dimanche 28 juillet 2013

Recent HCG Diet Research

By Dr. Elizabeth Clark


The medical database at the National Institutes of Health (PubMed) lists 20,489 research articles on hCG. Just 93 of them entail anything having to do with weight loss. More recently, the past decade shows 5,341 articles on hCG, 33 of which mention weight loss. None of the latter are actual weight loss studies, though. Scientific interest in this topic seems to be at an all time low.

Nevertheless, one particular study stands out, which does not even get listed in the above search. The reason is because it focuses on the effects of weight loss on cardiovascular risk factors. The hCG diet just happened to be the vehicle for driving weight loss. The full reference information of the study is:

Mikirova NA, Casciari JJ, Hunninghake RE, Beezley MM. Effect of weight reduction on cardiovascular risk factors and CD34-positive cells in circulation. Int J Med Sci. 2011;8(6):445-52.

This study was designed to stick closely to the Simeons hCG diet plan, with certain modifications. It was designed as follows:

1) Meals totaling 500 calories per day, consisting of: breakfast of coffee/tea with no sugar or one fruit serving, with lunch and dinner each comprising of 3.5 oz of lean protein, a vegetable serving, a bread serving, and a fruit serving; 2) Oral supplements consisting of the following nutrients: 250 mg tyrosine, 2 mg beta-glucan, 200 mcg selenium, 1 mg folic acid, 5 mg iodine, 7.5 mg potassium iodide, 600 mg magnesium, 5 g vitamin D3, 60 mg coenzyme Q10, 150 mg lipoic acid, 340 mg acetyl-L-carnitine, 100 mg vitamin B complex, and a probiotic (2 billion CFU acidophilus with 2 billion CFU bifidus and 109 mg FOS); 3) Daily treatments of hCG nasal spray, at doses of 125 - 180 IU; 4) Daily sublingual treatments by vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg per day).

The program schedule was as follows: patients took supplements, B12, and hCG for two days prior to beginning a 36-day very low calorie diet. This was followed by a 35-day treatment period during which calorie intake was gradually raised while restricting sugar and starch intake. Then the hCG treatment was stopped.

The greatest weight loss by any subject was about 37.8 lbs and the least was 5.5 lbs. The authors did not explain this wide discrepancy except to say that the greatest losses happened in those who started out the heaviest.

Furthermore, average body fat decreased by 12.4 percent, along with a mean decrease in lean body mass of 5.7 percent. In other words, fat loss dropped at double the rate of lean body mass. This result is exactly what Dr. Simeons had already shown way back in 1954.

Cardiovascular risk indicators also showed a statistically significant improvement in total cholesterol, the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol. Improvement also occurred in levels of triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and VLDL cholesterol. The HDL cholesterol levels did not change.

What about those CD34-positive cells in circulation? Researchers are continually looking for additional indicators of cardiovascular health other than blood lipids. One of the relatively new indicators is a cell type that negatively correlates with damage to the lining of vascular tissue. Damage to cells that help replenish such tissue accompanies obesity. As the numbers of such cells go down, damage goes up. An increase of one of these types of cells, called CD34-positive cells, may therefore be an indicator of improvement of vascular health.

The authors showed how an increase in production of CD34-positive cells correlates with changes in percent body fat. Specifically, there was a strong positive correlation between an increase in this cell type and the percent reduction in body fat. This is the positive result that indicates improved vascular health as percent body fat goes down.




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samedi 27 juillet 2013

Patience, Persistence And Wise Choices Help You Lose Weight For Good!

By Hanson Brightley


Looking better isn't the only benefit to losing weight. Looking better is great, but there are more important benefits to losing weight such as being much healthier and feeling better. There are plenty of methods for losing weight, so whether you need to drop pounds fast or shave a few inches long-term, we have outlined some techniques to help you achieve your goals.

When on a weight loss diet, carefully monitor what you drink. Everything but water has calories. All those calories add up from beverages like colas, beer, sweet tea, coffee drinks and more. Make sure you count the calories you drink to stay on track when counting calories.

Aim for a dream outfit instead of a dream weight. Don't pay any attention to your scales. Everybody shows weight differently. The ideal weight of every individual is varied greatly. Instead, concentrate on a clothing size you wish you could fit in.

In a restaurant, request that they put your salad dressing in a small container on the side. This way, you can apply the dressing yourself, putting less on than the chef would have. You can decrease the amount of dressing that you use for salads by only dipping your fork in the dressing. When you begin to see results, you will feel great about cutting calories.

If you have access to a dietician, ask them for a good weight loss plan. Your medical doctor may also be able to assist you. Every person has a different body, so some diets will work better for some than others. Seek assistance in order to maximize your chances of success.

Your weight loss goals should be realistic. As with everything in life, if you have an unrealistic goal, the chances are you won't achieve it. For instance, if you want to lose 20 pounds, setting yourself a time limit of one month is a recipe for disaster. Instead, set an attainable goal for each week. Keep the big picture in mind, but don't focus on it. Therefore, to stay on track with your weight loss, set weekly weight loss goals.

Add an exercise program when trying to lose weight. Join a gym, which can give you the proper devices to reach your goals. Pilates and jogging are two great alternatives if you do not want to join a gym. Consult your doctor before starting a program if you have underlying health concerns. Most exercises can be performed outside during the day or in the comfort of your home.

Protein is essential to losing weight for two reasons. The amino acids in protein help build strong muscles and are not stored in the body for future energy use. The more muscle mass you have, the more efficiently your body will burn fat and calories.

If you are keeping an eye on your waistline, make sure you are targeting your calories to be close to 2000 per day. Determine your nutrition needs, and be aware of your intake at each meal. If you find that there are shortcomings, either address them by changing your diet or take a multivitamin.

A great weigh loss motivation is acquiring a buddy who shares the same fitness goals that you do. You can stay motivated to meet your weight loss goals when you have a buddy. You can motivate each other and you can have someone to talk to about what may or may not be working out for you in your fitness efforts.

Refusing your body particular foods is not going to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Depriving yourself completely of a food you crave can make it even more attractive. That will add much more calories than simply moderately eating it.

A good tip in losing weight is to have sex regularly. It helps to take your mind off of cravings. In addition, sex can be a great workout and can burn a lot of calories. Done correctly, sex can consume as much as 150 calories in thirty minutes.

Eat filling foods that have low calorie counts. Eating low-calorie veggies, soups, and salads prior to meals can help you feel full longer so you eat much less of the higher calorie main dishes. Drinking water, coffee, or other unsweetened beverages before meals can have the same effect.

Breakfast is an essential component of losing weight. Countless dieters fall into the trap of skipping breakfast, believing that this tactic will give them a jump-start on their daily calorie count. This is not true, and will only make you hungrier for additionally calories as they days goes on.

Tighten up your back and stomach muscles when you're out and about and keep them held tight until you can't anymore. Constrict them whenever you find yourself slumping or relaxing for too long. This will help improve your posture and tone your muscles that are used for standing straight. This will also include your buttocks!

Your weight loss program will work best when it is geared to your own individual needs, so learn as much as you can about the various possibilities. Finding a plan that you really like will help you to stay motivated and not give up. Even though there is no perfect weight loss program, search for the one that will work best for you.




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A Personal Trainer Walnut Creek Conveys Some Training Advice For Athletes

By Cassie R. Marshall


Walnut Creek is home to some of the world's most notable athletes, particularly football players like Steve Alexakos of American Pro Football. The Pac 12 Conference was even held here and in case you didn't know, this is actually a college athletic conference that centers mainly in the Western parts of the United States.

It is for this reason why you'll find lots of personal trainers here. Some professional athletes would actually choose to hire a trainer to help them in the preparation of their upcoming match. If you are an athlete, then check out these training tips from a personal trainer Walnut Creek.

Set Realistic Goals

In order for you not to lose interest in your fitness training, you must enjoy doing it as much as you can. Instead of adhering to a certain program or following what others do, try to adjust your training time as well as the intensity of your exercises in order for you to not get easily bored with it. Most importantly, look for a personal trainer Walnut Creek who can help to fine tune your fitness plans in accordance to your fitness goals.

If you are planning to run for a marathon next year, yet you do not have time to train for even up to three times in a week, then do not aim to win because that is not achievable at all. A personal trainer Walnut Creek states that you should find a balance between your goals and what you are capable of doing.

If you are still new to the sport, then be conservative with your goals and come up with something that you can possibly accomplish. Or else, you will just end up hurting yourself physically and emotionally.

Listen to your body and if you feel that you are too worn out, then stop and take your much needed rest. For athletes who need to train all year round, a personal trainer Walnut Creek suggested that you take about a week off in every three months of your training.

As they say, too much of something is a bad thing. This goes the same with your fitness training, too. As much as possible, allow your body to rest because this is the only time that it can build enough muscles and endurance. It is a good idea to alternate your workouts with the recovery of your body muscles.

Sure, your goal is to win your game and be successful in whatever field of sport you are involved in, but when it comes to your fitness training, you should make sure that you set a goal that is realistic. You have to be honest with yourself and achieve only what your body is capable of doing.

If you are planning to run for a marathon next year, yet you do not have time to train for even up to three times in a week, then do not aim to win because that is not achievable at all. A personal trainer Walnut Creek states that you should find a balance between your goals and what you are capable of doing.

If you are still new to the sport, then be conservative with your goals and come up with something that you can possibly accomplish. Or else, you will just end up hurting yourself physically and emotionally.

So these are some of the training advice that a personal trainer Walnut Creek would like to share to all athletes out there. If you're an athlete and you are in need of proper training for your upcoming event, you ought to consider hiring a fitness instructor to help you through.




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vendredi 26 juillet 2013

What Foods Are In The Paleo Diet

By Lori Buenavista


The Paleo diet is a popular diet plan which includes foods that will have been eaten during the paleolithic era, when mankind were hunter-gatherers. The study that developed this diet claims that it decreases chance of several types of illnesses and weight problems. If you're interested in following this diet, you'll control your intake of particular foods. So, what can you eat on the Paleo diet?

The Paleo meals are a well-liked diet program that involves foods that would have been eaten throughout the paleolithic era, when human beings were hunter-gatherers. The researchers that developed the dietary plan claim that it lowers chance of several kinds of health problems and obesity. If you're thinking about following this diet, you'll limit your intake of particular foods. So, what can you eat on the Paleo diet?

Foods to Eat

The Paleo diet consists of foods that are rich in proteins. Meats of all types are motivated, but grass-fed meats like antelope, deer and buffalo are particularly helpful (they're leaner and nearer to the types of meat that Paleolithic people could have eaten). Fish and seafood also provide plenty of protein and healthy omega-3s.

Fruits and vegetables are motivated on the Paleo diet. The fiber from plant-based foods replaces other carbohydrates such as grains. Root vegetables that are particularly full of fiber include carrots, beets, rutabagas and turnips. Both fruits and vegetables contain a variety of vitamins.

Nuts and seeds also provide protein and some healthy fats, such as fatty acids. Almonds, walnuts, macadamia, cashews and hazelnuts are great choices. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds all provide protein.

Eggs are suggested on the Paleo diet due to their protein and essential amino acids. Eggs also have numerous important nutritional supplements such as B12, B6, vitamin A, riboflavin, folic acid, iron and calcium. Healthy oils and fats such as essential olive oil, walnut oil, avocado and coconut are included in the Paleo diet.

What You Shouldn't Eat on the Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet doesn't include any cereal grains just like wheat or oats. Beans and peanuts are excluded. Dairy foods, including milk, yogurt, sour cream, cheese and frozen treats are not permitted. Unhealthy foods of any sort and refined sugar, as well as salt and potatoes are not part of the Paleo diet.

Health Benefits and Controversy of the Paleo Diet

Many aspects of the Paleo diet bring about better health. The exclusion of refined sugar and processed foods reduces sodium intake and calories. Unhealthy foods frequently contain many food preservatives and chemical compounds that could be harmful. The inclusion of fruits and veggies can also contribute to better health, as those foods contain plenty of minerals and vitamins, and are filling, which contributes overall to a lower-calorie diet.

The exclusion of grains and concentrate on meat is controversial amongst scientists. Some are worried that the boost in fat ingestion adds to cardio problems; though the diet specifies grass-fed meats, the average consumer may not find those meats easily available.

Having less dairy and grains is concerning, since some individuals won't get the vitamins and fiber those types of foods contain. People on the Paleo diet regime who focus mostly on meat items and not enough on the vegatables and fruits may find that they truly put on pounds on this diet.




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Trying Out Swimming With A Personal Trainer Pleasant Hill

By Jackie Johnson


Pleasant Hill, California is an area that's well-known for its health clubs and exercise gyms. It's also favored for its amount of swimming pools, both public or private. Therefore it is of no surprise for any workout enthusiast to hear their personal trainer Pleasant Hill advising them to take up swimming. This article will help expound on the various reasons why that is a good idea.

What Swimming Can Do For You

Being both a sport and an exercise activity, there are many benefits that you can get out of swimming, most of which your personal trainer Pleasant Hill will be all too happy to enumerate for you. Here are a few of the most commonly given reasons as to why you should take up swimming:

* An Improved Cardiovascular System

Swimming helps improve your overall body health without too much effort. The simple act of swimming helps strengthen your heart and lungs, which in turn are able to supply better oxygenated blood to the rest of your body. This is doubly beneficial to people who have regular breathing problems or are at risk for developing heart disease.

* Stronger And Leaner Muscles

A reason that people are more likely to buy is that swimming, like almost every other exercise that exists, helps you become stronger in terms of your muscles. While it does not help you bulk up like a professional bodybuilder, as your personal trainer Pleasant Hill will point out, it does help you effectively develop strength from the motions of forcing your body through the water. Swimming is also unique in the fact that it helps you work out without letting you strain yourself.

* Loss Of Weight

Swimming is an exercise, and as all exercises make you burn calories, so does swimming. A good thirty minute swim is enough to make you burn around nine hundred calories. However, the intensity, duration and distance that you swim all affect how much calories will be burned. Thereby, if you are looking to make swimming as a weight loss helper in your regimen to becoming healthy, consultation with your personal trainer Pleasant Hill will be needed to make sure that you are doing it correctly.

* Loss Of Weight

Exercising is not just about the physical aspect of the body but also about the mental part of the body. Many personal trainers from all over the world will emphasize that a good balance is needed in order to become truly fit and healthy. Swimming is an activity that can allow a person a moment of peace and quiet while swimming by on their own, or a moment to bond with other people. Its flexibility for both situations is another reason why swimming is so popular.

Why A Personal Trainer Would Suggest It

A professional personal trainer Pleasant Hill would suggest to you to take up swimming for a number of reasons, like the ones listed above. He or she could also advise you to indulge in the sport to help boost your performance while exercising, or even just to help you get out more and experience working out in a different setting.




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