By: WeightLossAnswers.org, Wed Apr 25th, 2007

Hoodia is a type of plant that has long been regarded as an appetite suppressant. The plant originates in Africa, where many companies seek to take the plant and sell it on the dieting pill market. The effects it has on appetite make it extremely valuable to those who wish to lose weight, but have a frustrating appetite.

The ingredient in the plant has been isolated, and named P57. Harvesting the plant requires a license, since there is a huge demand. Attempts to synthesize the P57 ingredient led by United Kingdom researchers have failed, leading to the inflation of the costs, since the plants are in limited supply. Some companies have been charged with getting around this by reducing the P57 levels to a level that is ineffective, yet still claims that they have the Hoodia ingredient in the pills. For this reason, it is a good idea to investigate the company you are buying from before committing to an agreement of sale.

No clear study on humans has proven that the P57 actually works. Tests on rats show that the ingredient was broken down by the liver fairly easy- making large doses needed, which can be both expensive and potentially dangerous. However, many claim that the appetite suppressing qualities do indeed exist, although these claims might be a result of a placebo effect. Another study of 7 people showed that it did indeed have a positive effect of suppressing appetites, but the general consensus of the medical community shows that the drug is for the most part undocumented.

Much spam or marketing may fill your email inboxes encouraging you to buy hoodia products and you may see many internet ads or commercials about it. Many claim that the drug does in fact suppress ones appetite. The only Real test is to try it for yourself. The lack of studies has let diet pill companies run wild with their marketing.

In the end, trying the drug might be a good idea if you have a problem suppressing your appetite. It has shown success in small studies, and in user testimonials. It has received a lot of attention by media, so some type of effect is at least expected in the aid of dieting and weight loss. If you are indeed looking to try the pill, make sure you avoid any scams. Some companies will claim the Hoodia plant is the active ingredient, but will actually not have a substantial amount. You should talk to your doctor first, before deciding to try it.

Visit Weight Loss Tips for more weight loss information.

By: Lev Tsimbler, Sat May 26th, 2007

Atkins Diet is the most marketed and well-known of the low-carbohydrate diets. It was adapted by Dr. Robert Atkins in the 1960s and reached its peak thirty years later. This article will not only cover the pros and cons of this nutritional approach, but will also try to give a wider view.

Advantages of this nutritional plan are rather obvious. It achieves the main goal, which is of course loosing fat. Different randomized, controlled studies (for example: Dr. Vilhjalmur Stefansson using Eskimos nutrition plan or “Low-Carbohydrate-Diet Score and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Women” by L. Halton, C. Willett and others) support this. Moreover there are other positive factors. Research study carried out by the Weight and Eating Disorders Program at the University of Pennsylvania (May 2003) showed that Atkins diet raised levels of HDL (or “good”) cholesterol by an average of 11% and reduced the amount of triglycerides in the bloodstream by 17%.

There are two main downsides:

An analysis conducted by Forbes magazine found that the Atkins Nutritional Approach is one of the five most expensive diet plans of the ten plans Forbes analyzed.
This diet trend has stirred major controversies in the medical and nutritional sciences communities and, as yet, there is not a general consensus on their efficacy or safety.
Although the majority of the medical community remains generally opposed to these diets (low-carbohydrate diets) for long term health. The reason is rather simple. When human body doesn’t receive enough carbohydrates, it starts to look for other energy sources (gluconeogenesis). The problem is the process of energy extraction from proteins leaves “leftovers” (free radicals) in the cardio vascular system. Thus increasing the chances of heart related problems (like: hear attack). Personally, I would recommend healthy eating guidelines, which are based on years of nutritional research. In general lines: half of our daily calorie intake should ideally be coming from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates contain essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and fiber – all of which may help prevent heart disease and some cancers.
They say people are afraid of the unknown. This is exactly the case. Results of Atkins nutritional approach are unknown. It’s funny, one’s health is one of the most precious things, and yet people are ready to take their chances. Before applying any nutritional plan, consider the risks and whether you’re ready to take them.

Lev Tsimbler,
http://heder.cosher.googlepages.com/

By: Deepak jain, Tue Jul 3rd, 2007

You are overweight for the most simple of reasons — because you’re eating the wrong foods, the wrong types of calories per meal, and you’re also eating meals in the wrong patterns each day. Think closely about what we’re about to tell you, since it’s going to change the way you think about dieting… FOOD is more powerful than any prescription weight loss pills, because the FOOD that you eat can either make you THIN or FAT. You don’t get fat because of a lack of exercising, that’s a myth. You get fat because you don’t eat the right foods at the right intervals each day. Also, the pattern that you choose to eat your meals each day is more powerful than any prescription weight loss pills. This is true because your body is like an “engine” and it only needs certain foods at certain intervals each day, and if you don’t eat the right foods at the right times then it won’t burn those calories — and you’ll wind up storing those calories as fat tissue. (Hint: You need to eat more than 3 times per day to lose weight, but we’ll show you the details later). You have gotten overweight by eating the wrong foods, that much is a fact. And guess what? You can get SLIM by eating the RIGHT FOODS at the RIGHT INTERVALS each day. It’s not really any more complicated than that, and the way to start losing weight has nothing to do with starving yourself or jogging. The reason you cannot lose weight by starving yourself (using a low calorie diet) is because your metabolism will detect any major drop in calories and it will then ADJUST ITSELF by burning fewer calories each day. For example: If you begin eating 2,500 calories per day then your metabolism will adjust itself so that your body begins burning 2,500 calories per day. If you try to starve yourself by suddenly eating 1,000 calories per day then your metabolism will again ADJUST ITSELF so that your body begins to burn only 1,000 calories per day. That’s why you have failed in your past dieting attempts, that’s why you always seem to fail when you try and starve yourself. Now you know the reason why you can eat 1,000 calories per day and not lose any weight while your friends can eat 2,500 calories per day and not gain any weight. Also, virtually every person in today’s society is buying mostly “low fat” or “non fat” food at the grocery store, everybody is conscious of the “fat grams” inside the food they buy. However, people are getting fatter than ever by doing this and people are not losing weight by switching to the “low fat lifestyle”. Those ridiculous “low carb” diets have certainly become popular in recent years, but of course those are just thinly disguised starvation diets. If you don’t think so then check out these facts below about Atkins…. The Atkins Diet limits your carb intake to ONLY 20 grams of “net carbs” per day during the first phase of the diet……which means that you cannot even eat a single large apple during the first phase of the Atkins Diet (since even a large apple has more than 20 grams of net carbs). Dear friend if you want to lose weight in inches please visit: http://www.clickaudit.com/goto/?62807

By: B Johannessen, Tue Aug 7th, 2007

Low fat, no fat, low carb, no carb, gi – WOW! Where to start! I have found this simple 28 day diet detox program that lasts and WORKS! Simple Guide to Simple Weight Loss! This program takes you through 4 phases, which are designed to REPROGRAM the body and metabolism so that your body is turned into the ultimate FAT BURNING machine! Your digestive system gets a ‘flush out’ which in turn evacuates the fatty deposits in the gut, your metabolism gets a ‘wake up call’ which results in it working to its FULL potential, and your body learns to eat HEALTHY again, without dieting and eliminating the yummy foods we enjoy, PLUS you get a realistic work out which can be done with minimal effort and a small amount of time, which will inturn tone and slim your body. Watch the kilos drop week by week, while the inches melt off your upper arms, thighs, tummy and butt! GYM trainers and coaches recommend medium weights -say 5kg hand weights or on a bar, high repetitions (eg. 12 – 15) x 3 sets at least twice a week. Its a well known FACT that doing weights increases toning and trims down the fat. A ‘pump’ class for instance, 3 times a week will have dramatic results within 6 weeks! TRY IT! ANOTHER well known FACT is that one 45 minute weight session will BURN CALORIES ALL DAY. THATS RIGHT!!! ALL DAY!! While Cardio sessions will only burn for 1 hour after you stop. So, in summary………..the best weight loss and fitness regime is the 28 day Simple Guide To Simple Weightloss at www.healthyfitfinancial.com combined with the exercise and maintenance guide the program contains! ALL inclusive for a value introductory price…………………… Check out www.healthyfitfinancial.com AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2007

By: Jessica Hunt, Thu Aug 9th, 2007

Every year, people spend over $50 billion on weight loss products designed to help them lose weight. Most of them do not seem to work very well. Then along came hoodia gordonii. Hoodia is a natural substance that significantly reduces your appetite. The obvious result is that if you have less of an appetite you will eat less which leads to weight loss. A simple yet powerful concept that seems to be working for millions of people around the world.
	Hoodia is very different from diet drug stimulants such as ephedra and phenfen both of which have recently been banned because of their dangerous side effects. Hoodia Gordonii is not a stimulate at all. Experts have found that it fools the brain which makes you think you are full, regardless of how much (or how little) you have had to eat. Hoodia has been included in the diet of South Africa’s Sans Bushmen for many centuries.
When choosing a Hoodia product you should know that there are multiple varieties of the hoodia plant, but only the gordonii species provides the appetite suppressing quality. The active ingredient found in hoodia gordonii which causes the appetite suppressing effects is called P57. The most important point for consumers is to make sure you are buying a product that contains genuine South African Hoodia Gordonii.
	Consumers should also be made aware of the fact that hoodia not only reduces your appettite but also reduces your thirst. Therefore it is important to drink plenty of water to maintain your bodies hydration. No other harmful side effects have been associated with taking hoodia diet supplements. The relative safety of taking hoodia can be evidenced by the lack of adverse effects on South Africa’s Bushmen. It has been in their food chain for centuries to supress their hunger on long hunting trips.
Hoodia has a broad appeal for several reasons. The most important reason so many people choose hoodia is that it works. Another appealing factor is that hoodia is a natural rather than synthetic chemical. Hoodia Gordonii is most often referred to incorrectly as a cactus but more accurately hoodia is a cactus like succulant. The fact that hoodia is technically not a cactus is not a significant point but is worth mentioning.
Even though hoodia is quite effective it should not be seen as a complete cure all for weight loss. A healthy lifestyle including proper diet and exercise play a vital role in long term weight management success. However hoodia can make eating less much easier for almost anyone. As with any supplements check with your doctor for any particlar health concerns you may have.
For More information about Hoodia Gordonii, to learn more about how it works, the active ingredients in hoodia gordonii diet supplements, certifications for authentic hoodia gordonii, to read real customer testimonials, hoodia news, Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), to order hoodia online, to contact us please visit www.GetMyHoodia.com

By: Marna Goldstein and Kim Hiatt, Ph.D., Thu Aug 30th, 2007

Do you find yourself stuck when trying to lose weight? Or worse, do you feel helpless as you gain weight? Are you doing all the right things for short periods, but cannot seem to stick to these things for longer periods? Do you feel like you keep trying to change your behaviors but nothing has lasting results?

If you can identify with these feelings you are probably wondering what you can do to make things better. One of the most important first steps you can take is to examine what you are currently doing that may be adding to your weight struggles. In our experience, there are certain behaviors that separate individuals who struggle with weight from those individuals who do not. There is much that can be learned from individuals who do not struggle with weight (the naturally thin). In the remainder of this article, we will discuss four of the secrets of the naturally thin.

Naturally thin individuals never diet

Diets do not work. Current research shows that for the majority of individuals, diets cause weight gain, not weight loss. In one study, only 1 percent of individuals who lost weight on a diet had kept it off after ten years. Those are not good odds. Perhaps even more troubling is that dieting can harm you by causing binge eating, emotional eating, increased appeal of restricted foods, and other eating disorders.

Diets do not work because they cause us to stop listening our bodies. In working with adults for the last nine years, Marna has heard many individual stories of weight struggle. While the stories differ greatly, one common element is that the weight struggle began when the person started dieting and/or counting calories. Following any type of restrictive eating program can cause us to stop listening to our body cues of when and how much to eat. Once an individual begins to override the hunger and satiety cues the body provides, it can be difficult to maintain their preferred weight.

Naturally thin people eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full

Yes, it is true and it is that simple. We know it is hard for people who struggle with weight to understand this completely, but we have found that the one major difference is that the naturally thin eat only when they are hungry and only up until the point of satisfaction.

Our bodies tell us when to eat by making us feel hungry, then tell us when to stop by making us feel full. These are known as hunger and satiety cues, and they are there because they are important to our survival. Obviously, we must eat in order to live, but less obvious is that we must also stop eating when we are full (satiated).

The first step in beginning to eat like a naturally thin person is to become aware of when you are hungry as well as to become aware of the effect that food is having on your body when you are eating. And, perhaps most importantly, we must listen to our bodies when they tell us they are full.

Naturally thin people eat whatever they want whenever they want

Many teens try to lose weight by cutting out certain types of foods or drinks from their diet, such as burgers, french fries, and sodas. Although this seems like a good idea, food bans and food rules can trigger harmful behaviors such as binge eating, emotional eating, and an increased appeal for restricted foods.

Enforcing food rules for yourself, such as: I do not eat anything with more than 5 grams of fat per serving, I have only a salad each day for lunch, and I never drink regular soda, can actually set you up to gain more weight than if you did not impose these rules on yourself. Naturally thin people eat whatever they want. The difference between naturally thin people and the rest of us is that they effortlessly and naturally eat whatever they want when they are hungry and stop when they are full. They do not restrict their diets in any way. They eat dessert whenever they feel like it. If they like soda and they feel like one, they have one. If they like French fries, they have French fries.

Some researchers think that enforcing food rules for ourselves causes us to override our bodily cues that tell us when and how much to eat. When we stop listening to our bodies, it becomes hard to balance our calorie intake and energy expenditure over time. Infants and young children are usually very good at balancing their calorie with their energy expenditure by eating when they are hungry and stopping when they are full. You do not need to beat yourself up for eating certain foods. Thin people do not do this and this is one of the reasons they stay thin effortlessly.

Naturally thin do not use food to cope with emotions

The forth secret we would like to share with you is that naturally thin people eat only to fuel their bodies and not for emotional or other external reasons. When we ask naturally thin people why they eat, they often get confused. They do not understand why anyone would eat except for when they are hungry. It makes little sense to them why they would eat for an emotional reason, such as, boredom, fear, loneliness, or procrastination. When we learned this about naturally thin people, we were surprised to learn that there is really only one reason to eat. Like others struggling with weight, we were eating for hundreds of other reasons, and even for reasons like food is expensive and should not be wasted, and that there are starving people who do not get an opportunity to eat meals like this so I better eat it all. If you are eating for emotional reasons, it will be imperative for you to examine these reasons in order to find a permanent solution to your weight struggle. Just like the naturally thin, you will need to find other ways, besides eating, to cope with your emotions.

If you recognized some of your behaviors in this story and would like more details about these secrets, go to our website at http://www.thinfromwithinkids.com or give us a call at  +16192922267 to find out more information about our program. For a limited time, sign up for Kim and Marna’s complimentary 6-Week E-Course so you can begin living like your thin friends. Go to our website to sign up now.

Marna Goldstein and Kim Hiatt regularly speak about issues relating to childhood and teen overweight and secrets thin families know about weight control. Both women have successfully overcome their own weight-loss difficulties.

By: Barbara Miller, Mon Sep 17th, 2007

Hoodia gordonii (pronounced HOO-dee-ah) is also called hoodia, xhooba, !khoba, Ghaap, hoodia cactus, and South African desert cactus. Hoodia is a cactus that’s causing a stir for its ability to suppress appetite and promote weight loss. 60 Minutes, ABC, and the BBC have all done stories on hoodia. Hoodia is sold in capsule, liquid, or tea form in health food stores and on the Internet. Hoodia gordonii can be found in the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. Hoodia grows in clumps of green upright stems and is actually a succulent, not a cactus. It takes about 5 years before hoodia’s pale purple flowers appear and the cactus can be harvested. Although there are 20 types of hoodia, only the hoodia gordonii variety is believed to contain the natural appetite suppressant. Although hoodia was “discovered” relatively recently, the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert have been eating it for a very long time. The Bushmen, who live off the land, would cut off part of the hoodia stem and eat it to ward off hunger and thirst during nomadic hunting trips. They also used hoodia for severe abdominal cramps, haemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes. In 1937, a Dutch anthropologist studying the San Bushmen noted that they used hoodia to suppress appetite. But it wasn’t until 1963 when scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa’s national laboratory, began studying hoodia. Initial results were promising — lab animals lost weight after taking hoodia. The South African scientists, working with a British company named Phytopharm, isolated the active ingredient in hoodia, a steroidal glycoside, which they named p57. After getting a patent in 1995, they licensed p57 to Phytopharm. Phytopharm has spent more than $20 million on hoodia research. Eventually pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (makers of Viagra) caught wind of hoodia and became interested in developing a hoodia drug. In 1998, Phytopharm sub-licensed the rights to develop p57 to Pfizer for $21 million. Pfizer recently returned the rights to hoodia to Phytopharm, who is now working with Unilever. What you need to know about hoodia? Hoodia appears to suppress appetite! Much of the buzz about hoodia started after 60 minutes correspondent Leslie Stahl and crew traveled to Africa to try hoodia. They hired a local Bushman to go with them into the desert and track down some hoodia. Stahl ate it, describing it as “cucumbery in texture, but not bad.” She lost the desire to eat or drink the entire day. She also didn’t experience any immediate side effects, such as indigestion or heart palpitations. Stahl concluded, “I’d have to say it did work.” In animal studies, hoodia is believed to reduce caloric intake by 30 to 50 percent. There is one human study showing a reduced intake of about 1000 calories per day. However, I haven’t been able to find either study to actually read for myself and am going on secondhand reports. For more information on Hoodia please visit http://www.hoodiaformula.com

By: Anne-Marie RONSEN, Wed Sep 19th, 2007

You was downright obsessed with your weight for a long time. And like most dieters, you tried everything – low calorie, starvation, the liquid fasts, ephedra, Atkins, South Beach…you name it, you’ve probably tried it. Every body knows that those extra pounds spell illness. 10% of your daily caloric intake is used to process foods in your body. It is more about staying fit and remaining healthy to ensure a long, disease free life. Don’t confuse WEIGHT loss with FAT loss! You just have to choose the right foods, make exercise a part of your lifestyle and to have a positive attitude. And keep in mind that ALL you eating should be a pleasure. Tips and recommendations for an easy and successful weight loss method that is largely ignored by the vast majority of people… – Set a goal. Figure out how fast you can do it, then create a plan to increase your vitality. Incorporating exercise and good nutrition into your daily routine. – Don’t make too many changes at once. Start with small changes. Check your weight before you start your diet and keep checking for changes but do not expect a radical change immediately, it might be one or two weeks before you notice some change. However it is crucial that you continue to monitor your weight. – Start your day with a glass of water. Water is not just way to flush out toxin but if you have more water in your body you will generally feel healthier and and fitter. The best thing about water is that is has no calories at all. – Include in your diet things that contain more water like tomatoes and watermelons. These things contain 90 to 95 % water so that there is nothing that you have to lose by feasting on them. – Learn about the nutrients contained in the foods you eat. Provide the body with all the essential nutrients for a long and healthful life. – Eat small portions, about 5 or 6 times each day… Don’t skip breakfast and Don’t eat anything for at least an hour before going to bed. This helps keep your metabolic rate high, and helps you lose weight naturally. – Avoid wasting calories on alcoholic beverages. The average alcoholic drink contains 150-200 calories per glass. – Lose or gain weight because you want to and not to please others. – Don’t expect immediate results… Your results will come in direct proportion to the amount of effort you put in. – Avoid refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and white sugar. Each time you consume something sweet understand that it is going to add on somewhere. – Go easy on salt, as too much salt is one of the causes of obesity. Make it a point to really cut down on salt. – Choose fruits, vegetables or whole-grain products. When you eat fruit, you are taking in a lot of fiber, which is needed by the body, and fruits of course are an excellent source of vitamins. So try to include in your diet as many fruits and vegetables as you can. – Challenge yourself to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Try to eat your vegetables raw. When you cook them, you are in fact taking away nearly half the vitamins in them. – Exercise is the best way to keep obesity, hypertension and all those lifestyle-related disorders under control. Exercise and positive attitude are the only things you need to lose fat permanently… In order to stay fit you need exercise and in order to exercise you need to be fit. – Try and follow an exercise routine that is suitable for you. And try to get somebody to exercise along with you. One of the advantages of getting a committed person t exercise with you is that it keeps you going. – You must to learn: WHAT to eat, WHEN to eat it, HOW to manipulate your calories so that you’re constantly losing weight. – Celebrate each small success and keep in mind every small step in the right direction is bringing you closer mand closer to your main target. The rule to be followed is slow and steady wins the race. Below I have included a table of the various exercises and the number of calories that can be burnt with each exercise. Choose what you can do best and try to do whatever you wish to do for at least twenty minutes. · Aerobics ==> 200-250 calories · Bicycling, Stationary ==> 250-300 calories · Bicycling, Actual ==> 300-400 calories · Running, 5-6 mph ==> 300-350 calories · Stair climber ==> 200-250 calories · Swimming laps ==> 350 calories · Walking briskly ==> 150-180 calories Eat intelligently. The difference between man and beast is that we are driven by intelligence while beasts are driven by instinct. Don’t just eat something because you feel like eating it. Don’t think diet, just eat and lose weight! And Think Like a Winner! **************************************** The article offered here is submitted as information only and not to be used for the treatment of injury or disease. If you have an injury or think you may have a disease of any type see your healthcare professional immediately.