Fat Loss 4 Idiots Opinion

Monday, February 9, 2009

Organic Food is it the better Choice?

By Kiiera Success Group

Since organic food started to gain popularity in the late 1990s, people have been skeptical about the superiority of organics. Many people claimed that the benefits of organic over traditional products could not be proven. The truth is that there had simply not been enough testing done to prove the benefits of organic products or the drawbacks of traditionally produced food.

There have been various studies done to show the improved nutritional value of organic agriculture by analyzing the vitamin, nutrient, and mineral content of both organically and traditionally grown produce. There are significantly higher levels of various components in organic products, including:

* Chromium, prevents hardening of the arteries and type 2 diabetes * Calcium and Boron, build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis * Lithium, a common chemical in antidepressants and mood stabilizers * Salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory which can prevent heart disease * Antioxidants, protect cells from damage * Magnesium, helps prevent death during a heart attack * Selenium, helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers * Vitamin C, builds the immune system

While this list seems rather long, its not complete. While these nutrients have been found organic produce, they arent the only ones. This list could also get longer as more research is done about the nutrient benefits of organic food.

While its important to look at the beneficial properties of organic food, we must take into account the harmful effects of traditionally grown foods to fully understand why organic food is superior. When many of the chemicals used in farming were approved, there had been little research to show whether or not these chemicals we harmful. Research has since found that most of these chemicals have negative effects on humans. Non-organic foods have been analyzed and have been found to contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, solvents, and various hormones. Some of the conditions linked with these substances include:

* cancer * heart disease * osteoporosis * migraines * hyperactivity * decreased intelligence * impaired hearing * less growth in childhood * anemia * Alzheimers * multiple sclerosis * rheumatoid arthritis * early puberty * increase in antibiotic-resistant disease strains

Again, this list is just part of the harmful side effects of these chemicals. There are likely many more conditions to be added to this list after more research is done. Also, most of the research has been done on the affects of single chemicals, and not multiple offenders as are normally found on conventional food. While several of these chemicals have been banned, they are still present in regular and organic food. This is because they linger in the soil; some have been there for over 20 years.

While there are obviously many benefits to organic agriculture, it is not without its faults. First of all, organic products are more expensive. Depending on where you buy organic food, it could cost twice as much as regular grocery store brands. There is also concern that natural fertilizers such as plant material and manure could contain harmful organisms, such as e coli. Although this can be rare it can also make consumers very sick.

Even with the drawbacks, organic food production is proving to be much safer for consumption than other foods available. Along with the health benefits, organic agricultural practices also benefit the environment; keeping it viable for years to come. - 17269

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Is Organic the right choice?

By Kiiera Success Group

Since organic food started to gain popularity in the late 1990s, people have been skeptical about the superiority of organics. Many people claimed that the benefits of organic over traditional products could not be proven. The truth is that there had simply not been enough testing done to prove the benefits of organic products or the drawbacks of traditionally produced food.

There have been various studies done to show the improved nutritional value of organic agriculture by analyzing the vitamin, nutrient, and mineral content of both organically and traditionally grown produce. There are significantly higher levels of various components in organic products, including:

* Chromium, prevents hardening of the arteries and type 2 diabetes * Calcium and Boron, build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis * Lithium, a common chemical in antidepressants and mood stabilizers * Salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory which can prevent heart disease * Antioxidants, protect cells from damage * Magnesium, helps prevent death during a heart attack * Selenium, helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers * Vitamin C, builds the immune system

While this list seems rather long, its not complete. While these nutrients have been found organic produce, they arent the only ones. This list could also get longer as more research is done about the nutrient benefits of organic food.

While its important to look at the beneficial properties of organic food, we must take into account the harmful effects of traditionally grown foods to fully understand why organic food is superior. When many of the chemicals used in farming were approved, there had been little research to show whether or not these chemicals we harmful. Research has since found that most of these chemicals have negative effects on humans. Non-organic foods have been analyzed and have been found to contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, solvents, and various hormones. Some of the conditions linked with these substances include:

* cancer * heart disease * osteoporosis * migraines * hyperactivity * decreased intelligence * impaired hearing * less growth in childhood * anemia * Alzheimers * multiple sclerosis * rheumatoid arthritis * early puberty * increase in antibiotic-resistant disease strains

Again, this list is just part of the harmful side effects of these chemicals. There are likely many more conditions to be added to this list after more research is done. Also, most of the research has been done on the affects of single chemicals, and not multiple offenders as are normally found on conventional food. While several of these chemicals have been banned, they are still present in regular and organic food. This is because they linger in the soil; some have been there for over 20 years.

While there are obviously many benefits to organic agriculture, it is not without its faults. First of all, organic products are more expensive. Depending on where you buy organic food, it could cost twice as much as regular grocery store brands. There is also concern that natural fertilizers such as plant material and manure could contain harmful organisms, such as e coli. Although this can be rare it can also make consumers very sick.

Even with the drawbacks, organic food production is proving to be much safer for consumption than other foods available. Along with the health benefits, organic agricultural practices also benefit the environment; keeping it viable for years to come. - 17269

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Is the No Nonsense Muscle Building Program Right for You?

By Caitlin Ryan

So many choices, so little time! There are so many muscle-building programs on the internet today that choosing one can be very confusing. In deciding whether one is right for you, you have to keep in mind three factors.

A professional who has experience and knowledge in the muscle-building arena should develop the muscle-building program. As well, the muscle-building program should use proven techniques. As well, make sure that the program is capable of helping you achieve your goals and in a way that works for you life. If you merely want toned muscles and have a hectic schedule, you do not want to pick a program that is solely designed for training competitive athletes.

Vince Delmonte is behind this no nonsense muscle-building program. As a proven natural body builder and trainer to hundreds of people, he is very knowledgeable and experienced in the bodybuilding arena. With a 10% body fat, it is hard to argue his methods.

Co-author, Shannon Clark, is also a fitness expert as a highly recognized fitness writer and trainer. She also trains using the methods she and Vince developed and sports a very fit physique. She has a BPP in sports performance. She and Vince both help people transform bony bodies AND flabby bodies into gorgeous, sleek, toned perfection.

A key and proven element in bodybuilding is to use progressive overload. When you use this method as outlined in this no nonsense muscle-building program, you increase the amount of weight continuously in lifting. As Vince explains, this is necessary to challenge your muscles and build the muscle mass. This is the only way to achieve that cut, chiseled look OR the sensual curves that many women desire.

Another important aspect of this muscle-building program is the emphasis on muscle recovery between both sets and workouts. Without resting your muscles adequately between sets, you end up producing long, skinny endurance muscles. Without resting your muscles between workouts with adequate sleep and proper nutrition, you risk injury, which of course is detrimental to your training.

There is also a big emphasis in Vince's muscle building program to use proper nutrition and adequate training rather than supplements to meet your training goals. No powder, pill or liquid can replace nutrition and proper training.

The no nonsense muscle building program is designed for the beginner as well as the avid, competitive trainer. You can use the program merely to decrease your body fat and tone your lean muscle mass or to build enough muscle mass for competition. This muscle-building program is efficient which means you will end up spending less time in the gym then you would with other training programs to achieve the same results.

Motivation is important in the physical fitness arena, and Vince and Shannon have certainly provided some very good motivational tools. They also go over the importance of clean eating and give you clever advice on how you can achieve proper nutrition.

You will be shocked to find out the myths of the fitness industry as Vince and Shannon let you in on the secrets that the fitness industry would rather you did not know. - 17269

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Rip and Repair: Building Muscle the Right Way

By Rudy Longfellow

One of the most important aspects of life is physical fitness. The fitness routines we choose to work into our every day lives can help to build muscle and thus increase strength and metabolism. With more and more people falling into the definition of obese or overweight, the time to build muscle and become more physically active through fitness is now and everyone needs to jump on the band wagon.

Very few people actually understand how the body can build muscle. The art of fitness is surrounding in cardio and aerobic exercise and even some of the most avid fitness people have little idea of how the body chooses to build muscle. These rules are simple, but effective.

Prepare the muscle. It is important to prepare the muscle before trying to build muscle. In fitness, stretching is important no matter the exercise the person is about to undertake and building muscle is no different. To build muscle effectively through fitness, all of the major muscles groups need to be stretched and warmed up prior to the beginning of any routines.

Drink for muscle build. Drinking water is essential for every day life and not just for those trying to build muscle. Fitness programs often suggest a daily intake of 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water per day. This is a minimum requirement. In order to build muscle, many muscle building magazines aim at higher amounts of hydration up to 1 gallon per day.

Tear the muscle. During a fitness routine to build muscle, the muscles will need to be torn in order to build back stronger and bigger. This is what happens when weights are lifted to the point of failure. Failure is the time when a certain amount of weight can no longer be lifted. Once reached, the muscle has effectively been torn and will begin to repair and build muscle. Stretching after the rip stage can decrease the pain in the muscle.

Rest Time. The time of rest between the programs aimed to build muscle is a minimum of 24 hours. This means that after the muscle has been ripped, it takes 24 hours for the muscle fibers to rebuild and build muscle. This can seem like a forever wait, but is essential to keep the muscle healthy and not overwork the muscle. During this time, hydration needs to be kept high and other parts of the body and other muscles groups can be worked to keep the rotation to build muscle going full circle.

Play it again. The muscle needs to be worked over and over again in order to build muscle. A fitness program can not stop, or pause, it must keep moving just like th body to build muscle. The muscle can forget what you are trying to do if left alone for too long and wither away. Never allow the muscle to forget and stick with the on - off - on schedule to build muscle.

In order to build muscle, the fitness program must first be set upon the rules of the muscle build. Without the knowledge of how a muscle builds, it is often easy to break these rules and create muscle pain and weakness that essentially dooms the program. Learning how to build muscle sis as easy as following these steps over and over again. - 17269

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Ways to Help Get Six-Pack Abs - Watching All You Consume

By Rob Molloy

Before we look at the four steps you can take in order to get six-pack abs, we need to realize that no matter how much training you do, and no matter hard your six-pack is, if it's hidden away behind a layer of belly fat, nobody will be able to see it. Although this may sound a little strange at first, there are in fact 4 ways to get six-pack abs from the kitchen. If you give it a little thought, it really does make sense because as I've already pointed out, unless you shed your belly fat, those abs you just not going to be visible.

You also need to know that in order for abs to be visible; one needs to have a very low percentage of body fat. It's been established that men can have no more than 10% body fat if they want to be in a position where their six-pack becomes visible. Likewise, woman can have a slightly higher percentage of body fat but here again; it should be less than 14%. If we take this into consideration, I think it's safe to say that this is not going to happen for the average person unless they change their eating habits significantly.

Calories are essentially responsible for weight gain or weight loss so let's look at calories first. Eating less calories in your diet than what you body needs is by far the most effective way of shedding fat. If we consider that each pound of fat contains approximately 3500 calories, one would need to eat 500 calories less per day, in order to lose one pound of fat over a period of one week. When your calorie intake drops below the amount that is required, your body starts using its reserves. Exercise is of course the best way to increase the demand for energy, thereby causing the body to burn more fat.

Here are 4 things that you can do in the kitchen to put you in that calories deficit and make it more likely for you to have your six pack abs revealed.

1. Carbohydrates are a source of fuel for the human body. Likewise, your body will always use the carbs you're providing it with before turning to its fat reserves so the less carbs you provide your body with; the sooner it will start burning fat. The disadvantage of this method though, is that for those trying to build muscle; carbs are a very important and much needed source of energy. However, if your goal is to lose weight, then cutting back on carbs is highly effective.

2. Eat more protein. The hardest thing about dieting is that your body has to do away with a lot of the fuel it needs for muscle growth and a very common thing that happens when people diet is that not only do they lose fat, they will lose muscle. Make sure that any major cuts you make in carbohydrates be replaced with protein. Still keep in mind that you need to be putting yourself at a calorie deficit so remember to eat less than your body can use in a day. Normally when you are trying to build muscle you should be having about 20-30% of your diet come from protein but doing this protein needs to be about 40% of your diet.

3. As you've more than likely already heard, there are both good fats and bad fats in various foods. Cutting out as much bad fat as possible is essential, even for those who are not on a diet but particularly for those who are. On the other hand, you need to focus on increasing the amount of good fats you eat as these help to increase your metabolism which has a direct impact on the rate at which your body burns fat. Unlike bad fats which can be used for energy and which are therefore stored by the body, good fats cannot be used for energy and are never stored.

4. Considering that the human body is approximately 70% water, it makes sense that it requires abundant water in order to operate effectively. Deprive your body of water and you can be rest assured, it will be storing water away when you do give it some. However, if you drink enough water to meet your body's demand, not only will you be helping to clean your system out but you'll not be giving your body any reason to store water. Additionally those on diet can benefit from the fact that drinking plenty of water allows you to feel full. - 17269

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Rip and Repair: Building Muscle the Right Way

By Rudy Longfellow

Physical fitness is important for the health of the mind and the body. With many nations reporting more and more obese people every year, the importance of good fitness choices is also growing. Building muscles is one of the key aspects of fitness that creates a better performing body and metabolism. When aiming to build muscle, there are clear rules that can be followed to maximize the outcome.

Very few people actually understand how the body can build muscle. The art of fitness is surrounding in cardio and aerobic exercise and even some of the most avid fitness people have little idea of how the body chooses to build muscle. These rules are simple, but effective.

Get that muscle ready. Stretching is one of the most important parts of a program aimed to build muscle. The muscle will need to be warmed up before it can go through the stages of building. As with any fitness program, stretching requires careful movements that are elongated and held in order to increase the blood flow to the muscle. To build muscle that blood flow is essential and necessary.

Hydrate the muscle. Water is not just essential for life, it is also essential to build muscle. The muscles need hydration to build faster, recover more quickly and maintain those high levels of increased strength. The minimum amount of water per day needed for fitness programs that build muscle is 8 glasses of 8 ounces every 24 hours with many fitness magazines recommending even higher amounts per day.

Just rip it. In order to build muscle, one must first rip the muscle. Muscle ripping happens when weights are used to lift repetitions over and over again. Once the muscle reaches a fitness level where it can not longer lift the same weight again, or make another repetition, the body has begun to build muscle. These rips are the key to increasing muscle, strength and metabolism. The fitness program should end with stretching to spread out and release the lactic acid in the muscle. Lactic acid causes the pain felt after a fitness workout.

Repair it. After ripping the muscle, the body will need to be given time to repair in order to build muscle. Fitness programs require a 24 hour wait time between working major muscle groups to be effective. That means once you have whaled on those chest muscles, give them a 24 break before whaling again.

Let's do it...again. Repeating the tearing of the muscle and the repair phases are essential to build muscle. A fitness program needs to keep going and maintain a high level of intensity to keep up with the goal to build muscle. There can be no weeks in between, or months to wait. Each and every day there needs to be some sort of fitness training taking place. No matter if the muscle is in the repair stage or the build muscle stage, the ongoing need for fitness does not stop.

We all need to build muscle in order to make the most of our fitness goals. Them ore muscle we build, them ore our metabolism will burn and the better shape we will remain in throughout our lives. The aim of a fitness program to build muscle needs to be rotted in these rules, because the knowledge of how a muscle builds will make the task to build muscle more quick, easy and efficient. - 17269

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How Fertile Is The Soil? (Selenium)

By P.G Mayora

Although we are told that selenium is contain within certain foods that does not necessarily mean that the content is the same wherever that ingredient comes from.

Trace amounts of selenium are essential for the production of various cellular components, primarily enzymes. Selenium deficiency is a known trigger for several different autoimmune diseases including thyroid disorders and psoriasis. Selenium deficiency also causes susceptibility to heart disease and to viral infections.

In the body selenium combines with protein molecules to form selenoproteins. Selenoproteins are important antioxidant enzymes that are essential for proper immune system function. Seleniums role in thyroid healthis also well known. In addition, selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage caused by free radical molecules. Free radicals are produced as natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that are suspected of contributing to many chronic inflammatory diseases.

In most countries worldwide, plants are the primary source of selenium. Other sources include some high selenium yeasts, cereals, eggs, meats, particularly beef, chicken and turkey, and some fish, particularly tuna and cod. Brazil nuts also contain high concentrations of selenium and a diet rich in brazil nuts can cause high levels of selenium in certain regions, causing a condition of selenium toxicity . However, the amount of selenium available in the soil varies and this affects the amount of selenium found in local produce. High levels of selenium are found in the high plains of northern Nebraska and the Dakotas whereas the soil in some parts of China and Russia has scant amounts of selenium. In areas where the diet primarily consists of locally grown food, selenium levels in the body correlate well to soil levels. The daily value recommended for selenium by the FDA is 70 mcg. When supplements are used, 100-200 mcg daily of selenomethionine is recommended. . However, studies also show a lower rate of cancer, heart disease and autoimmune thyroid disease in patients with higher selenium levels. Surveys also show that patients with rheumatoid arthritis with lower selenium levels have more swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of function in their joints.

(7) Selenium deficiency is thought to contribute to autoimmune disease by making the body more susceptible to nutritional and biochemical stresses as well as infectious diseases. Three diseases caused directly by selenium deficiency include Keshan Disease, which causes an enlarged heart, Kashin-Beck Disease, which causes osteoarthropathy, and Myxedematous Endemic Cretinism, a form of hypothyroidism which results in mental retardation. Selenium toxicity, which occurs when doses higher than 400 mcg daily are ingested over time causes a condition of selenosis. Symptoms include garlic breath odor, hair loss, white blotchy nails, irritability, fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, and mild nerve damage.

So, when buying foods that you think are high in selenium, just look on the packaging and see where it came from, because it may not have as much as you think! - 17269

Cholesterol ! Too Much ? Not Enough ?

By P.G Mayora

By Paul Mair www.Pure-Health-Nutrition.com These days people are becoming ever more aware of the importance of nutrition and healthy lifestyle, with thousands of people turning to vegetarianism every week, and looking to good nutrition instead of relying on drugs to prevent and cure ailments and diseases as well as keeping healthy.

In this day and age with environmental and lifestyle factors having just as much of a profound effect on health as nutrition and diet has. This is all well and good, but the problem is that the vast majority of these people have very little or no understanding or knowledge of what they really need to do for perfect health, nutrition and how it effects the body and its processes.

They think that lots of fresh fruit and vegetables is enough because of the constant reminders by experts on TV telling them 5 portions of fruit & veg a day and to a certain extent this is absolutely true, but that is only the tip of the iceberg as far as keeping your mind and body in the best condition possible.

There are many more things that the general public need to know, as it is very confusing, because you have scientists or experts telling you one week that this good for you and then a short time latter telling you that it is not. Even with foods that are universally considered healthy there are still so many contradictions. I would like go through and talk about some of these things in turn. Things that they should know, but dont! First off is cholesterol

I think that most people have a basic understanding of what cholesterol is, that it is a fat related substance that circulates in the blood, too much of which clogs the arteries and is caused by bad diet and too much saturated fats and that high is bad and low is good.

But as we know cholesterol is essential for good health. It is a normal component of most body tissues, especially those of the brain, nervous system, liver and blood. The vast majority of which ends up in the cells where it is needed to perform vital metabolic and structural functions. Some is changed into vitamin D, some is bonded with protein, making lipoprotein.

These lipoproteins are the circulating form of cholesterol. Most people know that there are two forms of cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) which is the good one. This kind transports from the cells back to the liver where it can be disposed of. Then there is low density lipoprotein (LDL) the bad kind, this is the one that clogs the arteries.

When there is high amounts of (LDL) that is when the problems start, disorders such as coronary heart diseases (heart attack, high blood pressure etc). But on the other hand at the other end of the scale, very low cholesterol can be just as bad ! For example it can lower testosterone levels and according to one Japanese research group , once cholesterol levels go below a certain point the risk of strokes are increased. A finnish researcher named Jykri Penttinen found that low levels were associated with higher rates of depression and suicides. It has also been documented that people with low cholesterol have higher risk of getting Parkinsons disease and women with low levels are at risk of premature births . All of which means that people need to find a middle ground and that some cholesterol is need for health . But not to much ! - 17269

The Top Six Tips on the Best Way to Lose Weight

By Titania Cole

They say there is no one single best way to lose weight. Some strategies though come closer to ensuring weight loss than others. One of the best ways to effectively shed pounds is to eat. You read that right. There are ways and means to not get fat and still eat what you want.

Meal Planning

Don't put all the blame on food. The real problem is how and when you eat your food. Indiscriminate eating can do you in. The solution therefore is to not be liberal with your food choices and schedules. You need to plan your meals everyday to ensure that you dont eat too much of something. You can keep a special food calendar intended only to keep track of what and when you eat.

Calorie Counting

This concept is as old as that of dieting itself. Some people though take calorie counting for granted. If you feel that it is too much of a chore to count calories, you can use any of the free online counters to help you out. Typical counters help you figure out how much you are burning in various activities and how many calories you should be ingesting based on your personal details.

Portion Control

Eating wont be the best way to lose weight without portion control. This simply means that you can even eat foods with carbohydrates and fat as long as you make sure that you eat within your limits. Aside from dividing food types into appropriate portions, you should also make sure that you eat your portions at the right time. You should never skip breakfast. It is also a good idea to divide your daily meals into five instead of three. This will help ensure that you dont go too hungry in between meals.

Water Rationing

Water drinking is an underrated weight loss technique. This time, dieting experts recommend that you drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help you lose weight. Water can help ensure proper digestion and plays a role in fat metabolism. Moreover, water can contribute to efficient waste disposal.

Regular Exercise

Eating the right food in the right way is not enough. Eating should always be paired with regular exercise. You may already be able to lose weight through meal planning and portion control. You will however improve your chances of achieving sustainable weight loss if you make exercise a habit too. Add muscle enhancing exercises to your aerobic routine and you will also promote better muscle tone.

Food Diary

Keeping a food diary is another helpful technique to help you lose weight. This is especially if you are still starting out with your program. A diary will not just help you take note of what you put into your body. It can also help motivate you to do better and to stick to your diet plan.

It seems preposterous that eating can be the best way to lose weight? However, the sooner you realize that food is not your enemy, the closer you are to healthy and effective long term weight loss. - 17269

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Build Shoulder Muscle, How to build the Perfect V Fast

By Jack R Brown

Many bodybuilders ask me how to get the perfect V, develop "Cannon Ball Shoulders". Create the perfect physique, how to build shoulder muscle. Keep reading to know the routine I follow to develop shoulder muscles.

You want to look great in clothes and of course with out clothes, or you would be looking for shoulder pads not how to build shoulder muscle.

The function of lifting and rotating the arms is achieved with the 3 headed muscle in the shoulder. This consists of the anterior (front), the medial region (middle) and the posterior region(rear) These heads can stimulated by using two different movements in the gym, an over head press and a raise.

To build shoulder muscle, the most effective way is the over head press which can be achieved with both barbells and dumbbells, but in my opinion the dumbbells are the best.

Press the dumbbells over your head, not locking the elbows return to shoulder level. Sitting on a bench with a vertical back support. One arm will not be able to cheat the other with dumbbells and they allow a more natural motion range.

The basic side lateral raise is preformed with the dumbbells. The medial head will feel the stress of the side laterals. Greater shoulder width and wider upper body will be achieved.

Hold the dumbbells with palms facing inwards, stand with the knees slightly bent. Bend the arms slightly, raise the weights to shoulder level then return to the original position,

Working the shoulder muscles too hard will actually hinder the results. The basic overhead press and side lateral raise is all you need to build shoulder muscle. Each time you work on the upper body the shoulder muscles are stimulated. Performing isolation exercises for the anterior and posterior head is not recommended.

Quality not quantity is the key for how to build shoulder muscle.

This is a sample workout to build wide shoulders.

Stand, Dumbbell Side Laterals- 2 Sets of 10 Reps Sit, Sitting Overhead Dumbbell Press- 2 Sets of 6 Reps.

I don't recommended to isolate muscles, but if you wish you can include, Standing Front Dumbbells Raise " 1 set of 12 Reps Seated Rear Lateral Dumbbell Raise " 1 set of 10-12 reps.

Not recommended to isolate muscles, but this can be achieved by Standing Front Dumbbells Raise " 1 set of 12 Reps Seated Rear Lateral Dumbbell Raise " 1 set of 10-12 reps.

Keeping a detailed records of each of your workouts, to build up number of reps and resistance, improving each week. - 17269

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