Slim People in Progress

Seven Easy Ways to Drink More Water For Weight Loss

I'm pleased to bring you this guest post by Sandra Ahten from ReasonableDiet.com...

Seven Easy Ways to Drink More Water For Weight Loss

There are many benefits of drinking water to lose weight and many ways to get used to drinking more water.  According to Dr. Donald Robertson, M.D., M.Sc, here are some really important facts about drinking more water to lose weight:

"Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When the kidneys don't work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. If the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains stored in the body, and weight loss stops."

Seven great ideas for drinking more water to lose weight

Cucumbers and little known approaches to reduce diabetic issues

Many who struggle with weight also are prone to diabetes. I'm pleased to offer a guest post by Suzanne Ault that includes a refreshing recipe for Cucumber Salad.

Cucumbers and little known approaches to reduce diabetic issues
 
Are you cool as a cucumber? Not merely is the cucumber known for it's power to cool down the body, it has also been proven to assist with jaundice, diarrhea, epilepsy, sore throat, conjunctivitis (redness of the eye) and swelling of extremities.
 
Often you should try to deseed the cucumber as the body can have a hard time digesting the seeds. You can deseed them yourself easily by cutting them in half and utilizing a spoon to remove the seeds or if you want to eliminate this task it is possible to buy cucumbers that are already seeded.
 
Fresh cucumbers are easy to add to salads and for an easy salad just toss diced cucumbers with sliced red onions, red tomatoes and your favorite all-natural, low-fat balsamic vinaigrette (see recipe below). It is a fast way to make a refreshing salad that reaps the benefits of cucumber.
 
Anti-diabetic Advantages of Cucumber:

Taking the Mystery Out of Dining Out

Guest author Kathryn Schleich shares her experience and what she's learned after having a heart attack at age 51. She writes about health, diet and exercise.

Taking the Mystery Out of Dining Out

For cardiac patients or those trying to control high blood pressure [or lose weight - Ed note.], one of the most difficult areas related to dietary changes can be the ability to eat out while still enjoying a meal but still eating healthy.

Pop Quiz
How well do you know the number calories and grams of fat in several dishes of popular fast food restaurants? Put the following foods in order the ranking from the highest to lower calories:   
          
1.    Put the following in order from highest to lowest in lowest in calories:
Plain bagel
Boston Crème Donut
Honey Bran Raisin Muffin

2.    For a deli lunch at a Subway, which 6-inch-sub is the leanest?
Roast with 1-table mayonnaise
Tuna Classic made with 1 tsp mayonnaise

3.    At Burger King, the King-size fries contain:
420 Calories
540 Calories

4.    The leaner choice at Taco Bell would be:
Nachos Bell Grande
Double-beef Supreme

5.    At Pizza Hut, which would be lower in calories and fat?
Pepperoni Hand-tossed Pizza
Veggie Lovers Stuffed Crust Pizza
                                             
6.    Which Chinese entrée is lower in calories?
Vegetable lo mien
Steamed fish

*Answers at the end of article                                         
                               

Eat Less to Loss weight: Seriously

I've rounded up a new guest author for you...Rebecca Subbiah is a Registered Dietitian in both the United Kingdom and America.She has 8 years of clinical experience in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient, doctors offices and home health. She is also a certified personal fitness trainer and freelance writer. She specializes in counseling for weight management and is certified by the American Dietetic Association.

Eat Less to Loss weight: Seriously
By Rebecca Subbiah RD, SRD

In a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine earlier this year, it was concluded it’s not what you eat but how much that’s important to lose weight. Researchers evaluated four diets on 811 men and women over a two-year period. Two of the diets were low in fat namely 20% of calories and two were higher - 40% of calories from fat. All of the diets were heart healthy, rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grain’s and low in saturated fat less than 8%.

Importantly the participants attended both individual and group weight loss sessions with registered dietitians and completed an online food diary. They were encouraged to exercise 90 min a week and received an individualized calorie goal.

After the 2-year study they had kept off an average of 9lb and had lost 1-3 inches off their waistlines. The ones who had attended over 2/3 of the sessions had done better losing an average of 13 lb.

The take home for this landmark study is it doesn't really matter what diet you wish to follow, as long it is balanced and you are eating less of it. It also shows that support and an individualized approach is a key factor for long - term success. It is worth looking up a dietitian in your area.

Enjoy food from around the globe, and exploring new restaurants have fun but if you are watching your weight be careful of the quantities you eat, as a little here and there sneaks up on you.

Rebecca Subbiah is a freelance writer and dietitian trained both in the UK and US, check out her blog Chow and Chatter at http://chowandchatter.com

Weight Loss 101 for Labor Day

Ran across an article today with some good tips for Labor Day picnics (if you're in the U.S. and for any picnic if you're not!). Check out the suggestions for health side dishes...

Weight Loss 101: What are some preparation tips and healthy food ideas for Labor Day?