Monday, December 21, 2009

Treatment for weight gain

Treatment for weight gain, can be following a balanced diet plan and some exercises to lose weight quickly. Make sure you have st realistic weight loss goals, that will help you to maintain healthy weight. But, at first, do evaluate the exact reason behind sudden weight gain, so that you can plan ways to lose weight, accordingly.

In normal conditions, there is no need to go and see a health care provider, but in some specific conditions like excessive weight gain without any significant reason, constipation and weight gain, palpitation, swollen feet, uncontrollable and unreasonable cravings, shortness of breath, vision changes, hair loss, etc.

If these mentioned health related issues are accompanied with sudden weight gain, then make sure you check with the health care provider and plan to lose weight accordingly.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sudden Weight Gain

Sudden weight gain is unintentional increase in weight that occurs due to unwanted intake of calories. Calories that are consumed more than the required amount are useless and actually harmful for the body. More than 40% of American population is suffering from obesity, that is caused by gradual or sudden weight gain. If sudden gain in weight is ignored at its initial stages, then this obesity may take a face of many serious health related issues.

There are a few simple reasons and habits that cause sudden weight gain, without our knowledge. There are a few regular and habitual things that bring us into the trouble of sudden weight gain. These 'habitual things' include, alcohol abuse, quitting smoking or consumption of tobacco, excessive snacking, reducing exercise levels, stress, etc. These can be the reasons behind symptoms of sudden weight gain. Another reason why women experience sudden weight gain is pregnancy.

The most basic cause of sudden weight gain is overeating and less exercising. When a person eats more and exercises less, he/she cannot burn the excessive calories and this way gains weight. There are some people who diet very well and exercise too, but still they suffer from sudden weight gain. Apart from these all mentioned above, here are the causes behind sudden weight gain in women.

Efficiency of Weight Gain Supplements

It is not a case that only bodybuilders are looking for the weight gain supplements but other men and women who are underweight, want to build muscles, do look for them as well. The nutritional supplement drinks and shakes are actually an effective way of weight gain. Weight gain pills and capsule are also available, that make these supplements more convenient way of gaining weight. These are the high quality and efficient weight gain supplements that contain multivitamins and several healthy minerals.

Efficiency of the weight gain supplements also dependent on body response of each of its consumer. Some people find protein weight gain supplements more convenient while some people stick to other liquid nutritional drinks. Especially the people that are very ill due to excessive weight loss. Best weight gain supplements for women and men, must strictly be a good combination of vitamins and minerals. Some of these supplements are come with high calories and high protein, which is a perfect blend to weight gain. The point is multivitamin nutritional supplements and weight gain supplements are almost the same, of you check for their contents. So, there is basically no need to fall for the commercial extravaganza and go on tremendous spending spree that they claim.

People who are looking for weight gain can try the multivitamin pills that are easily available as over-the-counter drugs. Taking weight gain supplements is not the ultimate way to gain weight as it must be followed by significant exercise routine that heavily relies upon weight training that leads to healthy muscle building. If balanced diet and exercise is combined well with the weight gain supplements, then positive results are assured.

Need for Weight Gain Supplements

Gaining weight is often related to increasing loads of junk foods and oily foods, but it is not the healthy way. To learn how to gain weight fast, a person must follow a balanced diet that is rich with all the important nutritional benefits and minerals. Quality intake of all the natural weight gain products, like foods rich with vitamins and minerals is the best way to gain weight quickly. Due to some reason or the other, people tend to overlook the value of a balanced and healthy diet and run in quest of finding the best weight gain supplements.

There are quite a few weight gain supplements that are actually a bundle of few rich nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, whey proteins and fibers. These weight gain supplements reduce the metabolism rate to an extent and cause significant weight gain. As they come as a package that includes all the important factors of weight gain, they get quite convenient, which is easier than having 5 to 6 meals, regularly. The meal replacement shakes and whey protein shakes are worth giving a try when it comes to weight gain, using weight gain supplements.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Girl, learn things to do instead of just dieting

A few (very clever) tricks to fool the eye that make you appear thinner than you are. Girls, learn and learn well!

It is okay to go on a diet to lose some added pounds that you may have gained. You may also know all the weight loss basics, but need you a little something extra to tweak the way that you look.

Not to fret, we have some tricks up our sleeves to share with you that can make a big difference. So forget counting your calories and spending hours in the gym and read on.

Wear heels
Although wearing heels can cause long-term damage to your legs, posture and feet, they do elongate the legs, making you look longer, taller and thinner.

Wearing heels will also make the muscles in your legs and bottom work and tense more and the overall consensus is that, high heels make you look slimmer than wearing flat shoes with the same outfit.

Fat magnets
When it comes to meal times, try to stay away from friends who like to eat junk food. You have to admit, when someone orders French fries, you can’t help but pinch one of theirs, or even buy your own. It’s the same with friends who order desserts after a meal, even if they do want you to share.

We aren’t saying that you can never eat with them again, but just be aware of your eating habits when you are around them.

Find the right fit
Make sure that you wear clothes that are of the right size. Don’t buy something that is a size too small and then try and squeeze into it. You will end up looking as though you are bursting out of your clothes.

Alternatively, don’t hide your figure in baggy clothes. Some people think that by doing this they will be hiding their flaws, but it can actually make you look a lot bigger than you actually are.

Portion control
Make sure that you watch the size of your portions when you are eating. You don’t have to devour everything on your plate.

Unfortunately, we are eating larger portions and a lot of these portions are from foods that are high in calories to begin with. If you’re thinking most people would just eat less at the next meal, think again. Studies have revealed that when people overindulge at one meal, they do not balance it by eating less at the next meal.

If you go to a restaurant and the portions are enough to feed a small developing country, then make sure that you eat slower and chew your food more so that you will feel fuller quicker and therefore, won’t need to eat everything. When you are eating at home, plan in advance and use smaller plates and dishes to serve your food.

A good tan
Having a tan actually makes a person appear thinner than they actually are. Invest in some tanning lotion, or ‘tan in a can’ as it is also known. We doubt that it has been clinically proven, but a tan can hide the flaws and blemishes that appear on the skin.

Alternatively, you could go to a tanning salon, or spend some more time in the sun. If you do this, make sure that you use protective sun lotion to keep you from harm from the sun’s rays.

It’s all about the illusion, which you can do to any body part. If you don’t want to tan or use fake tan, then you can use make-up and bronzer on your legs. It’s sort of like how wearing black can hide imperfections a lot better than other colours; having tan skin does the same thing too.

Forget the labels
Try to buy foods that don’t have labels, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. By doing this, you will be avoiding all the artificial additives and you'll be consuming fewer preservatives. The less of these, the more healthily you will be eating.

Most foods that contain the preservatives and additives are the ones that are usually high in calories, so it is best to limit your intake of these.

Straighten up
Maintaining a better posture is one of the easiest ways you can look thinner. Make sure that you stand and sit up straight and keep your stomach sucked in.

When a person slouches, it shows rolls more easily and can actually make you look about ten pounds heavier than you actually are. Slouching will only make you look frumpy!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Global Obesity Epidemic

Internationally over 22 million children under the age of 5 are overweight. Developing countries have seen an increase in child obesity as they adapt to westernized lifestyles and behaviors. In some cases the child obesity rates have surpassed the rates in America which have doubled in the past few decades.

The increase in global obesity from early childhood to adolescents affects all racial and ethnic groups. Studies in the USA show that almost 8% of children between the ages of 4 and 5 are overweight. Global obesity in children affects girls more often than boys. As a matter of fact, over the past 20 years overweight and obese young girls has doubled while the increase in boys was less than 25%. Additionally overweight was highest among Mexican American children followed by non-Hispanic black children and non-Hispanic white children. Global obesity in industrial countries are finding similar results. In Japan, for instance, between 1974 and 1983 children between the ages of 6 and 14 have seen an increase in obesity from 5% to 10%.

Developing countries obesity rates are also rising steadily and in some instances so are the malnourished rates. For example: Northern Africa's child obesity rate is in excess of 8% and malnourished over 7%, South America, which historically was known for malnourished and underweight, now reports almost 5% of preschool children as overweight and malnourished only 1.8%, Eastern Asia preschool children overweight 4.3% and malnourished 3.4%. Child obesity rates in some countries have surpassed those of the United States such as: Argentina, Egypt, Jamaica, Malawi, Nigeria, Peru, Qatar, Uzbekistan, and South Africa.

It seems clear that global obesity in children is no longer a Western issue. It is now found in all industrialized countries and some developing countries. Case in point: Seychelles ( a middle income island state in the Indian Ocean), which is in a rapid economic growth, reports 13.5% of boys and 18.6% of girls as overweight and 5.2% of boys and 6.2% of girls as obese. Developing countries are realizing the need to adjust their public health priorities in order to combat childhood obesity. There is a need for programs and policies aimed at promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition in countries in economic transition.

Who is to blame for the westernization of global obesity? Ever since they opened their first restaurant outside of the U.S. Borders (1967 Canada) child obesity rates have increased. Fast food is one of the causes of global obesity. Modernized inventions; such as computers and video games , and their popularity have contributed to sedentary lifestyles. obesity is an epidemic that has serious personal and societal consequences. Parents, governments, and local communities must take responsibility for identifying the problems.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Beat On-the-Job Weight Gain

Holding a sedentary job, working long hours at the desk, plus the lack of time for exercise, is turning more and more working women into a desk potato. Throw in the hectic workload and you've got a recipe for stress-induced snacking and compulsive bingeing. Before you know it, you're packing on the pounds. What to do? Here are some tips that can help you beat the nine-to-five flab.

1. Eat regular meals
Do you often miss meals because you get too busy? Skipping meals can actually cause weight gain since it slows down your metabolism, and also leads to frequent vending machine visits and snacking. So make time for your breakfast and lunch: A high-protein and fiber-filled breakfast can provide the energy you need to get you to lunch, and rather than cutting out lunch, shave off a few calories by controlling your portion sizes and staying away from high-calorie foods.

2. Hang up the phone
Technology like email and voicemail makes it too convenient to deliver a message to your colleagues without getting off your chair. When you need to talk to a coworker across the office, don't automatically reach for the phone! Walk down the hall and relay your message personally.

3. Don't eat lunch in front of your workstation
If you regularly sit and eat lunch at your desk, you're not exposing yourself to any physical activity. Even a 10-minute or 15-minute brisk walk at lunchtime can boost your spirits, make your muscles stronger, and burn some calories. That's why it's really important to get up and move your body. Lunchtime break is also a great time to temporarily take your mind off work and unwind, so go out and have lunch together with your coworkers, where you can socialize and relax.

4. Squeeze in more activities
Move around in the workplace -- every little bit of activity counts: Use the farthest restroom in your building; tackle a few flights of stairs during your coffee break; park at the farthest lot in the carpark. Even standing and moving around while you're on the phone helps.

5. Have healthy snacks on hand
How do you resist those mid-afternoon shortbread cookies and chocolates your colleagues pass around? Stash nuts, fruit and other healthy snacks in your desk drawer. When you're hungry, snack on them and you'll be less tempted by the junk food around you.

6. Keep a food journal
Make a list of what and when you eat. Keeping a food diary can help you track how your meals and snacks add up during the day, allowing you to notice when you overindulge.

7. Take deep breaths
Practice waiting before you munch. Stress produces an adrenaline that for many people leads to compulsive snacking. Before you eat away "nervous energy", try waiting for 10 minutes. If your cravings are stress-induced, chances are they'll disappear.

8. Drink enough water
Feeling hungry and tired? You may just be dehydrated. Keep water on your desk at all times and plan to drink at least a half ounce of water for every pound of body weight. If you weigh 180 pounds, that's 90 ounces of water.

'Diet' Food Labelling Tricks

Food manufacturers love to splash health claims over their products, but you may be surprised to learn how misleading some labels actually are. So, did the manufacturers lie? Yes, they did, but legally -- by taking advantage of loopholes in the labelling laws, says Shondelle Solomon-Miles, author of The Ultimate Fat Loss Guide. This intentional deception is largely fuelled by our diet-obsessed culture, where manufacturers know words such as "low-fat", "lite", and "low-calorie" sell products.

"Food labeling is deceptive, and can trick you into buying food products that aren't true to their label," adds Solomon-Miles. Now you know why your waistline still hasn't budged. But the good news is you can outsmart these labeling tricks. Here's how:

Label Trick #1:
Less than 100 calories per servingThe numbers you see on the nutrition label are given on a per serving basis, so to lower the numbers of calories, saturated fat, sugars, and sodium, some food manufacturers make their products look healthy by downsizing the serving portion. Sometimes, the recommended serving size gets a bit ridiculous. Many cereals, for example, base their nutrition information on 1/2-cup serving size, but who eats just 1/2 cup of cereal for breakfast?

This often misleads us into believing we're eating much fewer calories than we actually are: If you open, say, a bag of chips, glance on the back and see that it has only 100 calories, you may be inclined to eat the whole bag. However, that's 100 calories per serving. "If there are four servings in that bag of chips and you eat the whole bag, then you've just eaten 400 calories," says Solomon-Miles.

Label Trick #2:
Lite or LightWhen food products are labelled as "lite" or "light", most of us automatically assume they're low in fat or calories. But some food companies merely sell these "lite" versions in smaller quantities, so they appear to pack fewer fat or calories. In fact, these "lite" products may actually contain the same amount of calories (or more!) than their regular counterparts. To make things even more confusing, current labelling laws even allow these terms to be used on products that may simply be lighter in color or texture to another similar version.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Top diet cheats for the festival season

With the party season fast approaching even the most disciplined dieter can fall foul of temptation with all the culinary treats on offer. Here's how to keep your diet on the straight and narrow.

'This the season to be jolly - but if you're trying to watch your waistline party season can feel like anything but cheerful.

Mince pies, canapés, roast dinners and wine can all cause you to pile on the pounds over Christmas, but what can you do to avoid these temptations and still enjoy yourself?
Here are our top diet cheats to help you stay healthy (and happy!) during the festive season.

Knowing what you're going to eat and when will help you avoid temptation and lower the risk of you having to run out and grab an unhealthy option.

If you're eating out don't be afraid to ask for your food to be prepared in a particular way such as opting for grilled meat rather than fried. If you're having a salad then request the dressing be served separately and avoid creamy or cheesy toppings.

Just 10 minutes of high impact dancing can help burn some of those canapé calories - so make sure you get your groove on at the office party.

Make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water during the day - this will keep you hydrated and may also help suppress your appetite naturally.

If you can't avoid having a drink over the festive season then try to opt for white wine or clear spirits as these contain less calories than lagers, cream liquers and cocktails.

Canapés can be hard to resist, but the calories can quickly rack up if you have more than a couple. Try to opt for the vegetables with dip rather than the deep fried options.

Leave sufficient time between meals to aid digestion and if you have to snack between meals then try to keep it healthy - grab a banana or a handful of nuts to keep you going.