How do Body Fat Scales Work

Looking fat is not necessarily
 the same as being fat

Appearances can deceive. This holds true for determining the level of physical fitness in an individual because looking fat is not necessarily the same as being fat, a difference that can be measured with the measurement of body fat. The digital fat scales are the best devices for this purpose.

Uses for the Scales

Many people will think that a weighing scale is sufficient since one can always determine obesity in a person. Just look at the number on the scale and then compare it with the ideal weight for a person in the age and height range the individual belongs to. But that's not the entire story.

This is because the weight as indicated on the weighing scale does not distinguish between the pounds that come from fat in your body and from lean body mass. Only a fat weight scale can accomplish such important differentiation.

So, how do body fat scales work? Basically, it works by using a technology known as Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The individual steps on the scale, just as in the conventional weighing scale.

Then, a small electrical current - it's harmless, so no worries there - is passed through the body. The fat weight scale then measures the resistance encountered inside the body with the theory being that the current will pass through lean muscle mass faster than it does on fatty tissues.

The resulting amount is the fat percentage, of which the ideal percentages will differ depending on the age, sex and height of the individual being measured. For example, women 20 to 40 years old are said to have healthy body fat percentages from 21 to 33%. In the same age group, men are considered healthy when their body fat measured at 8 to 19%.

Still, it must be noted that fat scales cannot measure actual body fat percentage. Instead, these measure your body density, which will then be used in a formula that calculates the fat percentage for the individual. Differences in age, gender, physical activity, and general health must also be considered but, all in all, the body fat weight scales are important in monitoring one's health in relation to weight and body fat.

Tips on Using the Scales

The trick in using body fat scales for maximum results is to use these devices with consistency. When used properly, an individual has a more-or-less objective measurement of his progress toward overall physical fitness. The following tips should help in this regard.

• Choose the body fat scale calibrated for the individual's age range (adults or children), physical activity (average exerciser or serious athlete) and other personal factors 
• Consistent conditions are very important to secure comparable results. Thus, the room temperature and other physical conditions where the scale is located must be similar from one day to the next. 
• Measure yourself during the same time each day, as much as possible. 
• Before measuring yourself, drink the same amount of water an hour before actually stepping on the scale. But remember not to exercise before the actual measurement as it will affect the number shown on the scale as well.

The body fat scales are just devices - you have to take the necessary measures to use them properly.


http://ezinearticles.com/?Uses-and-Tips-on-Using-the-Digital-Body-Fat-Scales&id=5695245 - How do Body Fat Scales Work

Worst Foods for Belly Fat

Are you a foodie? Does the sight of all those delicacies dripping with fat and oil make your mouth water? If your answer is yes, then it probably means that you sport body fat in the shape of a pot belly. You know the one. The extra flab hanging from the waistband of your jeans. Not very attractive is it? The added weight, not to mention the cruel jeers and gawking, doesn't help either. Well, you can avoid all that embarrassment by steering clear of some delicacies which only serve to pack on pounds.

Many individuals do not care whether the food they are shoveling down their mouth is harmful or beneficial for them. In fact, the individuals that eat such food need to realize that these types of food is responsible for at least 80% of the belly fat they accumulate. Have no fear though. By reading on you can at least make sure that you avoid the 'eats' which can make your body fat soar.

There are several food stuffs which are responsible for the increase in heart diseases in the West, 10 of which are common and especially harmful. It may be excruciatingly painful, not to mention heartbreaking, to peruse this list. By avoiding them you can not only do a complete turnover regarding your social life, but the reduced weight (not to mention posterior) will help boost your confidence and benefit your health in the bargain as well.

10 Worst Foods For Belly Fat

As mentioned before, knowing what not to eat is as important as knowing which type of food is beneficial for you. The following list consists of 10 food stuffs which should be avoided by the regular consumer if he/she wants to maintain their 'slim' figure.

Trans Fat

Trans Fat refers to those man-made fats which are forced into the food you like so much. These are usually processed fats, created to entice the appetite of the individual so that they gorge themselves to the limit. It's made through a process called Hydrogenation which is a chemical process in which hydrogen atoms are added to a compound. When this is applied on vegetable oil, the bond created transforms the liquid to a semi-solid state. The metabolism of this flavor enhancing product proves unfamiliar to the human body. This means that the body finds it difficult to break down these fats, making the process of digestion a painful one indeed. Some products which contain this weighty ingredient are baked food, fried food, margarine, spreads, etc.

White Sugar

Worst Foods for Belly Fat - White Sugar

Ah, candy. The other pink, red, yellow (the list goes on) meat. One bite of these delectable treats is enough to make you high. Unfortunately, these highly addictive confectionaries contain white sugar in them which is not only harmful for your body, but does a job on your pearly whites too. This refined delicacy is also responsible for raising insulin levels in the blood. This depresses the immune system, making the body vulnerable to germs and diseases. This change can also lead to weight gain as Insulin promotes the storage of fat in the body. Furthermore, white or refined sugar does not contain any vitamins or minerals. This makes it harder to digest as the above mentioned products are essential to boost one's metabolism.

White Flour

Even though white flour was initially intended to be a basic kind of food, heavy refinement leads to the decrease in its nutritional value. Like sugar, the body treats this fatty product as a carbohydrate and stores it in its entirety. This leads to a rapid rise in one's blood sugar levels, which then decreases at the same rate. In other words, you start feeling hungry only a little while after you've eaten anything which contains this product, which, of course, leads to weight gain. Usually, baked goods contain white flour as their main ingredient like pizza, doughnuts, etc. It's best to stay as far as possible from such appetite enhancing food if you want to lose that belly fat.

Milk and Dairy products

If body fat is more important to you than your calcium intake, then you should probably stay away from dairy products. Most dietitians are of the opinion that fat content in such 'milky' products is responsible for weight gain. That's not completely true. It's the body's inability to break down these pasteurized products rather than the fat content which is more worrying. These milk derivatives have also been accused of being the number one allergen today, making their consumption a 'weighty' matter indeed.

Fizzy Drinks

Sodas are the worst enemy for those who want to lose weight. Why? It's because these colorful and bubbly drinks contain a great deal of 'empty calories', which don't provide any health benefits, but instead, contain large quantities of refined sugar and artificial additives. The body finds it difficult to store such refined products, leading to the accumulation of fat. Don't think that switching to the low-fat variety will help you any. Diet soda contains aspartame, an artificial, low-calorie sweetener. It does not add any calories to the body, but it does make the body feel hungrier. It's best to stick to water if you want to fit into your clothes.

Alcohol (Beer)

Usually, sporting a 'beer gut' (beer induced pot belly) is a laughing matter for some. The love of beer makes some individuals blind to its harmful effects, and some don't even care to find out. The main ingredient in beer is Alcohol, which greatly dulls the metabolism, making the digestion of food an ordeal in itself. Not only does it promote weight gain, but the consequent deficiency of vitamins and minerals further adds to the dilemma. This boozy product also enhances the appetite. Reduced blood sugar levels in the body make one feel hungry more frequently, thus promoting the accumulation of fat, and the creation of the 'beer belly'.

Fried Food

The most common cause for teen obesity is fast food. This usually consists of a meal containing your regular hamburger, fries and a drink and an extra portion for a minimal additional charge. Many of these fast foods are fried so as to speed up service and subsequently, increase customers. This serves to reduce the amount of vitamins and minerals and increases the quantity of sodium and fat which is rife in such greasy fare. Deep fat frying adds unnecessary pounds to food and the low fiber content slows down the digestive system. If belly fat isn't your idea of chic, then it's best that you stay away from these greasy concoctions.

Salad Dressing

No your eyes are not deceiving you. Now you know why your belly fat isn't reducing even though you follow a salad-based diet. Believe it or not, this creamy concoction sometimes contains dairy products in its list of ingredients which, as mentioned before, the body finds difficult to digest due to its high fat content. If this isn't enough to scare you, then the hundreds of unpronounceable ingredients on the back of salad dressing bottles should make you wary. Who knows what you are putting in your body! The best way to lose weight, and maintain your salad-based diet, is to avoid eating in restaurants. Don't be fooled by the 'low fat' label of their 'salads'. The dressing they use is rarely fat free.

Sodium (Salt)

This element, when combined with chlorine, gives rise to table salt, which is the culprit in many a greasy confectionaries. Believe it or not, excess amounts of this element leads to weight gain and even obesity, if not controlled. How? When sodium intake exceeds the amount of the same element in the body, it tends to build up within the kidneys and intestines. These organs then have to work extra hard to excrete this excess salt, leading to a buildup of extra fluid in the body. This ultimately, leads to increased blood pressure including extra weight gain from the water. So, if you want to lose weight, it's best to regulate your sodium intake. Don't eliminate it from your diet altogether!

Pasta

Yes, Pasta! This delicious snack is the culprit behind many distended bellies because of its wheat-based ingredients. A high metabolic rate is essential to burn fat effectively and the wheat-based ingredients in pasta slow down the digestive process. This leads to bloating, which can also lead to weight gain. This product is recommended for the athletic type, as the low amount of fiber makes it a slow energizer. So, unless you are susceptible to daily marathons, it's best to stay away from this oh-so-delicious snack.

Body Magic

Hopefully, this survey has proved to ruin your appetite for all the junk and greasy food you love to cram down your throat. If you want to keep your feet within your sight, then it's best to consume food which actually benefits you health wise, rather than ones which only serve to give you a brief high. A brief period of withdrawal is better than the embarrassment you will face if you get stuck in the elevator!

If you want a bit of body magic, then you best stick to green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, cabbage, etc. These greens are high in fiber and energy, both of which will provide you with that extra oomph to remain lively and efficient the entire day. In addition, the slim look of the reshaping garment will do wonders for your figure and your confidence while you are losing the weight.

http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Worst-Foods-for-Belly-Fat&id=5226788 - Worst Foods for Belly Fat

Healthy Recipes for Work

Healthy Recipes for Work - No cutlery required!

By the time noon rolls around, it may seem too easy to head to nearest pizza joint. But hold up here's 10 healthy recipes for work.... and more!!



1. Herbed Cheese And Tomato Sandwich: 398 calories
Why it rules: Cottage cheese is an awesome low-fat source of protein!
1 English muffin: 120 calories
1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese: 40 calories
2 slices tomato: 10 calories
1/4 avocado, sliced: 68 calories
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard: 5 calories
1 leaf butter lettuce: 5 calories
1 tablespoon chives, chopped: <1 calorie
Garlic powder to taste: <1 calorie
Side Snack: 1 small banana and one square of dark chocolate (130 calories)

2. Hawaiian Veggie burger: 380 calories
Why it rules: Avocado is a great swap for mayonnaise because it’s full of healthy monosaturated fats.
1 whole-wheat bun: 90 calories
1 veggie burger patty: 100 calories
1/4 avocado, mashed: 68 calories
1 round of pineapple: 25 calories
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce: 15 calories
1 handful alfalfa sprouts: 5 calories
Side Snack: 1 large handful of sweet potato chips (80 calories)

3. Crunchy Tuna Wrap: 382 calories
Why it rules: Greek yogurt makes this tuna salad just as creamy as the classic mayo would, but without all the extra fat and cholesterol!
1 whole-wheat wrap: 130 calories
1/2 a 6oz.-can of tuna: 90 calories
1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt: 30 calories
1/2 a celery stalk, chopped: 5 calories
3 slices roasted red peppers: 30 calories
1 handful of baby spinach: 5 calories
1 squeeze of lemon juice: <1 calorie
Side Snack: 1 cup cherries (90 calories)

4. Turkey Wrap: 365 calories
Why it rules: Turkey is a tasty and lean source of protein. Bonus points for choosing the low-sodium kind!
1 whole-wheat wrap: 130 calories
3 slices deli turkey: 90 calories
2 tablespoons hummus: 60 calories
1 tablespoon goat cheese: 60 calories
1 handful baby spinach: 5 calories
Side Snack: 9 Parmesan Garlic and Herb Pita Chips (140 calories)

5. Mediterranean Burger: 400 calories
Why it rules: Subbing turkey for the traditional beef saves some calories without sacrificing flavor.
1 whole-wheat bun: 90 calories
1 turkey burger patty: 140 calories
2 tablespoons feta cheese: 50 calories
2 slices tomato: 10 calories
1 round slice red onion: 5 calories
1 handful spinach: 5 calories
Side Snack: 5 Kashi 7-grain crackers with 1 stick reduced-fat string cheese (100 calories)

6. Spiced Chickpea Pita: 350 calories
Why it rules: Try this spin on a traditional falafel sandwich without fried chickpeas.
1 whole-wheat pita: 80 calories
1/2 a chicken breast: 100 calories
1/4 cup chickpeas: 70 calories
1/4 cup Greek yogurt: 30 calories
1 sprinkle parsley: <1 calorie
1 sprinkle oregano: <1 calorie
Side Snack: 1 large peach (70 calories)

7. Spicy Black Bean Burrito: 365 calories
Why it rules: Black beans are an awesome source of fiber.
1 whole-wheat wrap: 130 calories
1/4 cup black beans: 60 calories
1/4 avocado, sliced: 60 calories
1/4 small red onion, sliced: 10 calories
1 teaspoon hot sauce: 5 calories
Side Snack: 10 baked tortilla chips with ¼ cup salsa (100 calories)

8. Grilled Cheese With Tomato And Turkey: 345 calories
Why it rules: This healthier version of a grilled cheese has no butter and adds in turkey for extra protein!
2 slices whole-wheat bread: 180 calories
3 slices deli turkey: 90 calories
1 slice provolone: 70 calories
1 small spritz olive-oil spray (to grease pan panini press!): 5 calories
Side Snack: 1 small apple (60 calories)

9. Grilled Chicken And Cheese Sandwich: 395 calories
Why it rules: Low-fat mayo is a great swap for the full-fat version!
2 slices whole-wheat bread: 180 calories
1/2 a chicken breast, sliced: 100 calories
1 slice Swiss cheese: 70 calories
2 teaspoons low-fat mayo: 35 calories
2 slices tomato: 10 calories
1 leaf butter lettuce: 5 calories
Side Snack: 1/4 cucumber sliced with 2 tablespoons of hummus (75 calories)

10. Pizza Burger: 360 calories
Why it rules: Say so long cravings for greasy pizza thanks to this burger that’s also filled with protein.
1 whole-wheat bun: 90 calories
1 veggie burger patty: 100 calories
2 slices fresh mozzarella cheese: 140 calories
2 tablespoons marinara sauce: 40 calories
Side Snack: 1 orange (85 calories)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/01/healthy-recipes-quick-low-calorie-lunches_n_1638315.html - Healthy Recipes for Work

Alcohol and Metabolism

Alcohol and Metabolism

After falling in love, yes with my beautiful reds...Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz, Pinot.

Remember to enjoy the treats of life in moderation and that red wines have that cool, healthy ingredient, resveratrol.

Resveratrol does have many health benefits even possibly assisting in weight loss.

Here's the facts about alcohol and metabolism.

A 5oz. glass of wine has 150 calories. 
People tend to eat 20% more food while drinking alcohol. 
When alcohol breaks down, it turns into Acetate; therefore your body burns that before fat or sugar. 
Alcohol prevents proper processing of vitamins & minerals which is necessary for metabolism. 
Alcohol lowers blood sugar levels and dehydration, which leads to an increase in appetite.

With any weight management program, the facts should be considered.

Benefits of resveratrol. There are now over 2,000 studies supporting the benefits which may include more energy, reversing or slowing the aging process, prevention of cancer, weight loss and many more. Extensive research is still being done to see the health applications that exist.

I personally found an all-natural reseveratrol product which is equivalent to drinking 3,000 glasses of red wine per month without any of the negative side effects mentioned about.

In order to properly lose weight, it may be necessary to limit or even eliminate any alcohol in order to reach your weight loss goal.

Some other keys pointers in losing weight safely, naturally, and permanently are lose weight naturally using a safe, effective and proven program.

Set a vision for your weight-loss goals. For instance, "I want to be healthy and fit." will pull you towards your goal versus, "I don't want to be fat." Be mindful in setting up goals in a realistic, measurable, and positive way.

Utilize the expertise and accountability of working with a Weight-Loss Coach. While some may charge hourly or for a package of coaching sessions, there are some that give you Free Weight-Loss Coaching while you are on their weight-loss program. Look for those ways that not only assist you in hitting your goals but, also are easy on the pocketbook!


http://ezinearticles.com/?Should-We-Wine-About-Our-Metabolism-Being-Slowed-Down?-Alcohol-and-Metabolic-Shutdown&id=4150550 - Alcohol and Metabolism