Losing weight the healthy way is the only way! Health is more important than weight loss. Don't lose your health and self respect trying quick weight loss tactics. Check out this video about a former Biggest Loser television show contestant who experienced major weight loss (and disappointment):
Your goal should be to be the biggest fat loser. Losing huge amounts of weight can be gained back quickly if you don't build muscle mass. Build muscle, burn fat, speed up your metabolism and lose weight (and keep it off)!
So, here are some tips to help you achieve your best health and fitness:
1. Make a commitment TODAY to a lifestyle of health and fitness! Without this commitment, you will eventually go back to short-term solutions like quick weight loss!
2. Make the needed changes to your eating habits! Severely limit foods like sugars, processed foods, fast foods, fat-filled packaged foods, etc. Eat more foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.
Get help with your meal plan if needed! Get your nutrition mainly from food! Add in supplements like multivitamins and fish oil to support your meal plan and improve your health.
3. Commit to regular exercise and an active lifestyle! Walk as much as you can everyday!
4. Get enough rest! If you don't sleep enough, your body won't function as well as it could--that means about 7-8 hours of sleep every night for most people.
5. Schedule that doctor's appointment to see where your health stands! High blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. can be controlled, if needed.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Your Cellulite Reduction Strategy
Do you have a cellulite reduction strategy? Have you given up trying to reduce your cellulite? Don't give up, just be realistic about how to reduce your cellulite.
Cellulite is collections of fat just underneath (subcutaneous fat) the skin which causes it to dimple, pucker up or lump up.
There are many factors that determine whether you have cellulite---your genes, gender, skin thickness and amount of body fat all play a part. What you need to know is that there are no quick fixes for cellulite.
Research reports that over 80% of women get cellulite at some point in their lives. So, there are plenty of chances for these advertisements to deceive people.
Don't buy in to quick cellulite reduction stories! As usual, your best bet in reducing cellulite is with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Here is a cellulite advertisement I read just the other day:
"The only clinically proven dietary supplement to help reduce cellulite in 47 days!" (this statement has not been examined by the Food And Drug Administration)
"This scientifically advanced version.....can really help give millions of women the sexy bottom lines they dream about, and that's a formula for success that women everywhere find as easy to swallow as these little brown pills."
Spa treatments don't work either. Painful procedures like endermology and body wrapping have been proven to not reduce cellulite very much. There are plenty of desperate people who pay for these procedures that don't work.
Save your money! I will tell you the best way to deal with your cellulite problem.
Since health should be your main concern, reduce your overall body fat! This will, in turn, help to reduce your subcutaneous and visceral fat. The best way to burn body fat is with a healthy diet, interval cardio exercise and weight training (including bodyweight exercises). It's the same true story---exercise for health and fitness and you will also look your best!
Get FREE Training and Nutrition Insider Secrets for a Lean-Body with Six Pack Abs! This ebook, created by Certified Nutrition Specialist & Certified Personal Trainer, Mike Geary, details over 27 specific metabolism-boosting secrets that you can use to strip off your stubborn body fat faster and easier and get your six-pack abs! Contains unique workout methods and nutritional strategies to slash body fat and take your body to a whole new level of leanness. Get Your FREE Book Now!
Cellulite is collections of fat just underneath (subcutaneous fat) the skin which causes it to dimple, pucker up or lump up.
There are many factors that determine whether you have cellulite---your genes, gender, skin thickness and amount of body fat all play a part. What you need to know is that there are no quick fixes for cellulite.
Research reports that over 80% of women get cellulite at some point in their lives. So, there are plenty of chances for these advertisements to deceive people.
Don't buy in to quick cellulite reduction stories! As usual, your best bet in reducing cellulite is with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Here is a cellulite advertisement I read just the other day:
"The only clinically proven dietary supplement to help reduce cellulite in 47 days!" (this statement has not been examined by the Food And Drug Administration)
"This scientifically advanced version.....can really help give millions of women the sexy bottom lines they dream about, and that's a formula for success that women everywhere find as easy to swallow as these little brown pills."
Spa treatments don't work either. Painful procedures like endermology and body wrapping have been proven to not reduce cellulite very much. There are plenty of desperate people who pay for these procedures that don't work.
Save your money! I will tell you the best way to deal with your cellulite problem.
Since health should be your main concern, reduce your overall body fat! This will, in turn, help to reduce your subcutaneous and visceral fat. The best way to burn body fat is with a healthy diet, interval cardio exercise and weight training (including bodyweight exercises). It's the same true story---exercise for health and fitness and you will also look your best!
Get FREE Training and Nutrition Insider Secrets for a Lean-Body with Six Pack Abs! This ebook, created by Certified Nutrition Specialist & Certified Personal Trainer, Mike Geary, details over 27 specific metabolism-boosting secrets that you can use to strip off your stubborn body fat faster and easier and get your six-pack abs! Contains unique workout methods and nutritional strategies to slash body fat and take your body to a whole new level of leanness. Get Your FREE Book Now!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Snackaholics At Risk For Weight Gain
Attention snackaholics! You could be gaining weight because of your snacks between meals. It doesn't have to be that way. What you eat for snacks can mean the difference between out-of-control weight gain or weight loss management/fat loss.
The American Dietetic Association also recommends healthy snacking. Snacks bridge the gap between meals and can help you eat less at mealtime.
Going too long between meals can cause you to load up on sugary carbohydrates to get quick energy. These types of snacks are usually high in calories, not very nutritious and cause rapid ups and downs in blood sugar levels (you will crash). You also end up wanting to eat more and more. That means out-of-control weight gain if continued.
I'm a person who snacks pretty much all day, every day. Here are some snacks that I eat regularly:
1. Popcorn is my favorite snack of all time! I can eat popcorn anywhere, anytime. Its high-fiber and low calorie. Skip the butter and excess salt. I like to pop it on the stove in olive oil. On the run, I eat natural, microwaved brands.
2. Nuts.....my second favorite snack. Peanuts, pistachios, pecans and almonds are my favorites....it doesn't take much either (a handful will do). They are high-calorie so be careful. Again, skip the excess salt. Nuts have heart-healthy fats, fiber and vitamins. Great snack for people on the run.
3. Apples, bananas, watermelon and grapes. My favorite fruits to eat for snacks or anytime. Pick your fruits to eat. I've never heard of anyone getting fat from eating too much fruit! We all know the health benefits of eating fruit so enough said.
4. Peanut butter. I eat peanut butter almost every day, usually on whole wheat bread....a good protein source that will keep you full until the next meal. Peanut butter is high-calorie so two teaspoons will get the job done.
5. Green, leafy salads. I eat green salads on most days with very little dressing. You can't go wrong with green, leafy veggies any time of the day.
6. Low-fat yogurt is a great snack. I just don't like yogurt so I don't eat it. Smoothies are also great options (especially after a strength workout). Just watch the sugar and fat.
7. I drink water and unsweetened tea most of the time. Aim to drink half your weight in water every day. So, if you weigh 160 pounds, drink about 80 ounces of water every day.
Find healthy, nutritious snacks that you like. Use your snacks to fuel your energy between meals and help your weight loss efforts.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
The American Dietetic Association also recommends healthy snacking. Snacks bridge the gap between meals and can help you eat less at mealtime.
Going too long between meals can cause you to load up on sugary carbohydrates to get quick energy. These types of snacks are usually high in calories, not very nutritious and cause rapid ups and downs in blood sugar levels (you will crash). You also end up wanting to eat more and more. That means out-of-control weight gain if continued.
I'm a person who snacks pretty much all day, every day. Here are some snacks that I eat regularly:
1. Popcorn is my favorite snack of all time! I can eat popcorn anywhere, anytime. Its high-fiber and low calorie. Skip the butter and excess salt. I like to pop it on the stove in olive oil. On the run, I eat natural, microwaved brands.
2. Nuts.....my second favorite snack. Peanuts, pistachios, pecans and almonds are my favorites....it doesn't take much either (a handful will do). They are high-calorie so be careful. Again, skip the excess salt. Nuts have heart-healthy fats, fiber and vitamins. Great snack for people on the run.
3. Apples, bananas, watermelon and grapes. My favorite fruits to eat for snacks or anytime. Pick your fruits to eat. I've never heard of anyone getting fat from eating too much fruit! We all know the health benefits of eating fruit so enough said.
4. Peanut butter. I eat peanut butter almost every day, usually on whole wheat bread....a good protein source that will keep you full until the next meal. Peanut butter is high-calorie so two teaspoons will get the job done.
5. Green, leafy salads. I eat green salads on most days with very little dressing. You can't go wrong with green, leafy veggies any time of the day.
6. Low-fat yogurt is a great snack. I just don't like yogurt so I don't eat it. Smoothies are also great options (especially after a strength workout). Just watch the sugar and fat.
7. I drink water and unsweetened tea most of the time. Aim to drink half your weight in water every day. So, if you weigh 160 pounds, drink about 80 ounces of water every day.
Find healthy, nutritious snacks that you like. Use your snacks to fuel your energy between meals and help your weight loss efforts.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Friday, October 22, 2010
Tone Hips And Butt With Lateral Lunge Steps
Tone your hips and butt (glutes) better by including lateral lunge steps in your workout routine.
Butt, hips and thigh fat can be stubborn fat areas for many women and men. Doing dynamic leg exercises on your feet will help you burn more leg fat and calories.
Sprints also help you burn fat faster. Sprinting is one of the best ways to help get your legs and total body lean and toned.
You will also improve your dynamic flexibility with lateral lunge steps. As an exerciser, you MUST improve your dynamic flexibility in the frontal plane of motion (side to side movements).
The exercise is done by shifting your weight to the right and then to the left followed by a pivot. This leaves you facing in the opposite direction and the exercise is repeated.
The frontal plane of motion is often "under-trained" by exercisers and that's a big mistake! Many daily movements are done with side-to-side or lateral motions. You will prevent many injuries by developing strong, flexible hips and glutes.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Butt, hips and thigh fat can be stubborn fat areas for many women and men. Doing dynamic leg exercises on your feet will help you burn more leg fat and calories.
Sprints also help you burn fat faster. Sprinting is one of the best ways to help get your legs and total body lean and toned.
You will also improve your dynamic flexibility with lateral lunge steps. As an exerciser, you MUST improve your dynamic flexibility in the frontal plane of motion (side to side movements).
The exercise is done by shifting your weight to the right and then to the left followed by a pivot. This leaves you facing in the opposite direction and the exercise is repeated.
The frontal plane of motion is often "under-trained" by exercisers and that's a big mistake! Many daily movements are done with side-to-side or lateral motions. You will prevent many injuries by developing strong, flexible hips and glutes.
Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Eat Quality Calories--What You Eat Matters
Aim to eat quality calories. What you eat really matters. Junk food like chips, pastries, candy, donuts and sodas aren't nutritious and have loads of calories. They also have you wanting to eat more in just a short time. Control your eating with a nutrition plan and food journal.
For instance, a 12-ounce can of soda has as much as 13 teaspoons of sugar in the form of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). If HFCS is the first or second ingredient listed, the product is heavily "laced" with HFCS. Other sweet foods are also high in HFCS.
Nutritionists point to HFCS consumption as a major player in the nation's obesity crisis (the fact that we eat it is the real problem).
According to government data, sweetened soft drinks add about 10 percent of the calories in the typical American's diet.
Dr. David Ludwig, a Harvard endocrinologist, who is widely cited by obesity researchers, says that sweetened drinks are the only specific food that clinical research has directly linked to weight gain. "Highly concentrated starches and sugars promote overeating, and the granddaddy of them all is sugar-sweetened beverages," said Ludwig, who runs the Optimal Weight for Life Program at Children's Hospital in Boston.
Pack your lunches and snacks instead of eating out at work. If you eat at a restaurant for dinner, check out the menu online so you know what to order. Most restaurants now have a "healthy foods" menu. And, skip the appetizers loaded with calories.
One way to eat quality calories is to "eat your calories" instead of "drinking your calories." When you eat food, you have more satiety and you are more likely to take in fewer calories.
Another way to control calorie intake is to eat more water based foods (volume eating). The basics of it is to eat as many foods with high water content/low calories as you can.
Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables are examples. These types of foods help you to feel fuller (satiety) while eating fewer calories. For instance, grapes with the same calorie amount as raisins will provide more satiety and theoretically help you eat less the rest of the day.
Energy density of food is a key component when trying to add volume to your diet. Energy density (ED) is defined as the amount of calories of a food divided by its weight in grams.
You would basically focus on foods rich in fiber with high water content (or low ED value). Fresh fruits (apples, etc.) and vegetables (such as tomatoes and broccoli) whole grain pastas, brown rice, whole grain breads and cereals, soups, salads and skinless white chicken/turkey are some examples.
Other dryer foods could be added to your diet on a limited basis. Dryer foods would be starchy fruits and vegetables, salad dressings, crackers, etc.
The old rule still applies: A caloric surplus (consume more calories than you burn) will cause you to gain weight! Hopefully a diet high in water content will cause you to consume fewer calories while providing all the nutrition you need.
And while you're at it, drink about half an ounce of water for every pound of your body weight every day. So, if you weigh 140 pounds, drink at least 70 ounces of water a day. If you workout, drink even more water (a cup of water for every 15 minutes of exercise).
Eat quality calories today!
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
For instance, a 12-ounce can of soda has as much as 13 teaspoons of sugar in the form of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). If HFCS is the first or second ingredient listed, the product is heavily "laced" with HFCS. Other sweet foods are also high in HFCS.
Nutritionists point to HFCS consumption as a major player in the nation's obesity crisis (the fact that we eat it is the real problem).
According to government data, sweetened soft drinks add about 10 percent of the calories in the typical American's diet.
Dr. David Ludwig, a Harvard endocrinologist, who is widely cited by obesity researchers, says that sweetened drinks are the only specific food that clinical research has directly linked to weight gain. "Highly concentrated starches and sugars promote overeating, and the granddaddy of them all is sugar-sweetened beverages," said Ludwig, who runs the Optimal Weight for Life Program at Children's Hospital in Boston.
Pack your lunches and snacks instead of eating out at work. If you eat at a restaurant for dinner, check out the menu online so you know what to order. Most restaurants now have a "healthy foods" menu. And, skip the appetizers loaded with calories.
One way to eat quality calories is to "eat your calories" instead of "drinking your calories." When you eat food, you have more satiety and you are more likely to take in fewer calories.
Another way to control calorie intake is to eat more water based foods (volume eating). The basics of it is to eat as many foods with high water content/low calories as you can.
Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables are examples. These types of foods help you to feel fuller (satiety) while eating fewer calories. For instance, grapes with the same calorie amount as raisins will provide more satiety and theoretically help you eat less the rest of the day.
Energy density of food is a key component when trying to add volume to your diet. Energy density (ED) is defined as the amount of calories of a food divided by its weight in grams.
You would basically focus on foods rich in fiber with high water content (or low ED value). Fresh fruits (apples, etc.) and vegetables (such as tomatoes and broccoli) whole grain pastas, brown rice, whole grain breads and cereals, soups, salads and skinless white chicken/turkey are some examples.
Other dryer foods could be added to your diet on a limited basis. Dryer foods would be starchy fruits and vegetables, salad dressings, crackers, etc.
The old rule still applies: A caloric surplus (consume more calories than you burn) will cause you to gain weight! Hopefully a diet high in water content will cause you to consume fewer calories while providing all the nutrition you need.
And while you're at it, drink about half an ounce of water for every pound of your body weight every day. So, if you weigh 140 pounds, drink at least 70 ounces of water a day. If you workout, drink even more water (a cup of water for every 15 minutes of exercise).
Eat quality calories today!
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fad Diets Never Work Long-Term
Fad diets will never work for you long-term, unless you count "going in circles" as progress. Actually, fad diets will place you further away from your weight loss goals as you yo-yo back and forth with glee (lose 40 pounds) and dispair (gain back 60 pounds)!
A "quick weight loss only goal" is a short-term fix for your weight problem and will not ultimately help you attain your goals! Establish eating and exercise habits that will help you burn fat and lose weight for a lifetime.
The type of food you eat and timing of what you eat is very important for your metabolism to work properly. Your body needs adequate amounts of the macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) to function properly.
Increasing muscle mass is critical to permanently speed up your metabolism. Your body has to work harder to maintain muscle mass. And, increasing muscle mass will burn the fat off of your body. So, start doing your regular weight training workouts 2-3 days a week.
Protein's main role in your body is to repair and rebuild body tissues (especially so after an intense weight training workout). When your body doesn't get enough protein, it will take protein from other sources--mainly your muscles! Obviously, you don't want that to happen. Including foods with protein in every meal will help you eat less during the day. This happens because it takes your body longer to digest protein.
Carbohydrates, in the form of glycogen, are your body's preferred source of energy. Glycogen is stored in your liver and muscles and it is broken down into glucose. Glucose is then used by your body to make energy.
As a result, when your glycogen stores are low, your body's performance will suffer. When your body doesn't have enough carbohydrates, it uses energy mainly from proteins. As stated above, protein has another primary role in the body. And, again, your muscle mass will take the hit. Carb cycling can be useful in some situations, but don’t start with this method. Establish your eating foundation first.
Fat is important for your diet because it helps you feel full for longer periods of time and keeps skin, hair and nails healthy (among other things). You should limit your intake of saturated fats (usually solid at room temperature, such as butter) and trans fats ( partially hydrogenated fats found in packaged foods and fast foods).
Instead, increase your intake of heart-healthy unsaturated fats (they are usually liquid at room temperature, such as olive oil, fish, nuts, seeds and avocados). Fats should not exceed 30% (closer to 20%) of your total caloric intake. Again, fats should not be used as your primary energy source.
Your body needs the macronutrients at all times to function properly. When your body functions properly, your metabolism will also function properly. That's why you should eat every 3-4 hours to give your body what it needs and to protect your vital muscle mass. If you are a person who skips breakfast, stop doing that! You are sabotaging your fat loss and weight loss efforts and throwing your metabolism out of wack!
Eat for health, fat loss and weight loss. You should not ever try a fad diet program to reach your long-term goals.
-Cathering Ebeling and Mike Geary are co-authors of the popular ebook, Fat-Burning Kitchen, which shows you how to totally revamp your kitchen to make your body a fat-burning machine. Get it now!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
A "quick weight loss only goal" is a short-term fix for your weight problem and will not ultimately help you attain your goals! Establish eating and exercise habits that will help you burn fat and lose weight for a lifetime.
The type of food you eat and timing of what you eat is very important for your metabolism to work properly. Your body needs adequate amounts of the macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) to function properly.
Increasing muscle mass is critical to permanently speed up your metabolism. Your body has to work harder to maintain muscle mass. And, increasing muscle mass will burn the fat off of your body. So, start doing your regular weight training workouts 2-3 days a week.
Protein's main role in your body is to repair and rebuild body tissues (especially so after an intense weight training workout). When your body doesn't get enough protein, it will take protein from other sources--mainly your muscles! Obviously, you don't want that to happen. Including foods with protein in every meal will help you eat less during the day. This happens because it takes your body longer to digest protein.
Carbohydrates, in the form of glycogen, are your body's preferred source of energy. Glycogen is stored in your liver and muscles and it is broken down into glucose. Glucose is then used by your body to make energy.
As a result, when your glycogen stores are low, your body's performance will suffer. When your body doesn't have enough carbohydrates, it uses energy mainly from proteins. As stated above, protein has another primary role in the body. And, again, your muscle mass will take the hit. Carb cycling can be useful in some situations, but don’t start with this method. Establish your eating foundation first.
Fat is important for your diet because it helps you feel full for longer periods of time and keeps skin, hair and nails healthy (among other things). You should limit your intake of saturated fats (usually solid at room temperature, such as butter) and trans fats ( partially hydrogenated fats found in packaged foods and fast foods).
Instead, increase your intake of heart-healthy unsaturated fats (they are usually liquid at room temperature, such as olive oil, fish, nuts, seeds and avocados). Fats should not exceed 30% (closer to 20%) of your total caloric intake. Again, fats should not be used as your primary energy source.
Your body needs the macronutrients at all times to function properly. When your body functions properly, your metabolism will also function properly. That's why you should eat every 3-4 hours to give your body what it needs and to protect your vital muscle mass. If you are a person who skips breakfast, stop doing that! You are sabotaging your fat loss and weight loss efforts and throwing your metabolism out of wack!
Eat for health, fat loss and weight loss. You should not ever try a fad diet program to reach your long-term goals.
-Cathering Ebeling and Mike Geary are co-authors of the popular ebook, Fat-Burning Kitchen, which shows you how to totally revamp your kitchen to make your body a fat-burning machine. Get it now!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Top 10 Nutrition Tips For Weight Loss And Fat Loss
Successful weight loss and fat loss comes to those of you who have figured out the nutrition puzzle. It takes more than just working out hard to reach your goals. Its important to eat enough but not too much or too little. What you eat matters. Eating 1000 calories of healthy food is more effective than eating 1000 calories of junk food.
Follow my Top 10 Nutrition Tips and you will have a better chance of losing the fat and weight and keeping it off.
1. Eat breakfast.....momma was right! I ate alot of oatmeal for breakfast growing up. She didn't say it was good for me......she just said eat it! A good healthy breakfast gets your metabolism kicked off for the day. Eat small meals every 3-4 hours to keep up your energy and to keep your metabolism humming along all day.
2. Plan and pack your meals for the day. This way, you are more likely to stay with your nutrition plan. Include foods such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat diary and nuts. Severely limit sugars of all forms, fast food and foods in a box or bag.
Comply with your meal plan at least 90% of the time.
Eat these 3 Veggies to Burn More Abdominal Fat
3. Eat protein with every meal. Protein helps you feel fuller for a longer period of time (thereby eating less) and repairs your muscles after a tough workout.
4. Carbohydrates are not your enemy! They are your body's preferred source of energy (especially during exercise). Its important to have a meal plan that includes the macronutrients (carbs, protein, fats). The primary cause of weight gain is a caloric surplus (eating more calories than you burn). There are some instances where carb cycling can be a great strategy to burn fat. But, you should master the basics of nutrition first.
5. Build muscle and burn fat to change your body to lean and toned. Don't skip your post-workout meal. It is important to help your body recover from intense exercise (especially weight training).
You don't have to eat immediately after your workout (if you want to eat immediately after a workout, YOU DIDN'T WORKOUT VERY HARD)! There is a 45 minute to 1 hour "window of opportunity" where replenishing your body's fuel (carbs, protein, fats) will optimize your tissue's repair and growth. If you miss this "window of opportunity" it is gone forever. A carb/protein shake will work well.
6. Research has proven that you will have a better chance of succeeding with your meal plan and fat loss if you keep a food journal!
By logging your actual food choices, you are holding yourself accountable throughout the day. You will also be forced to plan your meals better. It will also help protect you from binge eating and emotional eating if you write down why you eat what you eat!
7. Find out your basal metabolic rate (amount of calories you would burn if you did nothing all day). You will use this rate and your activity level (including exercise) to set the amount of calories you need each day to maintain a caloric deficit (burn more calories than you consume). If you have too large of a caloric deficit (like a 1000 deficit), your body will think it is starving and shift into survival mode (store fat). So, severe calorie restriction diets don't work long-term.
8. Drink water and unsweetened drinks (like tea) most of the time. Aim to drink, in ounces, about half your weight in water every day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink about 75 ounces of water every day.
9. Add volume to your diet (eating wet). Eat as many foods as you can with high water content/low calories. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables are examples. These types of foods help you to feel fuller (satiety) while eating fewer calories.
For instance, grapes with the same caloric amount as raisins will provide more satiety and theoretically help you eat less the rest of the day. Other good foods would be whole grain pastas, brown rice, whole grain breads, soups, salads and skinless white chicken/turkey.
10. Forget the quick weight loss gimmicks (they lead to yo-yo dieting and even more weight gain)! There are no quick solutions to permanent fat loss and weight loss. Change your eating habits permanently (step by step)!
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Follow my Top 10 Nutrition Tips and you will have a better chance of losing the fat and weight and keeping it off.
1. Eat breakfast.....momma was right! I ate alot of oatmeal for breakfast growing up. She didn't say it was good for me......she just said eat it! A good healthy breakfast gets your metabolism kicked off for the day. Eat small meals every 3-4 hours to keep up your energy and to keep your metabolism humming along all day.
2. Plan and pack your meals for the day. This way, you are more likely to stay with your nutrition plan. Include foods such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat diary and nuts. Severely limit sugars of all forms, fast food and foods in a box or bag.
Comply with your meal plan at least 90% of the time.
Eat these 3 Veggies to Burn More Abdominal Fat
3. Eat protein with every meal. Protein helps you feel fuller for a longer period of time (thereby eating less) and repairs your muscles after a tough workout.
4. Carbohydrates are not your enemy! They are your body's preferred source of energy (especially during exercise). Its important to have a meal plan that includes the macronutrients (carbs, protein, fats). The primary cause of weight gain is a caloric surplus (eating more calories than you burn). There are some instances where carb cycling can be a great strategy to burn fat. But, you should master the basics of nutrition first.
5. Build muscle and burn fat to change your body to lean and toned. Don't skip your post-workout meal. It is important to help your body recover from intense exercise (especially weight training).
You don't have to eat immediately after your workout (if you want to eat immediately after a workout, YOU DIDN'T WORKOUT VERY HARD)! There is a 45 minute to 1 hour "window of opportunity" where replenishing your body's fuel (carbs, protein, fats) will optimize your tissue's repair and growth. If you miss this "window of opportunity" it is gone forever. A carb/protein shake will work well.
6. Research has proven that you will have a better chance of succeeding with your meal plan and fat loss if you keep a food journal!
By logging your actual food choices, you are holding yourself accountable throughout the day. You will also be forced to plan your meals better. It will also help protect you from binge eating and emotional eating if you write down why you eat what you eat!
7. Find out your basal metabolic rate (amount of calories you would burn if you did nothing all day). You will use this rate and your activity level (including exercise) to set the amount of calories you need each day to maintain a caloric deficit (burn more calories than you consume). If you have too large of a caloric deficit (like a 1000 deficit), your body will think it is starving and shift into survival mode (store fat). So, severe calorie restriction diets don't work long-term.
8. Drink water and unsweetened drinks (like tea) most of the time. Aim to drink, in ounces, about half your weight in water every day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink about 75 ounces of water every day.
9. Add volume to your diet (eating wet). Eat as many foods as you can with high water content/low calories. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables are examples. These types of foods help you to feel fuller (satiety) while eating fewer calories.
For instance, grapes with the same caloric amount as raisins will provide more satiety and theoretically help you eat less the rest of the day. Other good foods would be whole grain pastas, brown rice, whole grain breads, soups, salads and skinless white chicken/turkey.
10. Forget the quick weight loss gimmicks (they lead to yo-yo dieting and even more weight gain)! There are no quick solutions to permanent fat loss and weight loss. Change your eating habits permanently (step by step)!
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Monday, October 11, 2010
Stop Yo-Yo Dieting With Exercise And Healthy Meals
Do you want to stop yo-yo dieting (or weight cycling)? Exercise, eat healthy and don't stop. Are you tired of losing 40 pounds and regaining 60 pounds? Exercise, eat healthy and don't stop. Are you tired of quick weight loss "solutions" that aren't solutions (the problem gets bigger with each yo-yo weight regain)? Exercise, eat healthy and don't stop. See a pattern developing?
You can stop the weight loss/weight regain cycle with regular exercise and healthy menus. Its that simple. But, somehow its not that easy for many people. Why? Because they buy in to the quick weight loss "solutions" that really don't solve the behavioral problem. The problem is that you need to change your exercise and eating habits to get and keep the lean body you want and need!
Eat these 3 Veggies to Burn More Abdominal Fat
If you want to lose 20 pounds to get ready for your friend's wedding 3 months from now, that's great! Don't stop exercising and eating healthy after the wedding! Keep the good exercise and eating habits going---for life. There's no good reason to stop. That's how you can ultimately stop the yo-yo weight loss and regain. Otherwise, you will always regain more weight than you lost.
According to Marketdata Enterprises, an estimated 54 percent of people in the United States are currently trying to lose weight. This leads many of you to buy weight loss pills and "special foods" that promote weight loss. There's no need to do this. Just start with a regular exercise program and eat healthy based on your basal metabolic rate and activity level. Its that simple folks. Oh yeah, you have to be willing to go with this plan for the long-term. It takes a long time to change your body composition to more muscle and less fat. More muscle mass will speed up your metabolism because your body has to work harder to maintain muscle mass.
If you don't believe what I'm saying, listen to this: Most of us will regain almost all of what we lost, according to research, which is why the typical dieter tries a new plan four times a year. "We have this mentality that a diet is something to go on and then get off as quickly as possible," says FITNESS advisory board member Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, founding director of the University of Pittsburgh's Weight Management Center. "But lasting weight loss requires making lifestyle changes that will work long-term."
"With special-occasion weight loss, it's all about dropping pounds quickly," Fernstrom says. Do this too often and you may find that it's even harder to lose than before. "Constant crash dieting causes your body to cling to the calories you do eat because it's not sure when it's going to get more," she explains.
Rather than keep the pounds off just long enough to impress strangers on your vacation, think about rewarding long-term achievements. Maybe you want to train for your first half-marathon or get in shape to hike the Grand Canyon. Setting a big new goal each time you check one off your list will keep you headed in the right direction.
It's not only your waistline that suffers from yo-yoing. "Repeated crash dieting increases metabolic hormones, such as insulin, and elevates levels of sex hormones, including estrogen," says Andrea Pennington, MD, author of The Pennington Plan for Weight Success. "These changes cause you to start putting on weight around your middle, which research has linked to insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease."
Your confidence also takes a hit. "The more times you go through the gain-lose-gain cycle, the less convinced you become that you can break free from the constant ups and downs," says Keri Gans, RD, a dietitian in private practice in New York City. "No one wants to diet forever; it's hard work."
Here are my 5 tips to help you stop yo-yo dieting:
1. Concentrate on setting the lifetime goal of eating right and exercising regularly with weight training and interval cardio training. This will keep you from stressing about quick weight loss goals. This will also give your body the long-term health it needs. You may need to slowly replace sugary foods and drinks with water, unsweetened drinks and fruits. You could have this as a goal for the week.
"Even if you're doing everything right, your weight can fluctuate based on the time of day or how hydrated you are," says Evelyn Tribole, RD, coauthor of Intuitive Eating. In fact, research shows that women who fixate on counting calories and restricting their food intake report more stress and have higher levels of cortisol, which is linked to overeating.
"Instead of obsessing about every morsel, think about how eating right and exercising make you feel," Tribole says. "Do you have more energy? Are you able to keep up with your kids?" If you take the time to notice the positive effects of each healthy behavior -- whether it's pushing away from the table before you clean your plate or biking for 30 minutes a day -- it's easier to motivate yourself to stay on track.
2. Have a more active lifestyle. I make a habit of walking every where that I can. Walk to the store, walk the dog, walk to the park, walk at the park, walk during your kids' practices, walk during work breaks, etc. Walking will keep your blood flowing, fat-burn enzymes active and calories burning.
3. Get a healty meal plan based on foods that you like. You are more likely to comply with a meal plan that you like. Be prepared to eat less but more nutritious. Base your meal plan on your basal metabolic rate and activity level. You need to maintain a caloric deficit (burn more calories than you eat) to lose weight.
4. Track what you eat in a food journal for a week or two. Until you get good at eating right, you need to carefully watch what and why you eat.
Research has proven that you will have a better chance of succeeding with your meal plan if you keep a food journal. By logging your actual food choices, you are holding yourself accountable throughout the day. You will also be forced to plan your meals better.
In your journal, list food, calories and serving sizes for every snack or meal. List details such as meats, drinks, vegetables, fruits, etc. For each meal, list why you ate--such as you were angry, sad, happy, hungry, etc. This is very important because moods can affect food choices. You need to know your motivations for eating.
5. Get a weight loss buddy for emotional support. Don't try to do your program alone. Research proves that those who workout with a friend, spouse or personal trainer are more likely to reach their goals.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
You can stop the weight loss/weight regain cycle with regular exercise and healthy menus. Its that simple. But, somehow its not that easy for many people. Why? Because they buy in to the quick weight loss "solutions" that really don't solve the behavioral problem. The problem is that you need to change your exercise and eating habits to get and keep the lean body you want and need!
Eat these 3 Veggies to Burn More Abdominal Fat
If you want to lose 20 pounds to get ready for your friend's wedding 3 months from now, that's great! Don't stop exercising and eating healthy after the wedding! Keep the good exercise and eating habits going---for life. There's no good reason to stop. That's how you can ultimately stop the yo-yo weight loss and regain. Otherwise, you will always regain more weight than you lost.
According to Marketdata Enterprises, an estimated 54 percent of people in the United States are currently trying to lose weight. This leads many of you to buy weight loss pills and "special foods" that promote weight loss. There's no need to do this. Just start with a regular exercise program and eat healthy based on your basal metabolic rate and activity level. Its that simple folks. Oh yeah, you have to be willing to go with this plan for the long-term. It takes a long time to change your body composition to more muscle and less fat. More muscle mass will speed up your metabolism because your body has to work harder to maintain muscle mass.
If you don't believe what I'm saying, listen to this: Most of us will regain almost all of what we lost, according to research, which is why the typical dieter tries a new plan four times a year. "We have this mentality that a diet is something to go on and then get off as quickly as possible," says FITNESS advisory board member Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, founding director of the University of Pittsburgh's Weight Management Center. "But lasting weight loss requires making lifestyle changes that will work long-term."
"With special-occasion weight loss, it's all about dropping pounds quickly," Fernstrom says. Do this too often and you may find that it's even harder to lose than before. "Constant crash dieting causes your body to cling to the calories you do eat because it's not sure when it's going to get more," she explains.
Rather than keep the pounds off just long enough to impress strangers on your vacation, think about rewarding long-term achievements. Maybe you want to train for your first half-marathon or get in shape to hike the Grand Canyon. Setting a big new goal each time you check one off your list will keep you headed in the right direction.
It's not only your waistline that suffers from yo-yoing. "Repeated crash dieting increases metabolic hormones, such as insulin, and elevates levels of sex hormones, including estrogen," says Andrea Pennington, MD, author of The Pennington Plan for Weight Success. "These changes cause you to start putting on weight around your middle, which research has linked to insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease."
Your confidence also takes a hit. "The more times you go through the gain-lose-gain cycle, the less convinced you become that you can break free from the constant ups and downs," says Keri Gans, RD, a dietitian in private practice in New York City. "No one wants to diet forever; it's hard work."
Here are my 5 tips to help you stop yo-yo dieting:
1. Concentrate on setting the lifetime goal of eating right and exercising regularly with weight training and interval cardio training. This will keep you from stressing about quick weight loss goals. This will also give your body the long-term health it needs. You may need to slowly replace sugary foods and drinks with water, unsweetened drinks and fruits. You could have this as a goal for the week.
"Even if you're doing everything right, your weight can fluctuate based on the time of day or how hydrated you are," says Evelyn Tribole, RD, coauthor of Intuitive Eating. In fact, research shows that women who fixate on counting calories and restricting their food intake report more stress and have higher levels of cortisol, which is linked to overeating.
"Instead of obsessing about every morsel, think about how eating right and exercising make you feel," Tribole says. "Do you have more energy? Are you able to keep up with your kids?" If you take the time to notice the positive effects of each healthy behavior -- whether it's pushing away from the table before you clean your plate or biking for 30 minutes a day -- it's easier to motivate yourself to stay on track.
2. Have a more active lifestyle. I make a habit of walking every where that I can. Walk to the store, walk the dog, walk to the park, walk at the park, walk during your kids' practices, walk during work breaks, etc. Walking will keep your blood flowing, fat-burn enzymes active and calories burning.
3. Get a healty meal plan based on foods that you like. You are more likely to comply with a meal plan that you like. Be prepared to eat less but more nutritious. Base your meal plan on your basal metabolic rate and activity level. You need to maintain a caloric deficit (burn more calories than you eat) to lose weight.
4. Track what you eat in a food journal for a week or two. Until you get good at eating right, you need to carefully watch what and why you eat.
Research has proven that you will have a better chance of succeeding with your meal plan if you keep a food journal. By logging your actual food choices, you are holding yourself accountable throughout the day. You will also be forced to plan your meals better.
In your journal, list food, calories and serving sizes for every snack or meal. List details such as meats, drinks, vegetables, fruits, etc. For each meal, list why you ate--such as you were angry, sad, happy, hungry, etc. This is very important because moods can affect food choices. You need to know your motivations for eating.
5. Get a weight loss buddy for emotional support. Don't try to do your program alone. Research proves that those who workout with a friend, spouse or personal trainer are more likely to reach their goals.
Be sure and download your Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course from Precision Nutrition:
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Women
Free 5-Day Fat Loss Course for Men
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Monday, October 4, 2010
You Achieved Quick Weight Loss, Are You Healthy?
You can achieve quick weight loss. But, your body might feel like a total wreck. Ever lost 35 pounds in a week? I hope not (at least not voluntarily).
If you have weight loss, fat loss and good health, you're in a great place! Just continue to eat right and work hard to stay there!
Quick weight loss implies that it's something that probably won't last! Health should be stressed before weight loss and beauty! It does you no good to look great if your body is a total wreck and unhealthy!
Optimal health involves making lifestyle changes to improve your:
1. health
2. fitness
3. energy levels
4. quality of life
We are living longer on this earth so quality of life is important!
The "quick weight loss lifestyle" is narrow minded when you compare it to the "optimal health lifestyle!"
Quick weight loss leads to slowed metabolism, a weaker immune system, hormonal imbalances, loss of lean mass, increased body fat, decreased energy levels, disrupted sleep patterns, short-term results and yo-yo dieting!
I'll take the optimal health option any day over quick weight loss!
So, here are some tips to help you achieve your best health and fitness:
1. Make a commitment TODAY to a lifestyle of health and fitness! Without this commitment, you will eventually go back to short-term solutions like quick weight loss!
2. Make the needed changes to your eating habits! Severely limit foods like sugars, processed foods, fast foods, fat-filled packaged foods, etc. Eat more foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Get help with your meal plan if needed! Get your nutrition mainly from food! Add in supplements like multivitamins and fish oil to support your meal plan and improve your health.
3. Commit to regular exercise and an active lifestyle! Walk as much as you can everyday!
4. Get enough rest! If you don't sleep enough, your body won't function as well as it could--that means about 7-8 hours of sleep every night for most people.
5. Schedule that doctor's appointment to see where your health stands! High blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. can be controlled, if needed.
-Cathering Ebeling and Mike Geary are co-authors of the popular ebook, Fat-Burning Kitchen, which shows you how to totally revamp your kitchen to make your body a fat-burning machine. Get it now!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
If you have weight loss, fat loss and good health, you're in a great place! Just continue to eat right and work hard to stay there!
Quick weight loss implies that it's something that probably won't last! Health should be stressed before weight loss and beauty! It does you no good to look great if your body is a total wreck and unhealthy!
Optimal health involves making lifestyle changes to improve your:
1. health
2. fitness
3. energy levels
4. quality of life
We are living longer on this earth so quality of life is important!
The "quick weight loss lifestyle" is narrow minded when you compare it to the "optimal health lifestyle!"
Quick weight loss leads to slowed metabolism, a weaker immune system, hormonal imbalances, loss of lean mass, increased body fat, decreased energy levels, disrupted sleep patterns, short-term results and yo-yo dieting!
I'll take the optimal health option any day over quick weight loss!
So, here are some tips to help you achieve your best health and fitness:
1. Make a commitment TODAY to a lifestyle of health and fitness! Without this commitment, you will eventually go back to short-term solutions like quick weight loss!
2. Make the needed changes to your eating habits! Severely limit foods like sugars, processed foods, fast foods, fat-filled packaged foods, etc. Eat more foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Get help with your meal plan if needed! Get your nutrition mainly from food! Add in supplements like multivitamins and fish oil to support your meal plan and improve your health.
3. Commit to regular exercise and an active lifestyle! Walk as much as you can everyday!
4. Get enough rest! If you don't sleep enough, your body won't function as well as it could--that means about 7-8 hours of sleep every night for most people.
5. Schedule that doctor's appointment to see where your health stands! High blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. can be controlled, if needed.
-Cathering Ebeling and Mike Geary are co-authors of the popular ebook, Fat-Burning Kitchen, which shows you how to totally revamp your kitchen to make your body a fat-burning machine. Get it now!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Friday, October 1, 2010
Burn Major Calories With Athletic Workouts
Athletic workouts will burn major calories and help you burn fat and lose weight---sooner! If you need to ramp up the intensity and break through your weight loss plateau, athletic workouts will work.
Athletic workouts are very intense and will improve your body's composition (fat loss, more muscle). These workouts will sculpt your body without your joints taking a pounding from lifting heavy weights!
To get your muscles to improve power (how fast your muscles can produce force), do some or all of the exercises full speed. Also, you will really burn fat and shape your bulkier, fast twitch muscle fibers when doing exercises at full speed!
Athletic circuit workouts are a tried and true method to burn more fat, increase strength/endurance and improve heart health.
Do each exercise (10 repetitions) one after the other with little or no rest between exercises. Rest 2-3 minutes and do the circuit 2 more times. Here is a good athletic workout:
--Medicine ball front chops, moderate pace
--Side shuffles (pictured above), full speed
--Pushups, full speed
--Walking lunges/Side Lunges/Tranverse Lunges, moderate pace (one for each circuit)
--2-Handed medicine ball soccer throw, full speed
--Squat jumps, full speed
--Back extensions, moderate pace
Use correct form and burn calories!
-Cathering Ebeling and Mike Geary are co-authors of the popular ebook, Fat-Burning Kitchen, which shows you how to totally revamp your kitchen to make your body a fat-burning machine. Get it now!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
Athletic workouts are very intense and will improve your body's composition (fat loss, more muscle). These workouts will sculpt your body without your joints taking a pounding from lifting heavy weights!
To get your muscles to improve power (how fast your muscles can produce force), do some or all of the exercises full speed. Also, you will really burn fat and shape your bulkier, fast twitch muscle fibers when doing exercises at full speed!
Athletic circuit workouts are a tried and true method to burn more fat, increase strength/endurance and improve heart health.
Do each exercise (10 repetitions) one after the other with little or no rest between exercises. Rest 2-3 minutes and do the circuit 2 more times. Here is a good athletic workout:
--Medicine ball front chops, moderate pace
--Side shuffles (pictured above), full speed
--Pushups, full speed
--Walking lunges/Side Lunges/Tranverse Lunges, moderate pace (one for each circuit)
--2-Handed medicine ball soccer throw, full speed
--Squat jumps, full speed
--Back extensions, moderate pace
Use correct form and burn calories!
-Cathering Ebeling and Mike Geary are co-authors of the popular ebook, Fat-Burning Kitchen, which shows you how to totally revamp your kitchen to make your body a fat-burning machine. Get it now!
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut
Rapid Fat Loss and Six Pack Abs
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