Monthly Archives: July 2010

Interval Cardio Training

Posted on July 25, 2010 | 16 Comments

Want to jump start your weight loss?
Or if you are already working out, how’d you like to add a turbo boost to your current program?

flat stomachInterval cardio training will give your workout the extra edge you desire. Besides just adding a new twist, this can change how you look at cardio completely.

And if you like your normal cardio routine, mixing this in can help you reach your results faster.

Worst case scenario, interval cardio training will at least provide you a quicker option for those days when you are running late and have to rush to fit in your cardio workout. But I think once you try it and see the results, you will be hooked on this faster and better alternative to achieving a ripped body.

What is Interval Cardio Training?

Interval cardio training is alternating high intensity activity spurts with low intensity activity. An example of this is sprinting for 1/10 mile, then walking for 1/10 mile, and then repeating this set.

The idea is to go all out (the sprint) for either a set period of time or set distance, then allow your body to recover by following the intense activity immediately with a rest period activity (the walking) for the same time/distance or for even a longer amount of time if you are still winded.

You do not have to be completely back to resting heart rate, but you don’t want to start your next sprint if you are still catching your breath.

As you continue to do interval cardio training, you will find that your body gets more fine tuned to it and will recover quicker. If it no longer becomes hard enough for you, you will want to make some adjustments so you are still working hard. For example, you may increase the sprint time and/or decrease the walk time.

If you are still a bit leary of trying interval cardio training, then read on to discover 5 benefits of interval cardio training and get some more details on adding interval cardio training to your routine.

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Do Diet Pills Work?

Posted on July 1, 2010 | 18 Comments

Are you thinking about taking diet pills and want to know – do diet pills work?

I know it can be very enticing, especially with all the media ads everywhere promoting the newest miracle pill, saying how fast and easy it is, along with their before and after photos as the “proof” a particular diet pill really does work. And all you have to do is visit your local drugstore to get access to it, along with shelves full of many other pills right there to select from.

I mean who doesn’t want a shortcut to weight loss? I wish it really was that easy, but diet pills are not the best solution and are not the shortcut they are promoted to be. Results are usually only temporary and from a nutrition standpoint, diet pills are downright terrible in both the near and far term.

How Do Diet Pills Work

diet pill effectsMost diet pills rely on chemicals to suppress your appetite. So in plain English, diet pills trick your body into thinking it is not hungry, and therefore you don’t eat.

You are consuming fewer calories by not eating, but you are also probably depriving your body of nutrients it needs to function properly.

Once you stop taking the diet pills, you will find that while you were on the pills, you trained your body to need fewer calories and now have slowed down your metabolism. Slowing your metabolism is the last thing you want to do when you are trying to lose fat.

Diet Pill Side Effects

Read the label on any diet pill container and you will see a long list of possible side effects ranging from nervousness, insomnia and headaches to more severe ones such as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Some also have embarrassing side effects such as ‘leakage’ and inability to control bowel movements (which translates to you may have an ‘accident’). Although you may be able to live with some of these, why risk experiencing any of these side effects when in the end, the diet pills are likely only going to be a temporary weight loss mechanism for you.

Recommendation

I know this may sound like a broken record to you, but the better option is to exercise and change your eating habits, which most diet pills suggest you to do for a more positive outcome in addition to consuming their drugs.

do diet pills work

At the very least, start with a change to your eating patterns. Eat 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day to keep you full.

It will also keep your metabolism higher so you will burn more calories. Cut down on sugary snacks and eat fruits and vegetables.

Do Diet Pills Work?

To answer the question – do diet pills work, for most people the answer is no for the reasons outlined above. If you are really serious about losing weight and keeping it off, then you will need to learn how to match what you eat with how many calories you burn.

It does not have to be hard, you just need to find the right plan for you. Some people need more structure as far as what to eat when, so if that is you, then be sure the plan you chose supports that for you so you will be successful.

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Water and Weight Loss

Posted on July 1, 2010 | 5 Comments

Water – Why Do I Need It?

Everyone knows that drinking water is recommended when trying to lose weight. So what’s the big deal with water and weight loss really?

We have all seen tons of different diet plans saying to drink at least 8 glasses a water a day or a gallon of water a day, etc. But why a specific amount? And what amount is the right amount?

water and weight loss

The Why

First and foremost your body needs water. It keeps you hydrated and is the healthiest, purest way to prevent dehydration.

It also helps fill you up so you do not feel as hungry. Water has no calories.

Water is a natural cleanser. Water is essential for your body to thrive and function properly.

How Much

You should shoot for at least 64 ounces a day minimum. You can certainly drink more than that but you should not be drinking excessive amounts in an attempt to lose weight faster.

A good range is between 64 ounces to 1 gallon of water per day.

Water and Weight Loss – Tips & Tricks

Even though you know you should drink water, sometimes it is really hard to hit that magic number of ounces per day. Here are a few tips to get yourself to drink water:

  • Keep water at your desk while at work
  • Take water to meetings with you
  • Drink water when you are really thirsty and/or right after you workout
  • Bring a bottle of water with you in the car

By having water handy and with you throughout the day, you are more apt to sip it. Before you know it, you will have hit your daily water intake or at least be closer to it without feeling like you have to guzzle water towards the end of day, which is not preferable anyhow.

The goal is to drink the water throughout the day. If you workout, you should be drinking water during and/or right after your workout to replace what your body lost while exercising.

Water and Weight Loss – Cheat Methods

drink water for weight loss

Sometimes drinking water feels like a chore. You know you have to drink it, but you just don’t want water, you want something else that has some flavor to it.

Although plain old water is the best, there are some ways to cheat a bit to make it easier.

Keep in mind these “cheat methods” are not as good as regular water but if you mix them in to hit your target some of the time, then it is better than either not drinking water or drinking diet soda or sugary juices to quench your thirst.

There are lots of low calorie options if you need some “help” getting your water intake. You want to check the nutrition label. For instance, some drinks which appear to be healthy actually have a lot of sugar and calories, so be sure to read the label.

Some low calorie products on the market now:

  • Propel
  • VitaminWater10 (which is their low calorie option)
  • Powerade Zero
  • Crystal Light mix (Tip: Keep some at your desk to mix into your water. There are tons of flavors to chose from to give you plenty of variety.)

These are a few examples to get you started. Keep in mind these substitutes are not as good as plain old water, but better than sugary juice or soda. Hopefully this has given you some insight into water and weight loss while also making it easier to drink more water during the day.

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