Archive for July, 2009
Simple Slim
Jul 11th
Simple Slim
Spring is right around the corner and retailers have already begun stocking their floors with warm-weather goods — including swimsuits. Besides looking great on the beach, commonsense tells us that one of the best things you can do for your overall health is to drop a few pounds. Or maybe more than a few pounds.
Being overweight significantly increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer … the list seems almost endless. Plus, if you do get sick or need surgery, being overweight can make any treatments riskier.
You know the drill when it comes to losing weight — take in fewer calories, burn more calories. But you also know that most diets and quick weight-loss plans have about as much substance as a politician’s campaign pledges. You’re better off finding several simple things you can do on a daily basis — along with following the cardinal rules of eating more vegetables and less fat and getting more physical activity. Together, they should send the scale numbers in the right direction: down.
1. Once a week, indulge in a high-calorie-tasting, but low-calorie, treat. This should help keep you from feeling deprived and binging on higher-calorie foods. For instance:
- Lobster. Just 83 calories in 3 ounces.
- Shrimp. Just 60 calories in 12 large.
- Smoked salmon. Just 66 calories in two ounces. Sprinkle with capers for an even more elegant treat.
- Whipped cream. Just 8 calories in one tablespoon. Drop a dollop over a bowl of fresh fruit for dessert.2. Treat high-calorie foods as jewels in the crown. Make a spoonful of ice cream the jewel and a bowl of fruit the crown. Cut down on the chips by pairing each bite with lots of chunky, filling fresh salsa, suggests Jeff Novick, director of nutrition at the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Florida. Balance a little cheese with a lot of salad.
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Running for weight loss
Jul 2nd
Every weight loss program depends expanding more energy through intentional exercise than you obtain from the food you eat. Walking and running are both excellent forms of exercise. Neither requires any special equipment aside from a pair of shoes that provide adequate support. While both running and walking provide huge benefits, there are some things that you may want to consider before embarking on a running program.
First and always most important, consult your doctor. Depending on how much weight you need to lose, extra pounds mean extra pressure on knee and hip joints. If you end up with an injury from your running program, you may be discouraged from continuing.
Secondly, start slowly. The folks at eHow have a check list that can be very helpful for beginners. The web page provides information on everything from shoes to proper breathing, all issues that can be very helpful for beginning runners.