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Planning A Successful Diet And Exercise Routine

Planning A Successful Diet And Exercise Routine

Why You Can’t Just Start Exercising and Dieting

One of the biggest mistakes that many people make when trying to lose weight or build muscle, is to approach the objective as something isolated and separate from the rest of their lifestyle.

Too many people think that they can start getting into better shape, simply by changing their diet or by starting to train for X number of hours a day.

What’s wrong with this? It doesn’t take into account any of the challenges that led to you becoming out of shape in the first place and it neglects to account for the obstacles you will continue to face.

Why Aren’t You in Shape?

When it comes to working out, people will spend a lot of time and even money looking for the perfect training program. This is ignoring the fact that they aren’t already doing any exercise – despite being perfectly aware that doing some press ups at the end of the day would probably be good for them.

They want to get into shape and yet they’re not already doing anything to get there. Why is that? It’s not the lack of program – it’s the lack of energy. And most likely that lack of energy is in turn linked to a number of other things, such as their diet and perhaps their sleep.

More often than not though, that lack of energy is to do with stress. It’s because they’re coming home every day from a hard day at work that leaves them feeling harassed, energyless and potentially depressed.

Likewise, we’re stressed, tired and rushed because we have so many other commitments. These include things like clubs and activities, taking the kids to school, making food and cleaning the house…

How a Complete Lifestyle Change Helps

With all this in mind then, it’s not enough to just try and add 5 40 minute workouts to your week, that just won’t work! Instead, you should focus on your whole lifestyle to put yourself in a position where you do have the energy and the time to make these big changes.

That means focussing on getting home from work quicker and on being less stressed while you are working. It also means improving your sleep by learning to switch off and by maintaining a more comfortable sleeping environment.

It even means dressing better so you feel more confident at work and thus more energized when you get home.

To get into shape it’s not enough to change one thing. Everything must change.

Cardio versus Weight Training To Burn Calories

Cardio versus Weight Training To Burn Calories

Should I do cardio or weight training to lose weight is a common question.

There are many reasons anyone may want to lose weight. They may be wanting to lose weight to achieve better health, to look better in clothes, improve chances of finding the right relationship, be able to do more with family and many others.

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Woman Weight Training

When discussing weight training as a way to lose weight many are concerned they will gain muscle and actually look bigger.  Making weight training a routine part of your exercise regimen will result in the building of muscle. Initially, it may seem you are not making any progress from a weight loss standpoint; however, if you stick with it you should start noticing changes such as clothes fitting better, more muscular tone, and an increase in energy.

Weightlifting can be an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to losing weight and may just be what is needed to give your weight loss program the boost it needs.

If you want to learn more about how weight training may help you start losing weight right away and move forward to achieve your weight loss goals:

Does Weight Training Help You Burn Fat

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Dumbbell Shoulder                        Press

Weight training is not typically looked at as an aerobic activity

Weight training primarily utilizes the glycogen system for producing energy, your heart rate will increase during weight training exercise, and if you workout for about 40 minutes you should burn about 500 calories.

The average person burns about 2000 calories per day just doing their normal daily activities. Adding 40 minutes of weight training can help you burn an extra 500 calories each day you workout.

One pound of fat is equivalent to about 350o calories, so burning an extra 500 calories per day or decreasing your  intake 500 calories may help you lose about one pound per week.

Running for the same amount of time will result in your burning a similar amount of

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Cardiovascular Exercise Using Treadmill

calories.

You should consider investing in a fitness tracker and see how many calories you are burning.

Lifting weights tends to work several muscle groups even when you are focusing on one area of the body.

This stimulates the release of hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone helping in the repair of muscle after your workouts. The involvement of multiple muscles helps to boost your metabolism and burn more fat.

What’s more though, is that simply having more muscle means your body has to work harder to keep everything running smoothly. Muscle requires energy to maintain and as such, if you build some biceps and abs you’ll actually burn more calories in your sleep.

Weight training will help you get more toned, may help get rid of stretch marks, and give the illusion of weight loss even if you are not showing evidence of weight loss on the scale.

Resistance cardio involves combining cardiovascular exercise with resistance exercise (weight training). Examples of resistance cardio include riding a stationary bike on a high setting, or performing rows against a lot of

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Cardio Resistant Exercise

resistance.

So when your goal is to lose weight, look more toned and get healthier a combination of cardiovascular and resistance exercise  should be an excellent starting point.

7 Health Benefits Of Turmeric

7 Health Benefits Of Turmeric

This article reveals the 7 health benefits of Turmeric.

Turmeric is a commonly used spice that originates from the Curcuma plant. We most likely know it for its spiciness and use in dishes such as curry.

However, Turmeric has been extensively used within Chinese and Indian cultures for the potential benefits as an anti-inflammatory.

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Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is best consumed in its pure sense, rather than as a component of curry powder or other spices.

The Western world has been slow to notice the health benefits of turmeric.

The following are some of the potential health benefits of Turmeric:

Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric has long been used for its anti-inflammatory properties in Eastern cultures; this helps the body to fight infection and repair itself. It is the oil that the turmeric provides that has the scientifically proven anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Curcumin, the oil derived from turmeric, has been studied in numerous experiments, and has been shown to be equally as effective as typical anti-inflammatory drugs.

The key difference is there are no reported side effects associated with curcumin oil.

A great concern with current anti-inflammatory medication. such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, is the potential harmful side effects including irritation of the stomach, formation of ulcers, thinning of the blood, and adverse effect on kidney function.

This is good news for those who suffer from joint conditions, such as arthritis, where inflammation plays a key role in exacerbating chronic pain.

Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease are common disorders that affect many people throughout the world and can be quite debilitating.

Studies have investigated the effect of turmeric in mice who have such diseases.

Although the researchers are not entirely sure howimproved cell functions and reduced the symptoms associated with crohn’s disease. Certain findings such as mucosal ulceration were reported to have almost completely resolved.

Indigestion and Heartburn Relief

These are problems frequently experienced by many of us and can be incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable.

Turmeric has also been shown to help with the common conditions of indigestion and heartburn. In the past the primary treatment for these conditions were anti-acid type medications that either buffered acid, decreased production of acid or blocked production of acid in the stomach.

Turmeric has been shown to stimulate the gallbladder and increases bile production.  There are reports of turmeric being used in Germany for patients with problems involving the gallbladder and bile production.

 

Heart disease

Some studies have shown that tumeric may have a protective effect on the heart.

Initial research shows that turmeric can help to reduce the build-up of plaque in the arteries of the heart, a key contributor to heart attacks.

Turmeric may help to prevent damage to blood vessels that occurs from oxidized cholesterol. Damaged blood vessels are a critical factor in many diseases involving blood vessels such as heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.

Delays diabetes

Research has shown that turmeric can actually delay the onset of diabetes.

In a study, participants were tracked over a period of time and given either a placebo or curcumin tablets.

At the end of the study, not one participant who had taken the curcumin had developed diabetes. It is argued this finding is possibly due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Cancer prevention

Turmeric has been shown to have important antioxidant properties, which may help to protect cells against cancer, particularly cells located in the colon. Turmeric can help to protect vulnerable cells against free radicals, which can be harmful to the body.

Turmeric may help the body get rid of mutated cells that have become cancerous; however, research is still being done to determine the actual anticancer benefits of tumeric.

Lowers cholesterol

High cholesterol is a common disorder and has been linked to heart disease, strokes, kidney disease and diseases involving the blood vessels of the eyes.
Initial research shows that the oil in turmeric, curcumin oil, can help to lower cholesterol levels. It works on the liver and encourages it to produce more receptors that help in the reduction of cholesterol.

Uses In Cooking

• Turmeric in dried spice form can add loads of flavor to curries, stews, stir-fries and roasted meat and chicken.
• Fresh turmeric is a root that looks much like fresh ginger. It can be juiced along with other fruits and vegetables. It can be added to smoothies.
• It makes a great addition to a chicken marinade adding a bright orange color to the mix; it is a key ingredient in

Middle Eastern chicken kabobs.

• Use it to substitute saffron or mustard as it provides an equal yellow hue
• Jazz up white rice, by squeezing fresh turmeric through a garlic press and adding it to the rice, offers lots of flavor, and a golden color.
• Use fresh chopped or grated turmeric in coleslaw to add color, flavor, and key nutrients.

Pre-cautions

Some supplements and foods may have an adverse effect on the medications you are taking and any health issues you may have.

Turmeric may slow blood clotting, which could be dangerous for anyone taking anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) increasing your risk of bruising and bleeding.

Talk to your doctor about the health benefits of Turmeric or any new nutritional supplement before taking it to make sure it is safe and appropriate for you.

 

Creating A Positive Mindset For Exercise

Creating A Positive Mindset For Exercise

Do you hate exercising or is it just not a priority in your daily life.

Everyone should be doing some type of exercise for the health benefits.

Exercise reduces the risk of cancer, longer life span, lower blood pressure and an enhanced mood are just a few of its benefits.

Making exercise part of your daily routine requires the right mindset. If you are dreading exercise you will be constantly looking for reasons not to and never benefit mentally and physically from what exercise has to offer.

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       Exercising For The Health of It

The following are 5 strategies you can use for creating a positive exercise mindset:

Set realistic goals

Many new to exercising set out with lofty goals – run 3 miles the first day. The next day they are sore and eventually give it up as something they can’t do. If that same person would have set a smaller more realistic goal, maybe a 30 to 45 minute walk the first day, and then increase it by 10 minutes per day with an eventual goal of running 3 miles per day, they would get into the habit of exercising and actually look forward to it.

Get a fitness partner

Exercising with a partner or friend increases your accountability to each other, thus making it less likely that either one of you will cancel a workout. You don’t want to let your friend down nor does s/he want to let you down, so both of you exercise together whether you feel like it or not. Please it give you someone to talk to while exercising.

Do something cardio

Weight lifting or strength training can get boring. While it is a necessary part of exercising and should be in your exercise program, concentrate on doing cardio activities. Whether you choose running, cycling, walking, swimming or tennis, you always have options to add some variety to your workout to keep from getting board. Plus, varying the type of cardio you do also works different muscles or the same muscles differently.

Eat healthy

The second half of the equation to getting fit and healthy is to eat properly. Keep in mind you can’t out exercise a bad diet.  Concentrate on eating whole grain, lean meats and fish, and fresh vegetables and fruits. If you are concerned if you are getting the proper nutrients, schedule a consolation with a dietician.

Do yoga

Exercising is as much a mental state as it is physical. If you want to try something that brings your mental and physical beings closer together, try yoga.

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               Yoga for Mental Health

The Mental Health Benefits of Yoga:

Positive thoughts
Mental clarity
Renewed sense of enthusiasm
Improved sleep
Less stress
Low-impact, joint-friendly exercise anyone can do.

Adding yoga to your daily routine will change your exercise mindset.

Use the above strategies to change your mindset and change your life.

Your Way To Health Inside And Out With A Treadmill

Better Health Using A Treadmill

Better Health Using A Treadmill

Your Way To Health Inside And Out With A Treadmill

Treadmills offers a great alternative to walking outside as well as much more versatile than outdoor walking especially in choosing your terrain and walking attributes. Treadmills are a great investment because they are easy to setup, and use.

There is no special training when using a treadmill that might be necessary when using weight training equipment or other fitness machines. The price of treadmills is going to vary quite a bit. For a low end model of a treadmill the cos…

Treadmills offers a great alternative to walking outside as well as much more versatile than outdoor walking especially in choosing your terrain and walking attributes. Treadmills are a great investment because they are easy to setup, and use. There is no special training when using a treadmill that might be necessary when using weight training equipment or other fitness machines.

The price of treadmills is going to vary quite a bit. For a low end model of a treadmill the cost is going to range from 300 to 2000, for the high end people can easily drop over 5000 dollars for a deluxe model. The price varies usually due to the computer system that is present with in the treadmill. Many treadmills of the feature of recording stats including heart rate, time, calories, fat, and distance. Another feature which should be taken into consideration is the horsepower of the treadmill. For the average consumer a treadmill should offer a continuous duty rating. While some treadmills may brag about their peak horsepower which could be extremely high this means at ideals conditions the treadmill might be able to achieve that. There for it is most important to know what the motor of the treadmill can be regularly and consistently. Treadmills can also be very noisy. If noise is a concern for you then seek out treadmills which have DC motors which are significantly quieter then the alternatives.

Treadmills should be strong and stable. When you are testing out a potential treadmills for purchase make sure you are dresses as if you are actually going to exercise and wearing your running shoes. Check the rails to make sure they are properly secured and you can easily wrap your hand around them. Other things to check is if the running path and belt are large enough for you to run on. Another great feature of treadmills is that they are programmable and can be preset. This is a great way to make your exercise experience more enjoyable. Also a bottle holder and magazine rack are handy conveniences when doing a daily workout.

Take into consideration the amount of space you have to devote to your treadmill this will determine which type of treadmill is bets for you. Remember to measure your space and bring home the dimensions of the treadmill first. Most exercise equipment looks small on the sales floor but can be too big for a normal sized room. Many treadmills fold up, if you are seeking a fold up model measure the space you have to house it and buy accordingly.