Low-carb dieting for weight loss?

December 23, 2008 | 3 Comments

I have briefly mentioned about the relationship between carbohydrates and quick weight loss previously. Let me share some information about low-carbohydrate diet, or low-carb diet, in this post.

Losing weight is a goal for so many people - be it for health and medical reasons, or merely vanity at play ;) - that everybody is searching for quick and easy ways to lose weight. Low-carb dieting has become a weight loss trend in the recent years since the creation of the Atkins Diet by Dr Robert Atkins

Besides low-carb diets, there are also many different diets out there. The truth is - most of them will achieve weight loss if they are followed correctly. It is also important to find a diet that you can easily follow.

Low-carb diets seem to suit many people because the principles are quite easy to follow. As the name suggests, the diet consists of avoiding or limiting foods that are high in carbohydrates. These include bread, pasta, potatoes, rice and other grains. Sugar is also a carbohydrate. Once you understand what these foods are, it is a simply choosing dishes to avoid them.

However, low-carbohydrate dieting also receives a lot of criticism. Since dieters will get most of their daily calories from meat, dairy and other protein-rich and high fat products with this type of diet, it can lead to high cholesterol and other problems related to a high intake of saturated fats. It is therefore wise to ask for medical advice before starting this type of diet.

One of the problems that many people experience with low-carb dieting is the elimination of bread and pasta. You can forget about toast, spaghetti or pizza! You should know by now that many of the foods that are quickest to prepare are based around carbohydrates - burgers in their buns, fries, sandwiches, pasta and sauce.

Beer and other alcoholic drinks are high in carbohydrates, too. That is why alcohol is generally restricted on any diet - especially in low-carb diets - due to its high calorie content and very low nutritional value.

Nevertheless, there are many foods that can be enjoyed on a low-carb diet. If you are fond of meat you will relish the opportunity to consume beef, chicken and other animal products.

So, a lot of times people cannot handle this kind of diet restrictions in the longer term, despite seeing good weight loss results. Eventually, they start to deviate from the diet.

While low-carb dieting works for many people, it really is a matter of finding a diet plan that suits you in order to achieve your weight loss goal without hurting your health.

Note: You may want to find out whether your are a carbohydrate-, protein- or mixed-type person before even considering using a low-carb diet plan. Take the metabolic typing test in The Diet Solution Program. You can also read my review of the Diet Solution Program.

Posted by Valen | Filed Under Weight loss diet 

Walking is the best exercise

December 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I wrote about 4 exercise tips for working moms in my previous post.

Perhaps I would like to stress my personal preference on exercising to lose weight, that is - walking is the best exercise to lose weight! :)

I think walking is probably the easiest and most effective exercise program of all if you want to lose weight fast. In fact, it may be all you ever have to do, as long as you do it on a regular basis.

For me, I don’t get to exercise outdoor much due to the location I’m staying. However, I make sure that I get to go walking in the park or hills at least once a week. My walking sessions are always between 45 minutes to an hour. And I especially like to walk a hilly landscape with lushes of green surrounding me. This allows me to get lots of fresh air while walking, and at the same time sweat myself and build my stamina walking up and down slopes. I really love walking! :D

If you are not accustomed to walking as a form of exercise, start small and slow. Gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of brisk walking every day if possible. You can just walk around your neighborhood, which is what I should start doing, too. :P

If you don’t know, or probably have not experienced it yet, brisk walking actually confers some kind of psychological benefits as well. Not only your mind will get to take a break from the stress of work and have the opportunity to appreciate the nature, you will get motivated when you see so many people are actually walking for health too.

Of course, if you do not prefer exercising outdoor or when the weather is bad, you can always walk on the treadmill at the comfort of your home while watching your favorite TV shows. ;) (At least you are not being a couch potato.)

In short, just walk! Make it as part of your weight loss plan. Even better, make it as part of your long-term health maintenance activity. Walk to lose weight, and you’ll be walking the path to a lifetime of health!

Posted by Valen | Filed Under Workouts for weight loss 

4 Exercise tips for working moms

December 20, 2008 | 2 Comments

Sometimes working out regularly can become difficult for the working individuals, especially if you are a working mother. After enduring the excessive stress at office, the stress of taking care of your family is waiting for you after work. This may sometimes make it difficult for you to stick to your weight loss plan.

However, do not let daily stress or lack of time become your excuse to avoid exercise altogether. In fact, exercise should be made as part of our daily routine, just like how we take shower and brush our teeth everyday! Let’s be honest here: you understand very well that if you don’t work out regularly, it is difficult to lose weight fast or even to maintain your ideal weight long term.

So, even if you are a busy working mom, below are 4 exercise tips to help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals.

1. Find a partner to workout with
For most people working out alone in the gym is not always an enjoyable experience. That’s why if you can get your sister, a friend, or even your spouse to workout with you, chances are that you will start to enjoy or even fall in love working out! Furthermore, seeing other people working out in the gym will motivate you to continue with your exercise routine!

2. Get an iPod ;)
Take along an iPod with you whenever you go jogging or walking in the park. This is a great way of kicking out the boredom out of your exercise routine. Remember to play some upbeat songs to lift up your energy and spirit!

3. Do what you like doing
Different people prefer different types of exercise. Don’t force yourself to do exercises that you don’t like, because it is only a matter of time before you become bored with them! Don’t join a gym if you find cycling outdoor a more enjoyable activity. Really, find exercises that you actually love doing; it will be easier to do it regularly.

4. Start it slow
Many people would tell you that you have to exercise daily in order to lose weight. Does that scare you off? Are you worried that your body might not be able to take it? Well, don’t let that discourage you. :) If you have never been a exercising regularly, try to take it easy by starting to exercise for 15 to 20 minutes per day, for 2 or 3 days a week. When your body slowly gets accustomed to your new workout routine, you can then increase the intensity and frequency of your workouts.

Wishing all the working moms a healthy and fit life! :)

Posted by Valen | Filed Under Exercise tips 

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