Atkins Diet

Obesity is a growing menace in the recent times and the only effective means of countering it is by securing considerable weight loss. Otherwise one is greatly at risk of contracting various ailments like heart diseases and cancer and diabetes.

While a huge number of weight loss supplements are available in the market, one of the most prevalent means of losing weight is by adopting an effective dieting regimen. It has been preached by experts that carbohydrates and fats are the major causes of excess fat accumulation within the body and therefore one's diet should comprise of moderate proportions of carbohydrates, proteins and low on fats.

However, while this is a general view, over the years different practitioners have conducted different experiments in order to reveal newer channels of dealing with obesity. The Atkins diet was formulated by Dr. Robert Atkins and it has emerged as one of the most popular and famous of the various diet programs and is a low-carbohydrate diet program. The idea of the diet was conceived by Dr. Atkins upon his reading of the Journal of the American Medical Association in the 1960s. This was followed by huge popularity of the Atkins diet program and in 1972 Dr. Atkins published a book based on his unique and effective diet program named Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution.

The Atkins diet refers t o low carbohydrate diet and according to Dr. Atkins one of the major causes of obesity among the western population was due to the intake of refined carbohydrates like flour, sugar etc and he was also instrumental in pointing out that not all saturated fats were responsible for obesity; rather he suggested that trans fats which are obtained form hydrogenated oil sources are the ones which need to be avoided.

He formulated the curbing of carbohydrate intake and thereby aiding the body's metabolism to indulge in the burning of stored body fat rather than the burning of glucose. This is known as lipolysis which follows the process of ketosis. As a result of this process it was possible to burn pout much more fat and this according to Dr. Atkins provided the body with a ‘metabolic advantage'.

He also prevented the consumption of ‘net carbs' which are believed to effect blood sugar. The Atkins diet comprises of four phases inducing weight loss. These are induction, ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and lifetime maintenance. While the Atkins diet has achieved much popularity, it has also been plagued by controversies but that has not reduced its fame by any means.

Watch Out for your Waist Hip Ratio! it Might Spell Danger!

Obesity has developed itself into such proportions that today it has become one of the burning topics in the medical circle. Obesity has come to attain this attention because of the fact that, it is one such factor that holds the capability of single handedly bringing a number of ailments, some of them really serious in the human beings. As such today there are lots of works that go into a better understanding of the dangerous condition called obesity.

Obesity is one such ailment that inspite of being apparent remains out of sight, or to be exact, out of mind from many of the sufferers. The very people who are suffering from the disease remain oblivious of the fact that they are suffering from obesity. Even when they notice that they are gaining weight they overlook it as just a mundane or normal weight gain. It is only when obesity brings in complications in other aspects of health that people come to know that they are actually obese and that their weight gain was not a normal turn of affairs. It is actually time that people come to take these aspects of their health seriously. The irony of the matter is that inspite of being educated people sometimes fail to apply their education in their practical life; in the understanding of their own health and even the other features of their life.

Obesity is a disease that doesn't spare any organ of the human body. Be it the main organs or the secondary ones obesity makes its presence felt in the functioning of these organs. Obesity also becomes a very important cause of dangerous diseases like high blood pressure, depression, hypertension, diabetes, erectile dysfunction etc. Therefore it is more than important that people pay special attention to any kind of weight gain either in themselves or in their kith and kin.

One very important area of fat accumulation, which is what obesity means, is the abdominal area, in human beings. We always hear people cribbing that they gain weight in their waist line or in the upper half of their body. This abdominal weight gain has now been discovered as an important sign of future heart problems in the respective person. If the ratio between the waist and the hip rises from what actually it should be, it should be taken as a sign of obesity and also future heart problems, especially in men. The increasing ratio is a pointer to future heart problems than just the waist line or to be exact, the fat along the waist line.

There is no alternative to physical exercise and a proper way of living to get a grip over the ever increasing weight in people. But because of the way of life of the modern man, and also because of the comfort provided by the machines, today people find it difficult and also boring to spent hours working out, sweating and fuming. They prefer an easy way out and this attitude explains the invention of the weight loss drugs, the famous one being xenical online. People today buy xenical online like hot potatoes. But in order to lose weight, buy xenical only if you are ready for some physical exercises and a change in lifestyle because leaving the task of minimizing the excess weight entirely on Xenical won't help the case.


Author: James Petersen

No Sweat Fitness - A Myth?

My son does pushups, on his toes, claping his hands behind his head. Remember when life was all about how well your body worked? What happened? We use to be so healthy. Now, no matter how much weight I loose, I still look round.


The new fitness sales pitch is the guarantee to create a great shape without breaking a sweat. Millions will shell out cash in hopes of an effective sweat-free workout.

Remember the old fitness machines from the 60s? You stood on a pad and a band wrapped around your butt? Well - this type of machine is still making a come back in different forms.

The latest product is the Power-Plate. The machine that looks like a large scale and vibrats while you execute a few squats, lunges, push-ups and sit-ups. The vibrating plates, causes the muscles to contract up to 50 times per second, which they claim leads to an increase in muscle strength.

Is it possible?

Some studies suggest that vibration machines improve balance in the elderly, bone density, strength, and flexibility among people who are already active, while other publications imply better success with a traditional workouts.

Pierre Blanchet, a Montreal-based fitness co-ordinator, was intrigued. And while skeptical of new fitness gadgets, he decided that his clientele, many benefit from it. So far, the Power-Plate has been kept out of the gym.

"The machine requires some knowledge to use," Blanchet said. "If you don't follow the right progressions, it can be uncomfortable."

Some people have complained of headaches, nausea and an increased urge to use the bathroom. Despite theis, Blanchet is happy with the results of those trained to use the machine. The feedback from clients, including professional athletes, is that it's easy to underestimate the workout. The exercise routine doesn't feel difficult while in progress, but once you step off the machine, your muscles tell a different story. Post workout fatigue sets in quickly.

I translate this to mean that it will be hard on older bones and muscles unless the person is already active. But, if you do need something to help your body keep up with your expectations - this type of machine may do the trick/

Weight and Fitness

One of the most frustrating facts about fitness is that muscle weighs eight times more than fat. I remember working for more than six months only to gain ten pounds. I was heart broken. Then I learned that muscle weighs more than fat.

I started taking measurements. I measured my arms, thighs, stomach, but, and just under my breasts. I had already lost a lot of my loose fat, so I didn’t see any dramatic results. It took me a few weeks, but I did see that my size went down even if my weight remained the same, or increased.

It is very important to learn about fat to muscle ratio. Many people quit fitness programs because they are not loosing weight. They step on the scales only to be disappointed time and time again.

The best thing I ever did for myself was toss the scales in the garbage and use a measuring tape. It wasn’t long before I noticed my clothing loosening to the point that I was ready to go shopping.

I also learned that fat is burned in ratio to the amount of muscle a person has. A person with more muscle burns more fat. Two people can walk a mile. Each can go the same speed, take the same steps, eat the same foods, drink the same amount of water. But, the person with more muscle will burn more fat than the person who is out of shape.

I wrote this on the wall, “The more muscle I build, the more fat I burn.” Every time I didn’t feel like doing resistance exercises or taking a brisk walk, I remembered about the fat to muscle ration. What I did today would make me loose weight at a faster rate next week. And what I do next week will help me loose weight faster in a month or two.

That is why very fit people can eat anything they want.

A Sandwich or Water?

Writing on water reminded me of something a nutrition specialist told me. Next time you feel hungry drink a glass of water. Many people do not over eat because they have a metabolism problem or because they lack control. They over eat because they confuse the body’s signals. Their body wants something, so they assume that something is food.

The problem is compounded by the fact that these people do not recognize thirst until their mouths are dry, or they feel parched. By this time, the body has a serious water depletion.

They make the problem worse by drinking a coffee after a meal. This depletes the water in their body even more.

Next time you feel hungry, drink a big glass of water. Then decide whether you are still hungry. Keep a water bottle close through the day. After a while you’ll notice that you reach for it and take a swig without thinking.

Start drinking water when you eat. Take a good drink when you start to eat, and reach for the water when you feel full.

Also, if you want to loose weigh then eat slower. It usually takes 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that it is full. Eating slower, or taking a drink a few minutes before you start to eat, may reduce the amount of food you eat at a meal.

Remember - you won’t see the effects in the first few weeks. This is something you need to start doing with the intention of doing it for the rest of your life. Healthy eating and drinking habits need to become a part of your lifestyle. Your stomach will thank you. Your heart will thank you.

To Atkins or Not to Atkins

Diets have become a major part of today's household. Whether a person starts dieting to loose weight, improve their health, or become fit, is not important. The only important aspect of dieting is 'common sense.'

I did the Atkins diet once. I remained healthy throughout, because I followed the instructions exactly. Even though I wanted to loose weight, I put my health first. Many of today's diets do work, if the guidelines are followed.

This doesn't mean a person must follow a diet to loose weight and become healthy. It only requires that they eat healthy. A healthy diet includes fruit, vegetables, and meat. Many Americans are overweight because of the large quantities of refined sugar and breads they eat.

Stay away from prepackaged foods and quick snacks. These are often full of sugar and fat. Even diet and low calorie products can be misleading.

Another important aspect of fitness is exercise. Take some time to walk every day. This will help improve your metabolism. A healthy weight loss level is two pounds a week. This does not put a strain on the internal organs.

One little known fact about diet is water. Many people know that water is important, but they do not understand why. The fact can be removed from the body, but if the body does not expel the waste, it will return into the body as fat.

Atkins - or just wise eating - the choice is yours. Just make sure you use common sense.

Motivating for Fitness

Fear, guilt, and shame do not motivate people to loose weight. The fear of heart failure, diabetes, or death will not help people loose weight. The guilt of eating too much, and the shame felt when binging will not help people adopt a healthier lifestyle.

People need to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle. Ask any life coach, a lifestyle change is born in confidence and a desire to reach a goal. People who want to loose weight can tip the balance in their favor. There are some easy ways to do this.

The first step is to drink a bottle of water before eating. It doesn't matter whether you are going to eat a meal, or a snack. Drink a bottle of water first. And, keep a bottle of water at your side. Many people eat for the same emotional reasons that others smoke. Water can replace the need without hurting your health.

One great way to tip the balance toward a healthy lifestyle is to start a journal. Keep track of what you eat, but also keep track of how you are feeling when eating. However, this is not a 'kick in the gut' type exercise. Write good things. Write down your goals and dreams. Write down the reasons why you want to loose weight.

Some journals reveal that over eating is the result of emotions and stress. Some people eat when in pain. If this is you, learn to translate your pain signals and food signals separately. Is your body asking for a salad or a Tylenol?

A Flat Tummy Reduces Health Risks

A person can have a nice body shape, nothing to worry about except a full tummy, and still be in the risk of heart disease. An international survey reveals that a few extra pounds on the tummy can put you in danger.

The study showed that an increase in heart disease may be associated with a 40 inch waste for men and a 34 inch waste for women in Canadians. This is lower for Europe and South America at 36 and 32 inches respectively.

A majority of people with normal BMI (body mass index) scoes of 23 or 24 have a higher risk of heart disease because they carry a large amount of weight around their abdomens– even at weights as low as 150 pounds.

This fat appears to be dangerous because it releases high levels of hormones that disrupt metabolism, causes high concentrations of fats in the liver and signals that fat is building up around other crucial organs.

Measuring your waist and regularly checking your BMI are good ways to monitor your risk of heart disease.

It is important to know your BMI and consider your waist size before starting a fitness campaign. A body needs to be healthy before it can become fit. People who are at risk for heart problems need to trim the fat, start slow, and consult their doctors before starting any strenuous fitness program.

Add Physical Activity Up 10 Minutes at a Time

Older adults are in a precarious situation. Their lifestyles have slowed down, and their days are spent in inactivity. However, reports are showing that inactivity can actually age your body faster, and even speed up your death. This is an awful way to end a life.

I am not working away, fifty hours a week, to end up 'old' when I retire. I want to enjoy my retirement. I want to have fun. I want to go for walks, vacation in exotic places, and play with my grandchildren, without worrying about a heart attack or stroke.

I remember visiting my grandmother at Christmas, how wonderful she made life. I also remember visiting her in the hospital the last five years of her life. She was overweight, and did nothing more than putter around the kitchen or clean the health. If my grandmother knew then, what I know now, I might not have lost her at 55 years old.

The thing is, she didn't have to be very active to have saved her life. If she had been active 30 to 60 minutes a day, in 10 minute intervals, she could have spared herself the pain of heart problems and stroke in her last years. Being active is safe for most people, and it only takes 10 minutes at a time.

What is a Healthy Weight?

While many of us are breaking into the fitness world for a second, or third time, some are starting their very first fitness program. It doesn't matter whether the program is organized, paid for, or a do-it-yourself one, common sense must prevail.

The first thing you need to learn is whether you need to loose weight or just firm up. The next thing you need to do is learn what your ideal weight should be. Most people have a warped sense of what an ideal weight is.

A woman with no breast and no butt, or pencil thin thighs, may be dangerously underweight. In fact, there are reports that suggest today's ultra thin teens may grow up to find they are unable to have children. Supper skinny is not healthy. It may look good on a cover girl, or movie star, but it is not indicative to a healthy lifestyle.

I was surprised to learn that my optimum body weight was 150, not the 120 I had been told at the gym. The person who did my chart calculated my height, bone density, and fat ration before coming up with the number. It appears that my big boned status, and all the extra muscle I have built up has increased my optimum body weight.

Actually, I was surprised to find that muscle weighs eight times more than fat. That means a well muscled leg will weigh a lot more than an under worked, underfed leg. This was great news for me, because I use to get sick trying to force myself to less than 150 pounds. I had been raised to believe that my 5'4" height meant I should be under 125 pounds.

Now I recognize the difference between an overweight body and a healthy one.

Cravings Signal Health Problems

It takes a few months to bring body and mind into balance when starting a fitness plan. You are determined to loose weight, the body is not equipped to handle the strain, and things go wrong. Fatigue, depression, pain, and even sever signs like heart palpitations can be the body's way of telling you that something is wrong.

Another method the brain uses to communicate with us is through eating. What we crave and binge on can alert us to serious health problems. I use to have a friend who chewed ice all the time. She was receiving calcium shots, and drank milk by the quart, but her body was constantly deficient in calcium - so she ate ice.

My husband lived on potato chips last winter. Nothing we could do would get him off his kick. Finally, I encouraged him to talk to a doctor. He ate the potato chips and in particularly, high carb foods, because he was low on B vitamins.

There are other cravings that indicate a need for some type of food. Craving food is not a sign that you have an eating disorder, or that you lack the will power to eat a healthy diet. It can be a sign that you are missing a vital element in your body's make up.

Anyone who has embarked on a strenuous fitness training program, or who finds they crave a certain food after a grueling day at work, or a particularly active day, should ask their doctor to check for a deficiency.

Lack of Sleep Can Make You Obese

Scientists are finding evidence proves sleep deprivation has a direct affect appetite, weight gain, diabetes, the immune system, and depression, according to a report from the University of Chicago.

The test group restricted men to 4 hour of sleep a night. After only 2 nights the men had an 18 percent decrease in leptin, the hormone that tells the brain you are full, and 28 percent increase in ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunter

These results were reinforced last October by a study of 10,000 adults that found a direct link between people who slept fewer than 7 hours a night and obesity. Studies are also showing that sleep deprivation affects how the body handles insulin, and insulin resistance increases the risk of weight gain and diabetes. (CNN)

Even limiting your sleep to 6.5 hours a night can have dire effects on the body. Short sleepers produce 30 - 40 percent more insulin. People also have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can increase the chances of depression.

These are significant findings for people who are obese or have a hard time 'sticking to a job until it is done.' These people may be suffering from nothing more than their body's natural reaction to a lack of sleep.

Alcohol is Not a Part of a Healthy Diet

Alcohol is not a part of a healthy diet. Even if research finds that French people, who drink wine, have healthier hearts. There is no firm proof that it is the wine, and not the French people's fish intake that results in a healthier heart. Experts agree that, alcohol is not a part of a healthy diet.

The main ingredient of a fit and healthy body is good food and plenty of water. Drinking alcohol on a regular basis, even if you don't overindulge, is not doing your body any favors. Alcohol is hard on the internal organs and digestive system. It is full of empty calories. And it causes your body to work overtime trying to detoxify itself, instead of working maintain heath and fitness.

The occasional drink may be okay for some, abusing alcohol is a quick way to make the body age faster than it needs to. If you need help to quit drinking, there are free online resources, as well as programs in most communities.

Quitting drinking, even social drinking, may be harder than you think. It is habit forming. Some people find that joining a group of people, even in an online forum, will help. Others need professional intervention. Whatever works for you, don't think about the next few weeks. Think about yourself being 65 and still able to jog, play tennis, ski, and enjoy the other pleasures of your youth.