from all these color groups at least once during the day and you will be surprised at how much your health improves.
Author BioLee Dobbins writes for the A2Z Vitamin And Herbs Guide For Natural Healing where you can find out more about vitamins and herbs as well as natural healing methods.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Eating Out Can Be Hazardous To Your Waistline
By: Lee Dobbins
Going out to eat can really put the brakes on your weight loss program unless you have exceptional control over what you eat. Although many restaurants now offer choices for many types of diets, it's whats on the rest of the menu that might tempt you to stray. Often high in salt, sugar and oil most restaurant food tends to be higher in calories that what you might prepare for yourself.
And Americans are eating out more and more. According to Dr. Caroline Cederquist, a physician who specializes in weight management, less than 20 percent of the calories Americans consumed were eaten outside the home in 1978 but in 2003, that number had climbed to 50 percent. Combine that with the fact that obesity in Americans is growing each year with as many as two thirds of Americans being overweight and you might come to the conclusion that eating out can be hazardous to your waistline.
One problem is that restaurants often serve huge portions. That combined with the fact that we have been conditioned to clean our plates can result in a huge weight problem. You may feel morally obligated to eat everything on your plate -even if your health and your weight might suffer as a result. If you eat out a lot, you may become accustomed to these large portions and start to eat like that at home as well.
Another problem with restaurant eating is that they often serve bread or rolls - and usually not the healthy whole wheat kind either. Now, when you know you are going out to eat, you probably eat less throughout the day or delay or skip eating and by the time you get to the restaurant you are starving. So what do you do when they bring the rolls? Of course, you dig in eating way to many rolls.
You might be dining with a group that likes to savor the experience and order appetizers before the meal but did you know that restaurant appetizers tend to be extremely high in calories? For example, a basket of fried onions can have a whopping 2,000 calories. Eat a few appetizers to be polite and you'll have to run the treadmill for hours to work it off!
Many restaurants now offer free soda refills. Plus the soda glasses tend to be large to begin with so you are receiving greater servings of this sugary beverage. The tendency may be to order seconds because it's free and you want to take advantage of that but remember, just the soda alone can put you far over your daily recommended allowance of calories for weight loss.
Perhaps the greatest restaurant challenge to any dieter is the buffet. With so many choices you may be tempted to get one of everything! Since you can go back as many times as you want you might overindulge. You want to make sure you get your moneys worth, right?
So what can you do if you must eat out several times a week?First of all, make sure you stick to your diet plan. Don't give in to eating wrong foods "just this once." Choose entrees that have lots of vegetables and avoid dessert entirely. When your meal comes, set half aside immediately and even ask for a doggy bag right away so you won't be tempted to eat the second half when the first is done. Don't starve yourself before going out to eat and you will be better able to avoid eating those rolls as well as overeating when the meal comes. If you are not starving when you order, it will be easier to order a healthy meal and stay away from fatty, high calorie entrees.
Generally, if you stick to sensible and healthy eating patterns both at home and when eating out you will be developing good eating habits that will help you lose weight and keep it off for life.
Author BioLee Dobbins writes about Low Carb and Low GI eating as well as other weight loss issues. Visit www.lowcarb-resource.com for more articles on healthy dieting.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Going out to eat can really put the brakes on your weight loss program unless you have exceptional control over what you eat. Although many restaurants now offer choices for many types of diets, it's whats on the rest of the menu that might tempt you to stray. Often high in salt, sugar and oil most restaurant food tends to be higher in calories that what you might prepare for yourself.
And Americans are eating out more and more. According to Dr. Caroline Cederquist, a physician who specializes in weight management, less than 20 percent of the calories Americans consumed were eaten outside the home in 1978 but in 2003, that number had climbed to 50 percent. Combine that with the fact that obesity in Americans is growing each year with as many as two thirds of Americans being overweight and you might come to the conclusion that eating out can be hazardous to your waistline.
One problem is that restaurants often serve huge portions. That combined with the fact that we have been conditioned to clean our plates can result in a huge weight problem. You may feel morally obligated to eat everything on your plate -even if your health and your weight might suffer as a result. If you eat out a lot, you may become accustomed to these large portions and start to eat like that at home as well.
Another problem with restaurant eating is that they often serve bread or rolls - and usually not the healthy whole wheat kind either. Now, when you know you are going out to eat, you probably eat less throughout the day or delay or skip eating and by the time you get to the restaurant you are starving. So what do you do when they bring the rolls? Of course, you dig in eating way to many rolls.
You might be dining with a group that likes to savor the experience and order appetizers before the meal but did you know that restaurant appetizers tend to be extremely high in calories? For example, a basket of fried onions can have a whopping 2,000 calories. Eat a few appetizers to be polite and you'll have to run the treadmill for hours to work it off!
Many restaurants now offer free soda refills. Plus the soda glasses tend to be large to begin with so you are receiving greater servings of this sugary beverage. The tendency may be to order seconds because it's free and you want to take advantage of that but remember, just the soda alone can put you far over your daily recommended allowance of calories for weight loss.
Perhaps the greatest restaurant challenge to any dieter is the buffet. With so many choices you may be tempted to get one of everything! Since you can go back as many times as you want you might overindulge. You want to make sure you get your moneys worth, right?
So what can you do if you must eat out several times a week?First of all, make sure you stick to your diet plan. Don't give in to eating wrong foods "just this once." Choose entrees that have lots of vegetables and avoid dessert entirely. When your meal comes, set half aside immediately and even ask for a doggy bag right away so you won't be tempted to eat the second half when the first is done. Don't starve yourself before going out to eat and you will be better able to avoid eating those rolls as well as overeating when the meal comes. If you are not starving when you order, it will be easier to order a healthy meal and stay away from fatty, high calorie entrees.
Generally, if you stick to sensible and healthy eating patterns both at home and when eating out you will be developing good eating habits that will help you lose weight and keep it off for life.
Author BioLee Dobbins writes about Low Carb and Low GI eating as well as other weight loss issues. Visit www.lowcarb-resource.com for more articles on healthy dieting.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Getting Enough Fiber Is Important For Weight Loss
By: Lee Dobbins
Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet, but did you know it can help you in your weight loss efforts? Filling up on fiber can help you to feel full for longer, therefore causing you to eat less overall which will result in healthy weight loss.
In addition to helping you lose weight, fiber also has many positive health effects. Fiber has been linked to managing diabetes, cutting cholesterol, and limiting heart damage. One Swiss study found that eating a high-fiber meal reduced hunger more than a meal which was low in fiber.
How Much Fiber Do You Need?
You should consume between 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day. While that might not sound like a lot, most Americans only get about 15 grams and many much less. Fiber can be found in most fruits and vegetables including carrots, peas, broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower.
In addition, there are many cereals and breads that have a good amount of fiber, but you must read the labels to determine which ones. Typically anything made with whole wheat or whole oats or bran will have fiber - plus these cereals tend to be natural and low in fat and sugar which also help with your weight loss and are better for you overall.
How Can You Eat More Fiber?
There are some easy ways that you can increase your fiber intake. Think about adding garbanzo beans to a salad or soup, or add a tablespoon of bran to your cereal. Leaving the skins on fruits and vegetables will also increase your fiber intake. The actual fiber content of each individual food isn't that much so it is best if you simply eat more types or servings of fiber rich foods each day.
Consider eliminating meat from some of your meals. Meat has no fiber, and it doesn't give you the benefit that you get with fiber-rich food. Instead, try eating more grains, fruits, and vegetables. In this way, you can be sure your meal has a healthy concentration of fiber.
Add Fiber Gradually
It might be difficult for your body to become accustomed to a diet that is rich in fiber. It is indeed counter-cultural, since many families grew up consuming a great deal of meat. However, if you're really want to lose weight and be healthy, you'll give fiber-rich meals a try. Fiber rich foods, combined with sensible eating, can help you lose weight and keep it off.
Don't try to totally change to a high fiber overnight. It may require a great deal of trial-and-error before you hit upon the right amount of fiber. However, in the end, you may be amazed at the positive role that fiber plays in your diet. And it may inspire you to encourage your loved ones to add more fiber to their own diets as well. A high fiber diet can help you to manage the amount of food you eat and has many health benefits. So load up on fiber-and watch your waistline shrink as a result!
Author BioLee
Dobbins writes about Low Carb and Low GI eating as well as other weight loss issues. Visit www.lowcarb-resource.com for more articles on healthy dieting.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet, but did you know it can help you in your weight loss efforts? Filling up on fiber can help you to feel full for longer, therefore causing you to eat less overall which will result in healthy weight loss.
In addition to helping you lose weight, fiber also has many positive health effects. Fiber has been linked to managing diabetes, cutting cholesterol, and limiting heart damage. One Swiss study found that eating a high-fiber meal reduced hunger more than a meal which was low in fiber.
How Much Fiber Do You Need?
You should consume between 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day. While that might not sound like a lot, most Americans only get about 15 grams and many much less. Fiber can be found in most fruits and vegetables including carrots, peas, broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower.
In addition, there are many cereals and breads that have a good amount of fiber, but you must read the labels to determine which ones. Typically anything made with whole wheat or whole oats or bran will have fiber - plus these cereals tend to be natural and low in fat and sugar which also help with your weight loss and are better for you overall.
How Can You Eat More Fiber?
There are some easy ways that you can increase your fiber intake. Think about adding garbanzo beans to a salad or soup, or add a tablespoon of bran to your cereal. Leaving the skins on fruits and vegetables will also increase your fiber intake. The actual fiber content of each individual food isn't that much so it is best if you simply eat more types or servings of fiber rich foods each day.
Consider eliminating meat from some of your meals. Meat has no fiber, and it doesn't give you the benefit that you get with fiber-rich food. Instead, try eating more grains, fruits, and vegetables. In this way, you can be sure your meal has a healthy concentration of fiber.
Add Fiber Gradually
It might be difficult for your body to become accustomed to a diet that is rich in fiber. It is indeed counter-cultural, since many families grew up consuming a great deal of meat. However, if you're really want to lose weight and be healthy, you'll give fiber-rich meals a try. Fiber rich foods, combined with sensible eating, can help you lose weight and keep it off.
Don't try to totally change to a high fiber overnight. It may require a great deal of trial-and-error before you hit upon the right amount of fiber. However, in the end, you may be amazed at the positive role that fiber plays in your diet. And it may inspire you to encourage your loved ones to add more fiber to their own diets as well. A high fiber diet can help you to manage the amount of food you eat and has many health benefits. So load up on fiber-and watch your waistline shrink as a result!
Author BioLee
Dobbins writes about Low Carb and Low GI eating as well as other weight loss issues. Visit www.lowcarb-resource.com for more articles on healthy dieting.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Eat More Pectin For Successful Weight Loss
By: Lee Dobbins
Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to not feel so hungry all the time when you are trying to lose weight? Well there is a way and it's not some new fad either, it's something that's natural, has no adverse side effects and might be sitting right in your fridge - fiber.
One type of fiber that you probably already have been eating is called pectin. Pectin is found in fruits, such as apples, strawberries, and peaches, along with vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes and beans. Pectin is a carbohydrate that has no calories.
Pectin is a great source of fiber, which we all know is important for a healthy diet. Aside from helping you feel full longer, pectin can help to cut cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It may even aid in the prevention of colon cancer.
Pectin can help you lose and maintain your weight because it causes the stomach to empty more slowly. As a result, after eating pectin, you feel satisfied longer. This means that you will eat less, which will lead to weight loss. And if you think you'll have to be gobbling down hundreds of apples or guzzling pectin drinks, think again - research has shown that as little as a single teaspoon can help you to feel satisfied.
Where Can You Get Pectin?
Thankfully, you won't have to drive miles out of your way to get your supply of pectin because it is sold right in your local grocery store. It comes in a powder, which may be known as Sure-Jel, or a liquid, known as Certo. Derived from grapefruit and apples, pectin is usually found with the baking supplies in most supermarkets.
How To Take Pectin
You can mix pectin with orange juice, water, or soft drinks. It has no taste so shouldn't affect the taste of the beverage you mix it in. It is best to increase your intake gradually to let your system adjust to the added fiber. Start off with a teaspoon a day and then gradually add more in to a max of 3 teaspoons a day. You can also add pectin to broth or soups, apple sauce and even baked potatoes.
Author BioLee
Dobbins writes about Low Carb and Low GI eating as well as other weight loss issues. Visit www.lowcarb-resource.com for more articles on healthy dieting.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to not feel so hungry all the time when you are trying to lose weight? Well there is a way and it's not some new fad either, it's something that's natural, has no adverse side effects and might be sitting right in your fridge - fiber.
One type of fiber that you probably already have been eating is called pectin. Pectin is found in fruits, such as apples, strawberries, and peaches, along with vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes and beans. Pectin is a carbohydrate that has no calories.
Pectin is a great source of fiber, which we all know is important for a healthy diet. Aside from helping you feel full longer, pectin can help to cut cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It may even aid in the prevention of colon cancer.
Pectin can help you lose and maintain your weight because it causes the stomach to empty more slowly. As a result, after eating pectin, you feel satisfied longer. This means that you will eat less, which will lead to weight loss. And if you think you'll have to be gobbling down hundreds of apples or guzzling pectin drinks, think again - research has shown that as little as a single teaspoon can help you to feel satisfied.
Where Can You Get Pectin?
Thankfully, you won't have to drive miles out of your way to get your supply of pectin because it is sold right in your local grocery store. It comes in a powder, which may be known as Sure-Jel, or a liquid, known as Certo. Derived from grapefruit and apples, pectin is usually found with the baking supplies in most supermarkets.
How To Take Pectin
You can mix pectin with orange juice, water, or soft drinks. It has no taste so shouldn't affect the taste of the beverage you mix it in. It is best to increase your intake gradually to let your system adjust to the added fiber. Start off with a teaspoon a day and then gradually add more in to a max of 3 teaspoons a day. You can also add pectin to broth or soups, apple sauce and even baked potatoes.
Author BioLee
Dobbins writes about Low Carb and Low GI eating as well as other weight loss issues. Visit www.lowcarb-resource.com for more articles on healthy dieting.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Obesity Solution Secret: How to Eat To Lose Fat
By: Marty Gallagher
I used to interview elite bodybuilders on their training and eating for a living and did this for years and years. One reoccurring theme that kept popping up when talk turned to diet/nutrition was how much food top bodybuilders packed away on a daily basis. These men taught their bodies how to handle continually greater amounts of calories without becoming fat. Contrast this with the typical obese person who eats one meal a day and adds body fat at the drop of a hat. I am working with a crew of obese folks and having great success using modified bodybuilder eating tactics to help the obese lose body fat.
The first order of business for the obese is to establish a multiple meal schedule. The obvious advantage to this strategy is it divides the daily calories in smaller chunks. I require the obese person to eat every three hours and this usually works out to five feedings a day. Secondly we insist they clean up the food selections. Some foods are easily converted into body fat (sugar foods, manmade foods and saturated fat) and some foods are near impossible for the body to convert into fat (lean protein, fibrous carbohydrates). The body's metabolism kicks into high gear to digest protein and fiber - creates what is called the thermogenic effect of food. Body temperature actually increases when the digestive system is faced with the daunting task of breaking down hard to digest protein and fiber.
Multiple meals allow the body to deal with fewer calories at any one sitting and the repeated practice of eating 5-6 meals a day teaches the body to become adept at digesting and distributing food. Better to eat 3,000 "clean" calories a day divided into six five hundred-calorie daily meals than one 1,500 calorie mega-dirty fast-food meal.
The results are astounding when the obese buy into the approach. I have one male who has lost 40-pounds of bodyweight in 40 days while simultaneously adding 12-pounds of muscle. He started at 240 and yesterday he weighed 200. This is far more impressive because didn't lose muscle in the process, he added muscle in the process. This was no ex-jock loaded with muscle memory; this is a 48-year old man with zero weight training experience.
Obese folks who slash calories end up losing as much fat as muscle and end up as miniaturized versions of the old fat selves. This modified bodybuilder approach melts fat while simultaneously adding muscle: the obese person eats more and as a direct result feels energized and vibrant during the process. Contrast this with the calorie-slasher who feels deprived, denied and continually on the verge of a binge. A person who eats wholesome foods every three hours is far less likely to binge and blow their diet than some poor obese person subsisting on 1200 calories a day. The calorie starved obese individual has set their caloric ceiling set so low that eating a candy bar or a bowl of ice cream causes them to add five pounds in 24-hours.
Adding functional muscle and building strength allows the obese person to become mobile and adept at climbing steps, getting out of a low chair and powering their bulk around. Compare this to the calorie-slasher who actually weakens their already weak body. Those who depend on deprivation to trigger bodyweight loss weaken the immune system and continually contract colds and sickness.
Those who live on 1000 to 1500 calories a day live in a stressful psychological world of denial. A person who has elevated their metabolism and consumes 3,000 calories a day can absorb an occasional binge far, far better than a person starving; I allow my folks a cheat meal once a week: this allows them to feel psychologically free. The interesting thing about the cheat meal (not cheat day - cheat meal) is that by "being good" the other 6 7/8's of the time the sweets, fat and junk they crave and might eat are rejected by the body and classically results in diarrhea.
I train five obese folks I currently work with - one man and four women - and all are experiencing similarly spectacular results: all are losing unhealthy fat while building functional muscle and eating more food than they did before they commenced the process. This counterintuitive approach - eat more to lose fat - was torn right out of the playbook of champion bodybuilders and can be used to great effect by anyone interested in losing fat while adding muscle.
Author Bio
Coming soon! "The Obesity Solution" is designed to help overweight men and women physically transform themselves into healthier, thinner, more fit individuals. Designed by Marty Gallagher, a world champion coach and former www.washingtonpost.com fitness columnist, he will take you by the hand to help you achieve permanent fat loss. For more information, visit www.purposefullyprimitive.com/article.html and get a FREE special report on how to stick to a diet the easy way!
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
I used to interview elite bodybuilders on their training and eating for a living and did this for years and years. One reoccurring theme that kept popping up when talk turned to diet/nutrition was how much food top bodybuilders packed away on a daily basis. These men taught their bodies how to handle continually greater amounts of calories without becoming fat. Contrast this with the typical obese person who eats one meal a day and adds body fat at the drop of a hat. I am working with a crew of obese folks and having great success using modified bodybuilder eating tactics to help the obese lose body fat.
The first order of business for the obese is to establish a multiple meal schedule. The obvious advantage to this strategy is it divides the daily calories in smaller chunks. I require the obese person to eat every three hours and this usually works out to five feedings a day. Secondly we insist they clean up the food selections. Some foods are easily converted into body fat (sugar foods, manmade foods and saturated fat) and some foods are near impossible for the body to convert into fat (lean protein, fibrous carbohydrates). The body's metabolism kicks into high gear to digest protein and fiber - creates what is called the thermogenic effect of food. Body temperature actually increases when the digestive system is faced with the daunting task of breaking down hard to digest protein and fiber.
Multiple meals allow the body to deal with fewer calories at any one sitting and the repeated practice of eating 5-6 meals a day teaches the body to become adept at digesting and distributing food. Better to eat 3,000 "clean" calories a day divided into six five hundred-calorie daily meals than one 1,500 calorie mega-dirty fast-food meal.
The results are astounding when the obese buy into the approach. I have one male who has lost 40-pounds of bodyweight in 40 days while simultaneously adding 12-pounds of muscle. He started at 240 and yesterday he weighed 200. This is far more impressive because didn't lose muscle in the process, he added muscle in the process. This was no ex-jock loaded with muscle memory; this is a 48-year old man with zero weight training experience.
Obese folks who slash calories end up losing as much fat as muscle and end up as miniaturized versions of the old fat selves. This modified bodybuilder approach melts fat while simultaneously adding muscle: the obese person eats more and as a direct result feels energized and vibrant during the process. Contrast this with the calorie-slasher who feels deprived, denied and continually on the verge of a binge. A person who eats wholesome foods every three hours is far less likely to binge and blow their diet than some poor obese person subsisting on 1200 calories a day. The calorie starved obese individual has set their caloric ceiling set so low that eating a candy bar or a bowl of ice cream causes them to add five pounds in 24-hours.
Adding functional muscle and building strength allows the obese person to become mobile and adept at climbing steps, getting out of a low chair and powering their bulk around. Compare this to the calorie-slasher who actually weakens their already weak body. Those who depend on deprivation to trigger bodyweight loss weaken the immune system and continually contract colds and sickness.
Those who live on 1000 to 1500 calories a day live in a stressful psychological world of denial. A person who has elevated their metabolism and consumes 3,000 calories a day can absorb an occasional binge far, far better than a person starving; I allow my folks a cheat meal once a week: this allows them to feel psychologically free. The interesting thing about the cheat meal (not cheat day - cheat meal) is that by "being good" the other 6 7/8's of the time the sweets, fat and junk they crave and might eat are rejected by the body and classically results in diarrhea.
I train five obese folks I currently work with - one man and four women - and all are experiencing similarly spectacular results: all are losing unhealthy fat while building functional muscle and eating more food than they did before they commenced the process. This counterintuitive approach - eat more to lose fat - was torn right out of the playbook of champion bodybuilders and can be used to great effect by anyone interested in losing fat while adding muscle.
Author Bio
Coming soon! "The Obesity Solution" is designed to help overweight men and women physically transform themselves into healthier, thinner, more fit individuals. Designed by Marty Gallagher, a world champion coach and former www.washingtonpost.com fitness columnist, he will take you by the hand to help you achieve permanent fat loss. For more information, visit www.purposefullyprimitive.com/article.html and get a FREE special report on how to stick to a diet the easy way!
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Lose Weight by Eating More -- Food that is Virtually Impossible to Store as Body Fat
By: Marty Gallagher
Certain foods are extremely difficult for the human body to convert into body fat - not impossible but damned near impossible. By consuming calories derived from these foods, the anabolic margin of error is extended dramatically, which means it will be easier to lose fat and gain muscle, if you choose.
Lean protein, protein devoid of saturated fat, has been the staple, the bedrock nutrient of elite athletes for 50 years. Why? You can eat a mountain of lean protein and not get fat - assuming you train with intensity sufficient enough to trigger muscle growth. Lean protein is difficult for the body to break down and digest. As a direct result of this digestive difficulty, the body kicks the metabolic thermostat upward to break protein down into subcomponent amino acids.
The human body wants to preserve stored body fat as a last line of defense against starvation. If overworked and under-fed, the body will preferentially eat muscle tissue to save precious body fat.
Obese people that go on crash diets, precipitously slashing calories, might lose 100-pounds of body weight, yet still appear fat. Despite losing from say 350-pounds to 250-pounds, they still appear fat because they still are fat. The body has cannibalized muscle tissue and saved the fat. Though they might weigh 100-pounds less, they still possess 25-40% body fat percentile.
Lean protein is the bedrock nutrient in the physical renovation process because it supplies muscle tissue battered by a high intensity weight workout with the amino acids needed to heal, recover and construct new muscle tissue. Lean protein is a bedrock nutrient in the physical renovation process because it causes the basal metabolic rate (BMR) to elevate; the metabolic thermostat, the rate at which our body consumes calories, increases when digesting protein. Lean protein is a bedrock nutrient in the physical renovation process because it is damned near impossible for the body to convert it into body fat.
The other bedrock nutrient in the physical transformation process is fibrous carbohydrates: carrots, broccoli, green beans, bell peppers, spinach, cauliflower, onions, asparagus, cabbage, salad greens, Brussels sprouts and the like. Fibrous carbohydrates, like lean protein, are nearly impossible for the body to convert into body fat. Fibrous carbohydrates require almost as many calories to digest as they contain. A green bean or carrot might contain 10-calories yet is so dense and difficult to break down that the body has to expend nearly as many calories to break down that bean or carrot as the vegetable contains.
Fibrous carbohydrates have a wonderful "Roto-Rooter" effect on the internal plumbing: as they work their way though the digestive passageways they scrape mucus and gunk off intestinal walls and help keep sludge buildup to a minimum. For this reason fibrous carbohydrates are the perfect compliment to a lean protein diet. Too much protein can cause bile buildup: fiber is the Yin to protein's Yang. The two nutrients should be eaten together.
Both protein and fiber have a beneficial dampening effect on insulin secretions. It is no accident that professional bodybuilders, the world's best dieters, capable of reducing body fat percentiles to 5% while maintaining incredible muscle mass, construct their eating regimen around protein and fiber.
The best way to eat is to eat often. If you eat 3,000 calories a day the best way is in five 600-calorie feeding or six 500-calorie feedings instead of a breakfast containing 400-calories, a lunch of 1000-calories and a late dinner of 1,600-calories. Avoid calories easily converted into body fat.
Eat multiple small meals in the 400-600 calorie range comprised exclusively of foods near impossible for the body to convert into body fat. Plus, these foods cause the metabolism, the BMR, the body thermostat to elevate in order to digest them. Optimally you should eat every three hours: in about the time the nutrients from the previous meal have dwindled, been expended and exhausted, in about the time the elevated metabolism is 'settling back down to normal,' eat another small protein/fiber meal. This reestablishes anabolism, kicks the metabolism upward once again and gives the body more practice at assimilating and distributing quality nutrients.
They say practice makes perfect and by eating small, power-packed, tough to digest meals every three hours, the metabolism is kept elevated, anabolism is established and maintained and the individual never feels hungry. A person who is not hungry is far less inclined to binge on sweets and treats, junk and trash then the crash diet/calorie cutters who always feel hungry, deprived, listless and lacking energy.
The small meal/protein/fiber approach has been used successfully by elite athletes for decades and is not some untried dietary abstraction - rather it is the proven method of choice, one that has withstood the test of time, one that has been used for decades and been proven effective time after time.
If a person is able to establish a multiple meal schedule comprised primarily of lean protein and fiber eaten every three hours, then adds to this eating schedule some serious weight training and a cardiovascular regimen, physical transformation is a biological certainty.
Author BioComing soon! "The Obesity Solution" is designed to help overweight men and women physically transform themselves into healthier, thinner, more fit individuals. Designed by Marty Gallagher, a world champion coach and former www.washingtonpost.com fitness columnist, he will take you by the hand to help you achieve permanent fat loss.
For more information, visit www.purposefullyprimitive.com/article.html and get a FREE special report on how to stick to a diet the easy way!
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Certain foods are extremely difficult for the human body to convert into body fat - not impossible but damned near impossible. By consuming calories derived from these foods, the anabolic margin of error is extended dramatically, which means it will be easier to lose fat and gain muscle, if you choose.
Lean protein, protein devoid of saturated fat, has been the staple, the bedrock nutrient of elite athletes for 50 years. Why? You can eat a mountain of lean protein and not get fat - assuming you train with intensity sufficient enough to trigger muscle growth. Lean protein is difficult for the body to break down and digest. As a direct result of this digestive difficulty, the body kicks the metabolic thermostat upward to break protein down into subcomponent amino acids.
The human body wants to preserve stored body fat as a last line of defense against starvation. If overworked and under-fed, the body will preferentially eat muscle tissue to save precious body fat.
Obese people that go on crash diets, precipitously slashing calories, might lose 100-pounds of body weight, yet still appear fat. Despite losing from say 350-pounds to 250-pounds, they still appear fat because they still are fat. The body has cannibalized muscle tissue and saved the fat. Though they might weigh 100-pounds less, they still possess 25-40% body fat percentile.
Lean protein is the bedrock nutrient in the physical renovation process because it supplies muscle tissue battered by a high intensity weight workout with the amino acids needed to heal, recover and construct new muscle tissue. Lean protein is a bedrock nutrient in the physical renovation process because it causes the basal metabolic rate (BMR) to elevate; the metabolic thermostat, the rate at which our body consumes calories, increases when digesting protein. Lean protein is a bedrock nutrient in the physical renovation process because it is damned near impossible for the body to convert it into body fat.
The other bedrock nutrient in the physical transformation process is fibrous carbohydrates: carrots, broccoli, green beans, bell peppers, spinach, cauliflower, onions, asparagus, cabbage, salad greens, Brussels sprouts and the like. Fibrous carbohydrates, like lean protein, are nearly impossible for the body to convert into body fat. Fibrous carbohydrates require almost as many calories to digest as they contain. A green bean or carrot might contain 10-calories yet is so dense and difficult to break down that the body has to expend nearly as many calories to break down that bean or carrot as the vegetable contains.
Fibrous carbohydrates have a wonderful "Roto-Rooter" effect on the internal plumbing: as they work their way though the digestive passageways they scrape mucus and gunk off intestinal walls and help keep sludge buildup to a minimum. For this reason fibrous carbohydrates are the perfect compliment to a lean protein diet. Too much protein can cause bile buildup: fiber is the Yin to protein's Yang. The two nutrients should be eaten together.
Both protein and fiber have a beneficial dampening effect on insulin secretions. It is no accident that professional bodybuilders, the world's best dieters, capable of reducing body fat percentiles to 5% while maintaining incredible muscle mass, construct their eating regimen around protein and fiber.
The best way to eat is to eat often. If you eat 3,000 calories a day the best way is in five 600-calorie feeding or six 500-calorie feedings instead of a breakfast containing 400-calories, a lunch of 1000-calories and a late dinner of 1,600-calories. Avoid calories easily converted into body fat.
Eat multiple small meals in the 400-600 calorie range comprised exclusively of foods near impossible for the body to convert into body fat. Plus, these foods cause the metabolism, the BMR, the body thermostat to elevate in order to digest them. Optimally you should eat every three hours: in about the time the nutrients from the previous meal have dwindled, been expended and exhausted, in about the time the elevated metabolism is 'settling back down to normal,' eat another small protein/fiber meal. This reestablishes anabolism, kicks the metabolism upward once again and gives the body more practice at assimilating and distributing quality nutrients.
They say practice makes perfect and by eating small, power-packed, tough to digest meals every three hours, the metabolism is kept elevated, anabolism is established and maintained and the individual never feels hungry. A person who is not hungry is far less inclined to binge on sweets and treats, junk and trash then the crash diet/calorie cutters who always feel hungry, deprived, listless and lacking energy.
The small meal/protein/fiber approach has been used successfully by elite athletes for decades and is not some untried dietary abstraction - rather it is the proven method of choice, one that has withstood the test of time, one that has been used for decades and been proven effective time after time.
If a person is able to establish a multiple meal schedule comprised primarily of lean protein and fiber eaten every three hours, then adds to this eating schedule some serious weight training and a cardiovascular regimen, physical transformation is a biological certainty.
Author BioComing soon! "The Obesity Solution" is designed to help overweight men and women physically transform themselves into healthier, thinner, more fit individuals. Designed by Marty Gallagher, a world champion coach and former www.washingtonpost.com fitness columnist, he will take you by the hand to help you achieve permanent fat loss.
For more information, visit www.purposefullyprimitive.com/article.html and get a FREE special report on how to stick to a diet the easy way!
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
How to Really Make Your Diet Work For You
By: Stanislav Karpunin
First of all, you need to understand, that your body needs a proper Balanced Nutrition Diet, with a proper daily amount of: vitamins, proteins, minerals and carbohydrates.
Get into a habit of eating exactly 3 Meals a day.
1. Eat breakfast within one hour of rising
Breakfast provides at least 30 percent of the total energy and nutrition needed to sustain the human body during the whole day. And therefore it is very important to have a proper breakfast and not to skip it.
2. Have a healthy low-fat lunch snack
Have a healthy snack in your lunch time, low fat yogurt for example, to keep your energy running.
3. Have your dinner three hours before your bedtime
Have a Proper dinner three hours before your bedtime; never go to bed on a full stomach.
Drink at least 2 liters of water a day. 2 liters of water a day would help your body to burn calories more effectively and to get rid of toxins.
Exercising is a KEY
By exercising, your body gets an advantage of many physiological benefits such as:
- Weight Control by elevating your metabolism so that you burn more
calories daily.
- The Boost in your energy level
- Strengthening of your heart and lungs
- Improvement in your self-image and self-confidence.
So, don't forget to exercise at least 10 minutes a day.
Try to avoid using fats. Try to keep the fat level in your cooking as low as possible.
Make Calcium your friend. Include as much calcium as you can in your daily diet by eating:
- Oranges
- Broccoli
- Soybeans
- Tofu
- Sunflower
- SeedsPapaya
And other sources of calcium. Calcium is a crucial element for bone metabolism. Calcium deficiency is very common. The "Average" American diet does not even come close to meeting the normal calcium requirements:
425 mg. a day for Men
450 mg. a day for Women
So, to sum it up:
1. Have exactly 3 meals a day
2. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day
3. Exercise at least 10 minutes a day
4. Avoid fats
5. Make calcium your friend
By following these 5 simple rules, you will be losing weight in no time.
Author Bio
WellnessWorx.net markets quality, weight-management, nutrition and personal health care products created by WellnessPro leading industry experts. Weight-loss can be a pleasure!http://wellnessworx.netWellnessWorx.net
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
First of all, you need to understand, that your body needs a proper Balanced Nutrition Diet, with a proper daily amount of: vitamins, proteins, minerals and carbohydrates.
Get into a habit of eating exactly 3 Meals a day.
1. Eat breakfast within one hour of rising
Breakfast provides at least 30 percent of the total energy and nutrition needed to sustain the human body during the whole day. And therefore it is very important to have a proper breakfast and not to skip it.
2. Have a healthy low-fat lunch snack
Have a healthy snack in your lunch time, low fat yogurt for example, to keep your energy running.
3. Have your dinner three hours before your bedtime
Have a Proper dinner three hours before your bedtime; never go to bed on a full stomach.
Drink at least 2 liters of water a day. 2 liters of water a day would help your body to burn calories more effectively and to get rid of toxins.
Exercising is a KEY
By exercising, your body gets an advantage of many physiological benefits such as:
- Weight Control by elevating your metabolism so that you burn more
calories daily.
- The Boost in your energy level
- Strengthening of your heart and lungs
- Improvement in your self-image and self-confidence.
So, don't forget to exercise at least 10 minutes a day.
Try to avoid using fats. Try to keep the fat level in your cooking as low as possible.
Make Calcium your friend. Include as much calcium as you can in your daily diet by eating:
- Oranges
- Broccoli
- Soybeans
- Tofu
- Sunflower
- SeedsPapaya
And other sources of calcium. Calcium is a crucial element for bone metabolism. Calcium deficiency is very common. The "Average" American diet does not even come close to meeting the normal calcium requirements:
425 mg. a day for Men
450 mg. a day for Women
So, to sum it up:
1. Have exactly 3 meals a day
2. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day
3. Exercise at least 10 minutes a day
4. Avoid fats
5. Make calcium your friend
By following these 5 simple rules, you will be losing weight in no time.
Author Bio
WellnessWorx.net markets quality, weight-management, nutrition and personal health care products created by WellnessPro leading industry experts. Weight-loss can be a pleasure!http://wellnessworx.netWellnessWorx.net
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Sunday, July 27, 2008
French Women Don't Get Fat - Book Review
By: Nicole Beck
French women seem to enjoy breads, desserts, and wine, but then don't gain the weight. American women, on the other hand, just think about snacking and magically put on ten pounds. In her bestselling book, French Women Don't Get Fat : The Secret of Eating For Pleasure, Mirelle Guiliano reveals the secrets that French women have at staying healthy and trim.
French Women Don't Get Fat begins with the account of the author, Mirelle Guiliano, growing up in France. By a stroke of luck she was sent to America in her teenage years as an exchange student. In America, she was introduced to brownies and cookies - which quickly became favorites. In no time at all, Mirelle put on twenty pounds. When it was time to return home she was a little nervous about what her family and friends would think of the "new" Mirelle. The story of seeing her family for the first time after being away is funny and heart wrenching at the same time. I can't do justice to this story, so I would recommend buying the book and reading it on your own. Later, her mother set up a secret meeting with their family physician, "Dr. Miracle", who helped her to shed the extra pounds, and more importantly, taught her how to live like a French Woman.
This book is not a miracle diet. In fact, French Women Don't Get Fat isn't a "diet" book at all. What it does is suggest ways to help you live a balanced, healthier lifestyle. The first thing the book suggests is to take an inventory of what you eat for a couple of weeks. By looking at your food journal, you should be able to see what your "offenders" are - meaning what foods you are overeating. For example, Mirelle's offenders were sweets. Once you recognize what foods you are eating out of balance, your next step is to identify why you overeat in this category. For example, if your "offender" is bread, you might notice that you are eating a lot of bread when you go to restaurants. You could then decide to only have one slice before your meal comes. The book also discusses changing the way you think. You aren't skimping on the bread because you are depriving yourself something you love, you are merely saving room for other things. The pleasure of most foods is in the first few bites, as French Women Don't Get Fat points out. After that we are just eating on autopilot. If you can avoid eating without thinking, you can avoid eating excess food. French women eat with their heads and do not leave the table feeling stuffed or guilty.
Another secret of the French this book points to is drinking more water. We all know that water is good for us, but how many of us really drink as much as we should? The secret is to add water to your daily routine. Drink a glass of water before you eat your breakfast. Once you have established this as part of your routine, then add another glass before going to bed. French Women Don't Get Fat reminds us that sleeping is a very dehydrating process. When both of these are routine, make it a habit to drink water each time you pass a water fountain. French women drink water all throughout the day.
Once you are drinking more water, you will probably feel healthier than ever. Since water has no calories, no preservatives, and nothing extra added, you might find that you are interested in the ingredients of the other foods you are consuming. Have you ever read the list of ingredients in a frozen dinner? What is all of that stuff? Why are we consuming things we can't even pronounce? Another key to eating like the French is what the author of this book calls "Ritual Preparation." While she lived at home, Mireille's mother prepared almost all of the food that she consumed. None of it was filled with preservatives, and most everything was fresh. French Women Don't Get Fat recommends going to the market several times a week, and selecting the freshest ingredients. By market the book is referring to a farmers market, and not the supermarket. Quality ingredients equal quality food. When you are eating quality, you won't need the quantity to make up for the lack of taste. Also, set the table like you would find at a restaurant - real napkins even. The extra attention to details will help you remember to savor your food. Also, sit down as a family, and turn off the television. Make meal time a ritual.
According to this book, you also need to move like a French woman. We aren't talking about hours of grueling exercise at the gym. What we are talking about is adding more movement to your daily routine. Walk to work, or if you work too far, then get off the train one stop early and walk the rest of the way to work. Or, add in a daily walk before eating breakfast. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible. French Women Don't Get Fat advised to not avoid precious steps: think of ways to add in more movement to your daily routine.
This book also includes recipes for foods such as Grilled Spring Lamb Shops, Asparagus Flan, Cauliflower Gratin, Grilled Chicken with Rosemary, Egg Omelet with Mixed Herbs and Ricotta Cheese, among many others. Since the French enjoy bread so much, recipes for Baguettes and Croissants are included too. The book has menu ideas as well.
If you need a good book to inspire you to lose a little weight so that you feel good about yourself, then French Women Don't Get Fat is where you should turn. Because the focus of this book is not about depriving yourself of good things, but about making focused choices to help you accomplish something even better, you will be motivated to change a few of your bad habits into good habits - and therefore live a more fulfilled and slimmer life.
Author BioNicole Beck is a homemaker and loving mother of three. With her free time (which with three is hard to come by), she enjoys reading steamy novels. She buys all her books from the Book Price Comparison website CompareBook.com.
Visit CompareBook.com to read reviews, find similar titles, and search for the lowest possible price for French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure and other great books.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
French women seem to enjoy breads, desserts, and wine, but then don't gain the weight. American women, on the other hand, just think about snacking and magically put on ten pounds. In her bestselling book, French Women Don't Get Fat : The Secret of Eating For Pleasure, Mirelle Guiliano reveals the secrets that French women have at staying healthy and trim.
French Women Don't Get Fat begins with the account of the author, Mirelle Guiliano, growing up in France. By a stroke of luck she was sent to America in her teenage years as an exchange student. In America, she was introduced to brownies and cookies - which quickly became favorites. In no time at all, Mirelle put on twenty pounds. When it was time to return home she was a little nervous about what her family and friends would think of the "new" Mirelle. The story of seeing her family for the first time after being away is funny and heart wrenching at the same time. I can't do justice to this story, so I would recommend buying the book and reading it on your own. Later, her mother set up a secret meeting with their family physician, "Dr. Miracle", who helped her to shed the extra pounds, and more importantly, taught her how to live like a French Woman.
This book is not a miracle diet. In fact, French Women Don't Get Fat isn't a "diet" book at all. What it does is suggest ways to help you live a balanced, healthier lifestyle. The first thing the book suggests is to take an inventory of what you eat for a couple of weeks. By looking at your food journal, you should be able to see what your "offenders" are - meaning what foods you are overeating. For example, Mirelle's offenders were sweets. Once you recognize what foods you are eating out of balance, your next step is to identify why you overeat in this category. For example, if your "offender" is bread, you might notice that you are eating a lot of bread when you go to restaurants. You could then decide to only have one slice before your meal comes. The book also discusses changing the way you think. You aren't skimping on the bread because you are depriving yourself something you love, you are merely saving room for other things. The pleasure of most foods is in the first few bites, as French Women Don't Get Fat points out. After that we are just eating on autopilot. If you can avoid eating without thinking, you can avoid eating excess food. French women eat with their heads and do not leave the table feeling stuffed or guilty.
Another secret of the French this book points to is drinking more water. We all know that water is good for us, but how many of us really drink as much as we should? The secret is to add water to your daily routine. Drink a glass of water before you eat your breakfast. Once you have established this as part of your routine, then add another glass before going to bed. French Women Don't Get Fat reminds us that sleeping is a very dehydrating process. When both of these are routine, make it a habit to drink water each time you pass a water fountain. French women drink water all throughout the day.
Once you are drinking more water, you will probably feel healthier than ever. Since water has no calories, no preservatives, and nothing extra added, you might find that you are interested in the ingredients of the other foods you are consuming. Have you ever read the list of ingredients in a frozen dinner? What is all of that stuff? Why are we consuming things we can't even pronounce? Another key to eating like the French is what the author of this book calls "Ritual Preparation." While she lived at home, Mireille's mother prepared almost all of the food that she consumed. None of it was filled with preservatives, and most everything was fresh. French Women Don't Get Fat recommends going to the market several times a week, and selecting the freshest ingredients. By market the book is referring to a farmers market, and not the supermarket. Quality ingredients equal quality food. When you are eating quality, you won't need the quantity to make up for the lack of taste. Also, set the table like you would find at a restaurant - real napkins even. The extra attention to details will help you remember to savor your food. Also, sit down as a family, and turn off the television. Make meal time a ritual.
According to this book, you also need to move like a French woman. We aren't talking about hours of grueling exercise at the gym. What we are talking about is adding more movement to your daily routine. Walk to work, or if you work too far, then get off the train one stop early and walk the rest of the way to work. Or, add in a daily walk before eating breakfast. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible. French Women Don't Get Fat advised to not avoid precious steps: think of ways to add in more movement to your daily routine.
This book also includes recipes for foods such as Grilled Spring Lamb Shops, Asparagus Flan, Cauliflower Gratin, Grilled Chicken with Rosemary, Egg Omelet with Mixed Herbs and Ricotta Cheese, among many others. Since the French enjoy bread so much, recipes for Baguettes and Croissants are included too. The book has menu ideas as well.
If you need a good book to inspire you to lose a little weight so that you feel good about yourself, then French Women Don't Get Fat is where you should turn. Because the focus of this book is not about depriving yourself of good things, but about making focused choices to help you accomplish something even better, you will be motivated to change a few of your bad habits into good habits - and therefore live a more fulfilled and slimmer life.
Author BioNicole Beck is a homemaker and loving mother of three. With her free time (which with three is hard to come by), she enjoys reading steamy novels. She buys all her books from the Book Price Comparison website CompareBook.com.
Visit CompareBook.com to read reviews, find similar titles, and search for the lowest possible price for French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure and other great books.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Hair Loss - Tips for Success
By: Adam Sharp
Billions of dollars will be spent on hair loss solutions this year. Much of this money will go to waste. Ineffective products and misleading advertising are only partially to blame. Many consumers are not using these hair loss products in an effective way. Fortunately there are a few simple ways that consumers can increase their chance of success. Following these guidelines will ensure that your money does not go to waste:
Start a Journal
People usually try several different hair loss products before they find something that works for them. Many use two or more products simultaneously. Keeping track of all this information can be frustrating and difficult. The best way to figure out what is working is to keep a journal detailing your progress. You should record all relevant information about the treatment process: when you started, the dosage, cost, and any side effects you experience. This documentation will tell you which products are effective, which ones are not, and allow you to make changes as you see fit.
Take Pictures
Noticing small changes in your hairline over time is extremely difficult. Taking pictures on a regular basis is the most effective ways to track your progress. Always photograph your head from the same angle, in similar lighting conditions. Use a digital camera for best results, most will automatically record the date and time for you. When combined with a treatment journal, these photos provide an invaluable tool that will allow you to judge the effectiveness of products you use.
Do Your Homework
The Internet is flooded with products claiming to cure and treat hair loss. Finding out which ones are legitimate can be a difficult task. When researching products online, beware of those that sound too good to be true. If the company has before and after pictures, examine them closely. If the images were shot from different angles, or in different lighting, be suspicious. These techniques are common camera tricks used to fool the eye, and the consumer. When a company claims their product has a "98% success rate", look for documentation of their clinical study. If the clinical information they provide is vague, or even missing altogether, be wary.
If you follow these steps during your treatment, your chances of success are excellent. One last tip - any successful regimen requires dedication. Whatever the treatment is, carefully follow the instructions from your doctor or the product manufacturer.
Author BioAdam Sharp writes more about Hair Loss at his website. Visit hair-loss.org to read more about hair loss products and treatments.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Billions of dollars will be spent on hair loss solutions this year. Much of this money will go to waste. Ineffective products and misleading advertising are only partially to blame. Many consumers are not using these hair loss products in an effective way. Fortunately there are a few simple ways that consumers can increase their chance of success. Following these guidelines will ensure that your money does not go to waste:
Start a Journal
People usually try several different hair loss products before they find something that works for them. Many use two or more products simultaneously. Keeping track of all this information can be frustrating and difficult. The best way to figure out what is working is to keep a journal detailing your progress. You should record all relevant information about the treatment process: when you started, the dosage, cost, and any side effects you experience. This documentation will tell you which products are effective, which ones are not, and allow you to make changes as you see fit.
Take Pictures
Noticing small changes in your hairline over time is extremely difficult. Taking pictures on a regular basis is the most effective ways to track your progress. Always photograph your head from the same angle, in similar lighting conditions. Use a digital camera for best results, most will automatically record the date and time for you. When combined with a treatment journal, these photos provide an invaluable tool that will allow you to judge the effectiveness of products you use.
Do Your Homework
The Internet is flooded with products claiming to cure and treat hair loss. Finding out which ones are legitimate can be a difficult task. When researching products online, beware of those that sound too good to be true. If the company has before and after pictures, examine them closely. If the images were shot from different angles, or in different lighting, be suspicious. These techniques are common camera tricks used to fool the eye, and the consumer. When a company claims their product has a "98% success rate", look for documentation of their clinical study. If the clinical information they provide is vague, or even missing altogether, be wary.
If you follow these steps during your treatment, your chances of success are excellent. One last tip - any successful regimen requires dedication. Whatever the treatment is, carefully follow the instructions from your doctor or the product manufacturer.
Author BioAdam Sharp writes more about Hair Loss at his website. Visit hair-loss.org to read more about hair loss products and treatments.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Balding Cures - Scams or Not
By: Bob Benson
If you're one of the millions of men and women who are balding, you're probably paying an incredible amount of attention to the many companies touting products that will end your problems. Before you rush out to pay for the miracle cure, take a minute to evaluate the products and the companies.
One of the most important things to remember is your mom's advice - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you have eight hairs left on your entire head, a can of spray paint isn't going to make those eight look like a full head of hair. While there's some merit to the idea (mascara works roughly on the same principal and women with thinner eyelashes continue to use that product), use your common sense before you decide that this is going to be the answer to your balding problem.
Another point is to understand exactly what it is that you're buying. If you pay close attention to some of the advertisements, you still end the session knowing that the company is touting a cure for balding but have no idea what that cure is. If you hear an advertisement that catches your interest, be sure you know some details about the product. If you don't understand, ask. Any company that isn't willing to answer your questions is probably in the midst of a scam that won't work anyway. Also, don't settle for techno-babble as an answer. Be sure you understand. Don't be afraid of sounding stupid when searching for answers. It's going to be worse if you pay $99.95 for this product that turns out to be tufts of hair and a bottle of super glue.
Surgery for balding is a pretty dramatic step. If you're thinking of taking that step, find a reputable company to perform the procedure. The process has come a long way over the past few years, but you don't want to pay for a transplant only to end up with tiny rows of hair that look like a doll's head.
There's no doubt that balding can be detrimental to self-esteem. Confidence can plummet with balding and finding a product that helps reverse that is vital to some people. The important part of this equation is to figure out why you want to address the problem and the lengths to which you're willing to go. With some careful evaluation of the products and procedures available, you're sure to find something that works with your lifestyle. But for some people, finding the self-confidence to simply go on is the more viable solution to balding.
Author BioBob Benson is the founder of Balding Cures online. We provide information on Hair Loss.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
If you're one of the millions of men and women who are balding, you're probably paying an incredible amount of attention to the many companies touting products that will end your problems. Before you rush out to pay for the miracle cure, take a minute to evaluate the products and the companies.
One of the most important things to remember is your mom's advice - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you have eight hairs left on your entire head, a can of spray paint isn't going to make those eight look like a full head of hair. While there's some merit to the idea (mascara works roughly on the same principal and women with thinner eyelashes continue to use that product), use your common sense before you decide that this is going to be the answer to your balding problem.
Another point is to understand exactly what it is that you're buying. If you pay close attention to some of the advertisements, you still end the session knowing that the company is touting a cure for balding but have no idea what that cure is. If you hear an advertisement that catches your interest, be sure you know some details about the product. If you don't understand, ask. Any company that isn't willing to answer your questions is probably in the midst of a scam that won't work anyway. Also, don't settle for techno-babble as an answer. Be sure you understand. Don't be afraid of sounding stupid when searching for answers. It's going to be worse if you pay $99.95 for this product that turns out to be tufts of hair and a bottle of super glue.
Surgery for balding is a pretty dramatic step. If you're thinking of taking that step, find a reputable company to perform the procedure. The process has come a long way over the past few years, but you don't want to pay for a transplant only to end up with tiny rows of hair that look like a doll's head.
There's no doubt that balding can be detrimental to self-esteem. Confidence can plummet with balding and finding a product that helps reverse that is vital to some people. The important part of this equation is to figure out why you want to address the problem and the lengths to which you're willing to go. With some careful evaluation of the products and procedures available, you're sure to find something that works with your lifestyle. But for some people, finding the self-confidence to simply go on is the more viable solution to balding.
Author BioBob Benson is the founder of Balding Cures online. We provide information on Hair Loss.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Hair Loss Myths
By: Brendan Conroy
Not surprisingly, hair loss myths are more well known than hair loss facts. Since hair loss is such a common and unwelcome condition, the public has been flooded with hair loss myths to promote sales of hair loss prevention products. Many companies have jumped on the hair loss bandwagon because of our own enormous desires to eliminate hair loss from our lives, not to mention the unlimited amount of money that we (the public) are willing to spend on this quest. This makes the hair loss market ripe for perpetuating myths that will increase sales. But, for the most part, they are just that, myths.
Some of the more common hair loss myths are as follows:
Hair loss myth #1:
Male Pattern Baldness comes from the mother's side of the family and skips a generation. Not true. There is no one single gene that causes baldness. Most researches believe that MPB is a result of several different genes, inherited from both parents, interacting with each other to cause hair loss.
Hair loss myth #2:
Pattern baldness affects only men. Just ask any women suffering from pattern baldness, it's not true. In fact, hair loss is just as common in women as it is in men, it just usually occurs in a less virulent form and is easier to hide. Also, women's hair tends to thin out over the entire scalp area, whereas men's hair thins in patches and at the forehead.
Hair loss myth #3:
Poor blood flow to the scalp area causes hair loss. This is a misconception that has been perpetuated by companies selling hair loss products for years. Ask any dermatologist and they will tell you, bald scalps have just as much blood flow as scalps full of hair. It is because of this blood flow to the bald scalp that hair transplants work so well.
Hair loss myth #4:
If you haven't lost your hair by 40, you aren't going to. Again, not true. Age has nothing to do with it. If you are genetically predisposed to loose your hair, you are going to. Just be grateful you made it to 40 with your hair still intact.
Hair loss myth #5:
Stress makes your hair fall out. Okay, in some part, this is true, but it takes a very traumatic event to cause enough stress that your hair falls out. The common stress we experience on a daily basis will not make our hair fall out. In fact, some stress can actually increase the production of hair.
Okay, I could go on and on about hair loss myths and not run out of things to talk about. My point is this. Most of the facts we think we know about hair loss are actually hair loss myths. If you are suffering from hair loss, consult your doctor. Your physician will be able to give you a factual reason for your hair loss and advise you on what types of treatments would work in your specific case.
Author Bio
Brendan Conroy offers hair loss research and information at his website, Hair Transplant Helpdesk.com. The site has been updated with new hair loss research for 2006. The website can be found at http://www.hair-transplant-helpdesk.com/
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Not surprisingly, hair loss myths are more well known than hair loss facts. Since hair loss is such a common and unwelcome condition, the public has been flooded with hair loss myths to promote sales of hair loss prevention products. Many companies have jumped on the hair loss bandwagon because of our own enormous desires to eliminate hair loss from our lives, not to mention the unlimited amount of money that we (the public) are willing to spend on this quest. This makes the hair loss market ripe for perpetuating myths that will increase sales. But, for the most part, they are just that, myths.
Some of the more common hair loss myths are as follows:
Hair loss myth #1:
Male Pattern Baldness comes from the mother's side of the family and skips a generation. Not true. There is no one single gene that causes baldness. Most researches believe that MPB is a result of several different genes, inherited from both parents, interacting with each other to cause hair loss.
Hair loss myth #2:
Pattern baldness affects only men. Just ask any women suffering from pattern baldness, it's not true. In fact, hair loss is just as common in women as it is in men, it just usually occurs in a less virulent form and is easier to hide. Also, women's hair tends to thin out over the entire scalp area, whereas men's hair thins in patches and at the forehead.
Hair loss myth #3:
Poor blood flow to the scalp area causes hair loss. This is a misconception that has been perpetuated by companies selling hair loss products for years. Ask any dermatologist and they will tell you, bald scalps have just as much blood flow as scalps full of hair. It is because of this blood flow to the bald scalp that hair transplants work so well.
Hair loss myth #4:
If you haven't lost your hair by 40, you aren't going to. Again, not true. Age has nothing to do with it. If you are genetically predisposed to loose your hair, you are going to. Just be grateful you made it to 40 with your hair still intact.
Hair loss myth #5:
Stress makes your hair fall out. Okay, in some part, this is true, but it takes a very traumatic event to cause enough stress that your hair falls out. The common stress we experience on a daily basis will not make our hair fall out. In fact, some stress can actually increase the production of hair.
Okay, I could go on and on about hair loss myths and not run out of things to talk about. My point is this. Most of the facts we think we know about hair loss are actually hair loss myths. If you are suffering from hair loss, consult your doctor. Your physician will be able to give you a factual reason for your hair loss and advise you on what types of treatments would work in your specific case.
Author Bio
Brendan Conroy offers hair loss research and information at his website, Hair Transplant Helpdesk.com. The site has been updated with new hair loss research for 2006. The website can be found at http://www.hair-transplant-helpdesk.com/
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Hair Loss Remedies
By: Michael Owen
This article is all about hair loss and home remedies. While there are a LOT of products on the market today that claim to slow, stop, prevent or reverse hair loss, there are many other ways to attack hair loss that don't include using strong chemicals or prescription drugs. Granted, some are effective and some are not, but the only way to know for sure is to try them for yourself. I'm going to list a few possible ways to treat hair loss and let you make up your own mind on their effectiveness. Just to remind you all... I am not advocating any type of hair loss treatment, simply because every person is different and what might work for you might not work for someone else!
Okay, the first type of home remedy can be categorized as "herbal". Many folks, including myself, have begun using certain herbs to combat all sorts of problems... anything from aging skin to a lack of energy to, you guessed it, hair loss. Here are some of the more popular herbs pertaining to hair loss...
Stinging nettle: Also known as Urtica Diocia, this herb has the ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT (DHT is often the cause of male hair loss). An optimum dose of 50-100mg per day in capsule form is recommended.
Ginkyo biloba: this herb is thought to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin. It is believed that the increased flow of blood to the brain area delivers more nutrients to the hair follicle thus promoting hair regrowth. A recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract each day spread over three doses.
He Shou Wu: Also known as Polygonum Multiflorum, this herb has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss and can be taken in capsule form or as a tea.
Pygeum Africanum: This herb is derived from the bark of the evergreen tree and it works like green tea. It is used to treat male pattern baldness. You should take 60-500mg per day in pill or capsule form.
Saw Palmetto: Also known as Seranoa Repens, this is a favorite choice for many men due to its ability to slow hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. Many commercially prepared hair loss treatments use this herb as a base but it can easily be found in its pure form. A dose of 160mg twice each day is recommended, but be sure the ingredients are made from the berry extract not the dried berries themselves.
The second type of home remedy for attacking hair loss are external preparations that are applied to the hair and scalp directly. Some of these may sound odd, but you never know until you try, right?
Safflower Oil: Also known as Carthamus Tinctorious, safflower oil applied to the scalp acts as a vasodilator that dilates blood vessels. This allows more blood to deliver nutrients to the hair follicle thus creating an environment conducive to hair regrowth.
Aloe Vera: You can rub Aloe Vera into your scalp each night. It's believed that the herb activates the production of nitric oxide and contains an enzyme called superoxide dismutane. These two substances combined may stimulate hair regrowth in those suffering from male pattern baldness.
Red Pepper: Also know as Capsicum, you can apply Red Pepper to the scalp as a poultice. It irritates the scalp and stimulates blood flow to the base of the hair, which may encourage renewed hair growth.
Onion: Yes, onions. Some believe that rubbing the scalp with an onion before shampooing may actually stimulate hair growth... your mileage may vary!
There are many more home remedies that may aid in hair growth or regrowth.
There are many products on the market that claim to cure hair loss but 99% are just vitamin products that don't address the underlying cause. However, recently a new product has had amazing exposure in the media mainly due to the fact that many famous celebrities are using it. This new product has been through various clinical trials and the results have been incredible. To find out more about this new product please visit my site.
Author Bio
Michael Owen is considered an expert on hair loss and has helped thousands of people regrow their hair. Find out what he recommends:
hair loss
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
This article is all about hair loss and home remedies. While there are a LOT of products on the market today that claim to slow, stop, prevent or reverse hair loss, there are many other ways to attack hair loss that don't include using strong chemicals or prescription drugs. Granted, some are effective and some are not, but the only way to know for sure is to try them for yourself. I'm going to list a few possible ways to treat hair loss and let you make up your own mind on their effectiveness. Just to remind you all... I am not advocating any type of hair loss treatment, simply because every person is different and what might work for you might not work for someone else!
Okay, the first type of home remedy can be categorized as "herbal". Many folks, including myself, have begun using certain herbs to combat all sorts of problems... anything from aging skin to a lack of energy to, you guessed it, hair loss. Here are some of the more popular herbs pertaining to hair loss...
Stinging nettle: Also known as Urtica Diocia, this herb has the ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT (DHT is often the cause of male hair loss). An optimum dose of 50-100mg per day in capsule form is recommended.
Ginkyo biloba: this herb is thought to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin. It is believed that the increased flow of blood to the brain area delivers more nutrients to the hair follicle thus promoting hair regrowth. A recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract each day spread over three doses.
He Shou Wu: Also known as Polygonum Multiflorum, this herb has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss and can be taken in capsule form or as a tea.
Pygeum Africanum: This herb is derived from the bark of the evergreen tree and it works like green tea. It is used to treat male pattern baldness. You should take 60-500mg per day in pill or capsule form.
Saw Palmetto: Also known as Seranoa Repens, this is a favorite choice for many men due to its ability to slow hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. Many commercially prepared hair loss treatments use this herb as a base but it can easily be found in its pure form. A dose of 160mg twice each day is recommended, but be sure the ingredients are made from the berry extract not the dried berries themselves.
The second type of home remedy for attacking hair loss are external preparations that are applied to the hair and scalp directly. Some of these may sound odd, but you never know until you try, right?
Safflower Oil: Also known as Carthamus Tinctorious, safflower oil applied to the scalp acts as a vasodilator that dilates blood vessels. This allows more blood to deliver nutrients to the hair follicle thus creating an environment conducive to hair regrowth.
Aloe Vera: You can rub Aloe Vera into your scalp each night. It's believed that the herb activates the production of nitric oxide and contains an enzyme called superoxide dismutane. These two substances combined may stimulate hair regrowth in those suffering from male pattern baldness.
Red Pepper: Also know as Capsicum, you can apply Red Pepper to the scalp as a poultice. It irritates the scalp and stimulates blood flow to the base of the hair, which may encourage renewed hair growth.
Onion: Yes, onions. Some believe that rubbing the scalp with an onion before shampooing may actually stimulate hair growth... your mileage may vary!
There are many more home remedies that may aid in hair growth or regrowth.
There are many products on the market that claim to cure hair loss but 99% are just vitamin products that don't address the underlying cause. However, recently a new product has had amazing exposure in the media mainly due to the fact that many famous celebrities are using it. This new product has been through various clinical trials and the results have been incredible. To find out more about this new product please visit my site.
Author Bio
Michael Owen is considered an expert on hair loss and has helped thousands of people regrow their hair. Find out what he recommends:
hair loss
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Female Hair Loss: The Shocking Truth
By: Michael Owen
When you talk about genetic hair loss most people think about the most common form of hair loss: male-pattern baldness. This is the type of hair loss that is passed on genetically to offspring from their mothers. Most often the recipients of this type of hair loss are men, but sometimes the gene can result in female hair loss.
While genetic baldness in men is identified by a receding hairline or balding crown, genetic hair loss in women is a bit different. In most cases, a woman will not lose her hair in spots only but will thin out evenly throughout the head. Sometimes, this thinning can be quite severe and result in the woman having to wear a wig to cover up her thinning tresses. While female hair loss almost never results in a completely bald head, it can be extreme enough to expose the scalp quite plainly.
For the woman facing this type of hair loss, there are a few hair loss treatment options that can be explored. They include shampoos, conditioners and topical treatments, such as Rogaine for women, which stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss; vitamin supplements; and stimulatory treatments such as massage and infra-red therapy. The most successful of these hair loss treatments are the topical treatments. While they are quite expensive, they produce the best results.
Hair loss due to chemical processes
No matter how healthy and strong your hair is today, you could experience severe hair loss after undergoing a harsh chemical process such as a perm or color. While almost all chemical hair fallout is due to operator error, the chance of it occurring is multiplied by chemical services that you perform on your hair at home. I've seen more than one case of female hair loss in clients who have bleached their hair at home, colored it over and then came to the salon for yet another bleaching. Not knowing this past history, the stylist used too strong a chemical, and the process resulted in hair loss.
Since most of these cases do not result in complete hair loss, the hair loss treatment options include protein treatments and other conditioning treatments to strengthen the remaining hair; a good hair cut that will remove most of the damage; and a gentle hair-care routine that will minimize further hair loss due to breakage. You should also refrain from using thermal styling tools and undergoing any further chemical procedures until the hair is completely grown out.
Hair loss due to stress
Cases of severe stress can literally cause handfuls of hair loss at a time. Women experiencing stressful conditions can experience female hair loss represented by thinning all over the head or in spots called alopecia areata. Alopecia areata means "Hair loss in spots or areas," and can result in bald circular patches on one or more spots of the scalp. While this type of hair loss is alarming, it is not permanent. After the stress is removed, most sufferers of this type of hair loss regrow all of the hair that they lost.
In most cases, the hair loss treatment for stress-related hair loss is minimal. After ruling out other causes of hair loss, your doctor will likely recommend changes in your diet or ideas to help alleviate your stress. Keep in mind that it can take months for your hair to grow back even after the stressors have been eliminated.
Hair loss due to illness
Any type of extended illness or surgery can result in hair loss. Medications taken to combat certain types of illnesses can also cause your hair to become brittle and break or fall out altogether. The most identifiable type of hair loss is the loss associated with chemotherapy treatments. In most cases, this hair loss is complete and affects all areas of the body. While there is little that can be done to prevent this type of hair loss or promote growth during illness, surgery or chemotherapy treatments, this type of female hair loss is also temporary. In most cases, full recovery of hair is made after the illness is over.
You can promote hair growth after the illness by getting regular trims and using growth enhancing shampoos and conditioners. Vitamin supplements may also be beneficial.
As you may have already guessed, hair loss in women is more common than we might think. And many may be experiencing hair loss and dismiss it as a natural occurrence that comes along with age. A lot of these women fail to seek the necessary hair loss treatment that can help them keep their remaining hair and regrow new hair. So, if you are experiencing hair loss, do not think that it is just because you are getting older. There may be something that you can do to keep the hair on your head from clogging your drain.
Author Bio
Michael Owen is considered an expert on hair loss and has helped thousands of people regrow their hair. Find out what he recommends:Hair Loss
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
When you talk about genetic hair loss most people think about the most common form of hair loss: male-pattern baldness. This is the type of hair loss that is passed on genetically to offspring from their mothers. Most often the recipients of this type of hair loss are men, but sometimes the gene can result in female hair loss.
While genetic baldness in men is identified by a receding hairline or balding crown, genetic hair loss in women is a bit different. In most cases, a woman will not lose her hair in spots only but will thin out evenly throughout the head. Sometimes, this thinning can be quite severe and result in the woman having to wear a wig to cover up her thinning tresses. While female hair loss almost never results in a completely bald head, it can be extreme enough to expose the scalp quite plainly.
For the woman facing this type of hair loss, there are a few hair loss treatment options that can be explored. They include shampoos, conditioners and topical treatments, such as Rogaine for women, which stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss; vitamin supplements; and stimulatory treatments such as massage and infra-red therapy. The most successful of these hair loss treatments are the topical treatments. While they are quite expensive, they produce the best results.
Hair loss due to chemical processes
No matter how healthy and strong your hair is today, you could experience severe hair loss after undergoing a harsh chemical process such as a perm or color. While almost all chemical hair fallout is due to operator error, the chance of it occurring is multiplied by chemical services that you perform on your hair at home. I've seen more than one case of female hair loss in clients who have bleached their hair at home, colored it over and then came to the salon for yet another bleaching. Not knowing this past history, the stylist used too strong a chemical, and the process resulted in hair loss.
Since most of these cases do not result in complete hair loss, the hair loss treatment options include protein treatments and other conditioning treatments to strengthen the remaining hair; a good hair cut that will remove most of the damage; and a gentle hair-care routine that will minimize further hair loss due to breakage. You should also refrain from using thermal styling tools and undergoing any further chemical procedures until the hair is completely grown out.
Hair loss due to stress
Cases of severe stress can literally cause handfuls of hair loss at a time. Women experiencing stressful conditions can experience female hair loss represented by thinning all over the head or in spots called alopecia areata. Alopecia areata means "Hair loss in spots or areas," and can result in bald circular patches on one or more spots of the scalp. While this type of hair loss is alarming, it is not permanent. After the stress is removed, most sufferers of this type of hair loss regrow all of the hair that they lost.
In most cases, the hair loss treatment for stress-related hair loss is minimal. After ruling out other causes of hair loss, your doctor will likely recommend changes in your diet or ideas to help alleviate your stress. Keep in mind that it can take months for your hair to grow back even after the stressors have been eliminated.
Hair loss due to illness
Any type of extended illness or surgery can result in hair loss. Medications taken to combat certain types of illnesses can also cause your hair to become brittle and break or fall out altogether. The most identifiable type of hair loss is the loss associated with chemotherapy treatments. In most cases, this hair loss is complete and affects all areas of the body. While there is little that can be done to prevent this type of hair loss or promote growth during illness, surgery or chemotherapy treatments, this type of female hair loss is also temporary. In most cases, full recovery of hair is made after the illness is over.
You can promote hair growth after the illness by getting regular trims and using growth enhancing shampoos and conditioners. Vitamin supplements may also be beneficial.
As you may have already guessed, hair loss in women is more common than we might think. And many may be experiencing hair loss and dismiss it as a natural occurrence that comes along with age. A lot of these women fail to seek the necessary hair loss treatment that can help them keep their remaining hair and regrow new hair. So, if you are experiencing hair loss, do not think that it is just because you are getting older. There may be something that you can do to keep the hair on your head from clogging your drain.
Author Bio
Michael Owen is considered an expert on hair loss and has helped thousands of people regrow their hair. Find out what he recommends:Hair Loss
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Female Hair Loss: The Bald Truth
By: Michael Owen
For a long time most people had the belief that female hair loss was related to the hereditary factor only. However, due to an increase in hair loss amongst women this condition is getting a lot more exposure and acknowledgement in the medical community.
The hair loss in women is not exactly the same as that suffered by men. Also the notion that female hair loss is only hereditary related has now also been proven to be inaccurate. There are many factors that can cause female hair loss and these are a lot more complex then the male factors.
Women in general experience hair loss due to stress, drug therapies and menopause. Although the first two factors mentioned here are also related to hair loss in men, they are more frequent in women.
In general, women tend to be more concerned about their daily life than men. This increases the level of stress and one of its manifestations in the female organism is the hair loss. In this case, the treatment should not only stimulate hair growth, but also treat stress. Otherwise, even if hair growth is stimulated, hair loss can occur again.
The use of drug for therapy is a complicated issue. Hair loss due to this is frequent in the treatment against cancer. The drugs used in chemotherapy are too aggressive and hair loss may be the slight side effect.
Menopause is another problem. Besides all the unbalance in the organism that it causes, menopause can cause hair loss as an indirect consequence of it. The onset of menopause can often lead to hair loss and has long been a part of aging that many women fear the most. These days many more women are also experiencing thinning and bald spots as they mature, and both men and women are reaching out for new solutions. Even though there is no real 'cure', there are many things that can be done to help. Some products claim to help revive weakened hair roots and promote healthy hair growth.
Both hormones and genes are to blame for menopause causing acute hair loss, as is the aging process. Confirming the causes of your loss with a competent and experienced dermatologist is the first step in determining your best treatment options.
Most women also experience hair loss after pregnancy. This is due to the level of certain hormones in the body. This hair loss can be especially depressing as after pregnancy and birth most women are extremely tired both mentally and physically.
Another factor is also hair styling amongst women. We don't realise the damage that is being done by the excessive heat and chemicals that we use whilst styling our hair. These harsh chemicals tend to build up on the scalp and suffocate the hair follicles and block precious nutrients getting to them.
Although there are many factors that contribute hair loss in women there are also some great new products that can have amazing results. These products have been through years of clinical trials and are 100% natural without side effects. If you would like to learn more about the latest product that can restore your hair and is currently being used by many celebrities worldwide please visit my website which can be found in the author box below.
Author Bio
Michael Owen has devoted his life to helping hair loss sufferers and is recognised as an expert in the field. To learn more visit:Hair Loss After Pregnancy guide.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
For a long time most people had the belief that female hair loss was related to the hereditary factor only. However, due to an increase in hair loss amongst women this condition is getting a lot more exposure and acknowledgement in the medical community.
The hair loss in women is not exactly the same as that suffered by men. Also the notion that female hair loss is only hereditary related has now also been proven to be inaccurate. There are many factors that can cause female hair loss and these are a lot more complex then the male factors.
Women in general experience hair loss due to stress, drug therapies and menopause. Although the first two factors mentioned here are also related to hair loss in men, they are more frequent in women.
In general, women tend to be more concerned about their daily life than men. This increases the level of stress and one of its manifestations in the female organism is the hair loss. In this case, the treatment should not only stimulate hair growth, but also treat stress. Otherwise, even if hair growth is stimulated, hair loss can occur again.
The use of drug for therapy is a complicated issue. Hair loss due to this is frequent in the treatment against cancer. The drugs used in chemotherapy are too aggressive and hair loss may be the slight side effect.
Menopause is another problem. Besides all the unbalance in the organism that it causes, menopause can cause hair loss as an indirect consequence of it. The onset of menopause can often lead to hair loss and has long been a part of aging that many women fear the most. These days many more women are also experiencing thinning and bald spots as they mature, and both men and women are reaching out for new solutions. Even though there is no real 'cure', there are many things that can be done to help. Some products claim to help revive weakened hair roots and promote healthy hair growth.
Both hormones and genes are to blame for menopause causing acute hair loss, as is the aging process. Confirming the causes of your loss with a competent and experienced dermatologist is the first step in determining your best treatment options.
Most women also experience hair loss after pregnancy. This is due to the level of certain hormones in the body. This hair loss can be especially depressing as after pregnancy and birth most women are extremely tired both mentally and physically.
Another factor is also hair styling amongst women. We don't realise the damage that is being done by the excessive heat and chemicals that we use whilst styling our hair. These harsh chemicals tend to build up on the scalp and suffocate the hair follicles and block precious nutrients getting to them.
Although there are many factors that contribute hair loss in women there are also some great new products that can have amazing results. These products have been through years of clinical trials and are 100% natural without side effects. If you would like to learn more about the latest product that can restore your hair and is currently being used by many celebrities worldwide please visit my website which can be found in the author box below.
Author Bio
Michael Owen has devoted his life to helping hair loss sufferers and is recognised as an expert in the field. To learn more visit:Hair Loss After Pregnancy guide.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Aromatherapy For Female Hair Loss
By: Melanie Vonzabuesnig
At 32 years of age, my hair suddenly started falling out by the handfuls. The hair loss began in August. By October, just two months later I was almost completely bald.
Other than having hair loss, my physical health was excellent. Since my medical tests all came back normal, my doctor advised me to get a good wig and get on with my life. My friends and family encouraged me to count my blessings rather than my shortcomings. They tried to convince me that I was still the same person on the inside, with or without hair. I didn't buy it. But I did get the wig and I did get on with my life.
A new friend I met happened to be a hairdresser who specialized in thin, fine hair. After confiding in her, she told me about the great results some of her clients had using aromatherapy. She armed me with books and information. I absorbed it all and kept learning more until I was ready to make my own scalp formula.
There were many essential oils to choose from. I especially liked using peppermint oil. The tingling sensation it produced seemed to energize my scalp and my entire being. The scent of the oil perked me up so it was a great choice to use it the morning to get my day started.
At night I would experiment with more relaxing oils such as lemon, lavender, chamomile, cypress and carrot seed. I would often sleep with the oils on my scalp and wash them out in the morning. The drifting aroma seemed to lure me into a deep sleep, helping me to wake up refreshed and revitalized.
The essential oil formulas felt so healing and energizing on my scalp. It was as if I could "feel" them working! Within three months I began seeing and feeling soft new growth. Three months after that my entire scalp was filled in with new hair.
It's been fifteen years since my hair loss incidence. Every so often I find the beginnings of new bald patches or I notice more hair falling out than usual.
As soon as I notice the hair loss I begin treating it with essential oil formulas. My hair responds quickly to the aromatherapy treatments. I've been able to stop the hair loss and start the re-growth before it becomes noticeable.
At first I really didn't care how the essential oils worked. Just the fact that they did work was all I needed to know. But, because I became so fascinated with the effects and so fond of the aromas, I went on to formally study aromatherapy.
I think of essential oils as a "fertilizer for hair". They increase circulation to the scalp. The increased blood supply nourishes the hair follicles. They increase oxygen supply, encourage cellular regeneration and remove toxins. They thoroughly cleanse the scalp, removing excess sebum, dead skin cells and environmental pollutants.
Essential oils need to be diluted with fixed oils. Jojoba and castor oil turned out to be my favorites, as even on their own they are healthy for hair and used to promote growth.
Choosing the essential oils to use in your formula requires some research and knowledge. Certain essential oils cannot be used under certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, pregnancy etc.
Your formula will be more effective if you choose oils specifically for own condition rather than a generic hair loss formula. You can customize your formula to address your specific scalp condition, such as dry, oily, itchy, sensitive, etc. You can further customize your formula by choosing oils that blend into a scent that you enjoy.
Although you apply the formula to your scalp, the healing doesn't stop there. Aromatherapy is known to produce an over-all feeling of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being that goes far beyond a better head of hair!
Author Bio
Melanie Vonzabuesnig is the author ofHair Loss in Women... Getting to the Root of the Problem. She is passionate about empowering women with information and solutions involving female hair loss
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
At 32 years of age, my hair suddenly started falling out by the handfuls. The hair loss began in August. By October, just two months later I was almost completely bald.
Other than having hair loss, my physical health was excellent. Since my medical tests all came back normal, my doctor advised me to get a good wig and get on with my life. My friends and family encouraged me to count my blessings rather than my shortcomings. They tried to convince me that I was still the same person on the inside, with or without hair. I didn't buy it. But I did get the wig and I did get on with my life.
A new friend I met happened to be a hairdresser who specialized in thin, fine hair. After confiding in her, she told me about the great results some of her clients had using aromatherapy. She armed me with books and information. I absorbed it all and kept learning more until I was ready to make my own scalp formula.
There were many essential oils to choose from. I especially liked using peppermint oil. The tingling sensation it produced seemed to energize my scalp and my entire being. The scent of the oil perked me up so it was a great choice to use it the morning to get my day started.
At night I would experiment with more relaxing oils such as lemon, lavender, chamomile, cypress and carrot seed. I would often sleep with the oils on my scalp and wash them out in the morning. The drifting aroma seemed to lure me into a deep sleep, helping me to wake up refreshed and revitalized.
The essential oil formulas felt so healing and energizing on my scalp. It was as if I could "feel" them working! Within three months I began seeing and feeling soft new growth. Three months after that my entire scalp was filled in with new hair.
It's been fifteen years since my hair loss incidence. Every so often I find the beginnings of new bald patches or I notice more hair falling out than usual.
As soon as I notice the hair loss I begin treating it with essential oil formulas. My hair responds quickly to the aromatherapy treatments. I've been able to stop the hair loss and start the re-growth before it becomes noticeable.
At first I really didn't care how the essential oils worked. Just the fact that they did work was all I needed to know. But, because I became so fascinated with the effects and so fond of the aromas, I went on to formally study aromatherapy.
I think of essential oils as a "fertilizer for hair". They increase circulation to the scalp. The increased blood supply nourishes the hair follicles. They increase oxygen supply, encourage cellular regeneration and remove toxins. They thoroughly cleanse the scalp, removing excess sebum, dead skin cells and environmental pollutants.
Essential oils need to be diluted with fixed oils. Jojoba and castor oil turned out to be my favorites, as even on their own they are healthy for hair and used to promote growth.
Choosing the essential oils to use in your formula requires some research and knowledge. Certain essential oils cannot be used under certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, pregnancy etc.
Your formula will be more effective if you choose oils specifically for own condition rather than a generic hair loss formula. You can customize your formula to address your specific scalp condition, such as dry, oily, itchy, sensitive, etc. You can further customize your formula by choosing oils that blend into a scent that you enjoy.
Although you apply the formula to your scalp, the healing doesn't stop there. Aromatherapy is known to produce an over-all feeling of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being that goes far beyond a better head of hair!
Author Bio
Melanie Vonzabuesnig is the author ofHair Loss in Women... Getting to the Root of the Problem. She is passionate about empowering women with information and solutions involving female hair loss
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Hair Loss in Women, Could Stress Be The Culprit?
By: Melanie Vonzabuesnig
Have you ever noticed that when a person feels stressed-out, their hair often looks frazzled and fried? Or that a depressed persons' hair often looks dull and lifeless, as if to match the way they feel. This is no coincidence. Our hair reflects our emotional state. There is no denying that stress affects the condition of our hair and can ultimately lead to hair loss.
Stress causes actual physiological changes in our body. These changes throw off our entire equilibrium, and affect every system of our body. Hair is very sensitive to any disturbances or changes within our body. If the disturbance is severe or prolonged the hair growth cycle becomes disrupted, causing excessive hair loss and delaying new growth.
Healthy hair growth is dependent on an intricately balanced hormonal system. An over or under production of certain hormones is a common cause of hair loss. When our body perceives stress, our glandular system responds by producing additional stress hormones.
Our body is well equipped to handle stress as long as there is plenty of time to recover between incidents. Unfortunately our busy hectic lifestyles provide little, if any recovery time between stressful events. This type of chronic, cumulative stress causes harmful effects to the body. Hair loss is often the first symptom.
Cortisol is one of the main hormones involved in combating stress. Too much or too little cortisol can cause hair loss. Cortisol is produced from the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands can become dysfunctional trying to keep up with the demands of stress. Any adrenal gland disorder can lead to hair loss.
Another stress hormone involved in hair loss is corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). When stress is perceived, CRH signals the sebaceous glands to produce excessive oil. This oil called sebum creates a waxy substance on the scalp, making it difficult for new growing hairs to permeate. Excess sebum can create weak, thin, slow growing hair and hair loss.
Long-term, chronic stress weakens the entire immune system. When the immune system is suppressed the body is less able to fight off bacteria, yeasts, parasites, viruses, and other invading pathogens. This produces a hazardous environment within the body. Under these conditions the hair often responds by falling out.
Stress can also cause the immune system to lose its ability to turn off when it is no longer needed to fight off invasions. An over-activated immune system can trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions and inflammatory conditions. Hair loss is a symptom of many of these types of conditions.
Stress is known to decrease the release of acid in the stomach and to impair digestion. Hair loss is a symptom of gastrointestinal disorders such as Chrons and Celiac. When the digestive system is not functioning properly we may not absorb the nutrients needed to support hair growth. Large amounts of vitamins, minerals and proteins are secreted in the urine before they have a chance to reach our scalp. Extreme stress depletes important nutrients such as selenium and zinc. A deficiency of these nutrients can lead to hair loss.
Stress hinders proper circulation. Muscles become tense and stiff, restricting blood from flowing to the scalp. The scalp depends on blood flow to bring oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, and to remove toxins and environmental pollutants from the scalp.
Cumulative stress can cause cells to age faster and to eventually stop dividing. Hair is formed from cells at the base of each follicle. These cells multiply and differentiate to form each individual strand of hair. Cellular regeneration must occur in order for new hair to form.
Stress is a major factor in many of the medical conditions in which hair loss is a symptom.
Acute stress, when dealt with effectively has no negative effects on hair growth. It is the chronic, cumulative, prolonged stress that is so destructive to our system. This type of stress causes hopelessness, anxiety, depression, insomnia and bad habits. Often the first place this harmful stress shows up is in our hair. Significant changes in hair can be a warning sign of stress that has gone out of control. Hair loss caused by stress responds well to natural therapies such as massage, aromatherapy or reflexology.
Author Bio
Melanie Vonzabuesnig is the author ofHair Loss in Women... Getting to the Root of the Problem. She is passionate about empowering women with information and solutions involving female hair loss
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Have you ever noticed that when a person feels stressed-out, their hair often looks frazzled and fried? Or that a depressed persons' hair often looks dull and lifeless, as if to match the way they feel. This is no coincidence. Our hair reflects our emotional state. There is no denying that stress affects the condition of our hair and can ultimately lead to hair loss.
Stress causes actual physiological changes in our body. These changes throw off our entire equilibrium, and affect every system of our body. Hair is very sensitive to any disturbances or changes within our body. If the disturbance is severe or prolonged the hair growth cycle becomes disrupted, causing excessive hair loss and delaying new growth.
Healthy hair growth is dependent on an intricately balanced hormonal system. An over or under production of certain hormones is a common cause of hair loss. When our body perceives stress, our glandular system responds by producing additional stress hormones.
Our body is well equipped to handle stress as long as there is plenty of time to recover between incidents. Unfortunately our busy hectic lifestyles provide little, if any recovery time between stressful events. This type of chronic, cumulative stress causes harmful effects to the body. Hair loss is often the first symptom.
Cortisol is one of the main hormones involved in combating stress. Too much or too little cortisol can cause hair loss. Cortisol is produced from the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands can become dysfunctional trying to keep up with the demands of stress. Any adrenal gland disorder can lead to hair loss.
Another stress hormone involved in hair loss is corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). When stress is perceived, CRH signals the sebaceous glands to produce excessive oil. This oil called sebum creates a waxy substance on the scalp, making it difficult for new growing hairs to permeate. Excess sebum can create weak, thin, slow growing hair and hair loss.
Long-term, chronic stress weakens the entire immune system. When the immune system is suppressed the body is less able to fight off bacteria, yeasts, parasites, viruses, and other invading pathogens. This produces a hazardous environment within the body. Under these conditions the hair often responds by falling out.
Stress can also cause the immune system to lose its ability to turn off when it is no longer needed to fight off invasions. An over-activated immune system can trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions and inflammatory conditions. Hair loss is a symptom of many of these types of conditions.
Stress is known to decrease the release of acid in the stomach and to impair digestion. Hair loss is a symptom of gastrointestinal disorders such as Chrons and Celiac. When the digestive system is not functioning properly we may not absorb the nutrients needed to support hair growth. Large amounts of vitamins, minerals and proteins are secreted in the urine before they have a chance to reach our scalp. Extreme stress depletes important nutrients such as selenium and zinc. A deficiency of these nutrients can lead to hair loss.
Stress hinders proper circulation. Muscles become tense and stiff, restricting blood from flowing to the scalp. The scalp depends on blood flow to bring oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, and to remove toxins and environmental pollutants from the scalp.
Cumulative stress can cause cells to age faster and to eventually stop dividing. Hair is formed from cells at the base of each follicle. These cells multiply and differentiate to form each individual strand of hair. Cellular regeneration must occur in order for new hair to form.
Stress is a major factor in many of the medical conditions in which hair loss is a symptom.
Acute stress, when dealt with effectively has no negative effects on hair growth. It is the chronic, cumulative, prolonged stress that is so destructive to our system. This type of stress causes hopelessness, anxiety, depression, insomnia and bad habits. Often the first place this harmful stress shows up is in our hair. Significant changes in hair can be a warning sign of stress that has gone out of control. Hair loss caused by stress responds well to natural therapies such as massage, aromatherapy or reflexology.
Author Bio
Melanie Vonzabuesnig is the author ofHair Loss in Women... Getting to the Root of the Problem. She is passionate about empowering women with information and solutions involving female hair loss
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Hair Growth And Beyond
By: John Stanley
Nothing in life is as simple as it seems, so it should come as no surprise that the strand of hair that you found on your brush this morning is an amazingly complex part of your body. Hair begins appearing on the human body while it is still in the womb. By the time a developing fetus reaches 22 weeks old, there are already 5 million follicles on the body. Interestingly enough, that is all of the follicles that will ever develop regardless of how long we live. None will ever be added.
Hair Anatomy
Hair consists of a follicle, which is embedded in the skin, and the shaft of hair which appears on our body. The follicle itself consists of multiple layers with each layer having a specific function. The papilla lies at the base of the follicle. Capillaries are connected to the papilla and they supply blood to the cells which surround the bottom part of the hair strand called the bulb.
Surrounding the follicle are two sheaths, inner and outer, which are designed to both protect the hair shaft from damage, and to help it grow out in the proper direction. The inner sheath runs next to the hair shaft and ends at the oil (sebaceous) gland. The outer sheath runs to the gland and ends at the erector pili muscle. This is the muscle that causes our hair to "stand on end" when it contracts.
The hair shaft is comprised of three layers of dead protein cells called keratin. The innermost layer, known as the medulla, is not always present in every hair shaft. The second layer, known as the cortex, provides the bulk of the hair shaft. The hair color is mostly determined by the pigmentation contained in this layer. The outermost layer is called the cuticle. It is comprised of a series of overlapping cells. The hair's luster and sheen comes from the cuticle.
How Hair Grows
Scalp hair grows at an average rate of six inches per year, or only .3-.4 mm per day. There are three distinct stages of hair growth.
- Catagen Phase
This transitional phase runs about two to three weeks. At any given time approximately 3% of your hair is in this phase. There is no hair growth during this period while the out portion of the hair root sheath shrinks and attaches itself to the root.
- Telogen Phase
This phase, known as the "resting period" is experienced by approximately 15% of your hair. Telogen lasts for around 100 days for scalp hair and significantly longer for other body hair.
- Anagen Phase
This phase defines a period of activity where the hair cells are dividing and new hair growth occurs. This phase can last for as long as two to six years. Shorter growth periods are indicative of people who have trouble growing their hair long.
Hair Growth Disorders
There are two hair growth disorders that affect humans. Hirsutism is a condition affecting mostly females. It is defined as a condition where excessive thick and dark hair growth is experienced in areas typically reserved for males. These areas include the face, chest and the areolae or area surrounding the nipple. Hypertrichosis is a condition which causes excessive hair growth in areas of the body where visible hair is not normally present. Both of these conditions are treatable.
Author Bio
John Stanley is the author of several articles relating to hair loss and what can be done about restoring lost hair.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Nothing in life is as simple as it seems, so it should come as no surprise that the strand of hair that you found on your brush this morning is an amazingly complex part of your body. Hair begins appearing on the human body while it is still in the womb. By the time a developing fetus reaches 22 weeks old, there are already 5 million follicles on the body. Interestingly enough, that is all of the follicles that will ever develop regardless of how long we live. None will ever be added.
Hair Anatomy
Hair consists of a follicle, which is embedded in the skin, and the shaft of hair which appears on our body. The follicle itself consists of multiple layers with each layer having a specific function. The papilla lies at the base of the follicle. Capillaries are connected to the papilla and they supply blood to the cells which surround the bottom part of the hair strand called the bulb.
Surrounding the follicle are two sheaths, inner and outer, which are designed to both protect the hair shaft from damage, and to help it grow out in the proper direction. The inner sheath runs next to the hair shaft and ends at the oil (sebaceous) gland. The outer sheath runs to the gland and ends at the erector pili muscle. This is the muscle that causes our hair to "stand on end" when it contracts.
The hair shaft is comprised of three layers of dead protein cells called keratin. The innermost layer, known as the medulla, is not always present in every hair shaft. The second layer, known as the cortex, provides the bulk of the hair shaft. The hair color is mostly determined by the pigmentation contained in this layer. The outermost layer is called the cuticle. It is comprised of a series of overlapping cells. The hair's luster and sheen comes from the cuticle.
How Hair Grows
Scalp hair grows at an average rate of six inches per year, or only .3-.4 mm per day. There are three distinct stages of hair growth.
- Catagen Phase
This transitional phase runs about two to three weeks. At any given time approximately 3% of your hair is in this phase. There is no hair growth during this period while the out portion of the hair root sheath shrinks and attaches itself to the root.
- Telogen Phase
This phase, known as the "resting period" is experienced by approximately 15% of your hair. Telogen lasts for around 100 days for scalp hair and significantly longer for other body hair.
- Anagen Phase
This phase defines a period of activity where the hair cells are dividing and new hair growth occurs. This phase can last for as long as two to six years. Shorter growth periods are indicative of people who have trouble growing their hair long.
Hair Growth Disorders
There are two hair growth disorders that affect humans. Hirsutism is a condition affecting mostly females. It is defined as a condition where excessive thick and dark hair growth is experienced in areas typically reserved for males. These areas include the face, chest and the areolae or area surrounding the nipple. Hypertrichosis is a condition which causes excessive hair growth in areas of the body where visible hair is not normally present. Both of these conditions are treatable.
Author Bio
John Stanley is the author of several articles relating to hair loss and what can be done about restoring lost hair.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Natural Hair Care, Best Hair Loss Treatment
By: Harry John
There are several Causes of Hair Loss in Women and men and as there are a number of causes, there are also a number of Hair Loss Medications for Males and females available.
The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia (males) which can also be called DHT Hair Loss. When testosterone, the male hormone, gets converted to DHT, it results in hair loss. Besides Anti-Androgen Medication, there are a number of Herbal Nutritional Supplements available which contain natural substances for blocking this transformation into DHT by the human body and are able to take care of hair loss. The active ingredients of these supplements are all-natural herbal, vitamin, and mineral DHT inhibitors. These natural hair care products contain no harsh chemicals and do not have sexual side effects which are very much evident in Hair Loss Medication.
The common hair care treatments available for females for normal hair care include shampoos, conditioners, whereas hair Re-growth treatment with Anti-Androgens and topical treatment with Rogaine are the only available options for female balding. There are many limitations of the anti androgen therapy, and the topical medication Rogaine which is more effective in preventing further hair loss rather than stimulating hair growth, is quite expensive and requires a long period of treatment (from 6 months to a year). Besides, the results obtained after a long period of use disappear after the treatment is stopped. In such situations it is best to explore the natural hair care secrets offered by many Natural Herbal Supplements and the Nutritional Health Vitamin Supplements.
Nutrition plays a very important role for hair care
The hair follicles which are in an active growth phase are strong and healthy compared to those which are in the resting stage. A steady flow of proper nutritional building blocks is essential for hair follicles to grow and produce healthy hair fiber. The follicles derive their nutrition from the blood. A balanced diet which has the natural vitamin supplements, proteins and mineral and health supplements is able to provide natural nutritional supplements to the hair follicles. If the already weak hair follicles do not get proper nutrition they become more prone to shedding.
These natural health supplements create an atmosphere where the tiny follicles beneath your scalp receive exactly what they need to create beautiful, full-bodied hair and also the power they need to sustain themselves when old.
Preventive care is the best form of treatment for any type of illness and hair loss is no exception. By providing the advantage of best nutritional and natural hair care you are sure to have a better control of hair loss.
Natural food supplements are the key to good health, and using natural hair care products and supplements are the best hair loss treatments for hair care.
Natural hair care secrets lie in taking a scientifically balanced mixture of Vitamins, Minerals and other Health Supplements which have long been regarded as effective for providing the right nourishment to the hair follicles and retain their vitality, natural color and their potential for re-growth which can be lost due to both the internal and external causes.
Science has now unraveled the natural care secrets of phytonutrients, or phytochemicals, many of these chemicals have antioxidant capabilities greater than vitamin A, C, or E and the vitamins which have also been shown to be related with hair care. Many of these chemicals have anti-cancer benefits, and the good news is that there are thousands of such chemicals found in each fruit or vegetable.
Besides fruits and vegetables, nature has many herbs and plants which are able to provide natural hair care (www.hairlossinformation.com/hair-care/natural-hair-care.shtml). Hormonal imbalance resulting from menopause is an important cause of hair loss in women. Besides menopause, hormonal imbalance is also caused during pregnancy, child birth, and is the cause of poly cystic ovarian syndrome in women, hormonal imbalance is also one of the main causes of hair loss in women.
Many of the herbs have the required natural supplements in them which are able to take care of most of the problems women face, so much so that they can be labeled as Women Health Supplements. These natural women health supplements are able to prevent hair loss due to menopause and are especially useful for women's health during the difficult phases of their life.
Author Bio
Harry john is involved with the hair growth research and currently focusing on different topics like fast hair growth tips, hair analysis test and hair mineral analysis which actually are the gateway to healthy growth and maintenance. For other resources please visit www.hairlossinformation.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
There are several Causes of Hair Loss in Women and men and as there are a number of causes, there are also a number of Hair Loss Medications for Males and females available.
The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia (males) which can also be called DHT Hair Loss. When testosterone, the male hormone, gets converted to DHT, it results in hair loss. Besides Anti-Androgen Medication, there are a number of Herbal Nutritional Supplements available which contain natural substances for blocking this transformation into DHT by the human body and are able to take care of hair loss. The active ingredients of these supplements are all-natural herbal, vitamin, and mineral DHT inhibitors. These natural hair care products contain no harsh chemicals and do not have sexual side effects which are very much evident in Hair Loss Medication.
The common hair care treatments available for females for normal hair care include shampoos, conditioners, whereas hair Re-growth treatment with Anti-Androgens and topical treatment with Rogaine are the only available options for female balding. There are many limitations of the anti androgen therapy, and the topical medication Rogaine which is more effective in preventing further hair loss rather than stimulating hair growth, is quite expensive and requires a long period of treatment (from 6 months to a year). Besides, the results obtained after a long period of use disappear after the treatment is stopped. In such situations it is best to explore the natural hair care secrets offered by many Natural Herbal Supplements and the Nutritional Health Vitamin Supplements.
Nutrition plays a very important role for hair care
The hair follicles which are in an active growth phase are strong and healthy compared to those which are in the resting stage. A steady flow of proper nutritional building blocks is essential for hair follicles to grow and produce healthy hair fiber. The follicles derive their nutrition from the blood. A balanced diet which has the natural vitamin supplements, proteins and mineral and health supplements is able to provide natural nutritional supplements to the hair follicles. If the already weak hair follicles do not get proper nutrition they become more prone to shedding.
These natural health supplements create an atmosphere where the tiny follicles beneath your scalp receive exactly what they need to create beautiful, full-bodied hair and also the power they need to sustain themselves when old.
Preventive care is the best form of treatment for any type of illness and hair loss is no exception. By providing the advantage of best nutritional and natural hair care you are sure to have a better control of hair loss.
Natural food supplements are the key to good health, and using natural hair care products and supplements are the best hair loss treatments for hair care.
Natural hair care secrets lie in taking a scientifically balanced mixture of Vitamins, Minerals and other Health Supplements which have long been regarded as effective for providing the right nourishment to the hair follicles and retain their vitality, natural color and their potential for re-growth which can be lost due to both the internal and external causes.
Science has now unraveled the natural care secrets of phytonutrients, or phytochemicals, many of these chemicals have antioxidant capabilities greater than vitamin A, C, or E and the vitamins which have also been shown to be related with hair care. Many of these chemicals have anti-cancer benefits, and the good news is that there are thousands of such chemicals found in each fruit or vegetable.
Besides fruits and vegetables, nature has many herbs and plants which are able to provide natural hair care (www.hairlossinformation.com/hair-care/natural-hair-care.shtml). Hormonal imbalance resulting from menopause is an important cause of hair loss in women. Besides menopause, hormonal imbalance is also caused during pregnancy, child birth, and is the cause of poly cystic ovarian syndrome in women, hormonal imbalance is also one of the main causes of hair loss in women.
Many of the herbs have the required natural supplements in them which are able to take care of most of the problems women face, so much so that they can be labeled as Women Health Supplements. These natural women health supplements are able to prevent hair loss due to menopause and are especially useful for women's health during the difficult phases of their life.
Author Bio
Harry john is involved with the hair growth research and currently focusing on different topics like fast hair growth tips, hair analysis test and hair mineral analysis which actually are the gateway to healthy growth and maintenance. For other resources please visit www.hairlossinformation.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Understand Baldness and How You Can Reverse It
By: Jim McDonald
There is no magic potion that will instantly give you back a full crop of thick, lush hair. But if we look at the way advances in hair loss treatments have evolved recently, perhaps we're not far from it.
Hair loss can be caused by many factors, the most common being Pattern Baldness which affects more then 40% of the male population. Women also suffer from hair loss, although the causes can be quite different than in men. Baldness can be quite a degrading condition for millions of men and women, and can lead to psychological problems and feelings of self worthlessness. But the scientific discoveries in recent years have made the treatments for balding more effective, and like all medical conditions, if you act on the problem when it is in it's infancy, you've got a better chance of minimizing the effects, or even reversing the condition.
The causes for hair loss are many and varied
Genetic 'Pattern Baldness' is the most common, but there are other very common causes such as Hormonal Imbalance, Illness, Poor Diet, Poor Hygiene, Drug Abuse and Stress. These are just the core issues that contribute to the hair loss. To get a better understanding of exactly how the hair stops to reproduce entails a bit of a scientific look at how hair actually grows.
Hair grows in 3 stages
In the first stage (Anagen) a new hair is produced and this is the stage where most growth occurs. Next, in the Catagen (Regressive) stage, the hair has stopped growing but is yet to shed. In the final stage (Telogen) the hair is resting and eventually falls out, and a new one begins to grow. In Pattern Baldness, DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) miniaturizes hair follicles by shortening the Anagen (growth) stage and at the same time can also lengthen the Telogen (resting) stage. This is usually a gradual process, and the end result is an increase in the number of short, thin hairs which are barely visible above the scalp.
There is hope, because while any hair is growing then various treatments can be administered to re-balance/block the DHT and promote healthier hair growth once again. There is no single hair loss treatment that works for everyone. In fact, it would be quite amazing if somoene used a single baldness treatment that completely solved their problem. The best hair loss treatment is in fact a combination of the best known products in a way that is tailored to your individual circumstances.
Generally, the most effective regime for preventing/reversing hair loss is a combination of 3 or 4 products:
1) DHT Inhibitors - Work to inhibit the negative effects of DHT2) Growth Stimulators - artificially stimulate growth in the hair follicle3) Hair vitamins - these products actually provide all the clinical proven vitamins and minerals required to help hair grow to its fullest and thickest4) Hair and Scalp Cleaners - these products provide proper hair and scalp hygiene and nutrition.
In all cases, the most effective hair loss treatment will involve a combination of the above options. That is because there is no single solution that tackles the cause and the effect of baldness in everyone.
Author Bio
Written by Jim McDonald, a contributing writer for http://www.hairloss-baldness.info, an informative website about Baldness and what treatments are available.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
There is no magic potion that will instantly give you back a full crop of thick, lush hair. But if we look at the way advances in hair loss treatments have evolved recently, perhaps we're not far from it.
Hair loss can be caused by many factors, the most common being Pattern Baldness which affects more then 40% of the male population. Women also suffer from hair loss, although the causes can be quite different than in men. Baldness can be quite a degrading condition for millions of men and women, and can lead to psychological problems and feelings of self worthlessness. But the scientific discoveries in recent years have made the treatments for balding more effective, and like all medical conditions, if you act on the problem when it is in it's infancy, you've got a better chance of minimizing the effects, or even reversing the condition.
The causes for hair loss are many and varied
Genetic 'Pattern Baldness' is the most common, but there are other very common causes such as Hormonal Imbalance, Illness, Poor Diet, Poor Hygiene, Drug Abuse and Stress. These are just the core issues that contribute to the hair loss. To get a better understanding of exactly how the hair stops to reproduce entails a bit of a scientific look at how hair actually grows.
Hair grows in 3 stages
In the first stage (Anagen) a new hair is produced and this is the stage where most growth occurs. Next, in the Catagen (Regressive) stage, the hair has stopped growing but is yet to shed. In the final stage (Telogen) the hair is resting and eventually falls out, and a new one begins to grow. In Pattern Baldness, DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) miniaturizes hair follicles by shortening the Anagen (growth) stage and at the same time can also lengthen the Telogen (resting) stage. This is usually a gradual process, and the end result is an increase in the number of short, thin hairs which are barely visible above the scalp.
There is hope, because while any hair is growing then various treatments can be administered to re-balance/block the DHT and promote healthier hair growth once again. There is no single hair loss treatment that works for everyone. In fact, it would be quite amazing if somoene used a single baldness treatment that completely solved their problem. The best hair loss treatment is in fact a combination of the best known products in a way that is tailored to your individual circumstances.
Generally, the most effective regime for preventing/reversing hair loss is a combination of 3 or 4 products:
1) DHT Inhibitors - Work to inhibit the negative effects of DHT2) Growth Stimulators - artificially stimulate growth in the hair follicle3) Hair vitamins - these products actually provide all the clinical proven vitamins and minerals required to help hair grow to its fullest and thickest4) Hair and Scalp Cleaners - these products provide proper hair and scalp hygiene and nutrition.
In all cases, the most effective hair loss treatment will involve a combination of the above options. That is because there is no single solution that tackles the cause and the effect of baldness in everyone.
Author Bio
Written by Jim McDonald, a contributing writer for http://www.hairloss-baldness.info, an informative website about Baldness and what treatments are available.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
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