Effective Weight Loss Herbs

Suzy Dorning http://slimminghelp4u.com/ 

It is true that we can learn a lot from our Grandparents and Great- Grandparents when it comes to herbal remedies and nutrition. My Great Grandfather was a herbalist. Sadly I never got to know him because he died before I was born. Right up until the first part of the 20th century it was normal to use natural herbs for well being. It’s time to take a leaf out of their book and discover what herbs can do to improve our health.

Throughout history herbs have been used in remedies to cure ailments. Centuries ago before drugs, natural herbs were used not only in cooking but also for medicinal purposes. Now here we are in the 21st century and yes we use herbs to flavour our culinary delights but how many of us know just how good most of them are for us?

Very few I’ll wager! For those of you trying to lose weight you may be wondering if there are effective weight loss herbs? Well, the answer is yes if used in conjunction with healthy eating and regular exercise. However, herbs as wonderful as they are cannot lose weight for you on there own. It’s up to you to make the effort.

Obesity is now a worldwide problem and many diseases are caused by being grossly overweight including the No.1 killer, heart disease. Others are diabetes, arthritis and cancer. Therefore it is of paramount importance that each one of us takes responsibility for our own body and if we need to lose pounds then we need to take action.

Herbs come from different parts of plants such as the flowers, leaves, stems right through to the roots. Natural herbs benefit us in so many ways; to start with they make you feel better both mentally and physically without those horrible side-effects like depression that you tend to get with manufactured chemical based supplements. 

Effective weight loss herbs stimulate the body by speeding up the metabolism which in turn burn off more calories. Also the fiber content keeps you feeling fuller for longer so it acts as an appetite suppressant. Here’s a quick weight loss tip; by using ginger regularly in your cooking it acts as a cleansing agent for your digestive system and being a natural healer it also controls your stomach acidity. Even more than this it helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Ginger juice sweetened with honey is beneficial particularly to people with heart problems. Ginger has so much going for it that I highly recommend you always have some fresh ginger to hand.

Another effective weight loss herb is oolong tea which comes from the plant Camellia Sinensis. All tea is green when first picked but the difference between oolong and green tea is in the processing. In the case of green tea, it is heated which causes oxidation of the leaf. After the leaves are dry they are rolled to break up the cell structure. It is quite a different process with oolong tea leaves. They are plucked and left to oxidize in carefully monitored conditions. Even though both these teas come from the same plant the processing differences mean that beneficially they differ.

Both these teas help you lose weight by increasing the metabolic rate and include flavonoids and antioxidants, the same as in fruit and vegetables but I prefer oolong not only because of the taste but because of the results. It definitely gives me more energy and maybe that’s partly because it has more caffeine than green tea. Anyway, I work out regularly and I do believe that I am burning more calories than before.

Here are more effective weight loss herbs to name but a few: Garlic, Cinnamon, alfalfa, hawthorn, dandelion root, cardamom, ginseng and guar gum. A quick weight loss tip – Guar gum is great for weight loss because of its fiber content which reduces your appetite and stops you eating too much.

Why not check out my website and get your free gifts which may help you with your weight loss goals Fitness Program for Weight Loss or find out what other ways to use the Effective Weight Loss Herbs

Is Quinoa good for you?

Quinoa is a wholegrain ‘superfood’ that has almost twice as much protein as rice and nearly
three times more protein than couscous. It is highly recommended, particularly for those trying to lose weight or maintain weight because being a protein rich food, it helps to keep you feeling full for longer.

What is Quinoa?

Suzy Dorning http://slimminghelp4u.com/

Usually known as a whole grain, it is in point of fact a seed originating from South America. How to cook quinoa would be done pretty much the same way you would cook rice or barley. It has a lovely nutty flavor and its versatility lends itself to savory dishes such as salads, soups and stir-fries which can be used instead of rice and pasta and in sweet dishes too! For the health-conscious amongst us, quinoa nutrition provides all 9 essential amino acids and has the highest protein content of all the whole grains, particularly important for vegetarians and vegans. The two minerals found in quinoa are copper and manganese which together may aid weight loss. They act as an antioxidant and help the body fight free radicals that can cause the body to develop diseases. It is gluten-free so perfect for celeriac’s plus it is cholesterol-free which benefits all of us.

It has established itself as a 'superfood' and is a ‘must buy’ ingredient if you want to lose weight because it's extremely rich in complete protein and complex carbs.

Quinoa should be obtainable in most health food shops these days and if not ask them to source it for you. Also look in the ‘health food’ sections of supermarkets. As more and more people are learning about its nutritional value, rice and other grains are fast being replaced with quinoa. There are 3 varieties of quinoa, the most common being white with red and black being the rarest, therefore difficult to find. You can buy it in different forms e.g. puffed, rolled into flakes (nice for breakfast)and whole. Apparently, the leaves are edible and taste similar to chard or silver beet.

Before preparing your meal make sure the quinoa is rinsed well because the surface contains a chemical called saponin that has a bitter taste and if left unwashed (a) would not be good for you and (b) wouldn’t taste nice. Most ready-to-buy quinoa will already be washed and have the saponin removed but it’s best to wash it anyway to be on the safe side. As with rice you should not overcook the grain, it should be firm in texture with a slightly nutty taste. To enjoy it at its best simply add your favorite herbs or spices and ingredients and voila, you have a nutritious meal high in fiber and rich in iron. To ring its praises further – for those of us trying to lose weight it not only cuts the calories but it keeps us feeling fuller for longer so the answer to the question, is quinoa good for you, the answer is yes!  

Take a look at my website and see what other ways I can offer you in terms of losing weight healthily Fitness Program for Weight Loss. To find out about more amazing benefits of Quinoa check this out Is Quinoa Good For You

Kale a Fitness Program for Weight Loss

Suzy Dorning http://slimminghelp4u.com/

We all know that vegetables are good for us but there is one superveg that towers above the rest. Kale has become so popular in the United States and the UK that even film stars are singing its praises being ever so conscious of keeping their slim figures. It boasts so many health benefits being fat-free and low in calories yet packed with vitamins and minerals. Be sure to make it 1 of your 5 a day and it can be your secret fitness program for weight loss!

Did you know that Kale is a key factor to Weight Loss

Well, I have always known it as Curly Kale. I used to live in the countryside where it was grown in abundance. My family ate it regularly because my mother used to say it would keep me regular – funny that!? Of course being a child I didn’t really like it but I was brought up to believe mother knows best so I did what I was told. Now as an adult I choose to eat kale of my own free will because it reigns supreme amongst the greens. Although it is part of the cabbage family, it is different from cabbage which has a firm heart at its centre; instead Kale has long leafy stalks that splay out from the centre. There are different varieties available including ornamental, dinosaur and the more common curly Kale. It comes from the Brassica family as do Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cabbage.  Indeed, Kale is now recognised as one of the healthiest vegetables around and in the United States and in the UK its popularity has increased due to its high fibre content and being packed full of vitamins and minerals. The fact that it is such a hardy vegetable is an indication of why it is grown all over the world not only in Europe where it dates back to before the middle ages; it is also grown in hotter climes such as Africa, South America and Asia. Historical note: Kale was introduced to the United States by the English settlers in the 17th century.

Weight loss and Nutritional Kale Benefits

For the weight conscious amongst us the good news is that there are only 33.5 calories in 1 cup of kale and as for the nutritional benefits, where do I begin?  The high fibre content helps lower cholesterol thus reduces the risk of heart disease. Also the high fibre aids the digestion but it is more effective when cooked first so you need to learn how to cook kale correctly. It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants that help guard against the dreaded cancer. Organosulfur compounds are known to protect against various cancers especially cancer of the colon.  It’s a great food for detoxifying and it helps keep your liver healthy. Being high in iron it has more per calorie than in beef and as for calcium it has much more per calorie than milk.  We are all aware that greens are good for us but kale really is the queen of the greens!

How to Prepare and Store Kale

The best method for cooking kale is to steam it, this way all the nutrients remain intact. Stir frying is fine but do remember to always remove the woody stem before cooking. It’s great to use in smoothies whether fruit or vegetable also in soups and stews as it adds not only colour but texture too. Here’s a useful tip when making smoothies; First steam the kale then whizz in the blender. Follow this by freezing in ice-cube trays and when frozen fill plastic bags and store in freezer ready to use in your smoothies. If eaten raw Kale should be young and tender and then it can be eaten like lettuce in salad. Frost makes kale sweeter by converting part of its starch into sugar. You can buy it complete with stalks or bagged, chopped and stalks removed. Whatever way you buy it you should make sure it is crisp to touch and a vibrant green. Steer clear of yellowing leaves. Try to buy organic if possible because kale like other vegetables gets sprayed with pesticides. Either way take note that the leaves trap a lot of soil and creepy crawlies so thoroughly wash the leaves before consuming or cooking. First leave them in salted water for 10 minutes then rinse well under cold running water until all the dirt has gone. Please do not do this before storing as this will make the leaves go limp. They store perfectly in the salad bin in your fridge for 4 or 5 days and should remain crisp if you loosen the bag. 

To learn more even more about Kale take a look at this How to Cook Kale. Or why not check out my website Fitness Program for Weight Loss

Portion Size then vs now / Increasing Portion Sizes

Suzy Dorning http://slimminghelp4u.com/

We all require a little assistance from time to time when it comes to weight loss. There are so many different ways to achieve the same goal but portion control is perhaps the most obvious but understated path to permanent weight loss.

Controlling how much we eat is a problem for most of us; unless you happen to have a bird's appetite. My dear departed Mother was one of those people who really wasn’t that interested in food. She used to say, “we should eat to live” not “live to eat.” But for most of us food is one of life’s pleasures and with so much choice all around us in supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants and fast-food outlets we have never had it so good and that is why we need to use self-control if we're going to live long healthy lives. Invariably the portions are huge and the increasing portion sizes are definitely getting bigger even though we may not notice. 

Now I am not a Doctor but I am passionate about health and well being and keeping fit. My quest is to pass on knowledge I have gained through personal experience to other ordinary people just like me who are looking for answers.

Yes, a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential if we want to improve our well-being and an important combination to weight loss. However, there is something else we can do to help us from gaining weight and that is 'Portion Control'. In point of fact it is vital in maintaining a steady weight. Our stomach is only as big as our fist so imagine what happens when we jam all that food down our gullet. It wrecks havoc with our digestive system and all those extra calories turn into fat. Imagine stuffing a cushion until it bursts at the seam – well that's what we're doing to our poor bodies.  The more food we eat, the more our bodies get used to it and the bigger we get. So how can we help ourselves if we don't have strong will-power?

Eat from smaller portion control plates and drink from smaller glasses

The size of our plates to the shape of our glasses may be telling us to eat and drink more. What happens when we have a bigger plate? We fill it, the same with drink especially alcohol. It's known as 'Portion Distortion' and our crockery and glassware could be conspiring against us. What looks like a hearty meal on a small to medium sized plate can look like a mere snack on a large one. So what we do is fill up the plate and it's an example of how some of the important choices we make are done subconsciously. According to Professor Brian Wansink, author of 'Mindless Eating', “Each of the innocuous looking items on the table – packages, dishes, glasses and the variety of foods – can increase how much we eat by more than 20%.”

Different colored plates can help

Studies show that people put less on their plate if the color of the food contrasts with the plate. The contrast is more like a 'wake-up' call to the brain, making us more aware of portion size.

Use smaller serving spoons

By using smaller serving spoons we fool ourselves into thinking that we are getting more food when in reality we're probably not.

Portion size then vs now -No serving dishes on the table

In the past we were brought up to sit at a dining table which invariably meant the dreaded serving dishes at the table. It is too tempting to serve 2nd helpings when food is accessible on the table. It is better to serve up individual servings in the kitchen. It requires a little more effort to go to the kitchen for additional food so this will help portion control.

Weighing food is better than guesswork

Pasta, rice and potatoes are the foods we tend to over indulge in. We need to control our measurements. It’s all too easy to run riot when preparing dishes made with these foods. 75 g of rice or pasta is sufficient per person and 100 g of potato.

Individual Servings

Instead of buying lunch at work make up individual boxed portions of tuna pasta salad or chicken salad etc. at home. Plan the menu ahead and keep in the fridge ready to go. It will be far healthier and cheaper.

Of course it is much easier to eat less in the summer months than in the wintertime when we need more insulation and tend to do less exercise. All those stews and stodgy puds are delicious but there is no excuse for being a glutton. We should still watch our intake.

When all is said and done portion control is a routine we should all adopt if we want to get back on track to where human beings should be – healthy and fit not unhealthy and overweight with far too many of us today suffering from obesity.

Click here >Portion Size then vs now< to find more information or why not check out my website by going over to>Fitness Program for Weight Loss< or > http://slimminghelp4u.com/ <

Can Group Fitness Program for Weight Loss Help Me?

Group fitness classes have many benefits for the fitness enthusiast. There are many classes available in local gyms and community organizations. Cycling clubs, walking groups, and boot camps are fast on the rise in the area. Most gyms host classes such as Zumba, abdominal, and yoga. Infomercials are showing new programs everyday so you can have the experience of a group session right in your home. There are four main benefits of group training. Teamwork can be utilized in some training sessions to complete exercises that require a partner. For individuals that work together group fitness can build camaraderie. The military and first responders use this type of training to help build a cohesive unit.

Accountability insures that as a member of a team you want to be there for your fellow classmates. No one wants to be the one that is late or absent from an appointment. An appointment helps many in having a schedule to workout.

Program Design is an important part of reaching your goals when exercising. Most individuals don't know how to schedule out a plan to help achieve their goals. The cost of individual training can put a burden on some because of the cost per hour. The trainer that leads the class has already thought out what works and gives the maximum benefit to that days program.

Socializing with like minded people can help you in feeling good about the people you're with. People have a need to bond, and being apart of a group gives that feeling of belonging. Group training gives you the opportunity to meet new people in the community that have some of the same motivations to live a healthy lifestyle.

Group training will continue to grow in popularity in the coming years. Group fitness can be done by anyone regardless of age, gender, or physical ability. It just takes the right class and set goals to achieve the results you want. So, what are you waiting for class is in session.

http://www.examiner.com/article/can-group-fitness-help-me Fitness Program for Weight Loss

Fitness Program for Weight Loss - How to Hula Hoop for Total Beginners

A great quick and simple tutorial for Hula Hooping beginners which is a great fitness program for weight loss. This has to be an absolutely fabulous form of exercise for all ages. I highly recommend it..




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0visc3p6uAA Fitness Program for Weight Loss