I'm sure everyone has researched up and down about what foods to eat in order to help get rid of fat. I've never mentioned this before, but I have gone on one trial of the product Alli, that contains Orlistat in order to prevent fat absorption. After reading article after article and consulting with my Asian friends I have come to the discovery that omega 3 fatty acids are exactly what people out there say they are. I'm going to try and explain why these are actually good for you, why you should seek out more sources?, and a little bit of that unexplained science.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
What they do? They reduce the levels of the hormone Leptin.
What is Leptin?
Leptin plays a role in: energy intake, energy expenditure, appetite, and metabolism. It's a very important fat (adipose) derived hormone. This is a hormone produced by the human body (fat) when absent it leads to uncontrolled food intake.
Leptin is an indicator of your energy balance. So, you see everything is always related. After eating something that isn't healthy often leads to a drag in energy which indicates that the leptin level to control your food intake isn't increasing in order to rev-up your metabolism in order to burn all the fat you've taken in. Which is why in every place on the planet everyone will tell you the same thing about weight loss, it's just a deduction in caloric intake and how much you burn overall, 3500 calories = 1 pound, simple. Calories in Calories out (calories are an actual unit of measurement indicating energy).
How does it work?
Leptin works in the brain. It inhibits long term appetite by counteracting neuropeptide y and anandamine. Both are feeding stimulants. Did you know? Anandamine binds to the receptors of THC (found in marijuana) hence getting the munchies thereafter. Lastly, it promotes another aid in suppressing appetite(alpha MSH).
Other helpful information: Only Leptin & Insulin act as a fat signal, controlling levels of both hormones and food intake. Insulin, food for thought, especially those who have trouble with. Another thing I might mention is that the majority of the population who is obese really do have an illness or disease, however you may want to interpret excuses (this is not an excuse), it is that they have overindulged and exploited the roles of these hormones, simple as that.
Alli works by inhibiting the gastric and pancreatic lipases, when this activity is blocked triglycerides aren't absorbed as fatty acids therefore get passed on. (Check out more information about triglyceride free diets, could be why some people have gastric problems). This topic comes up because of Leptins' relationship with Amylin (both neurohormones playing a role in body weight control). Believe it or not, buy Amylin is produced by beta cells in the what...pancreas. Their results (animal model of obesity) are sustained, fat specific weight loss.
Okay, with all of that said, I encourage you to find out your preference of selecting which fatty acids to intake. I was recommended Shrimp Skin, not only for fatty acid benefits, but the amounts of vitamins it has to provide me with the fountain of youth. This recent article on Yahoo! claims that Sardines are the ultimate in fatty acids. I'm excited to learn to like these, I'll try the skin and boneless once first.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
How to Remove Stretch Marks!
For as long as I can remember I've always grown up with stretch marks. I suppose it all started when I gain a rapid amount of weight. The ones on my stomach just formed, after gaining than fluctuating with my weight loss the ones on my stomach seemed to elongate and than "shrink" marks appeared. What I mean by shrink marks are those silvery ones that you don't think look so bad. But the bad news is that it means those have now become permanent. You see when they're red that means the elastic in your skin is actively breaking and there is hope for you. Once it has done the permanent damage of your skin tearing because you grew too fast. Now when you lose the weight they shrink back and fade to silvery lines. Now I'm going to try everything I can to get rid of them because I want my dream body, but I need to know in an affordable and effective way since I do not have money for Retin-A or Surgery!
An Affordable Way to Get Rid of Stretch Marks!
It's not going to be a quick fix, please be patient unless you think you'd rather get a job and come up with the money for the expensive stuff. This will help naturally, which is what counts to me.
An Affordable Way to Get Rid of Stretch Marks!
It's not going to be a quick fix, please be patient unless you think you'd rather get a job and come up with the money for the expensive stuff. This will help naturally, which is what counts to me.
- Use Retin-A
I know, I said we couldn't afford it. That said, there are a couple of other forms. Use Vitamin A, remember to reduce your exposure to the sun after applying Vitamin A, it's more susceptible to skin damage. Retinoids and retinol are less potent and less harsh and can be found anywhere. With that in mind, they require more upkeep to keep seeing and producing results. Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA/BHA) , Glycolic, Lactic and Citrus Acids are all better options for less drying results. It's best to use these and find them in a scrub. Leave the scrub on a little longer after you have massaged your entire body or just the stretch mark zones. This will not only provide you with the active ingredients, it will also increase cell turnover, remove dead skin cells, and prepare your skin to reap the optimum benefits of each product. CQ-10 is also good and is found in a lot of firming creams.
- Take a Warm Bath
Warm water improves circulation. Don't forget to scrub those target zones! You can also do dry brushing or use a special scrubbing tool to improve circulation. The better the circulation the better chance you have at preventing future stretch marks because your skin is now more elastic. This will also help in the aid of cellulite.
- Drink Water
Not only is this essential to every diet, but it does wonders for every part of your life. For your skin it keeps it soft, hydrated and elastic. Staying properly hydrated ensures that your collagen production is at normal levels. Think of it as the world's most inexpensive 'internal' moisturizer. Reach for water before energy drinks it will keep you awake I promise. Also, the more you drink the more you'll have the since of urgency to pee. Also room temperature or warm water with lemon juice or a slice of lemon in the morning will jump start your metabolism for the day. I'm not sure how controversial the whole 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water a day is. In my opinion if you're aiming to cut out soda (which you really should) and any other "unhealthy" flavored beverages than you should drink your glasses of water. Of course if you should mix in other items like, coconut water or tea than those should account as part of your daily H20 intake. Of course, please abide by your body and own dietary needs.
- Have Coffee!
Coffee grounds contain caffeine obviously, but it refreshes the skin and temporarily reduces the appearance of stretch marks. Use 3 cups of freshly ground coffee mixed with 3 tablespoons of olive oil until a smooth mixture formed. Apply in circular motions to your stretch marks for several minutes. Wrap with a towel for 10-15 minutes than rinse. If you can try to rinse with cold water as it will tighten your skin temporarily, you can use this technique all over your body. When you apply cold water on your face it reduces the appearance of pore size (forget Pore Perfectors). Did you know? Fat Girl Slim also has caffeine and another ingredient CQ 10 (look at all the savings!)
- Vitamin E
Rub Vitamin E vigorously for 5 minutes or until effectively absorbed to the skin. Buy Vitamin E (liquid) capsules in bulk and pierce the ends with a needle to use the contents (about 4-5 capsules per application). Or you can just purchase Vitamin E at a natural foods/cosmetic store (The Body Shop). Did you know? Vitamin E contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which helps reduce those pesky stretch marks by removing dead skin cells and allowing room for new healthier skin without stretch marks to grow. Please allow several months to start to see results and watch them disappear.
- You know this one...Exercise!
For serious. Stretch marks look worse on flabby skin than on toned, firm tanned skin (self-tanned). Just think of it this way only 2 1/2 hours of moderate aerobic activity a week! And only 1 hour and 15 minutes a week! Try picking low impact workouts such as pilates, yoga, ballet, and try walking (it's the best form). Try doing fun short toning workouts everyday. Use Google to find quick workouts. It's more effective and motivating to break down your workouts to 3- 10 minute sessions (for maintenance) or 4- 10 minute sessions (for weight loss)...This is proven to be the most effective. About self-tanning, I'm all about Mother Earth providing you with everything you'll ever need, but if your not using sunscreen while tanning than this may pose a serious sun damaging skin problem. Besides using self-tanner is quick and effective, but I'm sure there is a way to contour your body and camouflage those stretch marks to have you looking great in minutes!
Last, but not Least. If your really serious about your appearance consult a dermatologist to see what new or existing prescriptions there are for a more effective way to get rid of stretch marks. Or consult a plastic surgeon as there are laser and surgery to complete your journey to your own happiness.
Need another Lifestyle change!
You know every time that I lost large amounts of weight it was because of a lifestyle change and not in the diet portion. From growing up and moving out, leaving the country, moving to another state other than my home state, the ending of a relationship, and the beginning of a new one. I've gone from my average 180 lbs. @ 5'4" to my heaviest 214 lbs. then currently at 140 lbs. My goal is to start toning up for the summer, lose about 25-35 pound while creating a better person. Today I started writing down my short term goals and long term goals. You know when books and all sorts of advice tell you to write down your goals because it's a healthy, effective aid. Not until this moment I believe so. I looked back through all my hardships and realized that I actually do this exercise and didn't even know it. I'm sure I've pulled out several notebooks with different tid-bits and all this time I never thought that exercise was worth while or that I wouldn't be perfect at it. That 'Flickr" stereotypical, I carry around my Moleskine and write my feelings kind of perfect. Back on subject, writing down short-term goals and long terms goals really does help even if you're going to throw away that piece of paper. It may be the law of attraction, but no one ever knows.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Mmmm...Breakfast!
I love this breakfast! It's so sweet and tasty. Brown rice is one of your whole grains. Almonds are a great source of protein. Vanilla Extract is far better than an artificial sweetener. A 1/4 cup of raisins equals one serving of fruit. You can use fresh blueberries also. Maple syrup is a great source of Zinc and Manganese. Zinc is great for reproductive health for men(helps the prostate tissue), immune system, and keeping your heart healthy by maintaining HDL (good cholesterol). Manganese is also good for men's reproductive health (maintains cholesterol/fatty acids and the production of sex hormones), protects against free radicals, lessens inflammation, which in turn aids in protecting the immune system. Enjoy the benefits!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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