Healthy weight Managment techniques

Healthy Weight Management Techniques



What is the most frightening word in the English language? Well, if you are one of the millions of Americans who are a few pounds overweight, that word is probably “diet.” Most of us have tried to lose weight with mixed results.

There are so many different choices for weight loss: the Atkins diet, the Zone Diet, the South Beach Diet, the Fat Flush diet, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and many more. But which of these plans is the best for taking the weight off and keeping it off?

You may be surprised to hear that the answer is “none of them.” A recent national study followed one thousand people who attempted to lose weight with one of the commercial diet plans, without exercise. They tracked these people for five years and found that less than 1% had lost weight and kept it off. This same study followed one thousand people who attempted to lose weight with a combination of diet and exercise, and it was discovered that after five years, this group was more than ten times more successful at losing weight and keeping it off.

Obviously, exercise and diet are a powerful recipe for sustained weight loss and health.

To be continued:

Medicine in your spice rack, Cinnamon

Cinnamon: Cinnamomum cassia is the dried bark of evergreen trees cultivated throughout Asia. This incredibly versatile spice is used in everything from cookies, ciders and soups to exotic main courses . Used in herbal medicine for digestive disorders new research shows that cinnamon significantly lowered fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol levels in diabetics. In another study cinnamon proved to be a powerfull antibacterial. A teaspoon of cinnamon was placed in a glass of apple juice that had been infected with the E coli bacteria. After three days 99.5 percent of the bacteria had died.

Why you should try Pilates

WHY YOU SHOULD TRY PILATES

Joseph Pilates invented this mind-body exercise, which focuses on strength of what he termed the “Powerhouse. Today we call this area the body’s “Core.” The core includes everything from the sternum to the pubic bone in all directions (front, side and back). Classes can be either mat-based, or machine-based. There are several machines, including the Reformer, the Wonda-Chair, and the Cadillac.

These exercises have become extremely popular in recent years because of their slimming effects. It also strengthens the back and creates a dancer-like posture. Pilates has been embraced by such celebrities as Madonna, Susan Lucci, Daisy Fuentes, and many more. Pilates should be practiced two- to three times a week, with a day of rest in between for muscle recovery, much like your strength-training regimen. The benefits of Pilates include:

● Improved strength, flexibility, and balance
● Toned muscles without creating bulk
● Strengthened and more stabilized core muscles
● Enhanced body awareness
● Restored postural alignment
● A strong, flexible spine, offering relief from back pain and stress
● Improved circulation