Fitness & Fat Loss

Prevention of obesity is the responsibility of every individual. Parents are especially responsible for educating themselves on ways to prevent obesity in their children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1991 conducted a survey on fat facts. The survey was focused on which states were the most obese (obesity is defined as being 30 pounds overweight).

Six Out of Ten Americans Are Overweight and Three Are Obese...

In 1991, there were only four states that fell into the "Fat Zone". To be considered for this honor, the states needed to have "more than 15% who are obese." In 1993, just three years later, the number increased to 12 states. In 1995, the number increased again to a total of 27 states. In 2000, the number had increased again to 44 states.

Now here are some very interesting facts about the six states that are not in the fat zone. The following states, listed by the CDC 2000 survey are as follows: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Montana, and New Hampshire.

What do they all have in common? The answer is a lack of fast food restaurants, and a real focus on exercise and fitness.

By 2007, we had all 50 states included in the picture. It stands to reason, that if out of every 10 Americans, 6 are overweight and 3 of these 6 are obese, then again the question comes up, "who or what is to blame for our fat nation?" We can fix the blame on many different causes, but the real problem comes back to nest in the lack of knowledge related to what causes obesity.

Fast Food Restaurants & The Fat Zone

I thought this statement was most interesting. The U.S. Census Bureau shared, "In slim Montana, you'll find one fast-food joint every 170 square miles; in heavy Kentucky, you can stop for fries every 13 square miles."

The above facts seem to have been very obvious to most people who live within the 44 fat zone states. But after over 13 years of research in the area of weight-Loss, there is more to our fat nation challenge than just fast foods and exercise and fitness.

Weight Loss Product Sales Are Soaring

As a result, "Fat Loss Product Sales Are Soaring" Research Alert, May 17, 2002, states, "People are fat and getting fatter, yet everyone wants to be thin. Sales of diet products jump 6.6 percent in the year (2002), with no end to the increase in sight." This means no matter where you live, you will see an increase in weight loss product sales for sure!

Most Americans Have No Clue About The Causes of Obesity

The challenge we face in America in preventing obesity is that many Americans have no clue about what really causes weight challenges or obesity, many still consider it to be a moral and personal problem. Is it just fast foods and lack of exercise, or is there a larger picture with the toxic environment and health challenges that are converging on our nation?

Here is another interesting fact, we eat far less fat than we did 10 years ago. Unexpectedly, obesity rates have skyrocketed. However, in 2009, the obesity trend is still climbing.

People are trying ways to prevent obesity and to do the right thing, but many and I mean you, are just not aware of all the preexisting health challenges that not only hinder weight reduction; also, to a great degree, cause weight gain.

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Fat Burning Foods - The Truth Behind Grapefruit and Citrus Fruits

According to an array of research and studies, many citrus foods-specifically grapefruit-help the body to burn fat. For example, the Nutrition and Medical Research Centre at Scripps Clinic in San Diego initiated research and studies that prove how the simple consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice led to a significant loss in body fat and weight. While a fad-diet from the 1980s, titled the "grapefruit diet," may have been the first source of the grapefruit fat burning rumors, experts and scientists are uncovering new information that supports the fruit's powerful effects!

The Fat Burning Benefits of Grapefruit

Whether you drink a simple glass of pure grapefruit juice, or if you enjoy the fruit in its whole form, consumers of grapefruit experience significant fat burning benefits. In examining a clinical study of this fruit, leading researcher Dr. Fujioka created a trial wherein 100 obese individuals were monitored as some participants consumed grapefruit while others did not. While engaging in this trial, participants did not make any changes to their diet or exercise habits, other than those who were required to add a daily serving of grapefruit. Dr. Fujioka broke the participants into three groups, and studied their fat burning processes by implementing specific grapefruit requirements:

    The first group did not consume any grapefruit

    The second group ate half of a grapefruit before each meal, three times each day

    The third group drank grapefruit juice before each meal, three times each day.

According to Dr. Fujioka's results and reports, the two groups who consumed grapefruit before each meal lost an average of 3.6 pounds over the course of 12 weeks! When comparing this to the group abstaining from grapefruit, the non-citrus eaters only lost an average of half of a pound during the 12 weeks.

Additional Benefits of Grapefruit

While grapefruit has been proven to work as a fat burning food, consumers of grapefruit will also experience additional health benefits. According to Dr. Fujioka's study, individuals who consumed his allotted amounts of grapefruit each day also experienced decreased levels of insulin, which is a hormone that regulates the body's metabolism, energy, and blood sugar levels. An excess of insulin can actually lead to serious illnesses, such as diabetes; therefore, a steady diet of grapefruit can actually prevent the development of this health disorder.

When examining how grapefruit provides consumers with fat burning and health benefits, some suggest that the lower insulin levels are the main catalyst for enhanced fat burning abilities. Essentially, as grapefruit stabilizes energy levels and insulin levels, the body is able to maintain a more stable energy state. Oftentimes when faced with an energy crash or feelings of fatigue, the body will jump into a hunger-mode, as the body will seek out sugary and unhealthy foods to receive an immediate and fast energy boost. When engaging in these habits, individuals are choosing foods that lead to weight gain. In contrast, when individuals experience more stable blood sugar levels, the body is able to regulate its energy, burning up fat cells in order to invigorate and boost the body.

Additional Citrus Fat Burning Foods

While grapefruit has been the most researched and verified fat burning citrus product, some studies indicate that other citrus foods can also lead to fat burning effects. For example, lemon and oranges may also promote enhanced fat burning processes; however, these fruits are less clinically supported than the powerful grapefruit benefits. When choosing to incorporate grapefruit into your diet, enjoy the whole fruit or purchase a juice with no additives, sugars, or concentrates. Fresh squeezed and all natural grapefruit will deliver the greatest fat burning.

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Customized Fat Loss Review

A new program which I had the chance to go over lately is the Customized Fat Loss program by Kyle Leon. This is a fat loss plan which is marketed as a personalized solution to your weight problems.

This program offers a customized nutrition schedule based on your body type. According to Kyle Leon, the creator of the plan, each of us belongs to one of six body types (Endomorph, Ectomorph, etc.). Each of these body types has different traits. Some find it easier to gain fat and/or muscle and others don't. Kyle Leon claims is that each person must eat according to their body type to optimally lose body fat.

This is where he believes that many diet plans fail: they offer a generic solution to what is a personalized issue. This is why Customized Fat Loss was created.

The nutrition plan which you get is created through an online software. You need to enter some details into the software, such as your age, weight, height, and body type. What the system does is create a number of 6 meals and snacks a day meal plans for you which are designed to fit your body type. The overall amount of calories that you are allowed to eat is determined by your current weight, height, etc.

However, this is not the extent of the customization this plan offers. You can also create your own meal plans. The system tells you how many calories you can eat and what you nutrient makeup should be. You can choose the foods that you eat from the nutrition database which comes with the system. The software calculates how many calories you plan on eating so you can adjust your plans accordingly.

The fact that you have so much freedom is what gives Customized Fat Loss its power. You can easily create meal plans with little guess work and you can enjoy your food more than on other diets so you will likely stick to the plan for as long as you need.

Customized Fat Loss also contains a number of ebooks including a complete workout plan and a supplementation guide. The workout plan is also designed separately for each body type and the supplements are not a mandatory part of the program.

Overall, Customized Fat Loss provides a very convenient and easy to use system which can help you lose weight. I enjoyed working with the system and I think you would too.

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Planetary Factors In The Horoscope

The planets in our solar system are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. For the purpose of our study of influences, both the Sun and the Moon are included and are referred to as planets or heavenly bodies that take their place in the chart.

Our Earth is placed between Venus and Mars regarding the distance from the Sun. In Astrology it is not classed as a defined planet as it is our home planet and the focus of our studies. It could be said that the dot in the centre of the chart represents our little earth and further, our little self!

From the point of view of astrology, each planet represents certain powerful energies that beam out into the solar system and to which we humans on earth respond. These responses alter according to the ever changing movements of the planets, including those of our earth, and in accordance with the altering relationships between them. The astronomically determined positions of the planets at the time of our birth are duly recorded and given their placement in our astrological chart. Planets placed above the horizon tend to indicate positive worldly interests and power. Planets beneath indicate the quiet achievers - those who choose to, or those destined to pass through life without worldly acknowledgment.

The different angles and relationships between the energies affecting earth however, are complex and include trines, oppositions and conjunctions. These have been studied and recorded over thousands of years and although basic factors are well known regarding the likely affect upon us we need skilled interpretation by an experienced astrologer.

The following is a simple insight into the symbolism of each of the planets.

The Sun - represents our spiritual being and defines the special inner talents and inclinations that we have uppermost in our nature. This is why our Sun Sign is so powerful an influence in our lives and reflects qualities that are likely to be constant. It represents the masculine principle and is a factor used in interpreting relationships. It is a symbol of status, power, good fortune, generosity, happiness and well being.

The Moon - is symbolic of our ever growing pathway to maturity. Because the moon itself fluctuates in its cyclic journey that we perceive from new moon to full and appears in changing form it represents the feminine principle. It rules our emotions and with women is additionally apparent in their physiological menstrual. The Moon is a symbol of creativity, gestation, and the caring, nurturing and emotional factor in life.

Mercury - is symbolic of the mind and intellect. The subconscious functions of the mind are associated with the Moon and the entirely conscious thoughts are linked to the Sun. Thought can be depressed or can fly free and it is the Greek god Mercury, the messenger depicted as communicating between heaven and earth that represents our choices in utilizing both concentration and imagination. Where Mercury appears in our chart gives indication of our particular uses and talents of our mind.

Venus - is symbolic of love. We are aware of this even in everyday life when it is used to refer to human love and romantic relationships. It represents both our inner harmony and love capacity of our nature, and the circumstances in which we experience pleasant beautiful life lessons and good luck.

Mars - is the heroic symbol of war and the protector of Venus and all positive aspects of culture and value. It is associated with all outgoing energy and obviously with the masculine principle and action part of human nature. It indicates courage, enthusiasm and will and our degree of intensity of feeling and passion.

Jupiter - is symbolic of beneficence, generosity and wealth on a grand scale. It shows when our life seems 'easy' without struggle, poverty, or lack of confidence. Its positive effect help us to expand and to hold all-inclusive attitudes. It indicates our powers of leadership and inner achievements.

Saturn - is symbolic of restriction and contraction. It helps us consolidate to find our inner intuition and wisdom before wasting energy. It reaches us caution and reminds us of the law of Karma and the need to obey natural laws. In our chart often is an indication of our power to overcome what may seem difficulties but that are lessons, once learned, give us passport to greater understanding of life.

Uranus - is venturing further from the other planets and its influence is such that tends to arouse new awareness of the need for progress both in our own nature and externally by stimulating new thought and adventure into space. It certainly makes its presence felt by our human adventures into the Space Age. However, in our personal lives it can be interpreted as unconventionality - our exploration into the unknown and our inner conviction 'to do it my way' in asserting our individuality.

Neptune - is symbolic of vast, and more nebulous spheres of consciousness, as it is
known to us as a remote, impersonal planet. It affects human emotions by encouraging the vague part of our mystical nature, beyond the rational. It is difficult to define, but in our charts cautions us against extremes and promises of rosier futures. It inclines one to take stimulants, to daydream, to suffer exploitation or deception and to suffer from uncoordinated aspects of our emotions.

Pluto - is way out there in the solar system and almost seems beyond the influence of the parent Sun. Little is known about its influence on our lives as its discovery has been so recent. However, although thought to be rather negative in our lives, it has been determined as a factor in great amalgamations and powerful unions of interests. Bearing in mind that it is often seen to be similar to the Greek god Pluto, governor of the underworld, involved in death and destruction, we know that we have yet to discover its other qualities.

Astrology and Astronomy are closely related in that the latter observes the heavenly bodies and the first interprets their influences upon the human nature and life on our planet. The third science that so well should be part of the trio is that of Psychology. The three in concert provide a solid basis for strengthening the link between the material and heavenly worlds with the third detailing the causes of the behavioural nature of the human psyche and its responses to the invisible weather of forces we cannot choose to ignore. Invisible energies are as real as other energies we have explored and utilize.

Astrological knowledge if added to present day psychology would make self understanding easier, and encourage us to have greater tolerance and understanding of others. We need to look beyond the body and personality, to the unique characteristics and qualities of the individual soul.

We need assistance to unveil the special talents of each of us so we will be free and confident to offer our contribution to the world. Astrology is such an aid.Click Here!

What Is The Fat Loss Factor Program?

The Fat Loss Factor is a weight loss program created by Dr. Charles M. Allen that comprises a comprehensive diet and workout regime along with stress management, goal-setting and other supportive activities. In this 12-week fat loss program, dieters can choose one of the levels of difficult (beginner, intermediate, advanced weight loss) depending upon how much weight they want to lose.

Phase 1

This two week phase basically involves consumption of natural foods for the purpose of detox. You will eat raw seeds, raw nuts, legumes, olive oils and organic fruits and vegetables and avoid meat, eggs, dairy products, sugar bread, grains and artificial sweeteners. You should only drink reverse or spring osmosis water over the period.

During these 2 weeks, it's recommended to avoid doing any strenuous exercise but instead take light exercises like walking for 30-60 minutes a day outdoors.

Phase 1 of the Fat Loss factor is aimed at helping you to;

Flush toxins, Lose extra weight, Boost your immune system,Increase your energy, Improve your sleeping patterns.

Phase 2

Once you've completed the 2-weeks detox, you will go on to the 12 week phase 2 which comprises of Lifestyle Un-Diet.This diet is usually based on healthy fats, lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables and low glycemic carbohydrates.

There are several rules you should follow during phase 2;

1.Consume several small meals in day.

2.Eat a raw food during every meal.

3.Drink plenty of water.

4.Eat most of the calories in the morning.

5.Select a cheat day every week.

If you've not achieved your goals of weight loss after twelve weeks on the Fat Loss Factor program, you're advised to evaluate yourself, learn from experiences and, if possible, start the program from the beginning.

Exercise:

One of the important elements highlighted in the Fat Loss Factor Plan is exercise as it builds muscles, boosts metabolism and reduces stress.This weight loss program includes 3 distinct strength-training regimes( lasting 12 weeks) for each level of difficulty; beginners, intermediate and the advanced dieters. Each workout takes 35 to 60 minutes and you'll initially start exercising three times each week and gradually increase the frequency of exercise. Exercises are usually performed on machines.

The Fat Loss Factor plan also includes several examples of short workouts (usually 15-minute long) that dieters can do when they're short on time.

Pros of this program

1. You have a choice of 4 diet options depending upon your goals.

2. The program encourages consumption of fruit and vegetables and organic foods.

3. Offers advice about developing a new weight-management lifestyle.

4. Encourages dieters to set goals and keep a journal, which have been shown to bring about greater fat loss success.

5. The diet comprises grocery list and several recipes.

6. Highlights importance of adopting stress management strategies.

Cons of this program

1. It could be a little expensive to consume organic foods.

2. The advanced options in the plan require that dieters fast for at least 3 days.

3. Does not have a meal plan.

4. Requires home gym equipment or gym membership to perform the exercise regime recommended while on the program.

5. Planning and preparation of meals may require much time.

Go here for more information about The help lose weight. Read this article a list of fat burning foods for more information.