Weight Loss

General Motors: Weight Loss Diet Program The following diet and health program was developed for employees and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is intended for their exclusive use. This program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management's intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone. This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing

systematic effects. The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value. This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition. During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol You must drink 10 glasses of water each day Day One All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter. Day Three A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today. Day Four Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities. Day Five Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing. Day Six Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content. Day Seven Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you

care to consume.

Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine. Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. You may have an occasional cordial such as creme de menthe or schnapps, but you must always limit yourself to two drinks. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.

G.M.'S Wonder Soup The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup. 28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired. Additional Comments Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil. You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, calory etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables

according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you. Beverages you may consume while on the program : 1. Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired). 2. Club Soda is OK. 3. Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness. 4. Black Tea = Herb or Leaf. 5. Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven. How and Why It Works Day One you are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food.

They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety. Day Two starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre. Day Three eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four. Day Four, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You're in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy

this day will go. Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five "quarter ponders". Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes. Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one. Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it. 2. Increase your intake of foods that enhance your digestive fire.

The foods that are especially beneficial are: Ginger Papaya Mango Pineapple Bitter melons Dark, bitter greens Other Strategies to increase your digestion include:
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Sip hot water throughout the day. Fast one day a week on liquids. You may have fruit or vegetable juices, warm skim milk, light soups, teas, etc. Drink ginger tea 2-3 times per day. Chew a thin slice of fresh ginger root a few minutes before meals. Or grate a little ginger, mix with some lemon juice and salt, and eat a pinch or two. Use herbs and spices that are primarily pungent (spicy), bitter, or astringent. Common useful spices include: cumin, ginger, mustard seed, cayenne, and black pepper. Use them generously in your cooking. Use Ayurvedic herbs such as gotu kola, amalaki, and shilajit in powder or capsule form. Exercise regularly according to your body type.

he chief cause of obesity or overweight is often overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating such as improper mixing of food items in one meal. In ayurveda, Charak Samhita describes eight different types of bodies that are disease prone. Out of these, the obese body is described as the one afflicted with the most diseases and troubles. Obesity is the condition or physical state of the body when excessive deposition of fat takes place in the adipose tissue. Extra fat puts a strain on the heart, kidneys, liver and the joints such as the hips, knees and ankles and thus, overweight people are susceptible to several diseases like coronary thrombosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout, liver and gall bladder disorders. To decrease weight and get rid of obesity three things must be kept in mind:
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• Controlling eating habits. • Regular exercise. • Avoiding the causes of weight gain

7 Quick Suggestions For Weight Loss

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• Drink lots of water • Eat 5 times a day; 3 meals, 2 snacks • Go gymming on a regular basis • Use small plates in dark color to eat • Be cautious while buying 'fat free' products • Maintain the eating details in written • Go easy on dieting, avoid crash dieting regimes

Most Read Articles
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» Ways to Fight Obesity with Ayurveda » Ayurvedic Food Recipes for Weight Loss » Yoga for Weight Loss-Natural Weight Loss Tips » Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals

Diet recommended to lose weight

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Early morning • Juice of half a lemon mixed in a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of honey. Breakfast • Wheat or Mung bean sprouts and a cup of skimmed milk. Midmorning

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• A glass of orange, pineapple or carrot juice would make a perfect midmorning filler. Lunch o • Salad of raw vegetables such as carrot, beet, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes. Steamed or boiled vegetables o • Whole grain bread or whole wheat chapatis (Indian bread) and a glass of buttermilk. o • Roasted cumin seeds, green coriander leaves, a little salt and some grated ginger mixed in the buttermilk. Mid-afternoon
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• Coconut water • Dry fruits • Lemon tea • Fresh vegetable soup

Dinner
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• Whole grain bread or chapatis • Steamed vegetables • Seasonal fruits except banana and apple.

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» Reducing Kapha and Losing Weight: Diet Plan » Cholesterol Imbalance Home Remedies » Ayurvedic Tips for Weight Gain

Home Remedies for Losing Weight
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• Increase the quantity of fruits and vegetables and low calorie foods. • Avoid intake of too much salt as it may be a factor for increasing body weight. • Milk products like cheese, butter etc. and non-vegetarian foods should be avoided as they are rich in fat. • Mint is very beneficial in losing weight. A chutney of green mint with some simple spices can be taken with meals. Mint tea also helps. • Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways. • Regular intake of carrot juice. • Avoid rice and potato, which contain a lot of carbohydrates. Among cereals wheat is good. • Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful in loosing weight. • Honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions.

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Dosage: One should start with small quantity of about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added. • Fasting on honey and lime- juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. For this, mix one teaspoon of fresh honey with the juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water. Dosage: Take several times a day at regular intervals. • Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction. • Exercise is an important part of any weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat. • Walking is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming or rowing. • The gum of Commiphora Mukul called 'guggulu' is the drug of choice for the treatment of obesity.

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Herbs for Weight Loss- Which Ones Will Work Best for You? Herbs for Weight Loss

Some herbal ingredients like LMethionine work with your liver to improve your fat burning abilities. Others, like Hoodia, an ancient remedy, are focused on suppressing your appetite and food cravings. Typically, when people have less to eat, the body is starved for fuel and it begins to burn fat at a faster rate. Herbal ingredients and supplements have also proven to be successful in improving the proper balance of blood sugar levels that play a key role in regulating the metabolic system. For example, limiting Starch's ability to turn into sugar and being deposited in the body. Listed below are several of the top current herbs for weight loss:

Green tea: This is an excellent, effective, and safe weight loss ingredient that has the ability to oxidize fat in the body. It also has a wealth of antioxidants that are good for your heart. Green tea is readily available and

either can be consumed in its rawest form as a drink, or taken as a supplement. Either way, this is one of the best herbs to lose weight with. Additionally, for some people, it has also proven to increase their energy levels.

Garcinia camgogia: This is one of the lesser known herbal ingredients. It is

reported to increase metabolic function that can help result in weight loss. Additionally, it also works as an appetite suppressor allowing you to eat less. It is typically combined with other herbs and taken as a potent diet pill. Dandelion: This flower/herb works as a mild laxative and is used to improve digestion. In fact, dandelion can be actually eaten in raw form. Some people just sprinkle it on their healthy salads and add their favorite dressing.

Cascara sagrada: This herb acts as a potent laxative and is used to assist in cleansing the colon of waste and toxins. It is important to note that although this

herb works well, its consistent use should not exceed more than one week at a time. Excessive use can cause malnutrition or dehydration.

Cayenne: This is ingredient is used in spicy foods such as chili. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which has proven to improve digestion, metabolism, and the overall fat burning process.

Seaweed or kelp: This ingredient has been known to improve the metabolism.

It is also a thyroid stimulant - which can improve your ability to lose weight.

Ginseng: This is another ancient herb. It is known for its abilities to stimulate the rate of metabolism and boost energy at the same time auses & Symptoms of Obesity Obesity is the condition where a person has excessive deposit or storage of fat in his/her body. It can affect a person in any and every age group and is also not restricted by sex. Obesity is found more in people who consume food in large quantities and lead a sedentary live. A serious health hazard, the extra fat puts strain on the heart,

kidneys, liver and joints of hips, knees and ankles. The causes of obesity include overeating, low basal metabolism, thyroid or pituitary gland disorders, sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors and hormonal imbalance. While being overweight refers to an increase in overall body weight, including essential body tissues, obesity refers only to excessive fat tissues. However, obesity can be treated effectively at home, resorting to some natural ways. Given below are some effective home remedies for curing the problem of obesity. Home Remedies for Obesity
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The easiest and effective remedy to fight obesity would be to have 10 grams of honey, along with a glass of warm water. Consume this in the morning, on an empty stomach. If found effective, the dose can be increased with time. You can also mix juice of half a lime and one teaspoon of fresh honey in a glass of lukewarm water. Have this early in the morning, followed by every few hours intake. Consuming 10-12 fully grown curry leaves every morning, for 3 months, is found beneficial in dealing with the problem of obesity.

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Have one or two tomatoes, on an empty stomach, every morning. This has been found to be effective in curing obesity. In a glass of boiling water, add ginger and lemon slices. Steep for sometime and strain the water. Have this decoction when warm. Not only would it treat obesity, it would also control overeating tendency. In a cup of water, add 3 tsp limejuice, ¼ tsp powdered black pepper and 1 tsp honey. Have this concoction regularly, once a day, for 3 months. Soak a handful of jujube or Indian plum leaves overnight. Strain the water in the morning and consume on an empty stomach. It will prove beneficial in curing obesity. Include loads of cabbage in your diet. You can have its leaves raw or boiled. You can also make a vegetable out of it or use it in salads. Take out fresh carrot juice, add a little water and churn it in a blender. Filter the juice and drink it. Include French beans, jackfruits, grapes, figs, peaches, phalsa and guava in the diet. Having green tea has been found to be beneficial in treating obesity. You can also consume tea made from dandelion root. In a cup of lukewarm water, add ½ tbsp honey and ½ tsp holy basil paste. Consume this everyday, for treating obesity.

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Horse gram can help cure obesity. Soak 1-2 tbsp horse gram in a glass of water and keep it overnight. Filter the concoction the next morning and have it on an empty stomach. Make ginger paste and add a small amount to honey to it. Comsume this along with ½ tsp natural guggul. It will prove effective in treating obesity.

Causes & Symptoms of Obesity

Phytolacca berry has encouraging power on digestion. It has a calculating effect on fibrous and osseous tissues, new enlargement and fat. It decreases and maintains the body weight. It helps to get rid of the collected waste material in the tissues through out the body, though improving lymphatic and blood vascular elasticity alike to liver, where there is hardening due to a congested condition. These tablets taken in preservation dose can help stop obesity and its subsequent complication. Indicate for obesity reduction. Price: $11.75 Quantity: 125 tablets X 250mg each Free Shipping Worldwide

Guggul : the herb with many benefits Commiphora Weightii / Guggul Shuddha Guggul / Guggulu / (Commiphora mukul) Benefits of Guggul: Herbal Cholesterol control and weight loss Guggul has been described as the most powerful cholesterol lowering herb known

Prices 2 Bottles : $ 22 5 Bottles : $ 45 10 Bottles : $ 79.95

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Commiphora Weightii / Guggul 60 Capsules per Bottle Guggul is one of the most renowned herbs in Ayurvedic herbal supplement. Guggul or Guggulu has strong purifying and rejuvenating powers. People now days most frequently use it to benefit from Guggul's lipid regulating and immunomodulating actions. It has been shown that Guggul or commiphora mukul can lower blood cholesterol by 14-27 percent and can lower triglycerides by 22-30 percent. The effects that Guggul or gugglu has on the blood cholesterol levels are similar to prescription medications but, being a natural plant extract, it is a far greater and much safer product. Guggul or guggulu works on

the liver by rising the metabolism (or break down) of the bad cholesterol known as LDL Cholesterol. After taking the product for 1 to 3 months, total cholesterol levels can drop triglyceride levels can drop and an augment in HDL (the good cholesterol) of approximately 16 percent can occur. Its benefits as a weight-loss and fat burning agent have been well researched and recognized in various studies. Benefits of Guggul or Guggulu
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Lowers the cholesterol and triglycerides, while preserving or improving High Density Lipoprotein to Low Density Lipoprotein ratio. It lowers triglyceride levels. It relaxes the muscles that helps relieve menstrual pain. It acts as a blood detoxifier that breaks up stagnation in the body. It is a powerful analgesic agent i.e. is very helpful in relieving from pain

Shuddha Guggulu can be taken by practically everyone, regardless of age and gender. Guggul can be taken by people for:
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Weight Management (Weight Loss, Controls Obesity) Lowering Cholesterol Improving Circulation

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Relief from Arthritis pain Treating Boils Eczema Menstrual Pain (Relieves it) Dermatitis Psoriasis Skin rashes

Dose – 1 to 2 capsules daily with water or as directed by physician Guggul or guggulu’s FAQ's What is Guggul or guggulu? Guggul or Indian Bedellium or Guggulu is one of the oldest and most well-known herbs in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It has strong purifying and rejuvenating actions and its lipid regulating and immunomodulating properties are particularly beneficial. Who can take Guggul? As herbal medicines are comparatively mild and gentle on the human body, Guggul or Guggulu can be taken by almost everyone, regardless of age and gender. Guggul can be taken by people for the following usage:
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Weight Loss, Controls Obesity Lowering Cholesterol

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Improving Circulation Relief from Arthritis pain Treating Boils Eczema Menstrual Pain (Relieves it) Dermatitis Psoriasis Skin rashes

Is Guggul or Guggulu addictive? Guggul or Guggulu made not contain any addictive components. It is safe to use Guggul or Guggulu for extended periods of time without fear of addiction. What kind of action does Guggul have on the body? Guggul or Guggulu has conventionally been used in Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat conditions like obesity, lipid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is useful in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, while dipping existing plaque in arteries. In terms of obesity, Guggul or Guggulu augments body’s metabolic rate, perks up thyroid function, increases fat-burning activity of the body, and increases thermo genesis or heat production. Guggul or Guggulu helps to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. It has been shown to decrease total cholesterol up to 30% in 12 weeks. Guggul’s

cholesterol regulating actions are particularly important in reducing Low density lipoprotein by 35% and increasing High density lipoprotein by 20% in 3 months. Guggul lowers platelet stickiness and reduces risk of heart disease and stroke. What are the benefits of taking Guggul? - Guggul increased High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, which is needed by the body and lowers Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol. - It lowers triglyceride levels. - It relaxes the muscles which helps relieve menstrual pain. - It acts as a blood detoxifier which breaks up stagnation in the body. - It is a heart tonic that strengthens the heart. How long do I have take Guggul before I see any results? Herbal medicines offer progressive, long-term benefits. Certain classes of herbs work well in acute conditions to offer quick relief, however herbs like Guggul or guggulu usually take 3 to 4 weeks before you can experience the full benefits of taking it. Individual results can vary, depending on the nature and gravity of the condition for which Guggul is being consumed.

Research on Guggul: Commiphora mukul in human welfare (review article). By Al-Mathal EM.Department of Zoology, College of Science for Girls, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The origins of guggul and frankincense are traced to the Arabian Peninsula. As per Herodotus (5th century BC): "Arabia is the only country that produces frankincense, myrrh, cassia and cinnamon ... the trees bearing the frankincense are fortified by winged serpents of small size and various colors." Diodorus Siculus writes, in the 2nd half of the first century BC, that "all of Arabia exudes a most delicate smell; even the seamen passing by Arabia can smell the strong fragrance that gives health and energy." He also talked about gold mines so pure that no smelting was essential. The Magi, carrying myrrh, frankincense, and gold, came from the East: Arabia. The frankincense trade route, with transport by donkeys and later by camel caravans, arrived at Jerusalem and Egypt from the Dhofar region of what is today Oman, through Yemen, turning north to follow the Red Sea coast. It is probable that the same or alike species of the resinbearing plants grew crossways the Red Sea in the area that is now Somalia and Ethiopia, while the compilation of the gum resins was started in Arabia. Myrrh added much in the human welfare.

This review selected some but not all of the value application of myrrh (Commiphora mukul) Clinical trail One 3 month study demonstrated that about 1500 mg of guggulipid had average reduction in serum cholesterol of nearly 22 percent, while triglycerides were condensed about 25 percent in people who took it frequently. Another study revealed that guggulipid works best for people who have high cholesterol reading of the type IIb (increased Low Density lipoprotein, VLDL, and triglycerides) and type IV (increased VLDL and triglycerides). A 3rd study involving 233 people with elevated cholesterol or triglycerides levels (or both) showed that guggulipid worked better than the cholesterollowering drug Clofibrate. People taking Guggul or Guggulu had the added advantage of seeing some improvements in High density lipoprotiein, the “good cholesterol” - an effect that was not in evidence with the pharmaceutical. No one knows precisely how the Indian herb guggul (Commiphora mukul) works, but it may bind to cholesterol in your gut so that you eradicate it before it enters your bloodstream, Winston says. Researchers have studied Guggul or guggulu for 30 years and one 1994 study stands out. Published in Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy, it found that

Guggul or guggulu reduced serum cholesterol by about 18 %, LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 13 %, and triglycerides by 12 %. Article: Guggul : the herb with many benefits Botanically known as commiphora mukul, guggul is the gum resin of a small shrubby tree found in the dessert and other warm parts of the Indian subcontinent. At was mentioned in the works of Charaka and Sushruta and other ancient authors. Now, when we understand many of its actions on human body from the modern point of view also, for an ayurvedic physician guggul continues to be the first drug of choice for many health problems, including arthritis and lipid disorders. Ancient ayurvedic literature is full of praise for guggul for its wide range of therapeutic actions. It has been described as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic. Expectorant, uterine stimulant and a rejuvenating herb which also acts as a general tonic. Guggul which is older than one year has an additional quality of being an anti-lipid agent. As is the practice, guggul is purified by boiling it either in milk, cow’s urine or in the decoction of triphala before its therapeutic use. Scientific studies have found that guggul lowers serine triglycerides, the LDL and the VLDL cholesterols. At the same time, it raises the levels

of HDL (good cholesterol) and inhibits platelet aggregation, thus benefiting in preventing atherosclerotic vascular disease or the ischemic heart disease, Guggul also facilitates weight reduction and is a drug of choice in obesity-related problems. In hypothyroidism, too, its usage with other metabolism corrector medicines proves to be very effective. Since guggul is basically an anti-vata and antikapha medicine, ancient ayurvedic masters have found it to be an excellent remedy for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. In joint pains of any type, whether of autoimmune origin as the rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative like the osteoarthritis and metabolic such as gout, guggul has a beneficial role to play. Not surprisingly, modern research has found it to be equally effective and also safer than ibuprofen and phyenylbutazone. Despite so many benefits it offers, guggul is not administered as a single medicine. Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia exclusively devotes a separate section to detail a number of preparations in which guggul is used as a chief ingredient. Of these few like Guggul have become household names to be used in all types of acute and chronic arthritis. Guggul is given in gout and in conditions involving infections and skin ailments.

While treating glandular swellings, Chandraprabha vati finds the top place in a prescription of an ayurvedic physician whereas Arjuna Capsules is helpful in osteoporosis and fractures. For lipid control and treating obesity, Guggul and bioslim are the best medicines. A word of caution : guggul being a uterine stimulant is contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy. Its high doses and prolonged use must be monitored by an expert physician. Dr. Vatsayan, BAMS, MD in Ayurveda
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Herbal Weight Loss: Top 5 Herbs That Can Effectively Lose Weight Mother Nature has given us plenty of plants and herbs that can be very beneficial in removing countless of health problems such as obesity. These herbs can be found in the forests, mountains and covers. The advantage of consuming herbs and utilizing an herbal weight loss treatment is that it is an 100% natural way of eluding health problems; hence, it is safer. Herbs and plants are studied as well as tested comprehensively in order to correctly conclude their efficiency and use. It is acknowledged that herbs not only have therapeutic components, but also are useful for weight loss; thus the reason why herbal weight loss products are very popular and an essential choice for weight control. A lot of herbal weight loss products are easily obtainable in the market today. On the other hand, only a small amount of medicinal herbs and plants have achieved the merit of being a commendable weight loss ingredient.

Herbs that can safely aid with weight loss are the following: 1. Hoodia Gordonii This herb has gained so much popularity as a valuable aid for weight loss because of its appetite suppressing components. This herb mainly grows in the South African desert regions. Studies have shown that Hoodia Gordonii appears to operate by interrupting or stopping the hunger mechanism in your brain. 2. Green Tea This herb is a natural stimulant that performs much like coffee. Aside from that, it also has the added benefits of vitamin C and flavoniods. Green tea can be obtained either in a tea bag or loose. It is also accessible in capsules; however, it is believed to be better consumed as a liquid. 3. Cayenne If you are fond of eating spicy foods, then try sprinkling cayenne on your food. This herb has the capsaicin ingredient that aids in stimulating digestion and saliva as well as improves your metabolism in a secure way. 4. Walnuts

They are very effective appetite suppressants. By eating a few walnuts, you will begin to feel fuller. 5. Seaweed Seaweed is a good source of minerals such as chromium and iodine. Also, it is a natural thyroid stimulant. On the other hand, if you are currently taking a thyroid prescription or if your weight issue is because of a thyroid problem, consult with your doctor first before taking kelp or seaweed. Herbal weight loss is a good choice for losing weight. However, safety measures should be implemented like seeking advice from your physician before taking any weight loss supplements. If the herbal weight loss product is established to be safe, combine it with proper exercise and a proper diet so that you will be able to lose weight easily and quickly in a safe manner Nature has been so benevolent to us from the time we exist. Every nook and corner of our Earth is replete with life saving and energy enhancing herbs. Its tragic that we are yet to utilize even 5% of the natural herbal treasure. Every civilization found its own natural penicillin and placebo Chinese, Indian, and African regions are particularly very rich in natural herbs. Some of the herbs which are mentioned even in

mythologies and ancient epics and are used as part of our daily lives are: Garlic Garlic contains a chemical called Allicin, which has already proved to have numerous health benefits. A team of Israeli scientists recently used this chemical to successfully kill cancer cells as well as malignant tumors in mice. A proper use of Garlic prevents heart disease including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer. Turmeric Turmeric is one of the most popular spices of India. It is also popular as medicine popularly used as part of home remedy. Almost in every dish prepared in India Turmeric is added. Further, it is also regarded by the Hindus as something "sacred" for use in ceremonial and religious functions. The spice Turmeric or Haldi consists of the dried, boiled, cleaned and polished rhizomes (the underground swollen stem of the plant) of Turmeric plant. Under the genus Curcuma, to which turmeric belongs, the botanists have so far recognized 30 varieties. Of these, Curcuma longa is economically

the most important accounting for about 96.4% of the total area under turmeric and the remaining 3.6% of the total area are cultivated under Curcuma aromatica, which is mostly grown in small areas in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is thought to have many medicinal properties and many in India use it as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine say it has fluoride which is thought to be essential for teeth. It is also used as an antibacterial agent. It is taken in some Asian countries as a dietary supplement, which allegedly helps with stomach problems and other ailments. It is popular as a tea in Okinawa, Japan. It is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease, cancer and liver disorders. Green Tea The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent.

The following ailments are particularly being targeted by Green tea: - cancer - rheumatoid arthritis - high cholesterol levels - cariovascular disease - infection - impaired immune function Hoodia Deep inside the African Kalahari desert, grows an ugly cactus-like plant called the Hoodia. It thrives in extremely high temperatures, and takes years to mature. The San Bushmen of the Kalahari, one of the world's oldest and most primitive tribes, had been eating the Hoodia for thousands of years, to stave off hunger during long hunting trips. - Hoodia will curb your appetite almost immediately after taking only a few milligrams; - Hoodia gives you control over your appetite being the most effective natural appetite suppressant ever found - Hoodia will make you feel great- its a natural mood enhancer; - Hoodia will help you to lose weight by not over-

eating; - Hoodia is 100% Natural with Proven results that will work for you; - Hoodia will not give you the shakes like so many other appetite suppressants; fter some research, some diet supplement manufacturers started adding Hoodia & Green tea as their major ingredients. Hydroxycut & Thermodrenix supplements use Green tea as their major ingredient. Phenocal utilizes Hoodia, Green tea & some other natural supplements. Apart from Phenocal, Some other diet supplements have started using these two supplements. Ginseng Ginseng is one of the most widely studied herbs, having been the subject of more than 3,000 scientific studies to investigate how ginseng helps improve a person's physical and/or mental performance, notes McCaleb. Studies have shown ginseng helps increase memory and learning by improving circulation. It's also been shown to reduce cholesterol and protect the liver from toxins. Ginseng, according to Tierra, is known to strengthen the lungs, nourish body fluids and calm the spirit. It may be used for shock, collapse and heart weakness, as well as for promoting longevity and increasing resistance to disease.

A Japanese study showed cancerous liver cells could be reverted to normal cells in a Petri dish culture when treated with Panax ginseng extract. Siberian ginseng has also been shown to stimulate the immune system. In addition to the above mentioned herbs , diet also plays a big role in your well being. You should adopt a diet which suits your body & mind and not just because some dietitian is broadcasting it. Melissa Snyte Author Bio Author is a healthcare, aromatherapy, natural herbs & culinary Enthusiast. She writes syndicated articles for the Top Diet Pill review site on the web & The the most independent & well researched site for skin care and anti aging creams. 1) Green tea Rice terrace at Seloliman village Losing weight is what (almost) everyone wants to look and feel great. However, sometimes even the most difficult program doesn’t seem to work. So to have again a nice shaped body, try out some of

these amazing herbs and get ready to have an amazing figure. Green tea contains antioxidants which help the body to burn fat extremely fast. You will also need to take into consideration working out as well. Losing weight is a matter of discipline, and if you combine green tea with a proper diet and at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, you’ll certainly see results. 2) Aloe Vera Another well know herb that can really help weight loss. Recognized mostly for detoxifying treatments, Aloe Vera juices are highly recommended in any diet because they improves digestion and cleanse the body in a matter of days. 3) Coconut oil Coconut oil contains various fats which won’t stick to the body; thus, consuming the herb will make your system feel complete without having the need to eat all the time. You will see results in no time, if you follow proper instructions from a specialist and you combine the use of healthy additives with keeping fit. 4) Siberian ginseng Ginseng for sale in Korean market

Siberian Ginseng is also advisable for weight loss because it has the ability to stabilize blood sugar. Moreover, it reduces the need to eat sugar and sweets. By consuming it, you will have all the energy needed to work out as well, in order to have a good looking body shape. 5) Red pepper Red pepper and hot spices in general, have been known for their power to stimulate the need for water. Because fluids are elementary for any type of diet, red pepper will surely have the ability to make you drink as much fluid as possible, so as to be hydrated and lose all those unwanted pounds. Written by Gregory Johansson – Garlic

Garlic’s benefits for heart disease are well known. Garlic use on daily basis is best for cardiovascular disease prevention. Garlic raises protective HDLs (high-density lipoproteins), while it lowers harmful LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) and triglycerides

(blood fats). It’s also helpful in lowering the high blood pressure. Garlic helps in cancer prevention as it raises the body’s level of glutathione transferase, which is a liver enzyme known to detoxify the body of carcinogens. Researchers in China found that gastric cancer was reduced where garlic intake was high. Other researchers have noted improved suppressor ratios of T-cells in AIDS patients who take garlic. It’s proved in various scientific studies that garlic work against various micro-organisms including bacteria resistant to antibiotics, garlic is known to be antifungal and antiviral. 2 – Basil

Many health essential oils such as eugenol, citronellol, linalool, citral, limonene and terpineol are taken from basil leaves. These oils are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Eugenol is having anti-inflammatory function as it acts against the enzyme cycloxygenase (COX), which mediates

inflammatory cascade in our body. Eugenol’s enzyme-inhibiting effect is an essential remedy for symptomatic relief in individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions. Oils in basil herb are also having antiinfective functions that restrain many pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus, Enterococci, Shigella and Pseudomonas. Basil tea helps relieve nausea and is thought to have mild anti-septic functions. 3 – Hawthorn

This flowering shrub’s berries are having so many benefits for heart. Hawthorn opens the coronary arteries to nourish the heart muscle that aids the heart’s pumping action. It’s also helps in slowing a rapid heart rate and strengthens a failing heart. Usually hawthorn lowers high blood pressure, specifically a raised diastolic high blood pressure, and it benefits low blood pressure due to weak heart muscles with arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). Unlike Allopathic medicine which shows

rapid results hawthorn takes a long time to do its best (six months or longer). 4 – Ginger

Ginger root contains many such elements in it, which are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties. Ginger root is having health essential oils such as gingerol, zingerone, shogaol, farnesene, and small amounts of betaphelladrene, cineol, and citral. Gingerols improve the intestinal motility and its also analgesic, sedative, anti – pyretic and anti – bacterial properties. Studies about ginger shown that it help to reduce nausea caused by motion sickness or pregnancy and also relieve migraine headache.

5 – Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is an extract which is taken from the ginkgo tree. This extract had shown benefit to visual function by improving microcirculation to the eyes especially among patients suffering from senile macular degeneration, a common condition thought to involve free radical damage. There are more than 280 scientific studies shows that ginkgo extract prevents or benefits ailments like vertigo, tinnitus, inner ear disturbances, memory impairment, ability to concentrate, anxiety, depression, neurological disorders, senility, circulatory disorders, edema and Raynaud’s disease (a vascular disorder). Ginkgo extract also increases the quantity and quality of capillary circulation, thus increasing blood flow to the brain, heart and tissues in organs and glands. Technorati Tags: Herbs,Garlic,heart disease,LDL,HDL,triglycerides,blood pressure,carcinogens,liver

enzyme,cancer,AIDS,Basil,Hawthorn,Ginger,Gink go Biloba Share on Facebook Leave a Reply There is a long list of dieting options available. They include exercise programs, exercise machines, dietary supplements, dietary food and drinks, diet pills and even soaps which claim to help you lose pounds while you bathe albeit dubious. Another available and viable option to shed off those unwanted pounds is to go herbal. Herbal weight loss products have been in great demand for people who want to lose weight the natural way. Unfortunately when you take herbal supplements to lose weight, you will have to wait for a longer time for the results. These products have subtle effects of medicines which came from plants and natural herbs. There are a lot of herbal weight loss products available particularly on the internet. You can check out the Internet and you will find lots of herbal weight loss pills and products. Be careful though, as there are some products which claim to be safe and natural because they are

herbal, but some actually have side effects because of non-extensive research on the effects of these products. Below are some ingredients which make up some herbal weight loss products that you should watch out for. They are known to have some level of harmful effects to your health; The first is senna leaf. This is considered as a herbal laxative. It is a main ingredient in some weight loss teas, and it works by stimulating the colon. The downside effect of this herb is dehydration. It can also lead to colon problems but more commonly it can become addictive. Some people, when addicted, are unable to perform bowel movements without it, so watch out. Another herbal ingredient to watch is chromium picolinate. This is a synthetic compound found in herbal weight loss products. Chromium is a nutrient used by the body to regulate blood-sugar level. But this ingredient, when taken in high doses, may cause damage in the chromosomes. It is also known to lead to dehydration. St. John's wort is a fairly common herbal ingredient. This supplement is believed to increases the production of a chemical in the brain. When not used properly, it may lead to sensitivity of the eye

and skin, mild distress of the digestive tract, a feeling of being tired and itching. Evidently though a lot of herbal products claim to be safe and natural you still need to approach cautiously. It is prudent to scrutinize the ingredients and research about the effects of the product itself before going for these herbal dietary pills. However this does not mean that herbal weight loss is necessarily a complete waste of time. And you can go herbal in a variety of ways. And one of this ways is organic foods. In Wichita, Kansas, organic food has found its way to more homes and restaurants. Organic food devotees believe that consuming organic goodies help their bodies as well as the environment. This could also be an option for weight watchers, as organic food is known to be kinder to your weight than chemically-processed food products. A person who buys organically raised eggs and vegetables claim to be healthier, and they are not spending money on doctors and prescriptions as these keep them healthier and away from the hospital. Green Tea is another way. Studies show that intake of green tea, or green tea extracts burns extra

calories. Also, green tea with caffeine has been shown to increase fat burning by up to 40% thereby reducing body fat. This is one good option for those who want to lose weight as it is backed by quite a number of studies. In one study, people who took green tea were found to lose 2 to 3 times more weight than those who did not drink green tea. These results show that green tea is a natural product for the treatment of obesity. Thus, it also makes for a healthier dietary option, not to mention the good effects that it has on the body as compared to caffeine. A cup of tea gives an immediate energy lift without the side effects of caffeine. Caffeine found in coffee provides an energy boost and is known to increase fat burning. Caffeine also provides a likelihood to be active, which in turn increases your rate of calorie burn. Unfortunately this one would fall among herbal weight loss ingredients that one should be cautious off. For some people caffeine may increase heart rate unhealthily. Another intriguing herbal ingredient is the immortality herb. Unfortunately the herb does not make one immortal. This herb, whose scientific

name is Gymnostemna Pentaphyllum, is known to have the significant health benefits. They include increasing healthy blood flow, reduces artery blocks, aids healthy blood pressure and increases the rate of fat burning. The last quality is what is sort after in weight loss products. Finally there is apple cider vinegar. There are pills and food supplements whose active ingredient is apple cider vinegar. Its health benefits include weight loss, improved cholesterol level, improved high blood pressure and helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
6 Smart Ways to Dress Slimmer Lose Weight Around the Clock 8 Things That Are Making You Fat Rise Up Against Sitting Disease You know the drill when it comes to losing weight — take in fewer calories, burn more calories. But you also know that most diets and quick weight-loss plans have about as much substance as a politician’s campaign pledges. You’re better off finding several simple things you can do on a daily basis — along with following the cardinal rules of eating more vegetables and less fat and getting more physical activity. Together, they should send the scale numbers in the right direction: down. 1. Once a week, indulge in a high-calorie-tasting, but low-calorie, treat. This should help keep you from feeling deprived and binging on higher-calorie foods. For instance: • Lobster. Just 83 calories in 3 ounces. • Shrimp. Just 60 calories in 12 large. • Smoked salmon. Just 66 calories in two ounces. Sprinkle with capers for an even more elegant treat. • Whipped cream. Just 8 calories in one tablespoon. Drop a dollop over a bowl of fresh fruit for dessert. 2. Treat high-calorie foods as jewels in the crown. Make a spoonful of ice cream the jewel and a bowl of fruit the crown. Cut down on the chips by pairing each bite with lots of chunky, filling fresh salsa,

suggests Jeff Novick, director of nutrition at the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Florida. Balance a little cheese with a lot of salad. 3. After breakfast, make water your primary drink. At breakfast, go ahead and drink orange juice. But throughout the rest of the day, focus on water instead of juice or soda. The average American consumes an extra 245 calories a day from soft drinks. That’s nearly 90,000 calories a year — or 25 pounds! And research shows that despite the calories, sugary drinks don’t trigger a sense of fullness the way that food does. 4. Carry a palm-size notebook everywhere you go for one week. Write down every single morsel that enters your lips — even water. Studies have found that people who maintain food diaries wind up eating about 15 percent less food than those who don’t. Plus: 8 Kitchen Cabinet Makeovers for Weight Loss 5. Buy a pedometer, clip it to your belt, and aim for an extra 1,000 steps a day.On average, sedentary people take only 2,000 to 3,000 steps a day. Adding 2,000 steps will help you maintain your current weight and stop gaining weight; adding more than that will help you lose weight. 6. Add 10 percent to the amount of daily calories you think you’re eating, then adjust your eating habits accordingly. If you think you’re consuming 1,700 calories a day and don’t understand why you’re not losing weight, add another 170 calories to your guesstimate. Chances are, the new number is more accurate. 7. Eat five or six small meals or snacks a day instead of three large meals. A 1999 South African study found that when men ate parts of their morning meal at intervals over five hours, they consumed almost 30 percent fewer calories at lunch than when they ate a single breakfast. Other studies show that even if you eat the same number of calories distributed this way, your body releases less insulin, which keeps blood sugar steady and helps control hunger. 8. Walk for 45 minutes a day. The reason we’re suggesting 45 minutes instead of the typical 30 is that a Duke University study found that while 30 minutes of daily walking is enough to prevent weight gain in most relatively sedentary people, exercise beyond 30 minutes results in weight and fat loss. Burning an additional 300 calories a day with three miles of brisk walking (45 minutes should do it) could help you lose 30 pounds in a year without even changing how much you’re eating. 9. Find an online weight-loss buddy. A University of Vermont study found that online weight-loss buddies help you keep the weight off. The researchers followed volunteers for 18 months. Those assigned to an Internet-based weight maintenance program sustained their weight loss better than those who met face-to-face in a support group. Plus: 15 Foods You Should Never Buy Again 10. Bring the color blue into your life more often. There’s a good reason you won’t see many fast-food restaurants decorated in blue:

Believe it or not, the color blue functions as an appetite suppressant. So serve up dinner on blue plates, dress in blue while you eat, and cover your table with a blue tablecloth. Conversely, avoid red, yellow, and orange in your dining areas. Studies find they encourage eating. 11. Clean your closet of the “fat” clothes. Once you’ve reached your target weight, throw out or give away every piece of clothing that doesn’t fit. The idea of having to buy a whole new wardrobe if you gain the weight back will serve as a strong incentive to maintain your new figure. 12. Downsize your dinner plates. Studies find that the less food put in front of you, the less food you’ll eat. Conversely, the more food in front of you, the more you’ll eat — regardless of how hungry you are. So instead of using regular dinner plates that range these days from 10-14 inches (making them look forlornly empty if they’re not heaped with food), serve your main course on salad plates (about 79 inches wide). The same goes for liquids. Instead of 16-ounce glasses and oversized coffee mugs, return to the old days of 8ounce glasses and 6-ounce coffee cups. 13. Serve your dinner restaurant style (food on the plates) rather than family style (food served in bowls and on platters on the table). When your plate is empty, you’re finished; there’s no reaching for seconds. 14. Hang a mirror opposite your seat at the table. One study found that eating in front of mirrors slashed the amount people ate by nearly one-third. Seems having to look yourself in the eye reflects back some of your own inner standards and goals, and reminds you of why you’re trying to lose weight in the first place. PLUS: 19 Weight Loss Secrets From Around the World 15. Put out a vegetable platter. A body of research out of Pennsylvania State University finds that eating water-rich foods such as zucchini, tomatoes, and cucumbers during meals reduces your overall calorie consumption. Other water-rich foods include soups and salads. You won’t get the same benefits by just drinking your water, though. Because the body processes hunger and thirst through different mechanisms, it simply doesn’t register a sense of fullness with water (or soda, tea, coffee, or juice). 16. Use vegetables to bulk up meals. You can eat twice as much pasta salad loaded with veggies like broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes for the same calories as a pasta salad sporting just mayonnaise. Same goes for stir-fries. And add vegetables to make a fluffier, more satisfying omelet without having to up the number of eggs. 17. Eat one less cookie a day. Or consume one less can of regular soda, or one less glass of orange juice, or three fewer bites of a fastfood hamburger. Doing any of these saves you about 100 calories a day, according to weight-loss researcher James O. Hill, Ph.D., of the

University of Colorado. And that alone is enough to prevent you from gaining the 1.8 to 2 pounds most people pack on each year. 18. Avoid white foods. There is some scientific legitimacy to today’s lower-carb diets: Large amounts of simple carbohydrates from white flour and added sugar can wreak havoc on your blood sugar and lead to weight gain. But you shouldn’t toss out the baby with the bathwater. While avoiding sugar, white rice, and white flour, you should eat plenty of whole grain breads and brown rice. One Harvard study of 74,000 women found that those who ate more than two daily servings of whole grains were 49 percent less likely to be overweight than those who ate the white stuff. PLUS: What Does a Serving Size Look Like? 19. Switch to ordinary coffee. Fancy coffee drinks from trendy coffee joints often pack several hundred calories, thanks to whole milk, whipped cream, sugar, and sugary syrups. A cup of regular coffee with skim milk has just a small fraction of those calories. And when brewed with good beans, it tastes just as great. 20. Use nonfat powdered milk in coffee. You get the nutritional benefits of skim milk, which is high in calcium and low in calories. And, because the water has been removed, powdered milk doesn’t dilute the coffee the way skim milk does. 21. Eat cereal for breakfast five days a week. Studies find that people who eat cereal for breakfast every day are significantly less likely to be obese and have diabetes than those who don’t. They also consume more fiber and calcium — and less fat — than those who eat other breakfast foods. Of course, that doesn’t mean reaching for the Cap’n Crunch. Instead, pour out a high-fiber, low-sugar cereal like Total or Grape Nuts. 22. Pare your portions. Whether you eat at home or in a restaurant, immediately remove one-third of the food on your plate. Arguably the worst food trend of the past few decades has been the explosion in portion sizes on America’s dinner plates (and breakfast and lunch plates). We eat far, far more today than our bodies need. Studies find that if you serve people more food, they’ll eat more food, regardless of their hunger level. The converse is also true: Serve yourself less and you’ll eat less. PLUS: 20 Secrets Your Waiter Won’t Tell You 23. Eat 90 percent of your meals at home. You’re more likely to eat more — and eat more high-fat, high-calorie foods — when you eat out than when you eat at home. Restaurants today serve such large portions that many have switched to larger plates and tables to accommodate them! 24. Avoid any prepared food that lists sugar, fructose, or corn syrup among the first four ingredients on the label. You should be able to find a lower-sugar version of the same type of food. If you can’t, grab a piece of fruit instead! Look for sugar-free varieties of foods such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad dressing.

25. Eat slowly and calmly. Put your fork or spoon down between every bite. Sip water frequently. Intersperse your eating with stories for your dining partner of the amusing things that happened during your day. Your brain lags your stomach by about 20 minutes when it comes to satiety (fullness) signals. If you eat slowly enough, your brain will catch up to tell you that you are no longer in need of food. 26. Eat only when you hear your stomach growling. It’s stunning how often we eat out of boredom, nervousness, habit, or frustration — so often, in fact, that many of us have actually forgotten what physical hunger feels like. Next time, wait until your stomach is growling before you reach for food. If you’re hankering for a specific food, it’s probably a craving, not hunger. If you’d eat anything you could get your hands on, chances are you’re truly hungry. 27. Find ways other than eating to express love, tame stress, and relieve boredom. For instance, you might make your family a photo album of special events instead of a rich dessert, sign up for a stressmanagement course at the local hospital or take up an active hobby, like bowling. 28. State the positive. You’ve heard of a self-fulfilling prophecy? Well, if you keep focusing on things you can’t do, like resisting junk food or getting out the door for a daily walk, chances are you won’t do them. Instead (whether you believe it or not) repeat positive thoughts to yourself. “I can lose weight.” “I will get out for my walk today.” “I know I can resist the pastry cart after dinner.” Repeat these phrases like a mantra all day long. Before too long, they will become their own self-fulfilling prophecy. 29. Discover your dietary point of preference. If you work hard to control your weight, you may get pleasure from your appearance, but you may also feel sorry for yourself each time you forgo a favorite food. There is a balance to be struck between the immediate gratification of indulgent foods and the long-term pleasure of maintaining a desirable weight and good health. When you have that balance worked out, you have identified your own personal dietary pleasure “point of preference.” This is where you want to stay. PLUS: 6 Easy Ways to Follow the Mediterranean Diet 30. Use flavorings such as hot sauce, salsa, and Cajun seasonings instead of relying on butter and creamy or sugary sauces. Besides providing lots of flavor with no fat and few calories, many of these seasonings — the spicy ones — turn up your digestive fires, causing your body to temporarily burn more calories. 31. Eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. For the calories in one kidsize box of apple juice, you can enjoy an apple, orange, and a slice of watermelon. These whole foods will keep you satisfied much longer than that box of apple juice, so you’ll eat less overall.

32. Spend 10 minutes a day walking up and down stairs. The Centers for Disease Control says that’s all it takes to help you shed as much as 10 pounds a year (assuming you don’t start eating more). 33. Eat equal portions of vegetables and grains at dinner. A cup of cooked rice or pasta has about 200 calories, whereas a cup of cooked veggies doles out a mere 50 calories, on average, says Joan Salge Blake, R.D., clinical assistant professor of nutrition at Boston University’s Sargent College. To avoid a grain calorie overload, eat a 1:1 ratio of grains to veggies. The high-fiber veggies will help satisfy your hunger before you overeat the grains. 34. Get up and walk around the office or your home for five minutes at least every two hours. Stuck at a desk all day? A brisk five-minute walk every two hours will parlay into an extra 20-minute walk by the end of the day. And getting a break will make you less likely to reach for snacks out of antsiness. 35. Wash something thoroughly once a week — a floor, a couple of windows, the shower stall, bathroom tile, or your car. A 150-pound person who dons rubber gloves and exerts some elbow grease will burn about four calories for every minute spent cleaning, says Blake. Scrub for 30 minutes and you could work off approximately 120 calories, the same number in a half-cup of vanilla frozen yogurt. And your surroundings will sparkle! 36. Make one social outing this week an active one. Pass on the movie tickets and screen the views of a local park instead. Not only will you sit less, but you’ll be saving calories because you won’t chow down on that bucket of popcorn. Other active date ideas: Plan a tennis match, sign up for a guided nature or city walk (check your local newspaper), go cycling on a bike path, or join a volleyball league or bowling team. PLUS: 7 Tricks to Drop Pounds 37. Order the smallest portion of everything. If you’re ordering a sub, get the 6-inch sandwich. Buy a small popcorn, a small salad, a small hamburger. Studies find we tend to eat what’s in front of us, even though we’d feel just as full on less. 38. Switch from regular milk to 2%. If you already drink 2%, go down another notch to 1% or skim milk. Each step downward cuts the calories by about 20 percent. Once you train your taste buds to enjoy skim milk, you’ll have cut the calories in the whole milk by about half and trimmed the fat by more than 95 percent. 39. Take a walk before dinner. You’ll do more than burn calories — you’ll cut your appetite. In a study of 10 obese women conducted at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, 20 minutes of walking reduced appetite and increased sensations of fullness as effectively as a light meal. 40. Substitute a handful of almonds in place of a sugary snack. A study from the City of Hope National Medical Center found that overweight people who ate a moderate-fat diet containing almonds lost more

weight than a control group that didn’t eat nuts. Really, any nut will do. 41. Eat a frozen dinner. Not just any frozen dinner, but one designed for weight loss. Most of us tend to eat an average of 150 percent more calories in the evening than in the morning. An easy way to keep dinner calories under control is to buy a pre-portioned meal. Just make sure that it contains only one serving. If it contains two, make sure you share. 42. Don’t eat with a large group. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Behavior found that we tend to eat more when we eat with other people, most likely because we spend more time at the table. But eating with your significant other or your family, and using table time for talking in between chewing, can help cut down on calories — and help with bonding in the bargain. 43. Watch one less hour of TV. A study of 76 undergraduate students found the more they watched television, the more often they ate and the more they ate overall. Sacrifice one program (there’s probably one you don’t really want to watch anyway) and go for a walk instead. You’ll have time left over to finish a chore or gaze at the stars. 44. Get most of your calories before noon. Studies find that the more you eat in the morning, the less you’ll eat in the evening. And you have more opportunities to burn off those early-day calories than you do to burn off dinner calories. 45. Close out the kitchen after dinner. Wash all the dishes, wipe down the counters, turn out the light, and, if necessary, tape closed the cabinets and refrigerator. Late-evening eating significantly increases the overall number of calories you eat, a University of Texas study found. Stopping late-night snacking can save 300 or more calories a day, or 31 pounds a year. 46. Sniff a banana, an apple, or a peppermint when you feel hungry. You might feel silly, but it works. When Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, tried this with 3,000 volunteers, he found that the more frequently people sniffed, the less hungry they were and the more weight they lost — an average of 30 pounds each. One theory is that sniffing the food tricks the brain into thinking you’re actually eating it. PLUS: 15 Fat-Burning Foods 47. Order wine by the glass, not the bottle. That way you’ll be more aware of how much alcohol you’re downing. Moderate drinking can be good for your health, but alcohol is high in calories. And because drinking turns off our inhibitions, it can drown our best intentions to keep portions in check. 48. Watch every morsel you put in your mouth on weekends. A University of North Carolina study found people tend to consume an extra 115 calories per weekend day, primarily from alcohol and fat. 49. Stock your refrigerator with low-fat yogurt. A University of Tennessee study found that people who cut 500 calories a

day and ate yogurt three times a day for 12 weeks lost more weight and body fat than a group that only cut the calories. The researchers concluded that the calcium in low-fat dairy foods triggers a hormonal response that inhibits the body’s production of fat cells and boosts the breakdown of fat. 50. Order your dressing on the side and then stick a fork in it — not your salad. The small amount of dressing that clings to the tines of the fork are plenty for the forkful of salad you then pick up. 51. Brush your teeth after every meal, especially after dinner. That clean, minty freshness will serve as a cue to your body and brain that mealtime is over. 52. Serve individual courses rather than piling everything on one plate. Make the first two courses soup or vegetables (such as a green salad). By the time you get to the more calorie-dense foods, like meat and dessert, you’ll be eating less or may already be full (leftovers are a good thing). PLUS: 8 Ways to Control Your Cravings and Save Your Diet 53. Passionately kiss your partner 10 times a day. According to the 1991 Kinsey Institute New Report on Sex, a passionate kiss burns 6.4 calories per minute. Ten minutes a day of kissing equates to about 23,000 calories — or eight pounds — a year! 54. Add hot peppers to your pasta sauce. Capsaicin, the ingredient in hot peppers that makes them hot, also helps reduce your appetite. 55. Pack nutritious snacks. Snacking once or twice a day helps stave off hunger and keeps your metabolism stoked, but healthy snacks can be pretty darn hard to come by when you’re on the go. Pack up baby carrots or your own trail mix made with nuts, raisins, seeds, and dried fruit. 56. When you shop, choose nutritious foods based on these four simple rules: 1. Avoid partially hydrogenated. 2. Avoid high fructose corn syrup. 3. Choose a short ingredient list over long; there will be fewer flavor enhancers and empty calories. 4. Look for more than two grams of fiber per 100 calories in all grain products (cereal, bread, crackers, and chips) 57. Weed out calories you’ve been overlooking: spreads, dressings, sauces, condiments, drinks, and snacks. These calories count, whether or not you’ve been counting them, and could make the difference between weight gain and loss. 58. When you’re eating out with friends or family, dress up in your most flattering outfit. You’ll get loads of compliments, says Susie Galvez, author ofWeight Loss Wisdom, which will be a great reminder to watch what you eat