Fat Loss 4 Idiots Opinion

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Having a Pump Is Not Equal To Muscle Gain

By Ricardo D Argence

If you've been working out for a while, i'm sure you will understand what I will talk about. It sometimes happens that, after some really heavy sets of your routine, you start to have a really amazing feeling. Your muscles feels tight and engorged with blood. And when you look in the mirror they look full and vascular. What you get is nothing but a "pump". And as I told you, if you have ever had one, you'll agree with me it's really, really great (or maybe you agree with Arnold who said it's like having an orgasm).

So, what's exactly a pump? It's nothing but the tight, blood-congested feeling in a muscle after it has been intensely trained. Is the feeling that you get as blood becomes trapped inside your muscle. And it's a great, great feeling. But you don't go to the gym and perform all that effort for hours just for that feeling. And that feeling does not guarantee you'll achieve your gain muscle goal.

A pump is in no way indicative of a successful workout. It doesn't mean it's bad for you to achieve one during your session, it's simply a natural result of intense weight training. But if you focus your workout in getting a pump instead of muscle gain, you are making a huge mistake, and it will tax you.

On countless occasions I've heard lifters raving about the massive pumps they get in the gym as they share methods for achieving the best pump possible. "Dude, this will give you a crazy pump!" If you have already been working out for a decent amount of time then you know exactly what I'm talking about. While a pump does feel extremely satisfying, just remember that it means very little in terms of muscle stimulation and growth.

A pump does not build muscle. If muscle pumps meant muscle growth, then super light weight, ultra high rep programs would be the most effective way to grow. But overloading and giving your body a reason to grow does. It's just a way to keep you training. Just that. If you really want to measure your achievements all you have to do is to keep a notebook and write down some numbers..

This is the way it should be: if you keep a record of your workouts and week after week you are increasing the weight you lift, if you can perform some extra reps, you are in your way to that huge muscles you desire, even if you were far to achieve a pump. Remember that pump blood into your muscle tissue is not the goal.

Building muscle mass and strength is all about training with 100% intensity on every given set and then striving to improve from week to week. If you are able to consistently achieve this, your muscle size and strength will increase faster than you ever thought possible, with or without a pump. - 17269

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Learning How To Stand Up Paddle

By Adam Champagne

I'll never forget my first time on a Stand Up Paddle Board. My step father is Clay Feeter publisher of "Standup Journal". He is a huge advocate of the sport as well as having the best magazine in the business! He is a super positive guy, fun to be around and will not let you have a bad time under any circumstance.

I remember going to visit my mom and him a few years ago and upon my arrival Clay was already primed up and ready to get me out on the lake for a stroll with the Stand Up Paddle Board. I always have to say yes to Clay because his positivity simply makes it impossible to give another answer.

We put the boards down in the water and Clay hopped on and started paddling with such ease and precision that I decided I could do the same thing. He made it look so easy, I guess it's because he has been surfing the majority of his life.

I proceeded to get on my board and quickly learned that I needed some serious help in the balance department. I think I ended up off my board quicker than I got on it. I was craving a swim in the lake so it was O.K.

After a couple of quick tips from Clay I able to gain my balance on the board and quickly gained confidence. Clay gave a "Woo Hoot! You got it man!" In his usual fashion which always makes you feel like a kid who just got his first trophy. The feeling I got from Stand Up Paddling was absolutely amazing and one I will never forget. It is like you are walking on water. You paddle as fast or as slow as you want, the water is yours!

The great thing about it is you can Stand Up Paddle in any water. You can go down rivers, surf in the ocean, take a cruise on the lake or wherever else you want. It's truly a fun and diverse sport which is gaining extreme popularity worldwide.

The people you meet while out on your stand up paddle board are amazing. Most of the time people are both curious about what you are doing and eager to try it for themselves. It's a great sport to get hooked on because it is both adrenaline pumping, relaxing, and healthy all at the same time. I hope to see you out the soon! - 17269

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Yoga Blocks Help Stretch Your Moves In Yoga

By Thaya Kareeson

Yoga is a fabulous way to get fit that everyone can participate in. Sometimes, the beginner yoga enthusiast feels like they might be going in over their heads. Yoga blocks can make yoga postures and positions that much easier! Imagine being able to finally stretch far enough to get into the more difficult positions! Or not being afraid to try yoga for the first time!

The art of yoga is originally from East India. It was developed around exercise combined with self discipline. Hinduism as a religion was the starting base for yoga, giving the practice a threefold gift of a focus on the mental, physical and verbal. Today yoga is a way to compliment strength training and other fitness efforts to maintain one's health.

In the practice of yoga, people often seem to bend and twist and turn their bodies in many different positions. These are called asanas or postures. When someone is just starting out the practice or discipline of yoga, many asanas seem very difficult. Instructors will bring into play yoga blocks, made of various materials, to assist beginners in achieving asanas.

Yoga blocks in a general sense can help someone who is learning yoga to stretch a bit further. The blocks can be placed beneath hands and bottoms and heels and heads to help someone see how far their bodies can stretch and what muscle groups should be working. These tools can help yoga postures be a bit less intimidating to newcomers to the discipline.

Some people who practice yoga have existing medical problems that they are learning to overcome with exercise and fitness in general. People who have tight hips and hamstrings can use yoga blocks to improve their flexibility. A little support in the right place can go a long way in helping someone maneuver themselves properly.

Some positions in yoga are more difficult to obtain than others. Some require more support than others. For the beginning or struggling yoga practitioner, yoga blocks can help these asanas be obtained. The Sarangasana, which is a shoulder stand, could be improved with four blocks beneath the shoulders. The 'hero lying down' or Supta Virasana pose would be better supported with a few blocks under the spine. In yoga, spine and body alignment are crucial to proper and safe exercise. By keeping posture and alignment, people are less likely to experience strain or injury.

Yoga blocks can come in many different types and materials. Part of practicing yoga means having an open mind and earth-friendly consciousness. Many blocks come in materials that are friendly to the earth. Bamboo, pine wood from New Zealand, cork are all specifically chosen to be renewable resources. It's also helpful to have natural materials in one's yoga practice to help with meditation and tranquility of atmosphere.

Yoga as an exercise soon becomes a way of life. A good yoga routine added to a healthy diet and other types of fitness activities can help people last longer while becoming stronger. Yoga blocks make yoga just a bit easier for people starting out or for people who need just a little bit more support. These helpful tools encourage rather than discourage reaching goals and seeking success. - 17269

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Day 16! Still on the HCG Diet!

By Amelia Handley

Day 16 on the HCG Diet. That means I've only less than 10 days left on the low calorie portion of the diet. Just to recap in case some of you are just joining us or in case some of you are forgetful: the diet starts off with 2 days of loading. Loading is taking in as much fatty calories as possible. This increases the absorption of the HCG into the body. After loading the very low calorie diet begins (500 calories per day). This lasts for 23 more days.

Once you complete the low calorie portion of the diet you start what they call the maintenance diet. I'm all for being prepared (or over prepared as some might call it) so I've been looking into the maintenance diet lately. During the maintenance diet you can eat as much food as you want. (But no more than a total of 1500 calories per day). And there are a few exceptions when it comes to the actual foods that are okay to eat while on the maintenance diet. You can't have any sugar or dextrose or honey or molasses or high fructose corn syrup or corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. You can't have any nitrites or fast food. You can't have any trans fat. And you can't have any starch of any kind.

When I first read it that seemed like a pretty big list of exceptions, but in comparison to the short list of approved foods while on the low calorie portion of the diet it's no biggie! 1500 calories is a massive increase from 500, right? And I'm definitely accustomed to limiting my food intake after the 500 calorie portion of the diet. All this weight loss has definitely been inspiring me to keep heading in the right direction.

So that's a general recap for you; now let's move on to the details of day 16. I was at 156 this morning when I weighed. That's exactly the same as yesterday which is a bummer because I ate really well yesterday. I decided that I'd add some green tea to today's regimen in response (still don't like it, but it seems to work) and I tried to drink more water.

I'm fine taking the HCG drops three times per day. And I think the B-Total drops are really helpful. I'm thinking of getting online and ordering some more for when these run out.

Today I ate another green onion burger for lunch (leftovers) with the other half of the grapefruit I had yesterday and Melba Toasts. For dinner I had the last of the grilled chicken I had in the fridge (leftovers again). And I drank so much water that I was afraid I might make myself throw up. So I'm crossing my fingers that tomorrow I'll see weight loss again. - 17269

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Day 16 on HCG...Check!

By Amelia Handley

Day 16 on the HCG Diet. That means I've only less than 10 days left on the low calorie portion of the diet. Just to recap in case some of you are just joining us or in case some of you are forgetful: the diet starts off with 2 days of loading. Loading is taking in as much fatty calories as possible. This increases the absorption of the HCG into the body. After loading the very low calorie diet begins (500 calories per day). This lasts for 23 more days.

After the 23rd day on the very low calorie diet comes the HCG maintenance diet. I'm kind of big on preparation (or some might call it unnecessary torture since I don't really have to worry about this extension of the diet for quite a bit). During the HCG maintenance diet you can eat as much food of any type of food you choose (up to 1500 calories per day). There are, of course, some heft exceptions to this eat anything rule. During the HCG maintenance diet you cannot eat: sugar, dextrose, sucrose, honey, molasses, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, starch of any kind, artificial sweeteners, fast food, trans fat, and nitrites.

When I first read it that seemed like a pretty big list of exceptions, but in comparison to the short list of approved foods while on the low calorie portion of the diet it's no biggie! 1500 calories is a massive increase from 500, right? And I'm definitely accustomed to limiting my food intake after the 500 calorie portion of the diet. All this weight loss has definitely been inspiring me to keep heading in the right direction.

So that's a general recap for you; now let's move on to the details of day 16. I was at 156 this morning when I weighed. That's exactly the same as yesterday which is a bummer because I ate really well yesterday. I decided that I'd add some green tea to today's regimen in response (still don't like it, but it seems to work) and I tried to drink more water.

I took my HCG and my B-Total as required for the HCG diet. I'm getting used to the timing required; no eating/drinking for 15 minutes before or after you take the drops three times per day. And the hold under your tongue for 15 seconds thing isn't a big deal. The stuff doesn't taste disgusting or anything. It's fine.

Now for the eating recap. On day 16's lunch I had a leftover green onion burger and another half of a grapefruit (this one was better than yesterday's). It's weird how some of them are just really sweet and yummy and others just aren't. I had Melba Toasts with lunch, as well. I had the last of the grilled chicken at dinner (more leftovers) and I drank a ton of water. Here's hoping I see weight loss again tomorrow! - 17269

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Free Weightlifting Routines for Your Legs

By Ricardo d Argence

Whether you are a professional bodybuilder, contact sports player or just someone getting your body in shape, it is imperative that you don't neglect your legs for many reasons. The legs are often over looked when working out, as people tend to work towards the bigger chest and arms. There are important reasons to work your legs just as much as the rest of your body.

If you have read at all, you know that muscle burns fat. Gaining muscle weight helps your overall workout, and your legs have a very high concentration of muscle. By building your leg muscles, you are increasing your body's ability to work harder by simply adding a few pounds of muscle to your legs.

The amount of mass in your legs allows the release of anabolic hormones, and your legs muscles will provide more of this growth hormone than the smaller muscle areas of your body. The amount of muscle in your leg outweighs your arms easily, so this just makes sense. The reason you want to release these hormones is to stimulate muscle growth.

For the sake of appearance, who wants to see somebody bulky on the top and thin at the bottom? Working out your legs provides a balanced body. You want to look great all over when exercising.

If you push yourself to leg failure is considered to be one of the best way to work out your legs. This will in the long run help you build more muscle in your legs. Perform 8 to 12 reps per set, doing 2-4 sets per exercise. It's advisable to work each major muscle with 2-5 different exercises (depending on your tolerance level and workout experience). It is imperative to rest between sets. Rest 45-60 seconds between each set so that your muscles can recover. What this allows is for you to get back to lifting heavier weights again without the release of anabolic hormones from stopping.

There are a variety of exercises to help you build your leg muscles up. Once you have selected the goals for your legs (lean and strong, or muscled up for strength), you will be able to select the right exercises. If you plan on exercising your legs, then you must warm them up with either running or some other cardio for more than five minutes. By warming up your joints,this prevents injuries.

Exercises you can do include leg extensions, power cleans, squats, Romanian dead-lifts, hamstring curls, and calf rises, seated and standing. However, this list is not all-inclusive. Therefore, the amount of reps and sets should tailored to match your level.

Be sure to always consult a trainer for instruction on proper form, and exercise caution with any workout. You too, can sport legs that look amazing when you wear shorts with time and work. You will not just have a wonderful feeling, but your total performance in sports, exercise and basic activities will improve. - 17269

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The Powerful Anti-oxidant Benefits Of Grape Skin Extract

By Thomas Sinclair

One of the most delicious ways of getting the powerful antioxidant benefits of grape skin extract is to drink red wine. This delicious beverage has been found to have the most incredible health benefits. Resevratrol is the active, mega-antioxidant ingredient responsible for good health.

What first brought the attention of researchers to the health benefits of drinking red wine, was the health and longevity of many European, red wine drinking countries. We are talking about Italy, France, Greece, where red wine is a favorite. The people in these countries live substantially better lives, don't suffer as much obesity, and it does not matter how much they love food, because they eat good food. Nor do they suffer nearly as much as the same dread diseases as Americans.

It is amazing how many health benefits are contained in drinking just one glass of red wine on a daily basis. The way this wine is made is very simple, the red grapes are grown and when they are ripe, harvested. The grapes remain whole and are fermented with yeast, the skins and pips go into this brew. Grape skins are filled to the brim with plant polyphenols, of which resevratrol is the most powerful. Polyphenols are naturally produced by the grape to protect them from disease and this is what they do for us when they are consumed.

Once fermentation has taken place, the grapes are pressed and the juice is separated from the seeds and pips etc. When it has aged sufficiently in barrels, the wine is dispensed into bottles for consumption and we drink it.

Drinking red wine can stop the development of endothelin-1, a protein which leads to atherosclerosis developing in some people. In one study a reduction of this protein was seen in 68% of the people participating in a red wine study.

Even the FDA concurs that the health benefits of consuming a daily glass of red wine, far outstrip any problems. Its strength lies in the blend of resveratrol and alcohol. However, never fear, for those of you who cannot or don't want to drink red wine, grape skin extract supplements can be found. - 17269

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Pass On These Food Felons

By Johncoc Hermsin

Americans diets seriously lack healthy ingredients like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Americans struggle with obesity, heart disease and diabetes and it is no wonder. Our fast paced society values instant gratification, so we crave fast food and our bodies suffer as a result. A healthy diet is one that is balanced and has variety. Sneaking a quick snack from time to time will not wreck your health, but making life-long smart food choices will improve your overall nutrition. If your looking to lose weight or just need to start eating healthier, start by cutting these nutrition nightmares from your diet. In order to lose fat and build muscle you must stay away from these 12 foods and remove them completely from your diet.

Deep fried fats and oils: Fats and oils heated to a high temperature raise bad cholesterol levels and are linked to cancer.

White flour: Commercially processed wheat loses all of its nutrients when the vitamin and mineral-rich bran and germ is removed. What remains is a product that lacks substantive nutritional value. Food products made from refined white flour may also be linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Sugar: Besides the added calories, many people are not aware that the fructose in refined sugar also contributes to high cholesterol levels.

Canned soups: It is so easy to open a can of soup for a quick, satisfying meal, but beware: many canned soups contain high levels of sodium, fat and calories.

Donuts: A deep fried refined white flour glob rolled in sugar has no redeeming nutritional qualities. Just say no.

Energy drinks: You may get an energy boost from some popular energy drinks on the market, but you also get sky high amounts of sugar, caffeine and carbohydrates.

French fries: Extremely high in trans fat, calories, salt and the carcinogen acrylamide, French fires are also responsible for rapidly raising your insulin levels due to the simple sugars found in potatoes.

Granola Bars: Granola's reputation has taken a nose-dive in recent years due to the fact that has evolved into something that is a far cry from its original formula. Now laden with far, sugar and calories, granola bars should just be moved to the candy aisle of the supermarket.

Dried Fruit: Just eat the real thing. Most dried fruit products are coated in sugar and contain a boatload of preservatives to prevent spoilage and to preserve color.

Margarine: Once though of as a healthy alternative to butter, the trans fat in margarine is linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

Sodas: Sodas and colas are packed with tons of sugar and caffeine. Even diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners that may lead to long-term, unpleasant side effects.

Hot Dogs: There is nothing healthy about the hot dog. This summertime grill staple is loaded with preservatives, sodium and fat. Choose lean chicken or salmon for your next cookout. - 17269

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Why Gynecomastia Is Common In Teenagers Younger Then 18

By Dustin Fennell

Why gynecomastia is common in boys younger than 17: Gynecomastia is a condition that produces "man boobs" in men. The chest area stores abnormally large amounts of fat tissue, making the man appear to have breasts like a woman. This condition is common in teenage boys. In many cases, it goes away within a couple of years.

For some boys, the condition is caused from stress or trauma. It is usually different for each individual, though the majority is caused by the hormonal conditions. It is more common than we think, but not often talked about openly because of the shame. It can be a humiliating topic to discuss. And many young boys may not want to talk about it.

Boys that are overweight may have more fat tissue around the breast area. If they are chubby all over, it might appear to look natural to have excessive fat on the chest too. But as boys drop weight and the breasts still remain large, it could be a problem. Talk with a physician to find out the best treatment.

A young boy in his preteen and teenage years is already going through many difficulties. He has to worry about fitting in, figuring out who he is, and of course, girls. And developing man boobs only adds to the hardship. Kids at that age can be very cruel. Boys with man boobs can be targets for taunting.

When changing clothes in gym, most boys with this condition will often feel shy and embarrassed about changing in front of others. Often times, he will be the target of ridicule. His true friends will stick by him, but let's face it, - kids can be very mean. Having man boobs at that age when he is still trying to figure out who he is, can be traumatizing and scar a boy for life.

Sometimes, losing weight can reduce the amount of adipose tissue in the breast. But if it is not enough, surgery may be needed. But most doctors will tell you to wait it out. In majority of the cases with young boys, the condition often disappears on its own. Wait until the body is done growing. If it still remains, then talk to your doctor about the surgical options.

The hormonal changes are sometimes just part of the puberty cycle. Unimaginable changes go through a young boy's body during this time. Sometimes it is just a matter of imbalance, which will usually clear up on its own. Wait a few years and it is likely to go away. When speaking to your doctor, be sure to let him/her know of your medical history and the medications (if any) that are taken.

If your boy is going through emotional pain, have him see a counselor. Talking about it always helps. They may be able to provide the emotional support he needs. - 17269

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Diabetes Signs And Symptoms And How They Affect You

By Cathy Sheehan

Once you start to notice diabetes signs, there is not much you can do to halt the development of diabetes. Your main goal will be how to manage diabetes and learning to live with it.

Why and how diabetes affects individuals is not fully understood. However our knowledge of the disease is getting better all the time. For example, there are two main categories of diabetes that have been identified. There is Type1 diabetes, the impact of which can be quite sudden and severe. It is thought that heredity may play a large role in contracting Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may take longer to manifest in the body and may be more linked to lifestyle rather than heredity.

With both types of diabetes there have been a few patterns to emerge which are of interest to scientists. For example, it has been noticed that western cultures are more prone to diabetes than eastern countries, even where incomes and lifestyles are similar between the peoples. Trends have also shown that people with obesity issues are more likely to develop diabetes than those who are generally fit and avail themselves of a life enhancing diet from a young age. It has also been noted that people of African heritage are more likely to inherit or develop diabetes that the average in America.

Diabetes signs in the Type 1 variety can include sudden symptoms of thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and lethargy. In Type 2 diabetes the symptoms are very similar but are more gradual in their development. Indeed, symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may not be detected until the patient seeks medical intervention for other reasons.

With the proper management of diabetes, it is possible to go on to life a full and rewarding life. There are many people who are diabetics that occupy top professional positions and have full family lives. For some, diabetes can be all invasive especially if regular insulin injections are required. The patients often have to learn to administer the injections themselves but they soon accept it as a regular daily routine. Others may not have to have injections but do have to observe very stringent diets in which sugar is strictly regulated. Some people may need oral medication to help them manage their diabetes. - 17269

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Wheat Grass Juice And Its Health Boosting Properties

By Jeanne Roce

Wheat grass is a grass which belongs to the family of grasses such as barley and rye which we are familiar with. The type that is used to manufacture juice is not grown outdoors but indoors on special trays. Much of the dehydrated grass that is around sixty days old is mainly used as nutritional supplements.

Such juice when mixed with some of the sprouted wheat berries is especially rich in chlorophyll. This beneficial drink is able to neutralize many the toxins in the body as well as slowing down the process of ageing and general cleansing. It is also believed to reduce the risk of developing cancers. Many people are aware of the health benefits of these juices after watching those TV adverts for the Jack Lalanne juicer which extol the virtue of fresh juices.

A number of medical professionals have done studies to show that wheat grass can benefit a number of medical conditions. The herbal medicine is also known to have great healing power just like aloe vera. The theory can be better understood as many cats and dogs can often be seen nibbling on the grass especially when they feel sick or unwell. It is known to neutralize all the rotten food that produces toxins in our alimentary canal and the blood stream. Many of the enzymes that are found in the wheat grass have the power to detoxify most of the known toxins and additives found in our normal daily diet.

Green plants are full of chlorophyll which is known to be their life blood. Cooking can kill most of the chlorophyll and enzymes in the grass and, therefore, this is not advised. An interesting point is that many grass eating animals rarely get cancer, which could be due to them consuming chlorophyll in the fresh form. It is not the chlorophyll, however, that performs the detoxifying action, it is the enzymes within the grass that does this.

A lot of people who have purchased a juicer by Jack Lalanne understand all too well the health benefits of juicing. The nutritious properties of a fruit juice will be enhanced by the addition of wheat grass. These juices are full of many essential vitamins and minerals that can contribute very well to health.

For a long time fruit and vegetable juices have been known to have a cleansing effect on the body. Due to these cleansing properties many doctors advise drinking them when feeling unwell. Weight for weight, wheat grass contains more protein than eggs, fish and beans and more iron than spinach. This is a relatively little known but surprising fact.

All in all, wheat grass should be thought of as one of the superfoods. It is of no surprise, therefore, that more and more people are discovering the health benefits. Discover for yourself the superfood properties and start adding a little wheat grass to your daily diet. - 17269

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Reduce Flabby Arms By Increasing Your Metabolism

By Katherine Crawford M.S.

The flabby arm issue plagues many women across the world. And only if they knew how to master their metabolism

And don't get intimidated by the term metabolism. It simply refers to the amount of calories your body burns for basic functions.

An increased metabolism will have your body burning a surplus of calories 24/7. So even while you are sleeping, your metabolism will be hard at work burning off all that arm fat.

Without further ado, here are some great ways to fire up your metabolism:

1. Drink loose leaf green tea every morning. If you are still drinking bagged tea, it's time to upgrade. Loose leaf green tea is far superior in every aspect. Have a hefty serving in the morning with breakfast and experience an elevation in metabolism for hours on end.

2. Get a bare minimum of 7 hours sleep. A lack of sleep will compromise the amount of muscle you gain from working out. And muscle is the number one thing that will fire up your metabolism. A lack of sleep will also alter the way your body processes carbohydrates. Make sure you get your sleep!

3. Consume caffeine in pill form. The trick here is to take very small doses until you find the sweet spot. Now caffeine isn't for everyone. I can't stand it in pill form, although it is convenient and some of my colleagues can take it all day without any side effects.

4. Consume spicy food. You will not get a huge metabolic increase from this, but you will see an increase nonetheless. Eating spices and hot food on a regular basis will increase your metabolism. And they are full of nutrients too.

Alright, you are getting closer to becoming a flabby arm metabolic master. Make sure to take action on this information now and not tomorrow because tomorrow usually never comes. Do this and you will be well on your way to sexy arm stardom. Time to start dusting off all those sexy sleeveless tops! - 17269

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