A very low-calorie diet (VLCD) is a doctor-supervised diet that typically uses commercially prepared formulas to promote rapid weight loss in patients who are obese.? Very low-calorie diets are designed to produce rapid weight loss at the start of a weight-loss program in patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. ? BMI correlates significantly with total body fat content.????

It is calculated by dividing a person weight in pounds by height in inches squared and multiplied by 703.???

Use of VLCD in patients with a BMI of 27 to 30 should be reserved for those who have medical conditions due to overweight, such as high blood pressure.? In fact, all candidates for VLCD undergo a thorough examination by their doctor to make sure the diet will not worsen preexisting medical conditions.? Lastly, these diets are not appropriate for children or adolescents, except in specialized treatment programs.

The formulas which are prepared are usually liquid shakes or bars and replaces all foods intake? for several weeks or months.? Very low-calorie diets formulas need to contain appropriate levels of vitamins and micro nutrients to ensure that patients meet their nutritional requirements.? Some doctors also prescribe VLCD made up almost entirely of lean protein foods, such as fish and chicken. People on a VLCD consume about 800 calories per day or less.?

VLCD formulas are not the same as the meal replacement which you can find at grocery stores or pharmacies, which are meant as substitute for one or two meals a day.? Very low-calorie diets may produce significant short-term weight loss in patients who are moderately or extremely obese when used under proper medical supervision.?

VLCD should be part of comprehensive weight-loss treatment programs that include behavioral therapy, nutrition counseling, physical activity, and/or drug treatment.

A very low-calorie diet may allow a patient who is moderately to extremely obese to lose about 3 to 5 pounds per week.? Such a weight loss can help to improve obesity-related medical conditions.? The rapid weight loss experience by most people on VLCD can be very motivating to them to succeed in losing weight.? Some patients report minor side effects as constipation, fatigue, nausea or diarrhea but conditions usually improve within a few weeks and rarely prevents the patients from continuing with their diet.

Studies show that the long term results of very low-calorie diets vary but regaining weight is common.? For most people who are obese their condition is long-term and requires a lifetime commitment and doctors should encourage their patients who are obese to commit to permanent changes of healthier eating, regular physical activity and an improved outlook about food.

Do you suffer from any of these health ailments…

Acid Reflux Disease (GERD) or Heartburn
Indigestion - Stomach Ache
Irregularity - Constipation - Hard Stools - Hemorrhoids
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Crohn’s Disease
Abdominal Pain - Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs)
Spastic Colon - Colitis - Ileitis
Excess Gas - Flatulence
Bad Breath - Bad Body Odor
Belching - Bloating
Enlarged Abdomen - Protruding Belly
Excess Stored Fat - Excess Weight - Obesity
Skin Conditions - Itchy, flaky skin or scalp
Inflamed Skin - Dermatitis - Eczema - Psoriasis
Allergies and Hay Fever - Food Allergies
Fibromyalgia - Sciatica
Joint Pain - Arthritis - Migraine Headaches
Insomnia - Restless sleep
Low Energy - Loss of Mental Clarity - Forgetfulness

If so One of the necessary measures for maintaining a clean and healthy internal environment is conducting a colon cleanse.
The colon is one continuous hollow tube that is approximately 5 feet long and 2-3 inches in diameter. The colon plays an important role in eliminating the waste and toxic material from the body and absorbs the water and sodium to maintain the electrolyte balance. As one of a vital organ of elimination, the colon is where many nutrients from the foods we digest are broken down and then assimilated into the bloodstream for conversion into the muscle, tissue and fuel.
When debris, putrefaction, impacted fecal matter, and intestinal invaders are allowed to reside in the intestines, many health problems begin to arise. Toxins build up over time and the excess fecal matter may put pressure on internal organs. This pressure can slow the natural muscle movement of the colon, leading to constipation and the accumulation of toxic waste in the bowels.
These problems can eventually lead to more serious health issues like irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diarrhea, weight problems,vision problems, hemorrhoids, joint pains, loss of memory and sinusitis.
It is estimated that over 50 million Americans have problems with their digestive tract, making it a very common problem.
A good colon cleanse schedule will help you maintain a healthy weight, but more importantly maintain healthy lifestyle. You should have a regular colon exam with your doctor and use a natural colon cleanser regularly, to help maintain a longer, healthier and more productive life. The longer your body is exposed to putrefying food in your intestines, the greater the risk of developing disease.
Let’s face it…colon cleansing is not the most exciting or glamorous activity in the world. However, no one can argue the wonderful benefits that cleansing your colon has on your overall health.

Once we get past the stigma of talking about and dealing with the colon…we soon realize that it is indeed our doorway to improved health, digestion, weight control and increased energy levels - among other things.

For a trial of a brand new, proven and revolutionary colon cleansing product, visit..http://www.online-diet-drugs.com

When you stand at the magazine rack of any bookstore or even the checkout counter at a grocery store it is almost overwhelming the number of choices you have for this diet, or that fitness program, or the next miracle cure to losing weight.



It is unbelievable actually. Headlines jump out at you! You see:



o &nbspShrink your belly!

o &nbspThe 7 Day Slim Down Plan

o &nbspFail Proof Your Diet

o &nbspSimple, Quick Fixes

o &nbspand so many, many more.



You can feel the failure already, can’t you?



Each of these come-ons are designed for one thing and one thing only - to get you to buy that magazine, right?



No one can deny that if you put more calories in then you burn throughout the day, you are going to get fat. That is just the way our bodies were made, and only a few, unique individuals on the planet never have to give their intake versus output a second thought.



However, what the majority of us need, badly, are options. Not every diet is perfect for every individual. And, if you pay attention closely to those ads on television, that little tiny print says, “in combination with diet and exercise” while they are harping on about that latest and greatest miracle pill.



But, what if weight loss wasn’t an impossible dream? What if instead of one set of plans, you could choose from, say, 100 different tips, tricks, methods, and resources to get that weight off - to really lose weight and keep it off… forever.



Yes, believe it or not, you can:



o &nbspGet your dream body

o &nbspDiscover foods that will not fail you

o &nbspMelt away your ugly, unhealthy body fat, and

o &nbspLive a healthier lifestyle.



Jumping from diet plan to diet plan is never a real “plan.” Nor should you avoid taking responsibility for yourself by taking the drastic route of chancy surgery (even those on the show The Biggest Loser admit that was a “huge mistake” - no pun intended).



People need, no must have, variety! You must have the resources at your disposal to pick and choose on any given day methods, tips, and tricks that will ensure continued weight loss to reach your optimum goal.



With weight loss you must also be willing to except the fact that you are just going to have to bite the bullet and choose to live a healthier lifestyle. Lots of people say their goal is to lose weight - 10, 50, 100 pounds - but few people have enough variety at their fingertips to be successful.



Wouldn’t you increase your chances for successful weight loss if you could find those foods - or combinations of foods - that are “friendly” for your personal lifestyle - for your unique body? Of course you would!



The true “skinny” on becoming skinny is having tools on hand that are easy to follow, easy to stick to or you will never succeed.



Next time you are at the checkout stand, realize that these magazines are published weekly and monthly. And each week or month, there’s that new “diet temptation” that - be honest - isn’t going to work… not for you.



Once again, your best bet is a wealth of resources, a wealth of options - all designed with one thing in mind… to help you lose weight and keep it off… permanently!



===================================

Every athlete that has ever looked in the mirror and flexed their bicep can identify with the alpha type personality that lives within each of us. We want to be better, stronger, and faster than anyone else. For those that look at working out not just as a hobby but more as a way of life then here is a workout specifically designed for you.

First of all, just because you “think” you have an Alpha type mentality, don’t jump into the workout listed below unless you have some serious training and conditioning of 1-3 years under your belt. Jumping into the exercises that follow without being in pretty good shape may see you lying in a hospital sucking on an oxygen mask with needed high strength pain killers? certainly not the main goal of any alpha type workout fanatic.

Okay, so you’re in pretty good shape and you’ve decided to proceed. Well, turn on your heart rate monitor and lace up your cross trainers because that’s the minimum equipment you’ll need to complete this high intensity workout.

Warm-up

Begin by warming up with a light dynamic stretch and fast walk to jog for about 4 to 5 minutes. Get the blood flowing to your extremities and warm-up those tight muscles.

Calisthenics

Next, ramp up your heart rate by doing some simple 15-four count windmills, hi jack-hi Jill’s, press-press flings to warm up shoulder girdle and jumping jacks for five minutes with no rest. As soon as you have completed these movements, get started on eight count bodybuilders. Again, with no rest, standup and began performing a set of 50 body weight lunge squat combos. As soon as you have completed the squats, knock a set of 25 push-ups. Repeat 2-3 times.

Stairs

Running stairs is the next exercise and if your thighs are beginning to burn because of the squats, it should be no limitation for you. You want to aim for a set of stairs that has about 30 steps to get the maximum effect. Running 2 stairs at a time up the steps at a medium to fast pace and once you reach the top, do a light jog down single steps to the bottom. Repeat this exercise for a total of three to 5 sets.

Sprints

Getting tired yet? Nah, alpha types don’t get tired, they just get pissed off. Good. Pissed off is fine, you can use that energy for the sprints you are about to do. Your body should be more than warmed up at this point so get ready to complete a high intensity interval sprints 5-10 reps. Sprint at your highest level of intensity for 20-30 seconds and do a light jog back to the starting point between each set. Once you have completed five-ten full sprints, begin jogging at a medium pace for about five minutes to allow your heart rate and breathing pattern to normalize.

Core

Get into a plank position and hold it for about two minutes. While most people would be shaking uncontrollably after about a minute, the body will adapt as you become stronger and allow several more advanced variations like the alternating foot raise technique. Repeat this exercise two more times aiming for 90 seconds and then 60 seconds for the last two sets. Add a set of alternating bicycles and super vee’s and this intense core workout will help you complete your exercise routine.

As stated previously, this workout is not for the beginner. If you had difficulty completing the exercises as described, simply aim for improvement the next time around. There is no question that if you can get through this routine without stopping for long rest durations beyond the suggested, then you truly are an Alpha type workout fanatic and your efforts will be rewarded with a lean ripped physique that will be the envy of everyone else who simply isn’t in your league.

Weight Loss Tips

If you have been looking for some powerful weight loss tips then, you have come to the right place. This article will give some important weight loss ideas that you can use to achieve your desired goal.Weight loss tips are much sought after by folks eager to lose some weight in the shortest time possible. You could be a bride preparing for your wedding and needed to slim down to fit into your gown nicely, or in your mid-40s and want to lose that beer belly etc.

But it’s important for you to realize that weight loss methods is somewhat expensive in some cases.For some people who are so overweight that their condition could be life-threatening, then the drastic measure to take is surgery. Surgery is the only way of starving or removing some of this body fat, which is a case of eating yourself to death.There are different Forms of surgery. Surgery is administered depending on the individuals case.It is the quickest and costliest method of loosing weight when administered on an individual.However, surgery is used as last measure when all the other weight loss methods has been used without any success.

Dieting is another method of loosing weight, that has really worked for many. It only takes determination and consistency to reach there. Dieting as adviced by a dietician or a trainer will always help you to loose that darn fat you’ve always wanted to burn. If only you will follow the advice as given you, you make sure you don’t eat at random and you eat when you are suppose to eat. Proper dieting plan will help you to curtail the psychological zeal for hunger.It is important to realize that it’s not basically what you eat that makes you fat but how you eat them, is what causes that unwanted fat in you.Hence, the need for a proper dieting.

Exercise:This is another important method of loosing body fat. Exercising the body helps to keep it in proper shape and condition. It also helps in burning fat in the body. When we exercise, our body is put to work and this work create heat in our body system,this heat in turn helps in burning fat. Constant exercising has always result to success in loosing weight and also for keeping our body in good shape. It is also advisable to follow instructions of a professional trainer in order to attain an optimum result with exercise. Because exercising yourself might result to an unsuccessful activity. You will not know what exercise or exercises works and how to program yourself for that, except you are a professional trainer.

Finally, loosing weight requires a lot of determination and persistent from you.Lazying about will produce no result for, so decide today that you are ready to burn that darn fat and live the life you wish for yourself. In this case, you have to do somethings to get the required result. You have to enroll yourself with an expert in the field of weight loss, who will take you through this result-oriented procedures for you attain the result you want for
yourself. So Use this information here for your advantage today,that a good and quality weight loss program today and become what you wish for yourself without wasting any more time.

With so many workout DVDs on the market nowadays, how do you exactly know which ones will actually help with your weight loss efforts. If you have watched television lately, then you probably have seen several different workout programs and products that all claim they will help you lose weight quickly. Having tested several of those products before, here are the top 5 workout DVDs that I have found for weight loss.

5. Hip Hob Abs by Shaun T.
Hip Hop Abs is a great way to have fun while exercising. How can you not have fun dancing while slimming down your waist. Hip Hop Abs does a good job of slimming down the waist and helping you to lose weight all over as well. Advanced fitness buffs may find that Hip Hob Abs may start to get too easy for them over a period of time. You can add weighted gloves to your workout if you like. I recommend these workout DVDs for beginners and intermediates who want to have fun while they workout.

4. 10 Minute Trainer by Tony Horton
I like the 10 Minute Trainer workout DVDs because being a mom and having a work at home job, some days I don’t have more than 10-15 minutes to get a workout in. With 10 Minute Trainer, the workouts are only 10 minutes, but they provide you with an intense exercise routine that is just as good as some other 30 minute workout DVDs. I recommend 10 Minute Trainer for anybody who thinks that they don’t have time to get exercise in.

3. Slim In 6 by Debbie Siebers
If you are looking to really lose weight and reach your weight loss goals, then I recommend checking out the Slim in 6 workout DVDs. The workout routines are strategically planned out to get the most out of your workouts. They are easy to follow and you will be amazed at your weight loss results in the first two weeks.

2. P90X by Tony Horton
P90X is not an easy program, but you will see results if you stick with it. I don’t recommend P90X for beginners or those who are lackadaisical with their workouts. These workout DVDs take commitment to exercise to accomplish them. Don’t get me wrong, you will see amazing results for your weight loss efforts, but they these DVDs are not easy by any means. I do recommend P90X for the person who has already lost 30 pounds and only has the last 15 pounds or so to lose. These workout DVDs push you over your limits to shed the extra weight while getting your body toned and tightened.

1. Turbo Jam by Chalene Johnson
Turbo Jam is a fun and exciting workout that will burn the fat off your body in no time. Turbo Jam has helped me lose a great amount of weight after having two children. These workout DVDs are easy to learn and best of all fun. They are not easy, but you can easily go at your own pace when first starting out. You will notice a dramatic difference in your waist and your hips from all the body shaking that goes on in the workout. If you are looking to lose weight and actually want to enjoy exercise, then you definitely want to check out Turbo Jam.

There are tons of different workout DVDs that claim that they are the fastest and best way to weight loss. If you want proven workouts that have been tested and tried, then check out the recommended DVS, especially Turbo Jam.

As we move into the gloriously muddy and sneezy months known as Spring, we have, hopefully, begun to embrace detoxifying our bodies, removing the cobwebs of stored toxins and priming our bodies to burn more calories, stay awake longer, and re-energize for those long days coming up. Here are some great Spring tips to prime you for your best summer ever:

Eat Light: In Ayurvedic medicine, Winter is a time when we accumulate kapha, the dosha or constitution that represents water and earth. When kapha is balanced we feel steady, supported, calm, collected and focused. When out of balance we feel sluggish, tired and heavy. If we cannot shed the kapha of winter we risk becoming unbalanced, gaining weight or not shedding the few pounds we gained over the holidays. One great way to shed kapha is to lighten up our eating. Think about the first fare of the season and you can?’t go wrong?-tender mixed spicy or bitter greens, peas, shoots, seeds, nuts, asparagus. Move toward having big light salads with seeds and peas at least once a day with a light dressing of olive oil, spring herbs like mint, and lemon. Stay away from kapha producing food like dairy products, iced drinks, sugar, and fried foods.

Rise with the Sun: Again, as the days lengthen and get warmer, we tend to need less sleep. Shake off the last of winter?’s blues by beginning to get up early and spending the time walking in nature or sitting quietly and watching the world around you for a bit. Spring is a time of renewal, a powerful shift in the world, and it is important to bring the body gracefully and easily into the new season. By being aware of the world around you and noticing the changes that occur it is possible to also be more aware of the body and the kind of movement and food that it wants.

Wood and Wind: Although many people associate winter with being sick, it is often spring that brings colds and flu. Spring is a time of extreme temperature changes, wind, and wet weather. These can wreak havoc on the body and the immune system. In Chinese medicine, spring is known as encompassing the wood element, which is related to the liver and gallbladder and the taste of sourness. Strengthening the liver and tonifying the blood at this time is a great way to boost the immune system and the overall health of the body. Herbs such as astragalus and fresh ginger are great for the liver right now as are fresh dandelion greens and drinking water with fresh lemon.

Setting Goals: Many of our new year?’s resolutions have either been broken or could use a bit of refocusing. Spring is a great time to do this. There is more light to get outside and exercise, more fresh foods beginning to show up at farmer?’s markets, CSA?’s, and grocery stores, more time and energy to refresh our goals. The earth is coming alive again and we feel that vitality within us as well. It is a potent force that can be used to truly change our lives and bodies.

The acai berry is a tropical fruit from a series of palm trees that can be found in south america. The acai berry has been promoted heavily in the united states and some other countries as a wonder food that can help people lose weigh, and get healthy.

The acai berry basically looks like a grape about 1 inch in diameter and contains a seed that takes up most of the volume of the actual berry. Historically, the amazonian population used the berry for fruit drinks and as a source of food.

There is much information being thrown around about the health benefits of the acai berry. Some people have claimed that the berry has extremely high levels of antioxidants whilst other research shows that although it is high in antioxidants, other fruits such as grapes and strawberries are actually higher. There is no definite answer to how healthy the acai berry is, but it is known that it is still good for you.

Many companies have been claiming the acai berry as a weight loss marvel, claiming you will shed pounds upon pounds of weight every day. This however is not the case. If the berry is combined with a healthy diet, a health and fitness program, and a healthy lifestyle you may lose weight.

However, if the berry is taken with no exercise, with no reduction in other fatty foods, cigarettes or alcohol then the weight loss is not going to happen. The acai berry combined with a healthy lifestyle can help you lose weight. The berry on it’s own is not going to magically make you lose weight.

1. Stay away from fat
Get rid of any visible fat from your food. As much as possible, steer clear of oily and fatty foods like French fries, fried chicken and hamburgers. Fast food meals should be limited or eliminated completely. It is important that you consume foods that come from organic or natural products, since preparation also involve less preservatives and additives that can be fattening.

When getting protein, take from healthy sources like chicken breasts, turkey, fish, tofu and non-fat milk or yogurt. You may eat red meat but only limitedly and in lean cuts. When preparing food, try to consume only those that are boiled, broiled, grilled or steamed. Limit roasted, fried or deep-fried foods. It is ideal to cut away fat from meat before it is cooked. Take off the skin from chicken after cooking to maintain the flavor without the fat. Also limit intake of processed goods, pastries and cakes.

2. About carbohydrates
When consuming carbohydrates, it is important to know that these are divided into complex and starchy. Complex carbs are good for the body since it helps in digestion and keeps you full for hours, preventing hunger pangs and food binges. Some great examples are yams, brown rice and whole wheat bread. Starchy carbs should be limited, since these can easily be converted into fat. Some starchy carbs include potatoes, white bread and cakes.

3. The good fats
Some types of food are rich in HDL or high density lipoprotein which effectively eliminates cholesterol and fat. You get to protect your heart and other internal organs as well. Some of the examples of foods with healthy fats are almonds, walnuts, tuna, avocado and olive oil.

4. Eat more fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that help slash fat, as well as assist in functions that eliminate cholesterol in the body. However, you have to be careful about their glycemic index to prevent excess weight gain. Some of the ideal fruits and vegetables include bananas, apples, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus.

It is also good to consume meals more frequently and in smaller volumes. Invest in a small weighing scale so you can measure the contents exactly, for faster weight loss.

1. HIIT - The Best Cardiovascular Exercise
Get off that treadmill and try HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training for a change. Too many people would hop on a cardiovascular machine and do a constant intensity workout for 30 to 90 minutes at a time. Most experts say that fat burn begins after carbohydrate stores are depleted at around 40 minutes, so you are actually wasting a lot of time. Most people do not even have enough time to do very long cardiovascular workouts.

HIIT can be done between 15 and 20 minutes. You do the exercise by alternating low, moderate and high intensities, to maximize fat burn and boost metabolism. HIIT burns fat while you’re doing it, and continues to shed the pounds even while you are at rest, because your metabolism stays up. To begin, do some fast walking for about 1 minute, followed by light jogging for 30 seconds then finally, sprinting for 30 seconds. Go back to light jogging and fast walking in the same time intervals and continue to alternate until you finish 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Eat More Frequently
You actually burn more fat by eating more frequently throughout the day. It is recommended that you consume smaller meals every 2 to 3 hours, instead of downing 2 huge ones. Your metabolism heightens every time your digestive system works. Absorption is also better, so your body tends to store less fat. Try to aim anywhere between 4 to 8 meals each day. You may consider power shakes and snacks as a single meal.

Make sure your meals are also composed of low fat and nutritious foods. Aim for those that come from natural sources. Avoid oily, fried or fatty foods that easily convert into fat. Some types of carbohydrates can also be broken down quickly into fat, so eat these less frequently. Avoid drinking alcohol too and take a nutritional supplement.

3. Do some form of weight training
Weight training is highly effective for both men and women. Lean muscle tissues tend to burn fat continuously even while you are at rest. The great thing about weight training is that it gives you shape and an aesthetic physique. Combine this with cardio and you will surely reach your weight and fitness goals in a few weeks. Try to lift weights 2 to 3 times a week at least.