Friday, October 8, 2010

2.8kg off! Yes!

I am so pleased with my weightloss this week. 2.8kg which is just over 6lbs. I havent had a loss like that for a very very long time. I am not normally one to lose big amounts and I can remember the times I have pretty well.

One of them was when I came back from France one year - actually it was the first year I started the Weightloss Expedition, way before banding - and I had put on 12 pounds in just 2 little weeks. I lost 6 pounds the week after that holiday, but it was then a big struggle for me, as I could not get past the fact that I had undone all the hard work I had done in the 3 or so months before that holiday. You can read about it here: 1st time I lost 6 lbs

The second and third times I lost big were in the 2 weeks immediately after having my band. I lost 8.5 pounds the first week #2 biggest loss and 5.5lbs the next #3 big loss just 12 days after banding it was an amazing amount in that first 2 weeks after having the operation.

Then the last of the biggies was 9 pounds after I had my re-do surgery #4 1 week after repair

So my friends... the last time I actually lost a big amount of weight under my own steam was back before I had the band - and I remember really really trying to lose that weight. This weeks, with little Albert in there, we have managed 6 pounds all our own!

Anyway, getting away from the pounds thing, as I really want to use Kg now, it means that I lost nearly 3kg in my first week. I am aware that this trend will not continue, but it was very satisfying indeed! Especially when it really didn't take too much effort - simply tracking what I was eating, staying away from junk until the end of the day and having some if I had calories to spare. Well that works for me!

My calorie intake allowance has dropped to 2031 calories per day now because I weigh less!!! haha! but I never ate that amount all week, so we are still on safe ground.

I think putting the fill off until such point that I am struggling to eat less is a great idea. I have only 5.5mls in my band right now, which is pretty low to be honest, and I guess will get harder to manage on as the weight comes off. So, I booked a fill for 6th November - by then I should be significantly lighter and probably ready for 0.5ml in little Albert. He's my friend at the moment. Long may it continue!!!!

Six Best Exercises To Lose Weight

Six Best Exercises To Lose Weight :
1. Plyometrics : Pylometrics, commonly known as "Plyos" is specially designed exercise training that combines strength, agility and speed, hence producing fast and powerful movements. Plyometrics increase the magnitude of force of our muscular contractions, thus it is useful for sports like football, basketball, track, tennis, and martial arts too.

plyometric exercise Most of the common plyometric exercises include hops, jumps and bounding movements. One popular plyometric exercise is jumping off a box and rebounding off the floor and onto another, higher box. These exercises involves high intensity and increase your power and strength.
Many people refer plymetrics as "vertical jumping". vertical jumping or plyometricsA lot of calories gets burned while doing Plyometric exercises.

2. Squats: Squat is a exercise through which you can train primarily the muscles of your thighs, hips and buttocks. squatSecondarily, it strengthens the bones, stretches the ligaments and tendons throughout the lower body.

bosu squatSquat mainly works out the large and heaviest muscles of the legs, thus improving our stability, mobility and empowering our movements.jump squatAlso Squat increases the amount of energy that your body consumes, and plus you get to shape your buttocks and thighs too.

3. Cardio Kickbox: It's a cardiovascular or aerobic exercise that combines elements of boxing, karate/martial arts, and other aerobics thus providing overall physical toning of your body. cardio kickboxingAccording to a study conducted by the ACE, 350 to 500 calories can be burned off through kickboxing!! So, get out there and kick your way to fitness.

4. Yoga: Yoga without any doubt is the better way to ensure your health and fitness. lady doing yogaThrough Pranayams (breathing exercises), you may reduce your stress level (see more on weight loss and stress management). pranayamYoga is full of benefits and has no side-effects too. It makes you fit and look good.

5. Pilates: Pilates is a controlled physical fitness procedure that helps to increase the strength,
endurance, and flexibility of your muscles. pilatesFurthermore, it also increases the blood circulation on your body ultimately improving the body's "core" or "powerhouse" (torso). An improved core gives you stronger and fitter body.

6. Swimming: Swimming could be as effective as most of the exercises. It's very common and helps you lose weight by improving your muscle tones and cardiovascular health. swimming

(see more on Weight Loss Exercise)

Muffin

Weight Loss Recipes : MuffinIngredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 cup flax meal

  • 1 large egg white

  • 1 packet splenda

  • 1 teaspoon butter

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation:

  • Place the baking powder, flax meal, cinnamon and splenda in a coffee cup.

  • Stir.

  • Add the butter, the egg white and Mix.

  • Preheat oven about 1 minute (or more).

  • Top with butter slice. Serve immediately.

Weight Loss Recipes Amount Per Serving: 12 g carbohydrates 8.8 Dietary Fiber

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Wicked and naughty

I feel sick with pleasure. This is so utterly awesome, and I am so glad I have resumed this diary/blog. Again, another great day, sticking to the calorie guide on Livestrong... 2081 cals or under per day is my goal.
Today started a bit oddly. I slept until 1pm and awoke to my son going mental because it was the 8th powercut of the day and his laptop kept running out and the Internet kept obviously dumping on him, so his online French class this morning was rather disrupted. Anyway, I phoned the power supplier and it turns out there was a fault at the sub station and all the surrounding villages were affected. So I am sitting in my car at the bottom of the drive 'talking' to a computer voice as one does these days, when some friends from our local congregation turn up. Now, Its not the kind of usual thing I do, sit in my car one my mobile at the end of the drive, but there is absolutely no signal in our house. Its like a nuclear bunker.

Anyway, the friends have turned up and as I have been infectious for such a long time, it was so nice to see them. They came in for a coffee and left and 2:30pm. As they were leaving the power came back on - awesome - and my mate TB and her hubby arrived. DS then begs me to give him something to eat and I got the curry I made last night out of the fridge, boiled him some rice and served him up a pile. There was a little bit left - not much - but I put it by and decided the have it for my lunch. By the time TB and I had finished yakking, it was about 4pm. So it was then that I weighed my curry and SURPRISE it was half a portion of what I had made last night. So it was half the calories, and as I had finished all my rice up giving DS his lunch, there was none for me to eat. So I just ate it up and it came to 300 cals.

At half 4, I started to make dinner and my freezer is so full its hard to see whats inside, but I found a long pork loin in there, and I had a cabbage in the fridge, so I peeled some tatties, chopped em small and boiled them up. I then coated them in fry light spray, rosemary from the garden and some garlic salt and roasted those babies. I put the loin in some paper, drizzled a spoon of honey on it and some wholegrain mustard, wrapped it up in the paper and oven roasted that too. It was delicious. Worked out all the calories, 100g potato, a great pile of red cabbage and 1oz pork and it came to 400 cals!!!!!!

I always allow for 600mls of skimmed milk per day as I hate measuring milk for some reason, and the family doesn't get through a litre a day, so I reckon its about right (probably over estimate to be honest) and my calories were 1100 UNDER my target. Now, I could have been really good, but I decided that I was going to treat myself and this is why I am sooooooo happy right now. I have no problems doing this thing if I can have my treats. Being TOTM too is just a chocolate craving nightmare as you ladies all know, so I got DH to pick me up some apple juice and some Minstrels. Minstrels are chocolate in a crispy shell and they are yummy. Now I didn't get the little old bag, no I had a complete FEAST on them. 853calories worth!!!!!!!!!! OMG, this so would have cost me my diet before, but livestrong is cool for me like that. If I didn't have it and use it then I would just think "bugger it, I have blown it" but today is also a day that I am UNDER my calorie goal for the day!! Yaya.

I know its not a good habit to get into, but I am so happy that I was able to eat a DIRTY amount of chocolate, get my 5 veg/fruit a day and be under my limit. I am going to bed this evening a happy happy woman. Wooo hooooo!

Oh, and tomorrow is... weigh in day! cooolio! 

Wulong Tea

How Can It Help You?

It is perfectly natural for you to be used to taking modern day medications and supplements. However, their artificial ingredients are not always effective and safe. That is why more and more people prefer to rely on herbal dietary supplements. Wulong tea has gained great popularity for its slimming properties and additional health benefits. It is worth discussing them in greater detail.

What is Wulong tea? This herbal product is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. During the production process, the leaves receive medium oxidation. This allows for the beneficial antioxidants to be preserved in the herbal substance. The tea drink prepared form the dried leaves has a strong flavor. It is a powerful energy booster as well. It has a wide range of other effects, which you will certainly experience over time.

Wulong tea is effective for weight loss. Its antioxidants work to stimulate metabolism and reduce the amount of fat deposits in the body. This herb is effective for burning fat and, in this respect, it aids slimming directly. You might be wondering how powerful Wulong tea is. A recent scientific study has found that it can help you burn approximately 2.5 times more calories than green tea. This means that it works more quickly and effectively.

Another way, in which this supplement aids slimming, is through the regulation of the blood sugar levels and insulin. Several studies have shown that Wulong tea can be effective for preventing insulin spikes. This means that you will not be experiencing great hunger and food cravings. This is particularly beneficial when on a low calorie weight loss diet.

Wulong tea promotes good health. The antioxidants in it help for the preservation of the elasticity of the blood vessels. This can protect you from atherosclerosis and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. As highlighted earlier, there is scientific evidence that this herb can be effective for regulating blood sugar levels. In turn, it can reduce your risk of getting diabetes.

This weight loss tea is good for the general health as well. Its antioxidants fight the free radicals in the body and, in turn, reduce aging on cellular level. This allows you to have more energy, as all the organs in your body will be working more effectively. In turn, your risk of dangerous diseases, associated with aging, will be lower. Moreover, you will enjoy visible anti-aging effects. Your skin will be smoother and more radiant as well as more elastic.

There is strong scientific evidence that the antioxidants in Wulong tea have anti cancer properties. The regular consumption of a couple of cups of this drink per day might reduce your risk of cancer. More research is necessary to determine how exactly this herb works and whether it can be used for more effective prevention and even for treatment.

There are a lot of other benefits of Wulong tea. It promotes oral health. It acts as a natural immune system booster. It reduces the risk of balding. It is effective for relaxation and stress reduction.

It seems that this herb is the ideal choice for getting fit and staying in shape. Indeed, it is beneficial, as long as you are ware of the side effects. Much like black tea and green tea, Wulong tea contains caffeine in relatively small quantities. This powerful antioxidant is particularly effective for slimming. Recent research has found that it can reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease and colon cancer significantly. However, as it is commonly known, caffeine can cause irregular heart rhythm, increased blood pressure and hyperactivity. For all these reasons, Wulong tea should be consumed with caution. It is not recommended to children and women who are pregnant or nursing. It is not to be consumed in great amounts by people on hypertension medications.

Overall, drinking Wulong tea is beneficial. It is effective for weight loss as well as for reducing your risk of serious medical conditions. It promotes general health and gives you more energy. It is effective for stress reduction as well. Despite all these benefits, you should drink it in moderate quantities. If you have any chronic medical conditions and/or take medications, you might want to consult your doctor before you start taking this herbal supplement on a regular basis.

Combining drinking natural organic teas with a workout under the supervision of a connection personal trainer like the one you can have access to via the I Want Real Results program will do magic to your overall slimming progress.

Super Dieter's Tea

Can It Help You Slim Down?

Gaining weight is extremely easy nowadays. You do not exercise much, but you consume a lot of calories. At the same time, you are under a lot of stress and your body tends to retain fat deposits. Having to slim down, in turn, is a very hard task. You need to go on a restrictive diet and start working out regularly. You might want to use a dietary supplement to lose weight more effectively. One of the popular choices these days is Super Dieter's Tea. You should learn more about this product and decide whether it is the right slimming supplement for you.

Super Dieter's Tea by Laci Le Beau is a natural product. It contains only herbal ingredients. It comes in seven different flavors. These include Lemon Mint, Cranberry Twist, Cinnamon Spice, Peppermint, Tropical Fruit, Apricot and All Natural Botanicals. The main active ingredient of this dietary supplement is senna. Other ingredients that deserve the attention are stevia, licorice root and orange peel. It should be pointed out that this product does not contain caffeine. In this respect, it cannot cause side effects, such as irregular heart beat and higher blood pressure.

It is worth finding out more about senna, the ingredient Super Dieter's Tea is based on. This herb is known for its natural laxative effect. It has been used for centuries and has a number of applications in modern day medicine. There are a number of ways in which senna can help you. Firstly, it is effective for treating constipation. More importantly, it works as a natural colon parasite cleanser. A large number of the toxins compiled in this part of the body will be naturally released. In turn, you will feel more active and more energetic. This will certainly aid you in your weight loss efforts. Another way in which senna can aid slimming is through the prevention of water retention.

How effective is senna? It can aid you lose weight. It can improve the functioning of your body and digestion and metabolism to an extent. It can give you more energy to exercise. However, it does not provide for the burning of fat directly. Consequently, it does not have a direct effect on weight loss.

It is worth discussing the side effects of senna. It might cause stomach cramps and diarrhea. In turn, it might lead to dehydration, which can be a very serious medical problem. It should be pointed out that these side effects are not uncommon. Still, you should not experience them if you have Super Dieter's Tea as recommended on the package. Generally, it is best not to use senna for slimming for a long time. If you have any medical problems, you should discuss using this herb with your physician.

The other ingredient present in Super Dieter's Tea is stevia. It does not play a direct role in weight loss, but it can be quite beneficial for achieving your slimming goals. This herb acts as a natural sweetener. However, unlike refined sugar, it does not have any calories. This means that the tea will help you cope with sugar carvings. It will be easier for you not to have sugary foods and, in turn, you will lose weight more quickly and effectively. Stevia is not known to cause any serious side effects, especially when taken in small dosages.

Licorice root is another important ingredient in Super Dieter's Tea that is worth paying attention to. It has a relatively small concentration, but it is effective for detoxification and energy boosting. It promotes liver health as well. Licorice root should not produce any side effects. The other beneficial ingredient, orange peel, is a natural source of vitamins that promote health. It can aid digestion and detoxification to help you lose weight. This ingredient is perfectly safe.

In conclusion, Super Dieter's Tea can help you slim down, provided that you are on a low calorie diet that is combined with exercise. It does not act directly to promote fat burning, but it can help you make the most out of your slimming efforts, by naturally detoxifying your body. It can help you maintain your health, while being on a diet as well. This supplement should be used in line with all safety precautions, so that serious side effects are avoided.

Benefits of Oolong Tea

How Good Is It for You?

The modern day lifestyle is hectic and full of stress. It is also characterized by lack of sufficient physical activity. The modern day diet tends to be poor in nutrients and full of fats and sugars. It is essential for you to attempt to change all these things. Another effective way to protect your health and keep your weight within normal limits is to take dietary supplements. Oolong tea is not as popular as green tea, but it has similar health benefits. For this reason, more and more people start relying on it as their main dietary supplement. You should definitely find out more about the benefits of oolong tea.

Oolong tea is made from the same plant as green and black tea, Camellia sinensis. The only difference comes from the methods which are used for the production of this herbal product. It has been estimated that oolong tea falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation. It is more oxidized than the former and less oxidized than the latter. The dried leaves are brewed in the same traditional way. This tea has been used for a long time in China and has preserved its huge popularity to the present day. Now it is becoming more widely used in the entire world. You can choose from a variety of products - oolong tea dried leaves, tea bags or extract. There are various pills based on the extract from the herb as well.

The main one of the benefits of oolong tea is its ability to stimulate weight loss through the burning of fat. The catechins, powerful antioxidants, boost metabolism and reduce the fat deposits in the body. In turn, slimming is facilitated. It is easier for dieters and much faster. Still, it should be noted that best results are accomplished when the consumption of oolong tea is complemented by a low calorie diet and exercise.

The powerful catechins and flavenoids (other types of antioxidants) in oolong tea fight the free radicals formed in the body. The free radicals are known to speed up aging as they cause cell and organ damage. This means that by consuming this type of tea you can slow down aging, at least to an extent. Your organs will have better protection from the harmful effects of free radicals. In turn, they will work more effectively for longer. The most visible effect is on the skin and hair. Your skin will be more elastic, softer and smoother. The catechins in oolong tea can make your hair stronger and prevent hair loss.

One of the most valuable benefits of oolong tea is that it protects the heart and the cardiovascular system in general. The antioxidants work to prevent the hardening of the arteries. In fact, they keep them more elastic. These powerful chemical compounds reduce the plaque build up in the blood vessels. They can also aid the reduction of cholesterol. In turn, the risk of heart attack and stroke is significantly reduced. Additionally, the antioxidants aid the regulation of blood sugar levels. This reduces the risk of diabetes.

Much like green tea, oolong tea has beneficial anti-cancer properties. Scientific studies have found that the catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), in particular, reduce the risk of formation of tumors. It has been estimated that these antioxidants are most effective for prevention of breast cancer, colon cancer and skin cancer. Scientists believe that the catechins can also be used as part of cancer treatments and, specifically, for the prevention of formation of metastasis.

Another one of the great benefits of oolong tea is that it can combat stress effectively. It contains a chemical compound called L-theanine that causes relaxation by stimulating the brain to produce more serotonin. In fact, it has been estimated that stress levels can be reduced by 10% to 18% just after the consumption of one cup of this beverage. L-theanine can also help ease anxiety and depression. Some studies even suggest that it can stimulate the functioning of the brain for improved concentration.

The benefits of oolong tea are many and different. It is definitely worth enjoying this drink or taking supplements based on its extract. The herb is not known to have any dangerous side effects, when taken in small amounts.