Weight Loss Legends share their personal secrets

Jillian Micheals and Richard Simmons might surprise you. They weren't always trim and fit. They had times when they needed inspiration. And still today, some of the "weight loss legends" have some secrets to share about their own weight loss journeys and day-to-day triumphs.

Watch these video clips to learn more about the personal stories of these weight loss icons:

Acai Berry diet scams

Beware of diet scams like the common Acai Berry "free trial" offers!

Exercise Intensity for weight loss and health improvements

Exercising for health? Speed Up! Too many Americans exercise at a leisurely pace. But working out at a slow or moderate pace may not produce the benefits of a rigorous workout. So, how much exercise is necessary for health improvements? This short video describes some research indicating the intensity of exercise that's best:



How can you exerciseintensely enough for weight loss, toning up, and improving overall health? Here are some tips:
* Regularly try new activities. Keep your mind and body challenged. Your muscles want variety, and you will see greater results when you vary your workouts.
* Try Interval Training (IT). This involves bursts of greater intensity. If you are walking, pick a visual spot in the distance and jog to it. Then go back to your brisk walking pace. Or include some weight-training intervals mixed into your cardio workout. IT will give you an intensity boost, plus give you variety.

Seniors: Reduce Calories, Remember More

Dr. Sam Gandy, of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, describes recent research which demonstrated that overweight seniors improved their memory as they lost weight and improved their physical fitness.

Watch this video clip to find out more about the study:



Not only did they get more "memory-fit" as they were losing weight, they also found that the amount of weight lost was proportionate to the amount of improvement. In other words, the more you pounds you lose, the more memory you gain.

They note that other studies have associated the same positive effects from regular exercise.

The part about this video that is sad and surprising is the reporter's comments at the end: "At a time when medications have had such little impact, basic lifestyle changes now appear to be the most effective ways to protect, and even improve, an aging memory." (No, John, they always have been the most effective ways! Duh!)

Top Weight Loss Exercises: Lose weight fast with just these 3

In January, most magazines feature their "secrets" to quick weight loss, and the exercises that "they discovered" to get you there. But in truth, we know which few exercises will help you lose weight fastest. They use the biggest muscle groups, which means you burn the most calories. Then, your body knows what to do. Read this article to learn the 3 simple ones you need to get weight-loss results faster:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Exercises-For-Weight-Loss---You-Only-Need-These-3-Exercises-For-Fast-Results&id=1854433

You've heard them before, haven't you? It's not a complicated formula, and no magazine "just uncovered" these from a vault. The 3 exercises in the article are high calorie-burners and big metabolism-boosters. If you have a few "holiday pounds" to lose, you need to focus on those 3!

Setting Weight Loss Goals? 5 Nutrition Goals to get you there!

If you want to lose weight, and you have set goals, then nutrition and eating healthy are factors in reaching those weight loss goals. But where do you start?

It can be hard to just "learn a new lifestyle". This is why most people struggle, bouncing from one diet to another. They are trying to learn new behaviors and actions, so they try new diets.

We know how important it is to set goals. To achieve, in weight loss or relationships or work, goal-setting is the first step to success. To give you some better ideas about goal-setting, read this article for 5 great examples of nutrition goals to help you lose weight:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Weight-Loss-Goals-That-Work---Learn-These-5-Nutrition-Goals-So-You-Can-Lose-Weight-Quickly&id=1827409

As you start making new goals, other ideas might come to mind. Brainstorm Away! Let your thoughts flow because it's a process. Eventually, your healthiest habits will emerge from your own personal habits and struggles.

Let the article's 5 nutrition goals kick-start your new habits and generate new ideas, but know that, in the end...
It's your personal journey!

Lift Weight to Lose Weight- video blog

If your goal is weight loss, then you need to know which exercises will help you lose weight and tone up.
But why are you doing these exercises?
It's important to understand why you want to do them. Do you know how lean muscle works in your body? Watch this video and Discover how muscle burns calories, and why you need to Lift Weight to Lose Weight:



So, how do you add weight-lifting into your workout routine?
1st, Learn how to use strength-training equipment. If you belong to a gym, attend an orientation and hire a personal trainer. If you workout at home, hire a trainer to show you and design a program for you. Also, read books and watch videos.
2nd, Design a well-rounded program. Throughout your week, you need to include cardio, strength-training, and stretching exercises. When you strength-train, you must include major muscle groups. Here are some examples of scheduling strength-training (*before or after cardio or stretching):
Routine 1:
Mon, Wed, - Legs and Torso (Back, Abs)
Wed, Fri- Hips and Chest
Tue, Th, Sa or Sun- Arms and Shoulders

Routine 2:
Day 1, Mon- Legs (Calves, Thighs, Hips)
Day 2, Tues- Arms (Biceps, Triceps)
Day 3, Wed- Shoulders, Chest
Day 4, Thu- Back, Abs & Obliques
Day 5, Fri- Light cardio, Rest, get a Massage, Sauna
Days 1-4 - repeat

Combo Routine:
Day 1- Intense Cardio; Strengthen Arms, Shoulders, Chest
Day 2- Light Cardio; Strengthen Legs, Hips
Day 3- Medium Cardio; Strengthen Back, Abs
Day 4- Rest, light cardio
Day 5- Medium->Intense Cardio; Light Strengthen Lower Body
Day 6- Light Cardio; Light Strengthen total Upper Body
Day 7- Rest, light cardio
repeat

Vary your routine every 4-6 weeks to keep your mind and muscles challenged. Keep learning. Get comfortable with your exercises: you'll like some more than others. Keep trying new ones!

For more information on starting a new exercise program or buying a new home gym, go to http://www.SupportandCoaching.com

Losing Weight with Chocolate: weight loss gets yummy

Can dark chocolate help weight loss? More research indicates chocolate contributes to eating less, losing weight, and other health benefits. Nutritionist Cynthia Sass surprises Dr. Jacques Moritz with the latest news in this video:



Other studies have shown dark chocolate's health-protecting qualities, such as:
> protecting and relaxing arteries, lowering blood pressure
> relieving hunger, inducing satiety
> effects of high antioxidants and mono-unsaturated fatty acids
> insulin control and reduction

Look Out! Don't accept impostors! Go for pure dark chocolate. Foods that contain dark chocolate, or are made with dark chocolate flavoring, will not be as healthy for you. And milk chocolate has not been proven to have the same health benefits.

Food for thought: what about research that ties the caffeine in pure cocoa to stimulating effects and weight loss? Let's look for that...

Are we gaining weight as vegetarians? Hmmm...

One nutritionist describes how vegetarian diets can contribute to weight gain. There are several different styles of vegetarianism, including veganism. And with each preference come different options. For example, vegans usually reject all foods derived from animals, which limits their foods moreso than the less-strict styles of vegetarianism.

How nutritious is a vegetarian diet?


BUT...there are 2 sides to every story, right?...
If vegetarians watch the amount of calories they eat, and understand basic nutrition, then they may be the healthy humans on Earth.

So, when adopting a vegetarian lifestyle, here are some things to consider as you make food choices, to keep you eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight:
* Watch your calories. Learn portion sizes so you don't overeat.
* Don't assume "It's healthy, so I can eat more of it." Your body might not need that many calories.
* Know how much food your body needs.
* Mix vegetables with proteins and grains. Avoid eating just one type of food with a meal.
* Cook for yourself. Use herbs and spices. You can even grow your own, at home!
* Include a variety of protein sources in your meals. Avoid eating just soy-based meat alternatives, or excessive gluten-based foods.
* Learn innovative, fun ways to cook.
* When you eat out, avoid veg munchies with over-the-top calories like fried mozarella, bread baskets, dressings applied "for you" to your foods, chips, veggies dipped in sauces (ranch, for example, may contain hydrogenated oils and trans fats), and french fries.

If you are lacto-ovo-vegetarian, then you include dairy in your eating habits. Watch out for cheeses, cottage cheese, sweetened yogurt, and other sources of excessive fat and sugar. Actually, limit your dairy and lactose intake.

If you are a pesco-veg, then you also eat fish. Fish is one of the healthiest foods, loaded with Omega Fatty Oils. Try to eat a variety. Avoid the breaded, fried, boxed/frozen types. Season them with fresh herbs like dill, basil, and rosemary. Yum!

If you are a vegan, always be aware of balance. Don't eat too many grains and grain-based products. Look for healthy nut butters, seeds, and sprouted foods.

Vegetarians can be the healthiest people, but it takes attention to details to maintain a healthy weight and great eating habits.

Exercise: Pills, promises, and professional responsibility

For the 2/3rds of Americans who do not regularly exercise, there might be a "way out" for them. All the health benefits of regular aerobic exercise, in a little pill?

IF they perform this study on humans, and IF they see similar results, that you can get the benefits of aerobic exercise in a pill (without the time spent in a work-out), then what is the professional responsibility of doctors who administer the pill?
We have seen before how "quick fix" pills have caused fatal health problems. (Redux, phen-phen have killed unsuspecting users trying to lose weight), for example).

Let this short video get you thinking:


Is it possible? Perhaps the pill can reduce signs of heart disease, like plaque build-up on walls of blood vessels. But can it possibly mimick all of these secondary symptoms, too?
* Elevated mood
* Improved sleep
* Reduced muscle pain
* Arthritis pain relief
* Decreased joint stiffness and tension
* Increased libido (sex drive)
* Enhanced attention span and focus
* Regulated insulin and glycemic levels
* Stress relief

The list of benefits from regular aerobic exercise is endless. The pill has not effectively proven to improve every condition and health factor on this list. Until then, why throw caution to the wind?
Look out, researchers and physicians: you have some big responsibilities ahead!

Fit and kickin': are you fit to fight these grannies?

Having a senior moment? Maybe martial arts, like tae kwon do, can help you like they are helping these tough Korean ladies.



Martial arts have been shown to improve:
> Concentration and attention span
> Fitness levels, like strength and flexibility
> Weight management

If you struggle with focus and attention, your fitness and health, and your weight, martial arts are a great "bang for the buck".