A Few Tips To Help You Drop Pounds Faster

A Few Tips To Help You Drop Pound Faster

 

Most everyone is looking for effective ways to lose a little weight.     Avoid resorting to extreme diets or fads that will drop weight fast but are very unhealthy for you.  Try to make changes that you can maintain for life.  These are some simple steps you can follow to help you drop pounds faster.

Get more H20-  When you drink more water it will help you to feel full through the day and keep you from overeating or snacking.   The goal should be eight 8 ounces glasses of water a day.  If you are just starting to add water to your diet it is best to start slow and increase it slowly.  Just as you start any exercise program slow, you will also want to start adding water slowly so you don’t mess up your electrolytes.  Water is crucial for your overall health and helps remove toxins from your body.

Learn to eat small meals every 2-3 hours.  When you eat smaller meals more often it helps to keep you metabolism going and helps to burn fat more effectively.  If you only eat 1-2 large meals a day it can cause your metabolism to  slow down.  When you miss those meals your body wants to hang onto that fat as a defense mechanism.  The body holds and stores that fat in case it needs in for future calorie deficits.

Always eat breakfast- People sometimes skip breakfast to try and reduce the number of calories they are getting  during the day.  Skipping breakfast is a big mistake because eat breakfast  helps get your metabolism fired up.  Try to eat breakfast within a hour of getting up.

Eat well balanced healthy meals- Shoot for having a high quality protein, carbohydrates,  small amounts of fat. High quality protein can be found in foods such as  fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, milk and cheese. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of quality carbohydrates.   Avoid using breads, cereals and pasta in large amounts, eat these foods in smaller amounts.

Get good rest- Sleep is an often overlooked but very important key to health and burning fat.   Getting the right amount of sleep will help keep your metabolism working properly. 

Workout 4-6 times a week- Aim for 3-4 times a week to do a good cardio workout.  Cardio workouts will help you burn off the fat and increase your metabolic rate.  When you increase your metabolic rate it will help you burn more calories throughout the day, even when you are at rest.  Lift weights 3-4 times a week.  Lifting weights will help you develop lean muscle.  You burn more energy or calories just to maintain lean muscle.  The more muscle you have the more calories you burn.  A pound of muscle typically burns roughly 6 calories an hour while a pound of fat only burns 2 calories an hour.

Reduce calories intake slowly- The best way to reduce calories is to do it slowly.  Shoot for 100-300 calories a day.  This can be very simple things like changing what you drink, reducing condiments or having smaller portion sizes.  Make adjustments to this if that is not enough but remember to do it slowly.

Follow these tips and you should be on your way to dropping pounds the healthy way. 

The Importance Of Proper Hydration

Proper Hydration-

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Shakeology 3 Day Cleanse-The Results

I am happy to say I finished the Shakeology 3 day cleanse and it was much easier than I anticipated. I am feeling so good after doing it and proud of myself for having the will power to get through it. When I weighed myself this morning I had lost 4.5 pounds. I think it was a great way to get my weightloss moving again after I hit the plateau.

Day 1 of the cleanse-
The first day was the hardest for me. I did a pretty intense workout and that was a bad idea. I got a lot of hunger pains and a headache on that first day. If I had to do it all over again I would have taken it easy all 3 days of the cleanse.

Day 2 of the cleanse-
The second day was awesome. I was busy most of the day so I was not thinking about missing meals. I felt really good the second day. The worst part was laying in bed that night I realized watching TV how many Ads are on TV for food. All that fast food that normally does nothing for me was looking particularily delectable that night.

Day 3 of the Cleanse-
The 3rd day also went really well. The worst part was I had to go grocery shopping and it was like going shopping when you are hungry to the 10th degree. I controlled myself but boy did everything in site look good. At the end of the night I was feel so good not only physically but mentally knowing I was able to do the cleanse.

If you want to do this yourself here are the instructions from Steve Edwards Blog(http://steve-edwards.blogspot.com)

The plan consists of three Shakeology shakes a day with a salad in the evening. If the shakes are plain (Shakeology and water only) I can add three pieces of fruit. The salad is unrestricted as far as veggies go, with 4 ounces of a protein source (if it’s meat or fish and slightly more if it’s a veggie source like legumes), and two tablespoons of an olive oil/vinegar dressing. For fatty acids, each salad will also contain a tablespoon of chia seeds (or flaxseed or hempseed). Plenty of water washes it all down. Coffee, tea, and herb teas are fine as long as they are sans additives, as all are performance enhancing.

The Shakeology 3 Day Cleanse

I am starting the Shakeology 3 day cleanse today. I am excited and I have to admit a little scared. I shouldn’t be scared because everyone who has done it had had great results and feels so good after it.
I have come to my weight loss plateu and am hoping this will jump start my results and help me lose this last little bit of weight.
I will tell you my results after these 3 days are over.
Want to try this yourself? Here is how you do the cleanse.
Here are the instructions from Steve Edwards Blog(http://steve-edwards.blogspot.com)

The plan consists of three Shakeology shakes a day with a salad in the evening. If the shakes are plain (Shakeology and water only) I can add three pieces of fruit. The salad is unrestricted as far as veggies go, with 4 ounces of a protein source (if it’s meat or fish and slightly more if it’s a veggie source like legumes), and two tablespoons of an olive oil/vinegar dressing. For fatty acids, each salad will also contain a tablespoon of chia seeds (or flaxseed or hempseed). Plenty of water washes it all down. Coffee, tea, and herb teas are fine as long as they are sans additives, as all are performance enhancing.

Let me know if you are going to do this, I would love to hear your results.

5 Weight Loss Products You Already Own

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The Slim Pantry: 5 Weight Loss Products You Already Own
By Ben Kallen

When you’re trying to lose excess fat, every advantage helps. Of course, your main tools are an effective exercise program, a proper food plan, and supplements that fit your lifestyle. But beyond those basics, anything that can boost your results is a plus.

Luckily, you probably have some safe, effective, and inexpensive fat burners in your kitchen already. Include the following items in your diet plan, and you can start losing more weight right now—without even making an extra trip to the store.

Apple cider vinegar. While cider vinegar may not be the magic remedy your great-grandmother thought it was, there is increasing evidence showing that it can help you eat less and reduce the effect that carbs have on your body. The active ingredient, acetic acid, appears to improve insulin sensitivity and slow the absorption of carbohydrates, helping prevent blood-sugar spikes and excess fat storage. It can also make you feel fuller with less food.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, mice on a high-fat diet gained up to 10 percent less fat if they were given acetic acid than if they were given only water.

Uses

Mix vinegar with extra virgin olive oil and your favorite spices for a simple, healthful, and delicious salad dressing. In a Penn State University study, women who ate large, low-calorie salads before lunch ended up consuming 100 fewer calories during the meal itself . . . and they loaded up on extra nutrients as well.
Combine vinegar with oil and herbs to make a tenderizing meat marinade.
Add a splash of vinegar to top off soups or stews; this will brighten up the flavors.
Add a tablespoon of vinegar before boiling, steaming, or stir-frying vegetables to bring out their fresh tastes and help them hold their colors.

Cinnamon. This common spice has been found in several studies to help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar, so it helps prevent the spikes and dips that can cause food cravings. This effect may be due to healthful antioxidant chemicals known as polyphenols.

Keep in mind that most grocery-store brands of “cinnamon” are actually cassia bark, a close-tasting relative of the cinnamon plant. (If you want the real thing, look for “true” or Ceylon cinnamon on the label.) Both varieties seem to have health benefits, but be careful about using cassia in large amounts—it contains coumarin, which acts as a blood thinner and may cause liver problems when taken in high doses.

Uses

Add powdered cinnamon to hot or cold cereal, fruit, sweet foods, and even savory dishes such as curry or chili.
For cinnamon-flavored coffee, mix a little into your grounds before brewing.
Heat a cinnamon stick in water, apple cider, or even red wine for a spicy hot drink.

Hot sauce and red pepper flakes. The active ingredient in hot peppers, capsaicin, creates thermogenesis; that is, it temporarily turns up your body’s thermostat. Studies have shown that people who eat pepper-laced food get a small metabolic boost, and burn more fat, for up to half an hour afterward. Hot food also makes you feel full more quickly, so you’re likely to eat less.

Hot sauce and red pepper flakes are great flavor boosters, too, adding zest to meals with few extra calories. You don’t need to ladle it on till there are flames coming out of your ears. A little bit will go a long way.

Uses

Add a few drops of pepper sauce to anything that needs spicing up, including eggs, soups, seafood, and even frozen dinners. (These sauces can be high in sodium, so go easy on the shaker.)
Sprinkle red pepper flakes on pizza, pasta, or sandwiches, or add to sauces or salad dressing.

Curry powder. This complex spice mixture, which contains such ingredients as turmeric, ginger, cumin, and coriander, was created as a shortcut for preparing Indian food. While each of the spices can provide a small metabolic boost on its own, they may burn fat even better when used together. Turmeric itself has a variety of healthful properties, and shows promise as a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can help relieve joint pain and post-exercise muscle soreness.

Uses

Add as needed to flavor Indian and South Asian dishes.
Mix with ground beef to spice up burgers or meatloaf.
Add to soups and stews.
Mix with a little olive oil or light mayo as a dressing for chicken or tuna salad.

Ice. Really? Well, yes. Regular old frozen water has several properties that can help you in your fight against excess fat:

When you blend ice into a fruit smoothie or protein shake, you get a thick, creamy consistency with no added fat or calories. And you’re likely to drink it more slowly, if only to avoid brain freeze.
Making your beverages more refreshing encourages you to drink more, which is important when trying to lose weight.
When you drink an ice-cold beverage, your body actually has to expend calories to warm itself up to a normal temperature. Nobody agrees on exactly how much of a calorie-burning effect this has, and it’s probably pretty slight. But every bit helps.

Uses

Blend ice cubes or crushed ice with other ingredients to make thick and creamy protein shakes, fruit smoothies, or Shakeology®. (Check your blender’s instructions to make sure it’s powerful enough to chop ice.)
Add lemon or fresh mint to water, and freeze it in an ice-cube tray. Whenever you want a cold glass of fresh, calorie-free flavored water, just add a few of the cubes
Don’t keep your water ice cold while you’re working out. When it’s time for fast hydration, you’ll want a slightly cool or room-temperature beverage that goes down easy.

Ginger Soy Flank Steak Recipe

Ginger Soy Flank Steak
Recommended by Chalene Johnson(trainer in Turbo Jam)

2 Tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
1 Tbsp. garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. red chili flakes
Lime juice from one lime
1 Tbsp. brown sugar (or Splenda brown sugar alternative)
4 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp.
1 (1-1/2 pound) flank steak or tenderized round steak
Beef isn’t the best, but it’s not necessarily bad either. In moderation, it can be a great source of protein. This steak has loads of extra flavor, without much fat and just a little sugar added. So splurge on some steak once in a while. Just make sure to keep your portion size small, and add some vegetables and brown rice on the side.

In a small bowl, combine ginger, garlic, chili flakes, lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame seed oil. Pour mixture over steak and let marinate for 1 hour. Either grill, broil, or pan fry steak over high heat to medium rare or until the internal temperature reaches desired temperature on your meat thermometer (see below). NOTE: This steak is best cooked rare to medium rare.

Rare – 120°F

Medium Rare – 125°F

Medium – 130°F

Remove from heat and let steak rest 5 minutes before slicing. With a sharp knife, slice steak thinly against (diagonal) the grain. Place on a platter or individual dinner plates. Makes 6 servings.

Preparation Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving)

Calories: 254
Protein: 33 g
Fiber: 0 g
Carbs: 5 g
Fat Total: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g

5 Quick, Easy, and Healthy Desserts

5 Quick, Easy, and Healthy Desserts

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This is a great article by
By Cecilia H. Lee
As the days get longer, kids are back in school and autumn leaves start to show their colorful foliage. The last rays of summer are leaving us, but there’s still time to take advantage of healthy summer fruits before they leave the produce shelves. We’ve assembled a bunch of quick and easy desserts using these summer fruits that you can whip up in no time. While they’ll satisfy your sweet tooth, these desserts are actually good for you!

Melon salad. Gone are the days of melon ballers and fruit drowned in whipped cream and (shudder) mayonnaise. Just get a couple of your favorite melons, such as honeydew, cantaloupe, or watermelon, and slice them up. Arrange them artfully on a serving platter, drizzle them with a bit of honey, and toss some chopped fresh mint leaves on top. Voilà! Not only do you have a beautiful presentation, but you have a healthy choice, too.

Since melons have a high water content, they are low in calories and can be eaten as much as you like. They are also a good source of vitamin C and beta-carotene. They may also help lower your risk for developing cancer and heart disease.

Grilled stone fruit. Fruit on the grill? That may sound like a bad idea, but stone fruits (like peaches, plums, apricots, and nectarines) are wonderful on the grill. Just cut each of the fruits in half, remove the pits, and skewer them with thick wooden skewers (it’s best if you soak the skewers in water for a bit beforehand to prevent them from burning). Spray a grill rack with nonstick spray, and preheat the grill (to about medium-high heat). Just put the fruit on the grill (cut-side down) and grill until the fruit gets heated (about 5 minutes). Serve nice and hot off the grill, skewers or not.

Generally, stone fruits are rich in iron and potassium. Peaches are low in calories and high in vitamin C. Plums have a high vitamin E content and are wonderful antioxidants. Apricots are rich in beta-carotene and help regulate blood pressure. Stone fruits also serve as gentle laxatives and help regulate your bowels.

Chocolate-covered bananas. You can make a delicious and easy version of chocolate-covered bananas at home. Just take a handful of semisweet chocolate chips (the higher the cocoa content, the healthier) and melt them in a microwave. In the meantime, get a plate or shallow bowl and slice bananas into it. Drizzle the chocolate over the bananas, and sprinkle them with some toasted almonds, if you like.

Bananas are a good way of getting potassium and vitamin B6. Chocolate has antioxidant effects and may help keep your blood pressure down. Almonds can help lower cholesterol levels and are high in protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E. They actually serve as an appetite suppressant, so even just eating a handful of them makes for a healthy snack.

Mixed-berry frozen treats. Get some of your favorite nonfat sorbet (raspberry and lemon are delicious options). Top it with a mix of berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and/or sliced strawberries.

Strawberries are low in calories, are a good source of vitamin C, and help raise antioxidant levels in your system. Blackberries are an excellent way for you to get vitamin E into your diet. They help fight off infections and contain vitamin C, folate, and phenolic acids. Rich in vitamin C, iron, potassium, and folate, raspberries also have wonderful antioxidant properties. Blueberries, of course, have some of the highest antioxidant properties of any fruit. They also have wonderful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiaging properties.

Yogurt and fruit. All you need is some nonfat yogurt and a variety of fruit to make this flavorful dessert (which you can enjoy any time of day!). Layer some unsweetened yogurt in a cup (sprinkle a bit of raw sugar or honey if you want it a little sweeter) and then add some cut fruit that you like. Good candidates are pineapples, kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or bananas. Add another layer of yogurt and more fruit. If you want to go wild, sprinkle a bit of granola on top.

We’ve already covered the benefits of fruit, but yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, protein, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. It’s better for you than a glass of milk. We suggest nonfat yogurt because there’s no need for the extra fat. For those of us who are lactose intolerant, yogurt cultures produce lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose.

These are just a few of the plethora of healthy options you have to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can come up with so many more; just visit your local farmers’ market for ideas of your own. But get there soon—the last of the summer fruits may be leaving. However, there are so many wonderful fall vegetables to choose from, too. Happy hunting!

Low-fat pumpkin cookies

And since fall is coming, think about making cookies with some of the seasonal ingredients coming around the bend, like this recipe from the Team Beachbody™ recipe archive for low-fat pumpkin cookies:

1/2 cup plain, nonfat yogurt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 cups pumpkin puree
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. cloves
1/8 tsp. ginger
1 cup rolled oats
2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour
1/2 cup raisins or dates
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, blend together first five ingredients. Mix in spices, oats, and baking powder; then fold in flour, raisins or dates, and nuts. Drop cookie dough by tablespoons onto a nonstick cookie sheet, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Yields 2-1/2 dozen cookies.

Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

Calories: 67
Protein: 2 g
Fiber: 1 g
Carbs: 12 g
Fat Total: 2 g
Saturated Fat: < 0.5 g

4 Hearty, Healthy Winter Breakfasts

By Ben Kallen
On a blustery winter morning, a hot and hearty breakfast is the most comforting way to start your day. It can also supply a significant portion of your daily nutrition, and get your body ready for whatever’s to come. (Or, in the case of New Year’s morning, make up for whatever excesses you may have indulged in the night before.)

A well-balanced breakfast is even more important than most people think. Complex carbs feed your brain and can literally make you smarter, while adequate protein keeps your blood sugar steady so you don’t get snack cravings or conk out before lunch. (Of course, it’s also necessary for fat loss and lean muscle growth.)

If you’re in the habit of grabbing some toast, a granola bar, or even cold cereal with a little milk in the morning, you aren’t getting all the nutrients you need, and probably aren’t performing at your best throughout the day. Try the following hot, nourishing breakfast dishes instead. They’re easy to prepare, and will provide a great nutritional foundation for your daily activities as well as for your fitness plan.

Overloaded Oatmeal
While it’s a great source of slow-burning carbs, oatmeal doesn’t have enough protein to be considered a complete breakfast on its own. But with a few extras, you can turn it into a filling one-dish meal that’ll easily last you till lunch.

This simple recipe balances out your grains with plenty of protein, healthful fats from walnuts, and antioxidant-rich dried fruit.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup old-fashioned, steel-cut, or rolled oatmeal. (Any brand will do, but less processed oats taste better and are healthier than the “quick” or “instant” varieties.)
1 cup nonfat milk
1 scoop Beachbody Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
1/2 oz. walnut pieces (or other nuts if you prefer)
2 Tbsp. dark raisins, dried cranberries, or other dried fruit
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Stir the oatmeal and milk together in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the walnuts, dried fruit, and cinnamon. Cook until the oats soften and thicken (or as long as the package instructions recommend), stirring constantly. Stir in the protein powder until smooth. If the mixture becomes too thick, add extra milk or water.

Calories-452
Protein-33 g
Total carbs-54 g
Fiber-8 g
Fat- 12 g

Hot Chocolate “Soufflé”
This is a delicious, filling breakfast that tastes like dessert, but is full of protein and fiber. (Just don’t expect it to be as light as a regular soufflé.) Organic cocoa powder contains almost no sugar, is good for your heart, and has chemicals that provide a mental boost to help you get through your morning.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup low-sugar, high-fiber “pellet-style” cereal (such as Fiber One® or Trader Joe’s High Fiber Cereal)
2/3 cup egg substitute
1/4 cup low-fat milk
Enough sweetener to equal 6 teaspoons of sugar, or to taste (you can use Splenda®, agave syrup, or any sweetener that can be heated)
2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (organic and unprocessed if possible)
Mix ingredients and cook in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently, until mixture gets very thick. Pour into a bowl, and let it set for 3 more minutes before eating. (You can also cook the mixture in a microwave oven, as long as you stop and stir it every 30 seconds or so – and watch to make sure it doesn’t bubble up over the edge of the container.)

Calories-316
Protein-26 g
Total carbs-38 g
Fiber-19 g
Fat- 3 g

Better Breakfast Sandwich
Far healthier than a fast-food breakfast but almost as quick to prepare, this sandwich is perfect for those rushed mornings when there’s not much time to eat. Serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a glass of Shakeology for an antioxidant boost.

Ingredients:

1 whole wheat English muffin
1 whole egg and two egg whites
1 Tbsp. low-fat milk
Nonstick cooking spray
Salt and pepper
1 oz. slice low-fat cheddar cheese
Separate two eggs and put the whites in a bowl, along with the whole egg. Add a splash of milk. Beat with a fork until well-mixed and frothy. Pour into a small nonstick pan coated with cooking spray, and scramble with a spatula over low heat. When eggs are almost done, add salt and pepper to taste. When they’re fully cooked but still at a soft consistency, remove from heat.

Divide English muffin into halves and toast them. As soon as you remove them from toaster, place cheese slice over one hot half so it starts to melt. Form scrambled eggs into a mound and place on other half of muffin, then cover with first half.

Calories-315
Protein-28 g
Total carbs-29 g
Fiber-4 g
Fat-7 g

Healthier Hash
A rib-sticking breakfast that’s perfect for weekends, this hash is a vast improvement on your local diner’s version. Serve with organic ketchup (rich in the heart-healthy antioxidant lycopene) or a side of sliced tomatoes.

Ingredients:

4 oz. low-fat ground turkey
1 tsp. olive oil
1/8 cup chopped onion
1/8 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 large potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
In a frying pan, brown the turkey with the olive oil, onions, and potatoes. Add the green pepper and spices. Cook over a low heat, stirring frequently, just until potatoes are tender. If desired, you can add a little more oil to the pan, flatten the mixture with a spatula, and cook for a few more minutes on each side to form a crust.

Calories-290
Protein-26 g
Total carbs-19 g
Fiber-2 g
Fat-10 g

Printable Cookbook: Slimmed-Down Restaurant Dishes

This is a printable 10 page cookbook of lighter versions of favorite restuarant recipes. This resource comes from sparkpeople.com

Click here to download the Printable Recipe Book.

Port Wine Broiled Grapefruit Recipe

Port Wine Broiled Grapefruit
2 grapefruits
2 Tbsp. port wine

Preheat broiler. Cut grapefruit into halves and section. Place grapefruit in a baking pan, sprinkle with wine, place pan about 2 inches from the broiler, and broil about 5 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn. Serves 4.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

Calories: 58
Protein: 1 g
Fiber: 3 g
Carbs: 13 g
Fat Total: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g

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