11 Tips to Boost Your Metabolism

Boosting ones metabolism is something many people try to achieve everyday. Having a high metabolic rate increases the amount of calories, or energy, the body burns on a daily basis. Without optimal metabolism the body will store excess calories as fat for future use. The problem for many people is they don�t ever use these excess calories and as a result struggle with weight issues.

There are many factors that affect a person�s metabolism including age, weight, hormonal changes, lean muscle mass, diet, genetics, stress and the amount of physical activity undertaken on a daily basis. As you can see boosting your metabolism involves many factors, but the fact of the matter is that it is relatively easy to boost your metabolism if you are committed to doing so.

Here are 11 tips to help you boost your metabolism:

1. Build lean body mass. As we age our bodies metabolism or ability to burn calories decreases. One way to offset this problem is by exercising. Lean muscle burns calories and the more you have the more calories you burn, even while resting. You can build muscle through resistance or weight training at least twice a week. You can also boost your metabolism by doing cardio exercises. You can choose to do this between or in conjunction with weight training. Simply going for a walk or using the stairs instead of the elevator are good ways to get in an aerobic workout.

2. Eat Breakfast. Many people ignore eating breakfast. What they don�t realize is that it�s the most important meal of the day. Breakfast gives your metabolism a boost and provides a consistent energy supply throughout the day. The majority of people who eat a healthy breakfast have fewer weight and health issues than those who don�t.

3. Sugar is bad. Processed and refined sugar such as found in sweets and soft drinks overload the body with sugar causing many serious health issues including obesity and diabetes. Complex carbohydrates are a better energy source because they supply an even level of blood sugar. The human body just isn�t built to deal with the large amounts of refined sugar most people include in their diet.

4. Spicy foods that make you sweat can help boost your metabolism.

5. Get a good night�s sleep. There is research that shows that people who do not get sufficient sleep tend to gain weight. This may be because the body uses sleep to heal and regenerate itself, including its muscular system.

6. Drink more water. Water is the lubricant of the body. It also flushes toxins out of the body and keeps the kidneys operating at maximum efficiency. This allows the liver more time to do what it does best, metabolize fat stores.

7. Eat small meals. Eat 5 to 6 small meals per day spaced 20 to 3 hours apart. This gives the body a steady supply of energy and prevents binge eating.

8. Don�t miss meals. Skipping meals in order to loose weight is counter productive because it actually slow metabolism and can lead to over eating.

9. Plan your meals. If you have a daily or weekly menu you are much more likely to stick to your plan.

10. Drink green tea. Green tea has been shown to boost metabolism and unlike coffee does not stress the body with caffeine.

11. Include more high energy foods in your diet including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These provide a more balanced energy source and will not cause blood sugar spikes.

Boosting your metabolism can be done if you are dedicated to doing it. This does not mean you need to stress over each little thing but if you eat right and exercise you should see a decrease in body fat and a much more energetic and happy you.


Source : Andrew Bicknell (www.e-healtharticles.com)

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Does A Sauna Suit To Help Lose Weight?

Weight is a pressing issue with almost all families in the US and, while some are trying to shed a few pounds, others are fighting with a few tens of pounds. Loosing weight is never easy; it requires determination, planning and the will power to stick to the plan, which can prove extremely difficult. Here is how a sauna suit can help you lose weight faster and also allow you to have fun at the same time.

The Effect Of The Sauna Suit

Saunas in general produce the following effects: increase the body temperature through the high temperature in the sauna room and thus eliminates the access water in the body through sweat. Through sweat you will also eliminate toxins and those impurities that clog your pores especially on the face, leaving you a health, bright skin in return. In a normal sauna session, you can lose anywhere from 300 to 500 calories through sweat and increased heart rate alone.

The sauna suit increases the effect of heat on the entire body and thus, helps you burn more calories in the process and lose weight fast. You can also wear the sauna suit to exercise in order to raise the temperature in your body and burn fat fast.

Other Usage Of Sauna Suits

Sauna suits are great if you have any outdoor activity in the cold weather as it preserves the body heat and will keep you warm. There is a large variety of sauna suits available to choose from, in all types of sizes, colors and shapes as well as materials such as, nylon, vinyl and PVC. You will find that most sauna suits will be full length, covering your entire legs and arms, leaving out your hands, feet and from the neck upwards. Choose the sauna suit of choice keeping in mind if you are allergic to any of the materials used in making it.

Helpful Sauna Tips

There are a few things you need to watch when you use a sauna and they are: because your body will sweat profoundly you will get dehydrated fast and you must ensure that you drink plenty water in order to produce the flushing effect and cleanse you body but also not to get dehydrated. If you are suffering from heart disease of are pregnant do not use the sauna, as you can get seriously hurt in the process.

Do not use the sauna is you administered strong medication that will cause you muscle spasms and/or drowsiness as well as avoid the sauna if you consumed alcoholic beverages.

 

Source : www.articlesbase.com

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Chlamydia - One of the Silent Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Chlamydia one of the most frequently reported sexually transmitted diseases in the North America. Estimates are that more than 89 million people worldwide are currently infected with the disease. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

Chlamydia can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It can also be passed from a mother to her baby during a vaginal birth. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting chlamydia, and the greater the number of sexual partners, the greater the risk. Even close physical contact can cause transmission if bodily fluids are exchanged. Penetrating sex is not required to contract or spread chlamydia.

The chlamydia bacterium is similar to gonorrhea in the symptoms it produces and the way it is spread. Like gonorrhea, it can live in the cervix, urethra, throat, and rectum. Infected persons, both men and women, may lack any symptoms and can spread the disease unknowingly to other sexual partners.

Chlamydia symptoms (Men and Women)

Chlamydia symptoms usually become evident in one to three weeks after infection. However, chlamydia is one of the silent STDs because some people show no symptoms at all. It is estimated that about 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men exhibit no signs of the disease.

In women, chlamydia symptoms include vaginal discharge, burning or painful urination, abdominal pain, and lower back pain, pain during intercourse, fever, nausea, and vaginal bleeding between periods. In men, common symptoms include burning or painful urination, penile discharge, burning or itching around the opening of the penis, and swelling of the testicles.

Chlamydia Treatment

If used properly, antibiotics can completely cure this sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia treatment can be achieved in a single dose with the antibiotic azithromycin. Another antibiotic that is commonly used is doxycycline but repeated doses over one week are required.

Although there is typically no resistance to antibiotics by the chlamydia bacterium, recent discoveries of antibiotic resistant strains have been made. It is unclear whether these strains are present in humans, and further research needs to be conducted. However, this could be an emerging problem for anyone who contracts or is at risk for contracting the disease.

Complications

When left untreated, this sexually transmitted disease can result in serious complications. PID occurs when the infection travels upwards into the female reproductive organs. This complication develops in nearly 40 percent of women who do not seek treatment. The damage caused by PID can lead to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancies. Women infected with chlamydia are also up to five times more likely to contract HIV if exposed, than women with a healthy reproductive system.

Like gonorrhea, chlamydia is also responsible for an increased risk of premature birth. The infant is also likely to contract the infection while traveling through the birth canal. This can lead to serious eye injury or pneumonia. However, all newborns are treated with eye drops that kill the chlamydia bacteria to prevent serious damage to the eyes. This practice is routine because so many women carry the infection unknowingly and without symptoms.

In men, chlamydia complications are rarer, but can occur. Infection can spread to the epididymis, or the tube that carries sperm from the testes. This can lead to pain, fever, and in very rare cases, sterility. Other rare side effects of this sexually transmitted disease includes skin lesions, inflammation of the eyes, arthritis, and meningitis.

Prevention

As with all sexually transmitted diseases, chlamydia can be prevented most easily by abstaining from sexual intercourse completely, or engaging in sexual activity with one monogamous partner who has been tested and confirmed negative for the disease. Latex condoms, when used properly, can reduce the risk of transmission, although it cannot completely remove the risk.

To prevent the risk of serious complications, it is recommended that you undergo regular screenings for all STDs, including chlamydia. Any genital symptoms such as soreness, itching, burning, or bleeding, should be immediately evaluated by a qualified medical professional.

Source : www.isnare.com

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The Quickest Way To Lose Weight

Feel Good and Control your Weight!

"How can I lose weight? What's the fastest way to lose weight? I want to be thinner and get rid of this fat and ugly feeling I have now." - does this sound familiar? People usually ask these questions when they feel that they are beginning to gain more weight and they feel heavier and uglier by each passing day.

People, who weigh more than they should, usually feel tired and older because of the excess tissues that lead to body fats which slow down body regulation. You will feel confident, look good, and become healthier the moment that you start losing fat. Positive outlook in life could also be benefited when one feels good about themselves.

So, what's the quickest way to lose weight?

1. DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST. People misunderstand the word "diet" as to not eating or skipping meals. Webster defines diet as a special or limited selection of food and drink, chosen or prescribed to promote health or a gain or loss of weight -meaning to say that we have to carefully select the food that we intake and eat only the amount needed by the body. When you skip breakfast, blood sugar drops below the normal levels and you will experience cravings, plus a drop in energy.

2. HAVE A BALANCED PROTEIN - BASED BREAKFAST. Do not just eat breakfast. You must have a balanced protein-based breakfast because such meal can provide our bodies with all the vital nutrients and energy without increasing blood sugar and insulin. These help our bodies avoid depending on carbohydrates during the day. Because of this, our appetite stays under control and cravings for fats and sweets diminish.

3. DRINK LOTS OF WATER. You must make sure that your body is fully hydrated by drinking 8-10 medium sized glasses of water each day .Consume more than enough water to cleanse and detoxify your inner body. And with adequate water intake, your body will be able to metabolize fat more effectively. Water can nourish our body organs and muscles as well as keep our bodies functioning well. Another tip is to drink at least a glass of water 10-15 minutes before your meal so that you will feel fuller and thus result into taking less food.

4. EXERCISE. There's still no better way to lose weight than to exercise. The quickest way to lose weight is to exercise on a daily basis. You must find the proper exercise for your body (consult doctors and fitness experts about this) and develop a committed habit. Start with basic minimal routines and eventually proceed to work outs that will enhance muscle stability.

Source : www.articlecity.com

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Learn How To Tighten The Skin Under Your Neck

If you want to learn how to tighten the skin under your neck, you will probably turn to the internet. That’s what most people do today. Internet pages are full of advice. Some of the advice is good. Some is not so good.

Here’s what really works and what probably won’t.

Exercising your neck muscles probably won’t work. I have seen a number of different routines. Some of them could cause you to strain a muscle. If you want to try something like that, I would recommend learning to play a wind instrument like the flute. Research indicates that practicing the flute reduces snoring by tightening up the muscles inside of the throat. That could help.

Other than surgery, the most effective treatments are topically applied creams. As is the case with other treatments, some creams work. Others do not.

The ones that don’t work are those containing collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. While those are popular ingredients, they could not provide any benefit. The molecules are too large to penetrate through the skin’s layers.

When you want to know how to tighten the skin under your neck, it helps to understand what causes sagging. Sagging necklines are typically associated with the aging process.

As people get older, there is decreased production of collagen and elastin fibers. Those fibers are located in the skin’s dermis layer, deep below the surface. There’s no point in applying collagen or elastin topically.

Collagen injections do not help the body produce more of the necessary elastic fibers. They stretch out or plump up the skin’s fatty tissue layer, which is even deeper than the dermis. It’s doubtful that any skincare ingredient, good or bad could reach the fatty tissue layer to provide the same benefit.

On the other hand, stimulating collagen and elastin production is how to tighten the skin under your neck. There are topically applied creams that can do that. The ones containing Functional Keratin are among the most beneficial.

Another thing that accompanies the aging process is low levels of hyaluronic acid. A compound partially responsible for the skin’s firmness, it is also needed to produce new cells. The skin’s cells are replaced on a regular basis throughout a person’s life, but the replacement process slows down with age.

It is not possible to increase the skin’s hyaluronic acid content by applying it directly according to dermatologists. When injected, it does the same thing that collagen does. It plumps up the skin’s fatty tissue layer.

One topically applied formula has been shown to inhibit enzymatic activity responsible for breaking down the skin’s hyaluronic acid content.

The formula contains an extract from a type of seaweed called wakame kelp.

Functional Keratin is a protein extracted from sheep’s wool. Who would have thought that wool and seaweed could help us learn how to tighten the skin under your neck?

All you have to do is find a cream containing the right ingredients and use it every day.


Source : www.amazines.com

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How to Clean Carpet Stains

Carpet stains can be a nightmare, especially if you are not armed with the right information when it comes to removing them. The first few moments after a stain occurs are crucial to whether or not your carpet will be able to recover unscathed. For this reason it is important to understand the different types of stains, as well as the different tactics which can be used to remove them. Remember, not all stains are alike. Some stains will require a totally different approach than others. If you have a carpet and would like to know what you can do to remove stains as quickly as they happen, read on.

Preventing Stains

Before we go any further on how to remove stains from carpet, it seems it would be prudent to at least mention the best way to keep your carpet looking brand new, and that is to prevent the stains from occurring in the first place. While it is true that you cannot guarantee that nothing will ever be spilled on your carpet, you can take preventative measures so that in the event something does get spilled, the stain will not set. The best way to ensure that you will not get stains on your carpet is to have it scotch guarded at least once a year. Most professional carpet cleaning companies offer scotch guard at a decent price. If you think about how much the carpet would cost to replace, you might appreciate the idea of scotch guard.

Acidic Stains

One type of stain is an acid stain such as that from battery acid, or from acids found in certain household chemicals. These stains can damage your carpet in a very short time which is why super fast action is a must. The first thing you will need to do is neutralize the stain. In order to do that, quickly make a solution of one tablespoon of baking soda to one quart of warm water. Apply this solution liberally to the effected area and then quickly blot with a towel. Repeat this step several times. The key here is to stop the action of the acid and the baking soda will work to do just that. However, the longer it takes to get to the spot, the least likely you are to prevent serious damage so again, fast action is imperative. Once you have sufficiently neutralized the acid and soaked up the excess liquid with a towel, point a fan toward the effected area and let it dry thoroughly.

Blood Stains

Of course we do hope you will never have the occasion to have to clean blood from your carpet but as things do happen, it is better to be prepared with a good plan of action. To remove blood from a carpet, rinse the area with very cold water and soak the liquid up with a towel, applying a good amount of pressure so that all the liquid comes up. Repeat this step several times, each time making sure you soak the excess water up good. Remember, the water must be cold as hot water will actually cause the stain to set in. If you have a shop-vac that is even better; use it to really soak up that water. Next, pour a tiny bit of dawn dishwashing detergent on the spot and gently work it in. Be cautious not to scrub too hard or you may damage your carpet fibers. Repeat this step as many times as you have to and remember to always soak up the extra water. A little bit of club soda may be tried if the stain hasn’t come out. If you act quickly enough blood can be removed successfully. In some cases a professional carpet cleaning company may need to be called. Dry the carpet thoroughly using a fan.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum in any type of fabric is a nightmare, including your carpet. To remove gum from your carpet, take out your blow dryer and begin to heat up the gum with it. Keep in mind that you want to use caution so you will not burn the carpet. Take a piece of saran wrap or a plastic bag and attempt to lift the heated gum from the carpet. In some cases this will actually do the trick right away. The next thing you will want to do is apply some sort of ointment that contains the ingredient methyl salicylate such as a muscle rub like Ben gay. Take a towel and begin to pull the rest of the loosened gum up. Once you have effectively removed all the gum from the carpet, use mild dish soap and a bit of warm water and clean the area. Use a fan to dry whatever water you are not able to soak up with a dry towel.

Commercial Stain and Spot Removers

There are a variety of products which are made not only for your carpet but also for your laundry. Sometimes tough stains will require some sort of pre-stain treatment before any of the above methods will work. Use caution when applying products to your carpet so that you do not damage the actual fibers of the rug. On stubborn stains that have already had a few minutes to set in, try adding a stain remover solution and allowing it to soak over night. The next day, take some cold water and gently work the stain solution around. Rinse and repeat as many times as necessary. Be sure to dry carpet well so that wicking does not occur. Wicking is when the stain gets down into the carpet and gradually comes back up over time.

While many of the methods of stain removal mentioned above can bring you success, there will be times when you will want to have your carpet steam cleaned by a reputable company. This is good for an overall general cleaning and also to remove any stains you were not able to clean. Remember, you do not have to settle for a filthy looking carpet. Just take some steps to keep your carpet clean and it can last for years and years.

Source : www.healthguidance.org

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Acupuncture Treatments: The health benefits of Ancient Treatment

Ancient treatments are till date considered to as a more reliable and long lasting in comparison to the new findings in medicine. Chinese art of acupuncture treatment is till date considered as best alternative for healing. From the unique observation ancient Chinese healers developed its own form of language that relates to body and diseases. In the early 70's people considered acupuncture as prejudiced and unreliable, but with time the notions have changed because of the various researches and studies done on them. Now, it is proved that this ancient treatment offers an efficient method of curing several illnesses, diseases and pains. This style of treatment is thus considered as a part of conventional medicine.



The believers and followers of acupuncture talk wildly and enthusiastically about its health benefits and usefulness of sessions in the treatment from acupuncture form of medicinal art. From several researches and studies it is found that this art of treatment has proved to have a positive effect on patients. This form of treatment activates as well as releases the happy hormones of the body and provides a very healthy feeling. These happy hormones are also known as endorphins.



Acupuncture is 3000 year old ancient healing art that is still in practice all over the world. From every part of the world the best is gathered and refined along with combination of old scripts and new generation scientific medical studies. Acupuncture helps in restoring homeostasis in the human body. Problems related to stress and muscular skeletal are treated with this ancient style of treatment efficiently. Acupuncture became a sure shot reliever of pain and thus because of its success in pain management it was introduced in the West with a grand entry.



Acupuncture treatment involves thin long needles positioned on numerous needling points on the body so that balance can be made in the body. Needles are inserted in a body with great care and different techniques. The angles of the needles are fixed so the Acupuncturists have to take great care for angles at which the needles are inserted in a body. There are nine types of needle in which usually only 6 types of needles are used. Various methods of twirling and vibrating the needles are also involved in the treatment of acupuncture. The positioning of needles depends on the patient and the problem he or she is facing. The ancient Chinese healers believe that our body contains different channels of energy that assist you in proper body functioning. When the needles are positioned on the accurate place the energy gets attracted by the needle area and creates its own way for the positive energy to flow. The believers of these treatments swear and confess that they provide great results.



With help of acupuncture any disease or pain can be healed or cured. This ancient treatment help patients with chronic pains, diabetes or cellulite related problems. Patients fighting diseases like cancer can also receive help from this treatment. This art helps the cancer patient to deal calmly with their disease and provide them energy so that they can feel energetic after their regular cancer treatment.



Acupuncture treatment helps those people also who are not suffering from any specific disease. This method has several health benefits so one can opt for this for keeping themselves fit, calm, happy and energized. Acupuncture energizes you and removes or reduces stress, worry or nervousness present in you. This treatment helps people feel strong, alert and emotionally stable. By opting acupuncture you can guarantee a well dignified life, because they will help you stay calm, away from diseases and also maintain your sense of well being.

Source : www.articlesbase.com

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Why Vitamin B6 Is Important

Vitamin B6 is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. It was discovered in the 1930s during nutrition studies on rats. Vitamin B6 is exists in three major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Vitamin B6 performs as a coenzyme to carry out metabolic processes that affect the body’s use of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Vitamin B6 also is involved in metabolism of protein and carbohydrates, the production of insulin, red and white blood cells.

Vitamin B6 is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve and muscle cells. It is also take part in the production of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material. Vitamin B6 is necessary for proper absorption of vitamin B12 and for the production of red blood cells and cells of the immune system. It also helps to convert tryptophan to niacin, and may be found in nuts, meat, fish, eggs, wheat germs, milk, and whole grain foods.

Vitamin B6 can be found in, avocados, bananas, carrots, fortified cereals, green bean, hazelnuts (filberts), lentils, potatoes, salmon, shrimp, soybeans, spinach, sunflower seeds.

The daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin B6 is various depend on age. For men and women between 19-50 years old can take 1.3 mg. Women over 50 years old need 1.5 mg, while men need 1.7 mg. An additional between 0.1-0.7 mg is needed during the pregnancy and lactation period. High amounts (100–200 mg per day or even more) may be recommended for certain conditions.

Deficiency of vitamin B6 is rare, since most foods eaten contain this vitamin. Signs of a Vitamin B6 deficiency include peeling skin (dermatitis), cracked and sore lips, inflamed tongue and mouth, neuropathy, depression, anxiety, loss of libido, insomnia, water retention, inability to process glucose, itchy, body weight loss/gain, weakness, mental confusion, irritability, nervousness, inability to sleep, hyperactivity, anemia, skin lesions, and kidney stones. It is important to have a physician evaluate these symptoms so that appropriate medical care can be given.

Vitamin B6 is usually safe, at intakes up to 200 mg per day in adults. However, sustained periods of large doses may cause irreversible nerve damage. The excess of vitamin B6 may also lead to kidney stone formation. Although vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin and is excreted in the urine, very high doses of vitamin B6 over long periods of time may result in painful neurological symptoms known as sensory neuropathy. Symptoms of a pyridoxine overdose may include poor coordination, staggering, numbness, decreased sensation to touch, temperature, and vibration, and tiredness for up to six months

Source : www.articlecircle.com

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America's Food Supply - Are Offshore Bargains Mitigating All-American Quality?

I was recently stunned by some disturbing news about the "Hostess Twinkie" snack cake. It turns out that the deliciously sweet and tasty staple of the baby boomer generation is no longer All-American. "Can you believe that?" It turns out that along with many other non-traceable imported additives, it now contains a really wholesome sounding ingredient called thiamine mononitrate - a product that comes from petroleum. Chinese petroleum to be precise. Produced in Chinese refineries and repackaged in Chinese factories. "Is anything sacred anymore? Do you think we could get an RDA from the FDA on that important non-nutrient?"

As it turns out, my ignorance of such matters in all likelihood parallels that of the typical American consumer. It seems we've simply been 'asleep at the wheel'. While most of us have been snoozing, the Chinese have gradually chipped away at the world's industrial and manufacturing markets gaining an ever-increasing share of production and profits. Ingenuity, quicker product delivery and lower prices have all contributed to their remarkable growth. Now, I'm certain it's been a win-win situation in many markets, but I can't help expressing concern when price and production capacity begin to compromise or threaten food safety and consumer health.

The recent and tragic events surrounding the contamination of pet food was a much-needed wake-up call for most Americans. It exposed the startling reality of a food system at risk and a bureaucratic infrastructure that's ill equipped to provide the necessary checks and balances for food safety and quality assurance. In the current state of poorly regulated and inspected food additives and products, we can be assured that the more we outsource, the less control we have over quality or safety.

A recent headline remarked, "if you pop a vitamin C tablet in your mouth, it's a good bet it came from China". Not surprisingly, many of the world's vitamins are indeed now manufactured in China. Statistics also show that during the past ten years, China has captured an estimated 90 percent of the U.S. market for vitamin C. Additionally, it supplies America with the bulk of its vitamins A, B12 and E, while quietly driving nearly everyone else out of business.

Chinese pharmaceutical companies have also taken over much of the world market in the production of antibiotics, analgesics, enzymes and primary amino acids. According to industry estimates, China makes about 70 of its aspirin and 35% of its acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Fortunately for everyone, most of China's industry is highly skilled, self-regulating and consistently producing high quality products. However, the lower tiers of Chinese industry are quite a different story. Many factories are dirty with older machinery and have no system for regulating sanitation or quality. Inspectors have little interest in public health or safety since many either work for the same company they're inspecting or they're employed by the city governments which are in fact, part owners of the companies they're allegedly "regulating".

The big problem for consumers, who may wish to avoid certain products from sources known to be risky is that, at present, U.S. laws don't require food and drug sellers to label products with the country of origin of ingredients, which makes it impossible for consumers to know where food or supplements are coming from, not to mention which factory produced them. I think it's fair to say that proper nutrition and food safety is difficult enough for us consumers when the system is working properly. What makes it easy for the bad guys is that we Americans tend to take an awful lot for granted by assuming that everyone is doing their job properly to protect us. But, how can we expect quality control when so few distributors and manufacturers know the true source of their ingredient.

While it may be a little too late for the "Twinkie" we can only hope that our members of Congress will finally take the necessary action to put proper controls in place that will ensure the safety and security of our vulnerable food supply.

For additional information and important resources, please visit New Day Nutrients

Copyright 2007 Harry Monell. All rights reserved. Please feel free to share the entire contents of this article with your friends or post it on your site as long as it is left intact with all links unchanged, including this notice.

Source : www.articlecircle.com

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Get The Most From Your Warm Up

Warming up before a workout has several distinct benefits. However, warming up incorrectly can actually hinder your performance. So what works and what doesn’t?

Warming your muscles up before you begin a physically taxing sport or exercise prepares you both physically and mentally for the task at hand. Going from zero-to-sixty in six seconds only works for a car. Try that in a human body and you’ll tear muscles and injure joints.

An effective warm up has some key elements that work together to minimize injury. The main focus is to prepare both your mind and your body for more strenuous activity. Your warm up will increase muscle temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate. All of this increases the oxygen and nutrients delivered to the muscles to prepare them for activity. Warming up also primes the nerve to muscle response rate improving your performance.

Traditionally athletes do some activity to raise their body temperature and then they start stretching. Doing things in this order actually allows the mind and body to switch off from a physical activity. You’ll be starting your sport cold.

Believe it or not stretching should be done separate from your exercise routine, or at the very least at the end. Static stretching can actually overstretch a muscle or muscle group and it will become too flexible, setting the athlete up for injury.

Warm up activities structured to the specific exercise are a crucial part of any sport and shouldn’t be over looked. Injuries can be prevented when athletes consider the state of their muscles before placing them in over drive.

Warm ups should start with a sport specific warm up. Runners would begin by walking briskly moving into a jog and then their routine running intensity. Cyclists would begin by warming up on a flat surface before attempting hills. Those doing step aerobics can begin by walking briskly through the facility and then climbing a few stairs.

You’ll get the most from your work out routines by using the appropriate warm up to your sport. You will decrease your rate of injury, improve your performance and decrease your post exercise soreness. Warm ups, although often over looked, are a necessary part of any good exercise routine.

Source : freearticles.com

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Minimize Stress in Your Life

Its usual for moms and dads to get stressed. How we deal with stress can have either a positive of negative effect on our parenting skills and ultimately even on the emotional health of our children. This article will help you find ways to deal with stress appropriately.

Lower your expectations and you will suffer less disappointment. Try seeing everything as already perfect and accept things as they are, then you can strive less and relax more.

Learn to say NO. Next time someone asks you to do something, before the word ‘yes’ slips out, pause, say you can’t give an answer just yet – you’ll get back to them. This technique gives you time to think. Now you can choose to say NO, calmly, politely and kindly.

Do one thing at a time. SLOW DOWN! If you are racing, so is your heart! Write yourself a list, prioritize your tasks and work through your list methodically. You need to enjoy what you are doing, not just the results of your efforts.

Stop trying to fall asleep. So many people go to bed desperate to fall asleep as quickly as possible, and then suffer the frustration of wakefulness. Quit struggling – you need to relax before you can sleep! Be thankful that you are warm, safe and cozy, be glad that your body is resting. Breathe deeply, slowly, gently and listen to your heart beating peacefully.

Laugh more! Get serious an about humor. Laughter is seriously healing. The special chemicals released when we laugh are nature’s finest form of natural medicine. When you’ve suffered a stressful day, make sure you ‘suffer’ some serious humor in the evening. Watch a comedy show or film, one you know will produce copious laughter, to counter the stress you’ve endured. If you want to take a 30 second 'holiday' here is a funny video to watch: http://www.netjoke.ws

Get out in the fresh air! Drab office, the whir of computer hard drives the drone of your boss’s demands. Get outside during your lunch break, find a patch of green, some flowers, even wander around a garden center! Lose yourself in nature and feel your tensions dissipate, for a while at least.

Live in the now. The past is gone, you can’t change it. The future is mysterious and seductive, but only with you in your dreams. What you need is with you NOW so make the most of it. Be creative and give everything you’ve got to NOW.

Source : www.amazines.com

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12 Favorite Fitness Tips

Myths abound in the fitness world like this one: women shouldn’t lift weights if they don’t want to end up with bulging muscles like male body builders have. However, there is plenty of good fitness advice out there. Get fit with these favorites.


1. Learn and practice meditation or yoga regularly. Not only your body needs to be fit, so does your mind. Both of these fitness methods can also help you relieve stress, control your breathing and improve your posture.

2. Keep your eyes fit, too, with regular eye examinations, especially if you are looking at a computer screen for many hours each day. And turn your eyes away from your screen for 5 minutes each hour. Focus on object farther away to exercise your eye muscles.

3. Don’t neglect your hands when spraying down equipment in gyms after each use to help keep germs from going around. And clean your hands throughout the day, as well, to help keep unwanted germs from making your sick.

4. Don’t let winter fool you. Your face could still sunscreen for outdoor activities out in the sun, like skiing and sledding.

5. Slow down the aging process by avoiding orange and coconut oil fragrances. These fragrances have psoralen in them, which reportedly speeds up the aging process.

6. Herbal teas are better for you than coffee, as caffeine in coffee can dehydrate you. And green tea is particularly a good choice of beverage. It helps with digestion, metabolize fat and is in part a natural diuretic, safe and mild.

7. Whole wheat bread is healthier for you than white bread. Whole wheat offers you more fiber, helping reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, stroke, heart disease and other illnesses.

8. Don’t just spin your wheel on an exercise bike. Keep a journal and monitor your progress. You could really be doing pretty much of nothing if you aren’t exerting a little effort. And each time you increase speed or force, your body is quick to adapt. So monitor and grow with the flow.

9. Be realistic with your fitness goals. The average weight loss that’s successfully kept off is 2 lb. per week. So shooting for more could be like shooting yourself in the foot. You don’t want to set yourself up for failure.

10. Take short mental breaks throughout the day to give your mind a rest. Also allow it to fantasize and visualize what you want your body and life to be like when you reach your fitness goals.

11. That you need to stretch before you exercise is a myth. Stretch afterwards. You can warm up a little beforehand, if you like, with a couple minutes of brisk walking or biking.

12. Reach out to others to learn what’s appropriate for your gender, age group and body type with regards to fitness. Find fitness friends at the local YMCA or other gym and online at social networking sites like MySpace and fitness forums.

Source : freearticles.com

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Minimize your Pain, Maximize Painkiller Power

First, commiserations for your pain. But congratulations on getting the right painkiller. To make sure you get the most from it and make sure it has the best chance of easing your suffering, since some pain is less responsive than other pain to painkillers, use this guide. These steps to success and precautions will help to maximize the effects of your medication so that you don't have to suffer and you don't have to needlessly increase the dose. Finding the Right Dose The proper dose size is found by doctors. First, they give you a small dose and then increase it bit by bit until you start to feel the pain release. It is important that you are completely honest here. This process is designed to give you the most effective dose size while reducing your chance of nasty side effects. It also give you some space to increase your doze size as you build tolerance to the medicine. Why don't they just start you on an estimated dose size? People react differently to every medication. If you were to have an allergy, the reaction could be less if the dose size is small. Furthermore, because science has no real accurate way to measure pain - come on, you've seen those charts with those painful grimaces and frowns - doctors have to rely on the subjective experiences of their patients to determine when it is working. The gradual administration of medicine allows you to evaluate when you are getting the right effect. Since a lot of people are taking this pain medication for the long-term, it is important to limit the gradual effect on your organs. All prescription drugs seem to impact the liver a bit, and while there shouldn't be any problem with it as long as you are using the medication properly, doctors are all about minimizing risk. Using the Tablets There are two main kind of tablet forms your medication comes in. The first kind is meant to be swallowed. The second kind is meant to dissolve in the mouth. If you are using the second kind of tablet, make sure to wash and then thoroughly dry your hands before opening the pack. Instead of pushing through the foil with the tablet, peel it back so that the tablet will come out easily. Then, place it on the tongue and wait for it to dissolve completely. Water is optional, so drink some or not. Make sure you do not to break, chew, or split the tablet. There is such a thing as taking the medication sublingually. For this, patients often crush the tablet into a powder and let it dissolve under the tongue. The purpose of this is to skip the first stage of metabolizing the medicine so that the pain relief comes quickly. Never take it sublingually without doctor instruction. Because Ultram is a synthetic opiod drug, it is less addictive and has a smaller capacity for abuse than Vicodin, Codeine, and Morphine. However, it is still smart to try to stay on the smallest dose possible. If you're not worried about abuse, it is possible to build a tolerance, so stay low and minimize risk.

Source : www.articlesbase.com

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Vitamin D - Getting To Know This Important Nutrient

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble nutrient that is found not only in natural foods, but is also manufactured by the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. And, it may come as a surprise to many to know that this single vitamin has the potential to not only strengthen our bones and teeth, but is also known to protect against cancer, TB, diabetes, arthritis, the flu and even the common cold.

It's ironic however, that despite accessibility to the outdoors, most people aren't getting sufficient quantities. Variations in blood concentrations can result through seasonal conditions, where cold weather protective clothing and the sun's angle in the winter sky limit the amount ultraviolet light that actually reaches the skin. Additionally, skin color and dietary intake, through balanced nutrition or vitamin supplements all affect vitamin D levels in the body.

Amazingly, when the sun's rays hit the skin, the body converts a cholesterol-type compound into vitamin D. And, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes of exposure on the arms or legs to synthesize an adequate daily dose of the nutrient. However, the place where a person resides will have a significant effect on the skin's exposure to the more direct UV rays.

Inhabitants of the more tropical regions will typically have sufficient levels of vitamin D. However, studies reveal that people throughout the industrial world aren't so fortunate. Individuals in more temperate and colder climates aren't reaching the levels currently recommended to protect the health of bones and teeth, much less the even higher concentrations that research has indicated can provide the additional health and cancer prevention benefits.

It's not too difficult to get the required levels if you happen to be white skinned with your body exposed to the sun wearing nothing more than a bathing suit at mid-day in mid-summer, no matter where you happen to be located. Truth is, the human body can generate 10,000 to 12,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D from a half-hour of summer-sun exposure.

Unfortunately, when heeding dermatologists' warnings about preventing skin cancer, by limiting sun exposure and using a sunscreen, not to mention wearing a hat, long sleeve and long pant clothing, most individuals aren't able to take advantage of this least expensive and most efficient source of this important vitamin.

Recommended food and other nutritional sources of vitamin D include dairy products, predominantly fortified milk, the meat of oily fish, such as tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel, dark green leafy vegetables, including spinach and broccoli, dry cereal or cereal grain bars as well as, a variety of nutritional supplements.

When vitamin D deficiencies do occur they are usually the result of inadequate dietary availability or intake, increased bodily requirement, increased losses through bodily excretion, impaired absorption and/or utilization by the body where the kidneys cannot convert vitamin D into its active hormonal form. Or, in cases where someone is unable to adequately absorb vitamin D from within the digestive tract, and of course, in situations where there is limited exposure to sunlight.

Daily diets that are deficient in Vitamin D are generally associated with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, and strict vegetarianism. Even infants who are fed only breast milk will also receive insufficient amounts of vitamin D, unless they otherwise receive appropriate levels of vitamin D supplementation.

In children, vitamin D deficiency causes the condition known as rickets, which is a bone disease characterized by a failure to properly mineralize bone tissue. Rickets results in soft bones and skeletal deformities. Surprisingly, prolonged exclusive breastfeeding without vitamin D supplementation is one of the most significant causes of the reemergence of rickets. Additional causes can include extensive use of sunscreen products or even increased utilization of day-care facilities, which can result in decreased outdoor activity and lack of sun exposure among younger children.

In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to a weakened skeletal structure. Low levels of vitamin D may also increase the risk of developing all forms of cancer.

Unfortunately, obtaining sufficient levels of vitamin D from natural food sources is no easy chore. The established RDA is 200 IU, but many researchers agree the number should fall somewhere between 1,000 IU and 2,000 IU, to lower the risk of cancer and strengthen the immune system. So, for most people, maintaining healthy blood concentrations of this important vitamin will require consuming a balance of vitamin D fortified foods, as well as, ensuring adequate exposure to sunlight.

Source : www.articlecircle.com

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How to Get Ripped – The Secret They Don't Want You to Know

There’s a big secret that supplement companies and publishers in the fitness industry don’t want you to know. No it’s not a miracle supplement or formula for getting strong, and nor is it a great training programme that’s guaranteed to get you in great shape at once. There are no silver bullets when it comes to exercise and that’s part of the secret. To put it succinctly, the big secret regarding fitness, health and staying in shape in general is that it’s easy. That might sound like a bit of a sweeping statement or an over-generalisation, but 99% of the time it’s also completely accurate.

So what is meant by the term ‘easy’? That is to say that right now, with the information you know and the items in your fridge, you could easily start getting into shape. If you didn’t read another word on fitness or bodybuilding and never bought a supplement then whoever you are you could still have a six pack in a year’s time. Bodybuilding and fitness is so easy that you already know practically everything you need to know to have a basic and modestly impressive level of achievement not long from now.

Let’s look at the facts; what we know about staying in shape. First of all we know that repetitive motions in while experiencing resistance – holding a weight for example while performing curls – will cause our muscles to grow. Similarly we can achieve the same affect by using our own bodyweight as the resistance, performing press ups or pull ups. This works by tearing the fibres in the muscle which grow back thicker, but that’s not really important. In order to start gaining muscle we simply need to start doing these resistance movements.

At the same time we can feel when these repetitions are working as it should hurt. Basically while we might be looking for a way to gain strength without feeling the burn, we know deep down that the main way to build up our strength is by causing that burn purposefully. You then wait until that pain has gone away over the course of the week or a couple of days (depending on the intensity) to start working out that muscle group again.

We also know that we should eat a lot of protein in order to convert that hard work into muscle. This works by supplying our body with the amino acids it will use to rebuild the muscle fibres and make them thicker, but again – that’s not important. Finally we know about weight loss, and we know that all it takes is continuous aerobic/cardiovascular exercise such as running or swimming performed for an adequate amount of time which will cause our bodies to ‘burn’ fat. This coupled with a lower intake of calories will mean that we have a ‘calorie deficit’ so that more is going out than going in; and we will therefore lose weight.

It’s not rocket science and it’s something that we’re all familiar with. Sure there are additional pieces of information that can help improve our progress. For example when weightlifting it’s greatly beneficial to use a system of sets and repetitions with rests in between. However even this isn’t crucial in order to at least get started. Meanwhile a protein shake will help you grow muscle a lot more rapidly, but again you can achieve the same thing with a little more time without using one.

And yet it’s not uncommon to find people who have no weightlifting experience trying out new and fandangled training programmes that involve crazy splits between workouts and unusual movements. They think that this will ‘cure’ their bad shape and so they start out following it to the letter and get disheartened after a week. Worse are those people who decide they’re going to wait to start training until they’ve ‘learned everything’ or until they’ve found a good programme. Other people make other excuses like they can’t afford a protein shake, or they don’t have a gym membership. And so they wait until they do, and then blame the gym for their failure. Other people claim they don’t have time, and yet somehow find time to read up on reams of information regarding exercising – that’s the time they could have spent actually working out.

Theory is find to a point, but not in the place of action, especially when working out which is completely dependent on you actually doing what you need to. The sad fact is that most people who make excuses or research without making any gains are actually just stalling. They don’t really want to put in the hard work involved in getting into shape and so they look for an easy route, or put off the start of their programme by reading up on every minute detail of the biology behind the gym. This then of course results in them getting nowhere and with only themselves to blame.

So you want to start getting into shape? Great! Then stop reading now and start lifting things, anything, until it hurts. Then do this five times a week for the next year. That’s what it takes, that’s all it takes. Stop deluding yourself or blaming outside factors and just get to work.

Source: www.healthguidance.org

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Six Ways to Eat More Healthfully

With so much 'diet advice' around today it is little wonder if you feel somewhat confused. Whether you are wanting to lose weight, maintain your weight or help your family eat more healthfully....these six, simple ideas will help you to eat more heathfully.

1. Stay away from the inside aisles.When you grocery shop, fill up your trolley from the aisles around the outside the perimeter of the store. This is where the fresh fruit, vegetables and fresh foods are kept.

2. Eat small amounts frequently. Don't allow yourself to get hungry. Keep your appetite in control with smaller meals and healthy snacks in between.

3. Keep close to nature. Fresh is best and generally much better for you than pre-packaged. For example, a fresh potato baked in its jacket is more healthy than pre-packaged "potato au gratin".

4. Experiment and use spices. Get used to cooking with a wide variety of spices. It's possible to get fabulous flavor with spices without adding high calorie fats and oils.

5. Read "fat free" labels carefully. Many "fat free" items contain additional carbohydrates in the form of sugar or fructose to compensate for reduced flavor and can do more to add to your weight than the "full strength" product.

6. Use low fat dairy products. For adults, much healthier as low fat dairy products have the nutrients without the extra fat

Source : www.amazines.com

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What Do Doctor Ratings Tell You?

Doctor ratings are important to know but they are also something most people never think about before hiring a doctor. You may go to the doctor your health insurance provider recommends or you may choose a doctor that is located down the street from you because of how close they are. In some cases, such as emergency room visit, you really do not have much of a choice in finding the right doctor. However, there are still steps you should take to ensure that the professional you are working with is the best possible professional available for your particular needs.

There are organizations online that can help you to find out all you need to know about doctors. These rating systems can help you to narrow down your options and to find a facility or a doctor that is best for your particular needs. It used to be quite easy for people to find professionals to turn to. They may have a friend that needed some specific type of treatment and that friend passes on the recommendation. This is more difficult now because the number of specialties has grown. Further, you may not know what to look for in a doctor. While patient recommendations are important, other factors matter as well.

For example, you may want to learn more about the professional and the way he or she does his business. Does the provider follow the rules and ensure that the treatment that you are getting is the very best out there? Does the professional ensure that the quality of your care is the highest it can be? You may want to know if the doctor has any disciplinary action against them because this could also cause you to turn to one provider or another one for the service that you need. Numerous factors play a role in learning about how qualified a professional is.

You also need to learn more about the rating of the doctor in regards to who they are and what they can offer. Doctor ratings can help you to find a five star doctor that is able to meet all of your particular needs. The person has more than just basic experience in the field of health care that you need help with. They specialize. They study the area. They are up to date on the latest techniques and procedures to improve their overall ability to meet your needs. These are the professionals that most people want to learn about.

As you consider all of the options available to you, take the time to research. You do not have to make the mistake of calling on a professional that is unable to service your need and refers you to another professional. You do not have to waste your time on a doctor that is unable to treat the condition or does not have the ability to accept new patients at this time. All of these factors play a role in your overall ability to find the right doctor.

Doctor ratings are valuable to anyone who is looking for a new provider. You can find them online through trusted provider networks. The more that you know about the doctor or the dentist you are hiring, or even the hospital you plan to visit, the more comfortable you will feel when it comes time to visit that professional for the service that you need. Though no doctor is perfect, there are definitely professionals that can service your needs more efficiently and with the type of care, you want and expect to receive.

Source : www.articlesbase.com

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Pain management options for headache

When there's a case of headache most people want to end this torture as soon as possible and the most obvious choice for pain relief are typical painkiller medications. Today there's a huge variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications effective in eliminating headache, and choosing one depends on the severity of pain and the options available at your local pharmacy. All the medications are advertised as providing a unique way of relieving pain, but is that really so? However, according to different market studies there's not much difference in the way most analgesic medications eliminate headache. Some patients are more susceptible to one type of drugs, while others have allergic reactions to another one. But in the end it all boils down to the actual effectiveness of a drug and its price. Because they are virtually all the same. The products are also claimed to have a specific effects for specific types of pain, for example back pain or headaches. But in most cases these medications provide a general analgesic effect that will eliminate any painful sensations regardless of where they are coming from. So again, it all boils down to the personal preferences a person has regarding the drugs. Besides the usual pills that have to be taken orally, there are also topical gels and cremes that you can use directly on head to relieve pain. Such products are usually based on potassium dichromate and white bryony that act as the main ingredients for pain relief. And they are claimed to be quite effective by those who have used them. Alternative headache pain management options However, some people have negative reactions to typical drugs and even over-the-counter solutions are very hard to use, what's the solution? Fortunately there are some alternatives to painkiller drugs like Tramadol that you can easily employ when having a headache. These options include acupuncture, massage, chiropractic sessions, and yoga. Acupuncture is a very popular traditional Chinese practice that is used to relieve a wide range of health conditions for thousands of years. Acupuncture involves application of very thin needles to specific points on the skin that are believed to regulate the flow of vital energy in the body. And knowing the points for relieving headache one can easily relieve this type of pain. However it is still recommended to go to a professional acupuncture practitioner to get adequate help. Massage is an intuitive and the easiest option for any person suffering from headaches, especially tension-induced headaches. Tension in the neck or shoulders is often the reason for headaches, so massaging these regions really helps relieve the unpleasant sensations without using drugs like Tramadol. Chiropractic sessions are used to relax the body in general and ease the tension in neck and shoulders, providing pain relief effect for headaches as well. This is especially useful if a person suffers from migraines and other forms of chronic headaches. Yoga is a very effective practice for eliminating tensions and relaxing the body in general. Many people who have started doing yoga report having headaches far less often then before employing this technique. Yoga is known to help relieve pain associated with other conditions as well so it's a very broad-range pain management method. Regardless of which type of alternative headache pain relief method you choose, talking to a professional physician won't do you any harm. Learn about the safety of each method for your individual case and choose the option that is the most effective for you.

Source : www.articlesbase.com

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Choose the Right Exercise to Lose Weight

Diet, exercise and losing weight; it’s the trilogy. Long-term weight loss doesn’t happen without a combination of exercise and decreased calorie intake. There are multiple ‘diets’ on the market today. You can pick a diet based on where your body fat is deposited, your blood type, your medical problems or your eating preferences.

In the end people lose weight because their calorie intake is less than their calorie burn. You pick the diet that works best for your life-style and beliefs.

The downside to diet only is that your body goes into starvation mode with a decreased calorie intake. This means your metabolism slows dramatically and doesn’t increase when your calorie intake goes up. That is why it is so easy to gain weight once you’ve stopped dieting.

On the other hand exercise can trick the body into keeping your metabolism higher and thus stops the yo-yo effect of diet, gain weight, diet, gain weight.

Exercise also has some degree of flexibility. There are some basic rules however, to choosing an exercise program designed to help you lose weight. The greater the amount of weight you have to lose the more flexible your initial exercise program can be.

People who are more than moderately over weight can begin an exercise program using brisk walking or easy bike riding while still burning enough calories. As a person loses more weight it becomes more important to maintain exercise over a period of 30-40 minutes that keeps your heart rate elevated.

Swimming can be a good overall exercise that uses many of the body’s muscles continuously. Fast walking, jogging, resistance training, biking and elliptical trainers all provide exercise that raises your heart rate and that can be done for extended periods of time.

The trick is to pick an exercise program that you can maintain. Choosing a program that looks good on television or promises extensive weight loss won’t work if it stays in the box or on the shelf. It is easier to go for a brisk walk each night for 40 minutes, which requires little to no special equipment purchase, than to engage in a difficult routine that may require sport specific equipment.

The long of the short is that most exercise will help you lose weight. The real concern is to maintain the program, not get bored and not get injured. With a moderate cut in calories and a moderate exercise program you are well on your way to a new you!

Source : freearticles.com

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