Can Sleep Save Your Life?

Supported with statistical data, turning back the clock one hour this weekend may reduce the number of heart attacks Americans will suffer in the following week. As covered on the Today Show, studies conducted by Swedish researchers point out the fact that there are approximately 5% fewer heart attacks on the Monday following the gain in an additional hour of sleep.
Sleep is a vital event that is necessary for our bodies to be healthy. Depriving ourselves of sleep takes a toll on our overall health. More than just bags under our eyes, sleep deprivation also takes a toll on our systems. Everything from a weakened immune system to compromised cardiovascular systems, our bodies pay the price. While it may be difficult to always obtain the optimal 8 hours of sleep each night, there are many sleep aids that can help. Natural sleep aids and store bought sleep aids are not treated equal though. Be aware of anything that can be addiction forming.
Sleep deprivation and reaction time also have a strong correlation. Studies show that the deprivation of sleep dramatically reduces our alertness and slows down our reaction time. There is nothing worse than a sleep deprived driver. Take these statistics for example, in 1998, 24,318 deaths were cited from accidents related to sleep deprivation in the US. There were as well 2,474,430 disabling injuries resulting from accidents where decreased mental efficiency and attentiveness due to sleep loss as the major causative factor (Health Guidance).
As it can be deduced, being well rested is important for our overall health. Sleep helps us to fight of colds, repair cuts and bruises and also help regulates our body functions.

Read more!

Hoodia Helps Curb Appetites

The number is staggering as to how much of the population is considered obese. As a culture the shift from an active lifestyle to a sedentary life style has had added to our waistlines and pushed the needle on the scale further to the right. While there are many solutions to this obesity crisis, one popular option is consuming an appetite suppressant. Popular with celebrities and many Americans, being able to decipher between safe and effective appetite suppressants and those that are dangerous is a constant puzzle of separating fact from fiction. Diet pills that contain Ephedra have been banned due to dangerous side effects, and have given all diet pills a bad rap. There are some same safe appetite suppressants on the market, the most popular being Hoodia, which will be further explored.
Native to South Africa, Hoodia is the only known appetite suppressant that poses no known harmful side effects. Hoodia, unlike other suppressants, does not stimulate the mind or body, rather Hoodia sends a signal to the brain telling the brain that it is full. Hoodia does not have any side effects or bitter taste.
Hoodia has been used by African Bushmen for tens of thousands of years to curb hunger pangs while on hunts. Hoodia has been considered part of their diet. While this plant has been used to suppress the appetite, until it was noticed that cows that grazed on the plant lost weight, was the correlation made between weight loss and Hoodia.

Read more!

Getting More Bang for Your Nutritional Buck

A dollar certainly does not go as far as it used to before. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the grocery store. Trying to plan healthy and nutritious meals while on a mission to lose weight may seem like an impossible task but following these specific weight loss tips will be friendly to your budget and figure.
1. Pick up a Sunday paper and start clipping coupons: Many manufacturers spend a lot of money printing and distributing coupons in the Sunday paper. By taking a few moments each week to cut out the savings, you can save hundreds of dollars each year. Also, as an incentive to shop at their store, most super markets will double the value of a coupon up to a dollar. Also, search the store weekly flyer for additional values: With competition being tight, stores are aggressively competing against each other to maximize business. This being said, many stores offer a two for one special on many everyday staples such as cereal and meat products.
2. Plan meals in advance: A little forethought can save time and money when sharing key ingredients. For example if chicken is on sale at a great price, it is a very versatile ingredient that is adaptable to many dishes. If you don’t feel like chicken more than once in a week, freeze it for later use.
3. Buy in bulk: Membership clubs are a great way to cut on the cost of food. This is a great place to stock up on canned goods and nonperishable ingredients like grains, and rice. Beware of the candy isle though if you are trying to lose weight!
4. Grow your own produce or visit a local farmers’ market: Growing your own produce is a great hobby as well as a great way to save money. Growing your own produce also assures you that no harmful pesticides were used. If you don’t have time to explore your green thumb, visit your farmers market for great values. Once you taste fruits and vegetables from a local market you will never buy produce from the store again.
5. Go to the store on a full stomach: Going to the store on a full stomach will reduce the chances of filling your cart up with junk food.

Read more!

Milk…Does a Body Good

Everyone is sporting them these days, from Martha Stewart to Laila Ali, the milk mustache is the latest fashion statement to hit the town. Recent popularity in drinking milk has sprouted from research results suggesting that calcium, a plentiful mineral found in milk, may increase fat burning in cells and thus increase results for those people who want to lose weight.
Research shows that fat burning in cells is a direct correlation with the levels of calcium in cells. The higher the level of calcium in a cell, the greater the fat burning that occurs. While dairy products with calcium are an effective way to lose weight, the best way to lose weight is to monitor your diet and exercise regularly.
When choosing dairy products, it is important to stick with low-fat dairy products, as high fat products can lead to weight gain. Examine what constitutes the dairy in your diet now; obviously skim or fat free milk is better for you than whole milk. If you are currently drinking whole milk gradually work your way down to milk with a lower fat content. Low Fat yogurt, when mixed with fruit makes a great meal. Substituting yogurt for calorie rich dairy products like sour cream is also a great way to lose weight.
Besides the slimming effects calcium has on your waistline, calcium is also a vital mineral for maintaining strong, hard and healthy bones and teeth. Daily calcium supplements may help lower the risk of osteoporosis in aging women. While many women take calcium supplements later in life, it is important to be proactive in the fight against brittle bones. Making sure to get enough calcium as a child and teenager is the best proactive stance against osteoporosis later in life.

Read more!

Staying Fit While Traveling

Traveling, while exciting and always an adventure, can set us off our regular routines. This break in routine can lead to poor eating habits, weight gain, and sleep loss. To maintain healthy ways to lose weight and to be sure that enough rest is met while on the road, follow these great tips.
1. Watch what you eat: Travelling, especially when associated with works finds many travelers at the mercy of eating out constantly. With this being the case, try avoiding fast food restaurants, which offer mostly unhealthy meal options. If you must eat at a fast food establishment, look for options that have lower calories and fat content. Choose salads when possible, paying extra attention to using light salad dressings. Grilled chicken sandwiches are also a better alternative. Substitute fries with a side salad when possible, opt for diet beverages or water and do Not supersize.
Fortunately, all eating experiences when traveling, especially for work, are not behind the wheel of the car. When eating at a sit-down restaurant, the same rules apply. Look for entrées that are broiled or grilled. When selecting a side opt for fresh vegetables and choose your beverages wisely avoiding alcoholic and high calorie choices.
2. Get enough sleep: While this may be easier said than done, getting enough sleep will keep you alter and less irritable. If attempting to sleep in a strange environment is difficult for you, you can try some non-habit forming natural sleep aids.
3. Exercise: This is the most important of the weight loss tips for staying fit while traveling. Packing a pair of workout clothes and some sneakers take up very little room in your suitcase, but the benefits that you will feel for packing them will be a good decision. An additional benefit to packing the sneakers is that you will be able to get out and walk and explore the local culture.

Read more!

Healthy Snack Options

It is well after lunch but not quite dinner, your stomach is growling, what are you to do? While it may be tempting to give in to the vending machine there are many more healthy and nutritious options to indulge in. Particularly if you are trying to lose weight the following options are especially for you.
Apples and Peanut Butter :
This fantastic combination will satisfy many of your cravings. The sweetness of the apple combined with the creamy and rich texture of the peanut butter is a definite treat that is good for you too. Apples are packed with vitamins and minerals as well as fiber which most of us do not get enough of in our diets. Peanut butter provides protein which will help fill you up and give you energy to get to dinner.
Trail Mix:
While consumed in moderation, trail mix is a great snack for those who want to lose weight. Trail mix can be purchased premade or you can easily make your own. Try mixing some heart healthy walnuts or almonds with coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries with a few pieces of chocolate. This is the perfect snack to attack the sweet and salty cravings.
Cheese:
Loaded with calcium, cheese is a great snack. Recent studies show that people who are trying to lose weight, lost more weight when consuming more calcium rich foods than those who did not. Many companies now offer individually wrapped portions that are convenient for travel and on the go. Be aware of the type of cheese you choose. Softer cheeses are often higher in fat than harder cheeses.
100 Calorie Packs:
One of the greatest products to hit grocery market shelves since sliced bread are the 100 calorie snack packs. These proportioned packages contain our favorite indulgences in 100 calorie portions. We now do not have to feel like we are depriving ourselves. Just remember to limit the indulgence to one. While the portions are smaller they still contain sugar which can sneak up if not being watched.

Read more!

Halloween Candy: Tricks or Treats

Halloween is Friday, and as droves of fairy princesses and pirates knock on doors looking for some sweet treats, finding it ” difficult” to not indulge yourself may be the greatest understatement of all. Tortured by chocolates and sweets wrapped in special Halloween wrappers, the following weight loss tips will help you to get through this scary night.
Buy candy that you do not like: If you don’t like a specific type of candy, buy it to hand it out to the trick-or-treaters. Purchasing some brand that is not as enticing to your palate will increase the chances that you will not over indulge.
Eat a big healthy supper before handing out the candy: Having a full satisfied stomach while handing out Halloween treat will make it less tempting to dig into the candy dish.
Make a special Halloween treat for yourself: This is one of the great weight loss tips for anytime. Make a healthy treat to satisfy your cravings with. For example if you love chocolate, make a nice cup of hot cocoa. There are many brands of hot chocolate on the market that are available without sugar and fat. Making it from scratch with cocoa powder and skim milk will also provide that chocolate fix. If apple cider is more your thing, this is also available in unsweetened options as well.
Get rid of extra candy: Take it to work or give it away, just make sure that it is out of sight. Why tempt yourself when you don’t have to. Out of sight-out of mind.
Hand out healthy options: Why not pass along some healthy practices to the children. Hand out raisins or other sweet snacks that are healthy. This is a weight loss tip that can be passed along.

Read more!

Achieving a Positive Body Image

Take a moment to close your eyes and visualize yourself. Is what you see an image that conjures up positive or negative feelings? Body image equates to our perception of how we physically see ourselves, and how we feel about ourselves. Yes we all have imperfections, but let’s face it that is what makes us unique, what make us who we are.
When we own a positive body image, we are comfortable with who we are, how we look and how we feel. A positive body image is one that appreciates the body for what it is and accepts the fact that very little can be done to change certain factors. Unfortunately, negative body images stem from unrealistic illusions that are obsessed over.
Since many feelings of a negative body image are based on weight, the decision to lose weight is a great way to begin the process of turning the negative into a positive. Starting an exercise regime that consists of weight training as well as cardio based activities is the best way to lose weight . Eating a healthy diet that is well balanced and low in sugar and processed foods is the second part of the equation to lose weight.
While we cannot all look like the airbrushed models on magazine covers, we can certainly feel good about who we are and make healthy decisions.

Read more!

Not All Energy Drinks Are Created Equal

We all know that it is important to exercise, but it is equally important to stay hydrated while doing so. As we exercise we increase the internal temperature of our body. The process of sweating is our body’s natural cooling system. Sweating, which is the process of the loss of water equals the loss of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, all vital to keep our systems running properly. Energy drinks are useful in the quest to replenish these lost nutrients.
Consumers need to be aware that all energy drinks are not created equal. Next time you are at the store looking for an energy drink take a look at the label. Amazing isn’t it, how much sugar is present in something that is supposed to be good for you? Additionally these drinks are rather high on the carbohydrate count which can be devastating to those trying to maintain a low carbohydrate diet.
It is often recommended that unless you are an athlete participating in extremely intense physical activity that you only drink water to replenish the fluids lost during exercise. However it the taste and convenience of energy drinks is something that you crave, you should consider the following factors when choosing the best energy drink :
Calories: Beware some energy drinks contain more calories than were actually burned during exercise
Serving Size: Look at the serving size and number of servings per container. Most energy drinks contain more than one serving per bottle, being unaware of this fact is one of the sneaky little ways extra calories sneak up on you.
Sugar: On average a can of soda contains 9 teaspoons of sugar! You might find it surprising that some energy drinks contain an equal amount if not more!

Read more!

Yoga for Weight Loss

Increasing in popularity in Western cultures, the practice of asana, or yoga, as it is more popularly known, is a series of movements that are done in sequences that maximize the flow of oxygen and blood through the body. Focusing on the mind, spirit and body in union, yoga provides numerous health benefits.
Originating over 5,000 years ago this Hindu philosophy is a great way to lose weight. Involving the body as a whole, those who practice yoga achieve multiple benefits of which include strength, flexibility, and confidence.
Based o n a sequence of poses, yoga is also the best way to lose weight because those who practice yoga have achieve better breathing, posture, and muscle tone. Building muscle tone is a necessary component for fat burning.
The practice of yoga is an individual experience. Unlike other activities, which are based on competition, yoga is a personal journey that focuses on physical, mental and spiritual growth of each individual. It has been said about yoga that the physical achievements lead to spiritual discovery.
Since yoga is a personal experience, no matter what the level of fitness an individual is at, everyone can participate. Starting off slow and building up to a challenging practice is the best way to practice. Often times however, the intensity of a yoga regime is not enough to raise your heart rate to a level of aerobic exercise. In this instance it is recommended that it be practiced in conjunction with a running or walking routine.
Due to the gentle nature of yoga, many pregnant women are able to participate in yoga during pregnancy, and find it a great way to lose weight fast after birth.

Read more!

Choose Nature to help Nurture

While herbal remedies are not a full replacement for modern medicine, their use in everyday life can help promote healthy living and ward off more serious problems. Herbal remedies are a very cost effective way to maintain health and cure minor ailments. Though they are usually safe and natural, if you suffer from any serious ailments, you should consult your physician before trying anything.
The following online herbal remedies advice covers some of the most frequently inquired topics.
Anxiety: To help ease feelings of anxiety, the calming effects of lavender will do the trick. A few drop of lavender oil in a bath is an easy way to ease tension and frustration.
Motion Sickness: Motion sickness can be eased with ginger. First used in China centuries ago, it is still a popular and effective way to reduce motion sickness. When taken before a long car or boat ride, the benefits of ginger are the most effective.
Digestive Problems: Digestive problems can be controlled with chamomile. This gentle herb can be found in teas and supplements. While it may not work for those with certain allergies, its widespread use is tried and proven.
Athlete’s Foot: Tea Tree Oil can beneficial to those who suffer from athlete’s foot. The anti-fungal properties are also beneficial to those who suffer from dandruff.

Read more!

Tips for a better night’s sleep

If you find yourself counting sheep at night, and are afraid of addiction forming sleep aids, there are many natural sleep aids that can help. Some sleep aids are as basic as changing your daily habits. Activities such as sticking to a schedule will increase the chances of having a better night’s sleep. Going to bed and waking at the same time everyday puts your body in a rhythm that promotes better sleep. Additionally cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can help eliminate shallow sleep cycles and disruptions in sleeping fully.
It is equally essential to create an environment that promotes sleep. Ridding the bedroom of clutter and distraction will promote a feeling of rest and relaxation. Hiding the alarm clock can be helpful in preventing the habit of waking to see how much time there is before needing to wake. Constantly waking to see how much time is left before needing to wake can be a stressful habit that affects the rest of our day.
Bedroom temperature is important as well. Try to keep the bedroom a cool temperature to ensure a sleep inducing environment.
Remember sleep deprivation and reaction time goes hand in hand. In order to perform at our optimum, we must get our fully rest every night.

Read more!

Tips to keep in mind while dining out

Dining out is a favorite pastime for many. Going out to eat is a great time to socialize with family and friends, and is often a much anticipated event. For those who are on a diet, however, going out to eat can be a daunting experience. Incorporating the following weight loss tips can be very useful when confronted with many tempting decisions.
Pass on the bread: While this may be a hard one to give up, skipping the bread basket can save around 100 calories per slice. The calories savings is even greater when you factor in the butter and oil that we usually smother the bread with.
Skip on the alcoholic beverages: This is not only one of many great weight loss tips, it is also a great tip to fatten your wallet. Alcoholic beverages are often high in calories and full of sugar, and carbohydrates. Simply by ordering water or unsweetened iced tea, many calories and dollars can be saved.
Share a meal: Sharing your meal or taking half home is a great way to cut on the calories. Most places have portions that are much larger than what we need. Being able to spread out the calories or sharing them with someone else will be much more beneficial to your waistline.
Eat slowly: Twenty minutes is the time it usually takes for your brain to realize that it is full. Eating slowly will give you time to process the signal that you are full. What is the rush anyway, dining out is an experience to savor and enjoy.
Skip dessert: While we may abide by the rules and eat a healthful and well portioned meal, indulging in a calorie rich dessert can pack in just as many, if not more calories than our whole meal. If you simply cannot pass up that inviting dessert, the best weight loss tip is to share.

Tips to keep in mind while dining out
Dining out is a favorite pastime for many. Going out to eat is a great time to socialize with family and friends, and is often a much anticipated event. For those who are on a diet, however, going out to eat can be a daunting experience. Incorporating the following weight loss tips can be very useful when confronted with many tempting decisions.
Pass on the bread: While this may be a hard one to give up, skipping the bread basket can save around 100 calories per slice. The calories savings is even greater when you factor in the butter and oil that we usually smother the bread with.
Skip on the alcoholic beverages: This is not only one of many great weight loss tips, it is also a great tip to fatten your wallet. Alcoholic beverages are often high in calories and full of sugar, and carbohydrates. Simply by ordering water or unsweetened iced tea, many calories and dollars can be saved.
Share a meal: Sharing your meal or taking half home is a great way to cut on the calories. Most places have portions that are much larger than what we need. Being able to spread out the calories or sharing them with someone else will be much more beneficial to your waistline.
Eat slowly: Twenty minutes is the time it usually takes for your brain to realize that it is full. Eating slowly will give you time to process the signal that you are full. What is the rush anyway, dining out is an experience to savor and enjoy.
Skip dessert: While we may abide by the rules and eat a healthful and well portioned meal, indulging in a calorie rich dessert can pack in just as many, if not more calories than our whole meal. If you simply cannot pass up that inviting dessert, the best weight loss tip is to share.

Read more!

Winter Workout Safety

Just because the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder is no excuse to store away those sneakers until spring. While it may be difficult to go outside when it is cold, the best way to lose weight is to keep active and exercise. With the season of get together, parties and family gatherings getting nearer many of us want to lose weight fast; the following tips will help you to dress properly for those cold weather workouts.
Dress in layers:
The best way to keep warm is to dress in layers. Start with a base layer of a moisture wicking fabric. This is very important as moisture wicking fabrics pull moisture from your body keeping you warm and dry. Make sure your base layer is not cotton. Cotton will absorb moisture and keep you cold and wet. This can lead to hypothermia.
Wear reflective clothing:
Since it gets darker earlier it is very important to wear reflective clothing that drivers and others can see from a distance. Another option is to wear some clothing with blinking LEDs.
Stretch:
Make sure you warm up and properly cool down. After doing so, make sure that you incorporate some stretching. Stretching will help prevent injury and help you to feel better as well.
Stay hydrated:
When it is cold outside, we often drink less. When we do drink, the beverage that we often reach for do more harm than good. Drinking coffee to warm up contains caffeine which can lead to more dehydration. Make sure that you drink your recommended 8 glasses of water a day.
Following these safety tips are very important to helping you to stay on track to lose weight.

Read more!

Healthy Fall Foods

If you are like me then you know that there is nothing better than fresh produce from your backyard garden (or farmers market). While your garden may have closed up shop for the winter, it doesn’t mean that your fresh food options have closed too. We all know the best way to lose weight is to exercise and eat healthy. Keeping healthy eating in mind, fall introduces many fresh fruits and vegetables that are packed with delicious flavor and nutrition whose season peaks when the air turns colder. While there are many delicious options 5 favorites are as follows:
Cranberries:
Fresh cranberries are one of nature’s most powerful combatants against disease. Did you know that there is five times more antioxidant fighting power in cranberries that in a serving of broccoli? This attribute helps cranberries to fight against urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Cranberries have also been noted to have the ability to help fight cancer, and raise levels of HDL in the blood.
A half cup serving of cranberries contains only 23 calories and is an excellent source of vitamins C, K and dietary fiber.
Oranges:
A perfect transportable snack as well as a tasty addition too many recipes, oranges provide high doses of vitamin C. This attribute helps in warding off colds, which so many are prone to in the winter time.
Grapes:
Due to their high content in tannin, grapes are an excellent virus fighter. Grapes may also fight against cancer due to their high levels of caffeic acid, which is a great cancer fighter. A personal favorite treat of mine is frozen grapes. This little treat helps me to keep to my goal to lose weight.
Pomegranates:
Containing only 105 calories per serving, this tasty fruit native to the Middle East is a great fighter against the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Pomegranates also promote good prostrate health and are a great source of potassium.
Permissions:
This fruit is loaded with iron and vitamin C and provides a creamy and smooth texture. Permissions can be identifies with their reddish-orange colored skin and sweet-tangy flavor.

Read more!

What are the health benefits of oatmeal?

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and what a better way to get your nutrients than through a heart healthy bowl of oatmeal. Just half a cup of oatmeal offers five grams of heart healthy fiber and only 130 calories. The fiber in this particular breakfast food can help us lower our cholesterol and maintain a healthy body weight.

As you can see from its texture, oatmeal is also great at curbing our appetite. What this means is that you will not be reaching for a snack shortly after breakfast. Oatmeal has this great way of keeping us feeling full hours longer than traditional breakfast. Atop of its appetite controlling properties, oatmeal (along with other grains such as: whole wheat, barley, rye, millet, brown rice and wild rice) can help reduce the risk of diabetes. And as many of us know, diabetes is a major factor for heart disease.

When choosing the best grains, you should make sure to purchase whole grains not refined grains. Refined or processed grains lose their nutrients and fiber in the midst of production. So be sure that whatever you purchase is in fact whole grain. Some other foods besides oatmeal which are rich in beneficial nutrients and fiber include whole grain breads and whole grain pastas. Now that you know all of the benefits found in oatmeal and other products alike, the next question to ask is how much should you be consuming daily? Well, in order to reap the full benefits of fiber, your intake of the compound should be between 21-38 grams daily (depending on your age). A great start to reaching that daily goal is to begin your day with a bowl of heart healthy oatmeal.

Read more!

Don’t Let Cold Weather Keep You From Exercising

by Susan Patterson

As fall and winter settle in, many new dieters have to move their exercise routines indoors to keep up with their weight loss success. Many people find this difficult, as they think they will finally have to face the reality of working out in a gym. People who are severely overweight may be extremely uncomfortable with this idea and give up entirely. But don’t despair; just because you exercise inside does not mean you have to go to a gym to do it. Follow these suggestions for moving your workouts indoors.

Find a local recreation center. Run by the county government, these facilities may have an indoor track. If not, they may also have basketball and racquetball courts. As long as you are not interfering with any activities in progress, you could walk around the perimeter of the court several times. If the court is empty, try jump-roping or doing sprints and other calisthenics to make the most of your time. Take up racquetball and play by yourself or with a partner. Racquetball is a great whole-body workout, and a few short sessions a week will do the trick. It may pay to get a monthly pass.

Hit the mall. Your local mall is its own track. Try walking all the way around several times and go up and down some stairs for an extra boost. Beware of the temptations; many malls have smoothie shops that contain seemingly healthy drinks that have loads of unneeded calories or sugar. Bring your own water with you. If you want to treat yourself, keep it to once a week and do your homework beforehand so you know what the best options are.

Exercise at home. If you know that you can afford to, pick a piece of exercise equipment and use it daily such as a stair stepper, elliptical trainer or treadmill. Even if you can’t afford any of those, there are some great workout DVDs you can use to get in shape. Check some out free at the library, or buy used ones on eBay. You can always download workouts to your iPod for free and follow them that way. Many pieces of exercise equipment are low-priced, such as mats, balance ball, jump ropes, and more.

Pay attention to your diet. People tend to eat more and move less when it gets cold outside. Step up your healthy eating habits by paying special attention to calories. Keep taking whatever diet pills or supplements have been working for you. If you find that you are hungry even though you are moving less, you may want to try adding a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia to your program. Find new healthier recipes for your favorite comfort foods, and be careful what you eat, especially around the holidays.

Read more!

Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally

by Susan Patterson
If your cholesterol is extremely high and your doctor feels you are at risk, he may put you on statins, a prescription drug to lower your overall cholesterol. But most people only continue these drugs for a year due to high cost and/or adverse side effects. There are ways that your cholesterol can be lowered, and you don’t have to wait for a nudge from your doctor to do it. Learn a few simple ways to naturally lower your cholesterol here.

Add cholesterol-lowering foods to your diet. There are a number of foods created especially for people with high numbers, including butters, cooking oils, and macrobiotic yogurt shots. These can be expensive, so if you are on a budget you may want to add foods that are known to help. Oatmeal is a powerful tool in your fight against high cholesterol. Eat some every morning for the best results. Adding garlic to foods also helps lower your overall cholesterol, and heart-healthy fats like those found in olive oil can also do the trick. Everyday new foods are being discovered that help.

Take a supplement. Any supplement containing a significant amount of Omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil or flaxseed oil will do the trick. Other supplements based on food are popular, like garlic and cinnamon if you don’t like the taste of these when added to your diet. Cinnamon is helpful for weight loss, too. Vitamins B-3 and B-5 are both great for lowering LDL and raising HDL. Some opt for B-3 (also called Niacin) in larger doses, which is only available by prescription. Guggulipid and Green Tea are plant-based extracts that are popular, as well as magnesium. Whichever supplement you choose, be sure to inform your doctor of any you are taking.

Eat right. Our diet is the largest contributor to cholesterol, so it’s important to be conscious of what you consume. Experts recommend a Mediterranean style diet with unsaturated fats and plenty of fresh food. If you’re having trouble with your weight, you might want to try some herbal diet pills that don’t have the troublesome effects of chemically-based ones. Be sure to get plenty of exercise as well. A natural appetite suppressant such as hoodia may get you on the right track to eating appropriate portions and avoiding temptation.

Read more!

Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

by Susan Patterson
With the holidays around the corner, many who have their diets under control may be fearful about the wave of parties and events centered around food in the coming months. If this is your first holiday season following your healthy lifestyle, you may be apprehensive about how to handle social situations with endless buffet tables and overflowing dessert trays. While it is easy to get off track, there are a few strategies you can follow to stay on the beam.

Accountability is key during these treacherous times. Set up a system if you don’t already have one in place. A food diary is a powerful tool to keep you heading in the right direction. You may not overeat if you know that you will have to write it all down. Putting it on the internet is even better. Even if no one is reading, you still have the sense that someone else will see. Get a partner to help you through tough times, either by a supportive phone call when temptation strikes or even attending events with you. Seeing your buddy’s face may keep you from going back for seconds.

Deal with your issues surrounding eating. Experts say that those who pretend the food is not there or use other avoidance strategies are less successful. Sometimes certain foods, smells in particular, can evoke certain emotions you may not be aware of. Either pleasant or painful, these memories or feelings may cause you to eat without realizing what happened. Deal with these things before hitting the party, and have a strategy in place to deal with them more sophisticated than ignoring your emotions. Find out why things make you feel the way you do can take the power away from them.

Use other tools to help you. If you are taking diet pills, don’t stop because you know you want to eat more. A natural appetite suppressant such as hoodia may keep your cravings in check. Take it about an hour before your first event. Though not as popular, pocket calorie counters may help you avoid wrecking your day’s diet in a couple of hours. Eat light throughout the day to avoid any major damage, or eat before getting to the party so you will be almost full when you get there. The important thing is to use every tool possible to avoid caving.

Read more!

A Primer on Alternative Medicine

by Susan Patterson
Alternative Medicine has been gaining popularity in the west in recent years. Frustrated with ineffective therapies or medications that cause severe side effects, many people have turned to other therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine to heal whatever ails them. Still others take herbal supplements as a preventative measure to guard against high cholesterol and heart disease. While many of these therapies can be effective, some also offer false hope in curing conditions where traditional medicine is actually more effective.

Acupuncture is a centuries old Chinese therapy used to unblock the body’s energy along points called meridians. The acupuncturist uses long, thin needles, sticking them in the skin in certain areas. The theory to acupuncture is that the body contains energy which is also called chi. When the chi is unable to flow freely, pain develops. By unblocking these areas, the chi can again flow freely and the pain subsides. Studies have shown positive results when using this therapy for nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy and post surgery. It is mostly used for pain.

Homeopathy is a form of medicine where it is believed that the substance that could cause the problem is what can cure you. It is used for chronic illnesses like arthritis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome but not considered appropriate for serious diseases like cancer and heart disease. These medicines are delivered via alcohol-based tinctures or sugar pellets placed under the tongue. Many critics state that homeopathic medicines are too diluted to cure, but studies show a difference between these concoctions and placebos. More research is needed to gauge their effectiveness.

Herbal medicine is the most popular alternative therapy today. Formulas are created for nearly every condition under the sun and are widely available at pharmacies without a prescription. They are especially popular in diet pills and for depression. These are taken in supplement form and many times do not have the same side effects as medication. Many consider these safer and less expensive alternatives to prescription drugs. A good example of this is the natural appetite suppressant hoodia, which is thousands of times more effective than glucose in telling the brain the body is full, without the same side effects as harmful stimulants like caffeine or the now-banned ephedra.

Read more!

Eat These Superfoods for a Longer Life

by Susan Patterson

If you’re looking for a more natural way to lower cholesterol and blood pressure while preventing heart disease, incorporating superfoods into your diet is an excellent choice. A superfood is anything that contains a high level of essential nutrients that are scientifically proven to have specific health benefits. Unlike prescription drugs, naturally incorporating nutrients in your diet through food is a great way to get the benefits without side effects. These are not meant to replace drugs if you have a serious condition, but could help them be more effective.

While many think superfoods have to be rare and exotic like the popular acai fruit from the Amazon, there are lots of food you may already eat that have added health benefits. Blueberries, for example are not only a good source of Vitamin C and Potassium, but they are also packed with antioxidants and fight inflammation. Because they lower your risk of cancer and heart disease, blueberries are highly-recommended by doctors and nutritionists. To get the benefits, you only need to eat a half-cup, either fresh or frozen.

Pumpkin is not just for Halloween anymore. This superfood is rich in vitamins, Potassium, Magnesium, and other nutrients. Eating pumpkin is associated with decreased risks of cancer, heart disease, and essential to eye health. The beta carotene in this food is found to decrease lung cancer, but only when eaten and not as a stand-alone supplement. The lutein and other substances present prevent your eyes from substantial damage as well. Pumpkin is also touted as a great food for losing weight, possibly working better than diet pills. This is due to its low calorie content and high fiber, which can make you feel fuller longer and keep you regular.

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help you live a longer life. The polyphenols found in it are helpful in fighting free radicals that can cause severe damage to your body. Unlike other superfoods, however, a little bit goes a long way as dark chocolate is full of fat and calories that can wreck your waistline. Keep intake at 100 grams per day. Because of the calories, you will need to cut out some food from your diet if you choose to indulge daily. If hunger is a problem, try using a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia to keep cravings at bay.

Read more!

Can Internet Dieting Work For Me?

by Susan Patterson

The internet is a great tool for gathering information. In recent years it has become a powerful ally in weight loss due to the ability to connect with others from around the globe quickly and easily. Diet plans have sprung up all over the web, and many major programs like Weight Watchers are now completely available online. But how well do they really work? Should you spend the money? The answers to these and other questions depend on a number of factors.

If you spend a lot of time on the internet, an online dieting service may be for you. They are fairly inexpensive to join, with low monthly fees that automatically charge to the credit card of your choice. The program usually begins with a questionnaire to get an idea of where you are currently with your health, your preferences, and any conditions you may have that affect your diet and exercise ability. As with any online business, be sure to do your homework and make sure it is a reputable company before handing over your credit card number. Go online and find people who have tried the program and are satisfied or are still members.

Most online diet programs are structured the same way. When you log in with your username and password, you are taken to a members’ area that gives you different options. Here you can usually find personalized diet and exercise plans complete with shopping lists, as well as access to support through forums and other means. These pages easily keep you organized, allowing you to focus on losing weight instead of where you put your shopping list or who you need to return a phone call to. The forums are usually topical, allowing you to tailor discussions to your needs, be it diet pills or time management.

The most positive feedback about these online diet programs come from the sense of community one feels. Through interactions with other members online or even in person, users report a feeling of belonging. The advice they receive is from other people who have struggled with the same problem. So if looking for the best hoodia supplement or what not to eat for breakfast, dieters are confident that the solutions they get are real world suggestions from people who have been there, done that.

Read more!

Stay Healthy by Eating Chocolate

by Susan Patterson

Who says you can’t have chocolate and stay healthy? Those who eat dark chocolate can lower their blood pressure and fight off heart disease. It fights free radicals, too. Unlike other types of chocolate, dark chocolate is packed full of antioxidants, the molecules that eliminate free radicals that lead to all types of diseases. It has eight times the amount of antioxidants than strawberries, making it a superfood for its disease fighting qualities. But hold the milk; studies show that milk interferes with the absorption of antioxidants.

Dark chocolate contains flavanoids called procyanidins and epicatechins; these are specific kinds of antioxidants known as polyphenols that are found in red wine, tea, and many fruits and vegetables. It also increases the blood flow in the arteries and helps reduce the risk of blood clots. If you have mildly high blood pressure, dark chocolate may help reduce it. The serotonin found in it can boost your mood and increase feelings of pleasure, also triggering a rise in endorphins. Nutritionally speaking, calcium, magnesium and potassium are another benefit of consuming dark chocolate on a regular basis.

While dark chocolate does contain fat, the type of fat present plays a large role in its health benefits. Oleic acid, which is also found in olive oil, is the fat that helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Stearic acid is also a fat, but it is said to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, not affecting it at all. The only type of fat to watch out for is palmiric acid, which can increase the risk for heart disease. This only makes up one third of the fat content in dark chocolate.

This doesn’t mean that you can eat as much chocolate as you wish. Dark chocolate is still high in calories and fat, no matter how beneficial the fat may be. If you are looking for quick weight loss, you might want to keep this out of your diet. If you do choose to eat it, the dark chocolate will replace something else in your diet and you will need to cut those calories out. If cravings or hunger are a problem, you might want to add a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia. This will keep you feeling full so you don’t overeat.

Read more!

Overcome Mental Barriers to Exercise

by Susan Patterson
Many people know what they should do to lose weight, but for obese women, there are several mental blocks that keep them from exercising. A study at Temple University of 278 women showed that women who were severely overweight had a hard time exercising because of several reasons. Among these were the feel that they were too fat to exercise, fear of injury or failure, thinking their health was too poor, having aches and pains and feeling self-conscious. Women were given follow-up questionnaires at three and twelve months, and these attitudes prevailed over the entire course of the study for those who were overweight. But you can overcome these attitudes and lose weight. Let’s look at them in more detail.

There is no required body type for exercise. Of course, being overweight will limit what you can do, but there’s no such thing as being too fat to exercise. Walking is the preferred exercise for most, and it is easy to start and doesn’t require any special equipment. Though this activity will not promote quick weight loss, it is easy to see progress and will help prepare you for higher-intensity activities. Start by walking around the block, and work your way up to a greater distance over time. It’s a great confidence builder and you will start to feel more comfortable with your body doing this. This can also help with feelings of self-consciousness and fear of failure.

Fear of injury is very real for anyone who is very overweight. Poor balance and undeveloped muscle makes it very easy for you to hurt yourself. But choosing a low impact, gentle activity will help keep you from getting injured. There are specially designed yoga classes for plus-sized people that are gentler and easier to participate in than more advanced ones. Make sure you stretch thoroughly before and after exercising and follow proper form. Use a mirror or partner to help you make sure that your movements match those of what you are trying to do. Stretching also helps avoid aches and pains, as does a hot bath with Epsom salt.

Just like there’s no required body type to start exercising, there is also no minimum health condition. If you have severe health problems, make sure you work very closely with your doctor before and during any type of exercise program. If breathing is an issue, try walking or swimming at a pace that won’t make you lose your breath. There are many exercises you can do. Always be sure to eat a sensible diet, and if cravings are a problem, try using an appetite suppressant like hoodia. Keep your doctor informed of any progress and setbacks you encounter, and use common sense. If something doesn’t feel right for you, don’t do it.

Read more!

The Jerusalem Diet Takes a Different Approach

by Susan Patterson

Everyone has a goal weight in mind. Sometimes when we’re dieting we get so caught up on the desired end result that each day we forget to rejoice in the small miracles that happen on our journey. Don’t obsess over your goal weight. Set small short-term goals. The Jerusalem Diet can help shift the focus from that final number to the daily changes that occur along the way.

The plan is pretty simple, and you don’t need a lot of fancy exercise equipment or expensive food to lose. There are two types of eating patterns, one called “fat” and the other “normal.” Make sure that you have a calendar and scale before you begin. When you start, you want to weigh yourself in the morning and write down your weekly goal weight for the next few months. Simply subtract one pound each week and write that as your goal.

To decide which kind of eating plan you will follow, you must weight yourself every morning. If you are equal to or below your goal weight for the week it is a normal day. Anything above your goal means it’s a fat day. On normal days, you can eat whatever you like without worrying about exercise. For the fat days, you can only eat fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. You can’t drink anything but water and have to exercise for at least one hour on these days. Many people have reported success with this diet, as it requires a daily shift in habits. Some even experience quick weight loss at a higher rate than one pound a week, though that’s all the diet requires.

This diet is rather simple to implement and can be used in conjunction with other plans. It doesn’t promote any radical theories like food combining or no carbohydrates, but a gradual change in habits that lead to permanent weight loss. By allowing you to make your own choices most of the time, the goal is for you to naturally choose what’s best for you based on the results you see. If hunger is a problem, try using an appetite suppressant like hoodia to help make it through those fat days.

Read more!

Ancient Diet Techniques for Modern Times

by Susan Patterson
Dieting is as old as mankind. Even though many prefer to stay on top of new diet trends and follow the diet of the day, many older dieting techniques can help you lose weight. The Mediterranean eating habits remain a favorite among health care professionals, but there is the Jerusalem Diet and the Hawaiian Diet. Fasting was practiced for health as well as religious reasons. All these lifestyle changes are as valid today as they were when initially practiced. Let’s explore them and find one that may work for you.

With the Mediterranean Diet, everything is cooked in olive oil, even desserts. The emphasis is on fresh food with very little red meat. Greens are the largest part of the diet. The simplicity is what makes it a success. Nothing is ever cooked in heavy creams or marinated, and little spices are used. Top it all off with whole grains, seeds, and other natural condiments for a diet low in saturated fat and high in heart healthy ingredients.

The Jerusalem Diet takes a one day at a time approach. Each week you begin with a target weight that is one pound less. Weigh yourself each morning, and if at your goal it is a “normal” day, which means you can eat what you like and not exercise. If you haven’t yet reached your weight it is a “fat” day, meaning that you can only eat fruits, nuts, vegetables and seeds. Only drink water on fat days and exercise for one hour. While this may seem an odd approach, it helps focus on your current weight instead of your end goal. This may be helpful for quick weight loss, and the author encourages people to combine this with other plans.

Unlike newer trends in eating, The Hawaiian Diet takes a high-fiber, high-carb approach. The goal is to eat less than 10% of your day’s calories from fat. The information is somewhat basic and buying the kit can be expensive. Each food is assigned a number based on fat content. You want to consume as much of the higher number foods as possible. You eat 2500 calories a day, so it is important to add a lot of activity to avoid gaining weight. There are also some special foods that Hawaiians eat such as Poi that you may want to try. Don’t worry if you can’t find them; the book suggests substitutes.

Fasting is a very popular way to lose weight. These can be dangerous, so it is important to learn about proper procedure for fasting before you begin. Many people choose to do this for just a few days, though others may go past 30 days. Some choose a juice fast, where you do not put anything into your body but juice. Exercise is many times impossible with this diet as you have too little energy. If hunger is a real problem, you may want to try using a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia towards the end of your fast. There are specific ways to start and end a fast, so make sure you are thoroughly informed.

Read more!

Manage Your Cravings and Lose Weight

by Susan Patterson

When on a diet, it’s especially common to want what we can’t have. Cravings are common, and sometimes feel so strong that there’s no way to resist temptation and we go off our diets. The guilt from giving in keeps us from continuing with our weight loss effort, and we give up, determined that we can never be successful. But those who do lose weight and keep it off are not immune to food cravings; they just know how to manage them better. Learning more about what cravings really are could be the first step in mastery over them.

Though it’s true the human body will crave certain types of foods due to a deficiency, most cravings are not of this type. They involve the part of the brain that is the same as an addict when they need a fix. An overwhelming sense of urgency washes over you as you go for that unhealthy snack. The truth is most cravings are based on memories. What you crave is usually associated with a good memory. Eating this way tends to be emotional, while other cravings are simply based on habit, a sort of conditioning. Until you learn what to do with these cravings any type of quick weight loss will not be possible.

The first step to control cravings is to not give in to them. This may sound too simple, but studies show that simply committing to ignoring your cravings can be successful. Ones that are based on habit will easily go away, like that dessert you have half an hour after dinner. Some people struggle with this and become extremely down on themselves if they do give in. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to give in sometimes, and not all of us can always be perfect.

That office vending machine that calls your name at 11AM every weekday morning will be a lot easier to ignore if you have healthy snacks at your desk. Bring fresh fruit to help you make it through your sugar cravings. The sugar in fruit is healthier for you because it takes longer to break down in the body. If you know that your cravings cannot be conquered without outside help, try a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia. This plant tricks your brain into feeling full when taken 45 minutes before meals or normal trouble times.

Read more!

Three Facts About Supplements That You Might Not Know

by Susan Patterson

Supplements are extremely popular for those who don’t like the side effects of prescription medications or may not have severe problems but want to increase their health. Unlike medications, the medical claims of supplements sold in the United States are not evaluated by the FDA, so it is difficult to know if they are actually effective. When choosing a supplement, the amount of choices can be overwhelming, and you could end up wasting your money on an ineffective product unless you do your homework. There are also many myths surrounding these products that keep people from choosing what works best for them.

One of the biggest myths surrounding supplements is that they are safe to take because they are completely natural. Many chemicals used in prescription drugs are derived from plant-based sources. The best example of this can be seen in the weight loss category. Ma huang, an herb, was heavily used in many natural weight loss pills available without a prescription. This plant contained a substance called ephedra, which was isolated and placed in over the counter weight loss medications that promised quick weight loss. It turns out that ephedra can cause strokes, seizures and even be fatal. It was banned for sale in the United States. Caffeine, a stimulant which can cause jitters in many people, occurs naturally in many herbs used in weight loss pills today. This is why doing your research is crucial before putting anything new in your body.

When taking a special blend of herbs for a particular purpose or condition, more does not equal better. A long list of ingredients usually means that there is not enough of one particular plant to be effective. Again, research is crucial. If you can, try to find out what the optimal dosage is for any one plant before purchasing. Also, anything listed in other ingredients does not count. Even though what’s there may be beneficial, if it’s listed in this section it means there was not enough of it to be measured. These ingredients are used in the manufacturing process and are called bulk fillers or flow agents. Don’t fall into this trap. Even better, stick to supplements that contain only one ingredient to be sure you are getting the proper dosage.

Not all supplements work the same for everyone. Every body is different, which means that one person may react differently than another to the same supplement. Many take a longer time to produce results than traditional medication, so it’s important to keep taking it as suggested before you decide if it is working for you or not. Even though something started working the same day for your friend, it may take a couple of weeks or longer for you. This is especially noticeable in supplements like hoodia, where some will feel the effects from the first time taking it and others will have to wait a lot longer for the body to become saturated.

Read more!

Three Ways to Add Variety to Your Walking Workout

by Susan Patterson
Walking is hands down the most popular form of exercise around. It’s easy to start and doesn’t require anything but a good pair of shoes. Many people who are too embarrassed to try other forms of exercise enjoy a nice walk. The great thing about walking is that when done properly it burns a higher percentage of fat than other activities. But if you’ve hit a plateau or become bored with your routine, there are things you can to add more variety and burn more calories during your workout.

If you’ve been walking for awhile, you may want to try adding a little weight to your walk. Though it may seem very 80s and not as popular as before, you can easily buy an inexpensive pair of ankle weights and/or compact hand weights. The added weight will create more resistance during your walk to burn more. Just make sure you start off very light, especially around the ankles. Injuries will keep you from walking longer than planned, and could throw a wrench in your weight loss.

Change up your routine by adding other exercises in between. After walking for 15 minutes you could stop and stretch for 5 along a wall. Throw in some jumping jacks or push-ups to keep your blood moving. Even better, carry a jump rope with you and hop for one minute before going back to your walk. One minute may not seem like a lot, but jumping rope is a high-intensity activity that is great for your heart. Once you get better you can start doing different tricks like crossing your arms and hopping on one foot.

Change your landscape. Adding hills to your workout will burn more calories than flat terrain. Also, if you normally walk on pavement, try a different surface. If you are close to a beach or other sandy area, opt for that as you will burn 50% more calories here. This could lead to quick weight loss, especially if you’ve hit a plateau and can’t seem to lose any more weight.
If you can’t seem to lose weight, you may not be walking long enough. Also pay attention to your diet. Exercise helps, but only when combined with a sensible diet are you going to see the results you want. Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat lots of fresh foods. If hunger or cravings are a problem, you may want to add a hoodia supplement. This natural appetite suppressant is effective in curbing appetite without side effects. Take it to help you through those problem spots when you eat out of habit instead of hunger.

Read more!

Create a Longer, Leaner Body with Pilates

by Susan Patterson
Many women do not like weight training for fear of bulking up. Unlike men, most women want soft features and toned bodies without bulging muscles. For some of us, the high-energy gym atmosphere just isn’t our thing. Others prefer to engage their mind as well as their body. If you are looking to create a toned body through low-impact exercises in a more serene setting, Pilates may be for you. The gentleness of Pilates makes it popular for those who feel intimidated by a gym setting. But make no mistake, this doesn’t mean that it’s easy.

Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s to help fellow sufferers at internment camps in Germany. It is based on six principles: Centering, Control, Flow, Breath, Precision, and Concentration. The focus is on core strength, which is why Pilates is known for its ability to flatten abs. All moves in Pilates are based on a few fundamentals that are simple to do. The focus is on precise movement instead of number of repetitions as in strength training. And also unlike lifting weights, Pilates works several muscle groups at one time while always engaging the core muscles. This is why alignment, breath and precision are so important.

Because precision is a guiding principle of Pilates, movements are modified depending on your fitness level. This means that anyone can participate and work their way up to more advanced versions of a movement once they build up their endurance. The most important are the basics, which teach alignment of the spine and ribs, how to hold your abdominal muscles, and breath control. These form the foundation for all other mat work and must be mastered first. Not holding your abdominal muscles correctly will keep you from getting the flat abs you want.

Even though movements are gentle and flowing, Pilates can be used for weight loss. You may not experience the same type of quick weight loss you would with other methods, but this is because you are developing lean muscle, which weighs more than fat. You will notice a tightening of the body, and clothes will probably become looser. Many like to measure their weight loss in terms of inches instead of pounds, since they are more concerned with how they look than what they weigh. Make sure you follow a balanced diet. If hunger is a problem, use a supplement meant to suppress appetite like hoodia. This craving stopper has no side effects and is milder than others with caffeine or other chemicals.

Read more!

Three Bad Health Habits That Will Cut Your Life Short

by Susan Patterson
Though many habits are harmless, three in particular are the leading cause of death and tend to begin early. Cigarette smoking and excessive drinking are a given. Everyone knows the damage that is caused to the lungs by smoking and to the liver while drinking. But lack of physical activity and poor eating habits is the third killer, and over half the population is overweight. While it can be hard to break habits that are so deeply embedded, there is hope. Learn more here about the dangers of these activities and what you can do to stop them.

Cigarette smoking is linked to a number of problems, including lung cancer, emphysema and COPD. Every time you light up, you are inhaling over 400 different substances into your body, and over 25% of them are known carcinogens. Not to mention the bad breath, yellow teeth, and smelly clothes and hair you get from the cigarette smoke. Even though smoking is linked to lung cancer and breathing problems, the number one killer of smokers is heart problems. Cigarettes are just as bad for your heart as your lungs. Quitting can be extremely difficult, especially if you began at a young age. Talk to your doctor and find a program with adequate support.

Though moderate alcohol drinking is said to have some health benefits, the addictive side of alcohol makes it far too alluring to have only a couple of drinks a day. Besides being a leading cause of suicide, excessive drinking increases your risk for several types of cancer, high blood pressure, pancreatitis, heart damage and more. Yet many people cannot stop drinking regardless of the risks associated with it. Many say a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart, but studies show that drinking high quality grape juice has the same effect. If you or a loved one can’t stop drinking, talk to your doctor about their options. Residential and outpatient treatments are available, and many times insurance will cover the first attempt to stop.

You may think you’re too busy to exercise and pay attention to what you’re eating, and apparently you’re not alone. Lack of proper eating habits and activity levels is the third killer. Being overweight puts you at risk for several conditions, including many types of cancer and heart disease. A diet high in processed food including too much sugar can lead to Type 2 Diabetes. Just losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight can help your heart function better. Adding more exercise to your day doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym. Taking walks and climbing stairs count. Just be sure you do enough to add up to an hour a day. Substitute unhealthy snacks for fresh foods, and bring your lunch to work instead of eating out. You don’t need to experience quick weight loss to impact your health. If hunger is a concern, try a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia. This will help control cravings and keep you from eating out of habit instead of hunger.

Read more!