Acai Berry and its Natural Benefits

Pure acai berry is a small sized fruit which is naturally found in the Amazon rain forests in Brazil. This berry contains many naturally benefiting attributes, as are being discovered and better known every day.

The most beneficial results are derived by ingesting the pure acai berry in its raw form, not a processed form. Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) is the scale on which the anti oxidant properties are measured. As such, pure acai berry is the one which contains the highest ORAC value of any natural food known at this time.

This high ORAC value can only be maintained to deliver the maximum value when the pure acai berry is preserved as freeze dried concentrate. This pure acai berry is reported to have an ORAC value of 610, which is significantly higher than other previously acclaimed high value supplements like cranberries (95) or blueberries (94).

How does pure acai berry deliver value to you? The pure acai berry naturally increases the metabolism of the body. And we all know how beneficial that can be. Just ask runners, who log endless hours on the roads and trails, just how beneficial a high metabolism can be. This acceleration of metabolism results in increased consumption of stored fat. The antioxidant properties of acai berry also prevent cell damage and deterioration, and therefore deliver anti aging properties.

In simple terms, the food in the body is digested faster, and because of this accelerated digestion, the body does not get the same amount of time to convert the food into fat stores. As more fat is utilized and converted into energy, it increases the energy and fights against the fatigue associated with the exercise in the weight loss program. Acai berries also naturally assist in the removal of toxins from the body.

Despite lengthy and in-depth studies, no known side effects of acai berry have been discovered. Acai berry is an absolutely natural food or food supplement, which has an extremely high nutritional value. Vast amounts of research has been done in the last few years, and findings indicate that the pure acai berry is one of the most effective weight loss supplements available today in the world.

Lastly, if you are looking for acai berry, do your research and try to make sure that you are getting the most pure form possible. There are lots of claims out there, but take some time to dig into the data. Then, give it a try.

Quick and Simple Things to Lose Weight-Part Three

This is a 5 part series, each consisting of simple, quick things to do to start losing weight. This is Part Three. Parts One and Two are already available on http://www.yourfittestyear.com, and parts four and five will be available on the same web site in the next week. If you implement all of these simple lose weight tips, it certainly qualifies as a full weight loss program.

21. Start focusing on things like how much activity you do every day. Get a pedometer and start monitoring the number of steps you take every day. Try to double it from your baseline day, which is usually the first day you use the pedometer.

22. Some treats you can have that taste very good, yet are reasonable in calories, are salmon, shrimp, and lobster, as long as you forego the butter. Lemon is a good way to accent the flavors of these items.

23. Get rid of your oversized clothes. Having them in the closet is too convenient to go to if you gain back a pound or two, and then a pound or two more.

24. Take an old picture of yourself that you really like, which was likely to be at a weight you liked as well, and put it on the mirror in the bathroom. It will provide a constant reminder of what you are trying to accomplish.

25. Vegetables are especially good for controlling weight. They provide some bulk, but also are rich with water. This combination provides a sense of being full, that water alone cannot provide. Tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, cucumbers, celery, cauliflower, broccoli are all excellent snacks and will make you feel more satisfied.

26. Try to eat at home where you can control what you are eating. At home, you are “eating to live”, whereas at a restaurant, the entire focus is on eating and you quickly draft into “living to eat”. And at the restaurant, you simply don’t have any control over the recipes contents.

27. We’ve talked about eating slower before. But make this absurd. Put your fork down between bites. Drink lots of water during the meal, and before. Have family dinner (wow, that one went away didn’t it), tell stories, connect with your spouse and kids. By the time the brain thinks your full, 15 minutes have passed since you have eaten enough. So the slower you eat, the quicker the brain can catch your true state of “fullness”.

28. According to experts, whole grain breads and rice are excellent diet choices. In contrast, white bread and rice, and flour are poor choices. There are lots of carbohydrates in white flour, and the traditionally added sugar.

29. Brush your teeth 5-6 times a day. This has a way of dulling those food taste buds and makes your brain think you just ate. An added bonus is fewer cavities and more pleasant breath.

30. Eat some nuts, not a whole can, but a handful. Almonds, in a moderate fat diet, have been proven to be a differentiator in losing more weight in control group studies.

OK, that’s Part Three. We are getting pretty specific here in an attempt to be more helpful. Diets need to be specific, calories need to be counted, and sacrifices need to be made.

Quick and Simple Things to Lose Weight-Part Two

This is a 5 part series, each consisting of simple, quick things to do to start losing weight. This is Part Two. Part One is already available on http://www.yourfittestyear.com, and parts three thru five will be available on the same web site every 48-72 hours. If you implement all of these simple lose weight tips, it certainly qualifies as a full weight loss program.

11. Water, water, water….drop the soft drinks and the Starbucks flavored coffees. Believe it or not, drinking a glass of water before you eat, subdues that hunger and you feel more satisfied on less food volume when you do eat.

12. Anytime you feel like “what’s next?”, or taking a break, go for a 5 minute walk. This will clear your head, and work off a few calories. Rather than sit down for your break, walk your break. The annual benefit will be huge.

13. When you are running errands, park at the far end of the parking lot, forcing you to walk for 2-3 minutes each way to the store and car. Again, an annual benefit that is huge in weight control/loss.

14. Fill your plate in the kitchen and not the dinner table. It is too easy to reach for that family style platter or bowl for more. Fill your plate and when it’s clean, you are done.

15. Find a weight loss buddy somewhere, in your neighborhood, on Facebook or MySpace, at the YMCA, anybody where the focus for you and your buddy is shedding a few pounds. It’s much easier to stay focused and committed with a support system. You do the same for your buddy.

16. Do not eat prepared foods that have corn syrup, sugar or fructose. Either find the sugar-free version of the same food, or eat fruit or vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, celery or broccoli.

17. Discern between real hunger and the need to eat out of frustration, anxiety, habit or just being nervous or “antsy”. Eat when you are hungry, not based on the time of day or your mood. Eating a few lighter snacks is better than a big meal any day.

18. If you are deciding between fruit juice or a piece of fruit, pick the fruit every time. Fruit will be more filling and you will eat less overall for the day.

19. Use low fat milk, 2% or 1%. Once you acquire the taste of low fat milk, the regular milk will taste too “rich” for you, and you will have saved 50% of your calories, and 95% of your fat intake.

20. Eat two-thirds of your calories by noon time. This will allow you to burn off the other third before you actually bed down. Plus, by eating early in the day, you will not desire as much later in the day, and you will go thru the day with more energy.

OK, that’s the next 10 tips that comprise Part Two. Look for Part Three and more in the upcoming days.

If you would like to review all of our Weight Loss Information, please visit http://www.yourfittestyear.com

Quick and Simple Things to Lose Weight-Part One

This is a 5 part series, each consisting of simple, quick things to do to start losing weight. This is Part One, and parts two thru five will be available on this web site every 48 hours, give or take a few hours. If you implement all of these, it would certainly qualify as a full fledged weight loss program.

I won’t spend much time on all the health reasons for losing weight. Being overweight elevates your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and of course is a severe limiter of your ability to enjoy activities with friends and family.

The basic premise to losing weight is to take in fewer calories, and burn more calories than you currently are doing. The comprehensive plans for dieting and weight loss are all with merit, but some are so regimented that work and travel requirements make it near impossible to follow the program. My contention is that it is better to find 25-50 things to do that can be done by almost any lifestyle and career challenges. So let’s get on with Part One.

1. Eat several small meals or snacks a day instead of three large meals. Many studies have shown that when people eat parts of their morning meal at intervals over five hours, they consume nearly 30 percent fewer calories at lunch as opposed to when they ate a single breakfast meal. Other studies show that even if you eat the same number of calories distributed this way, your body releases less insulin, which keeps blood sugar steady and as a minor positive effect on hunger pains.
2. Write down everything you eat. Carry a notepad around with you and write down absolutely everything. One, you will be surprised at what you eat, as it will be more than you recollect. Two, it will act as your “governor” and potentially reduce your intake up to 20%.
3. Walk or jog 45-50 minutes per day. Most people think 30 minutes is enough, and it is enough to MAINTAIN your weight. But more is needed to burn fat and reduce weight. If you exercise for 50 minutes per day (briskly), you will burn 400-500 calories per day, or a whopping 40-50 pounds per year. This is a most important tip….think about losing that kind of weight in a year without making much other sacrifice in eating habits.
4. Reduce the size of your plates, which will automatically reduce your portion size. Then eat slowly. Most of my own weight gain has taken place by quickly getting second helpings. If I wait 5 minutes, I’m simply not hungry anymore.
5. Stock up on veggies and use them in all your dishes, raw or cooked. They provide bulk and great nutrition. If you buy ahead, you won’t get caught with nothing healthy to eat, and substitute something that should be avoided.
6. Switch to black coffee. It takes only about a week to convert those taste buds from Starbucks Frappuccino cravings to a great cup of Joe. Once you make this switch, it will be forever.
7. Eat breakfast every day, and preferably cereal. Use 2% or even 1% fat free milk. If you use Bran, Grape Nuts or Total, it will provide fiber and calcium, and you will be in the class of people who are significantly less likely to be obese and have diabetes, than those who don’t.
8. Use hot sauce, salsa, onions, peppers, jalapenos and Cajun seasonings for your flavors instead of relying on butter and creamy or sugary sauces. Besides providing lots of flavor with no fat and few calories, many of these seasonings — the spicy ones – increase your digestion, making your body burn more calories temporarily.
9. Watch less TV. Studies have proven that the ratio of hours watching TV are directly correlative to states of obesity. TV watchers eat more often, and they eat more overall. Get up and go for a walk instead.
10. Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Don’t blame your mother for your gene pool. Be positive…you are finally on the right track to a happier life. This is time for a “can-do” attitude. This isn’t easy, which makes it all that more rewarding

That’s it for Part One. Look for Parts Two and beyond in the upcoming days. I’m headed off to some raw carrots!

Top Ten Keys To Natural Weight Loss

If you are like most people, you want a quick summary of what you should do to lose weight. We Americans are programmed for “instant gratification”. Unfortunately, since it took years to gain your current weight, it will take at least weeks and months to loss that weight. So set some realistic expectations. But to satisfy your need for “what can I do right now”, in as few words as possible, I have compiled a top ten things to do to start your weight loss program.

1. First, adopt healthier eating habits. You can use natural low calorie seasonings such as scallions, peppers and onions to enhance the taste of your food. I try to use spicier things, like jalapenos to substitute for the fat and butter tastes. This is proven for long term health and fat maintenance, and masks the overall diet. A good rule of thumb is…if it looks like it has lots of calories, it darn well does!

2. When preparing chicken, pork or meat, trim off the fat, or remove the skin in the case of chicken.

3. People tend to be more dedicated when they know they need to report their results with someone. Find someone to exercise with, a friend or even someone on a diet. Share your goals! Doing things like dieting and exercising with a buddy creates the common goal attitude.

4. Write down what you eat and I mean everything you eat. You’d be surprised at how many extra things you are eating when you start to see your total intake on paper. Plan ahead with your food intake and simply don’t eat anything not on your plan.

5. If you must fry things, use a non-fat cooking spray. The difference in these two products is almost 10 fold in calories.

6. Don’t ever give up! Take pride in your ability to stand alone in the decision of what you put in your mouth. Change your lifestyle. Adapt to those around you, but do it positively. Don’t let someone take you off your game. You can only fail if you quit. Nothing can take the place of dogged persistence! Not intelligence, not talent, and certainly not Cheetos!

7. Blend in exercise with reduced calorie consumption. Start exercising slowly and build up. Remember that exercise cannot remove the need to watch your intake completely. There was a time when I was running 60 miles a week where I was eating anything and everything I wanted, but that level of exercise is very hard to build up to that level, and even harder to maintain. Aerobic exercise burns fat! Find the heart rate for you that optimizes fat burning. As you lose weight, your exercises become easier and you can extend the duration. The duration of an exercise is more important than the intensity of the exercise when you are trying to burn fat.

8. Alas, cut back on alcohol intake. As my doctor said (and I hated him for it), those are empty calories. Sure doc, but they help with the post work day relaxation. If you really want a drink, have a glass of red wine, which has several known anti-aging and other positive health attributes.

9. Do not weigh yourself every day. Fluctuations in fluid levels will cause short term ups and downs, and make you feel like you failed when you are really sticking to your diet. Weigh yourself once a week at the beginning, and less frequently as time goes on. This is a marathon, not a sprint!

10. The real key to losing weight is consistency. If you mess up one day, climb back on the horse and get back with your program. One bad meal, or even one bad day isn’t reason to quit your overall goal.

Natural Weight Loss: Why it is Such a Great Idea

There are so many different ways that you can lose weight today, what with all of the pills, diets, and medications, but natural weight loss is one form of weight loss that is not talked about nearly enough.

Natural weight loss is basically a method of weight loss which you go with that does not include anything unnatural, such as medications, for instance.

Natural weight loss can obviously be considered as being the safest weight loss method, because you are not putting any unknown or harmful substances in your body and so at least even with just this you know that you are not going to be putting your body at any unnecessary risk.

What you Need to Know About Natural Weight Loss

There are many different things that you can include when you are speaking about natural weight loss, for instance one very major thing would be green tea, which is one of the most popular items that are included in any natural weight loss diet; green tea does not only help people to lose weight but as well it offers many other health benefits as well.

Green tea is without a doubt one of the best things out there that you can use for your health, regardless of whether or not you want to actually lose weight, and so really, no matter what kind of weight loss program or method you are planning on using, green tea will really be beneficial either way.

As well, if you are going the natural route then this means that you also cannot use any type of surgery or procedure, and so you are really going to have to be motivated and dedicated so that you can make it through and lose the weight that you want to, without help from any type of unnatural source. This can be very hard, especially if you are extremely overweight, because there is really not a lot harder than losing weight, especially in regards to your self-esteem, and so it can be an incredibly difficult thing.

However, if you believe in yourself and tell yourself that you can do it, then you will be fine and you will surely be surprised even at yourself at how far you can go naturally, and without any type of modern day drug or prescription to help you through it.

The Costs of Medical Weight Loss

People who have tried every diet in the book and still have had had little success with their weight loss aspirations may plead with their doctor for a more permanent solution. Their health may be at risk, their self-esteem at an all time low and they may be struggling in their personal lives.

Under such extreme circumstances where a person needs to (for medical reasons) lose more than 30 pounds, doctors may suggest medical weight loss options. The most popular of these is gastric bypass surgery or a recently more non-invasive procedure called the Lap Band system.

Financial Costs

Any surgery can be very expensive and weight loss in a medical procedure is no exception. Some health insurance companies may cover the costs like they would any other procedure if the doctor codes it as necessary for the patient’s health and future. Others may think this procedure falls under elective or esthetic procedures like face lifts and laser eye surgery and may not cover it fully or at all.

Some medical weight loss centers offer financing plans and installment options, so find out all the details before you sign the dotted line. You wouldn’t want to have lost considerable weight but lost your ability to shop for new clothes as well.

Emotional and Social Costs

Some people find a drastic change in the way they look difficult to adjust to. Every thing comes with a price, so if you are a size 22 and got your stomach stapled or underwent some other procedure; don’t expect to wake up from the anesthesia a size 2. The weight will drop as you eat less because of the surgery on your stomach.

However this also means that you will never be able to have a large meal however tempting it may look. Even if you do want to indulge on a special occasion or for a special treat, you may just throw up. You will need to have several mini-meals throughout the day instead of the regular three meals most people have. That may disrupt your social life in a way, but it can also mean you have your health back.

Some people have very high expectation with medical weight loss procedures and are disappointed with the pace of results. Some do not like the major changes in their eating style and want a reversal. Some procedures are reversible, while others are not.

Be sure to weigh all the costs of any medical weight loss procedure. The free seminars that weight loss centers host will obviously only state the positive. Talk to your doctor and to people who have had the procedure done. Read reviews on websites and in books and only then decide if such a medical weight loss option is right for you.

Finding Your Weight Loss Motivation

If you are trying to lose weight but can’t seem to find weight loss motivation for yourself, then you should know that there are many things that you can do here in order to help yourself out.

For instance, in order to gain weight loss motivation you may want to set a goal for yourself, and then make out a present that you are going to give to yourself if you make it to that goal, so that you have something to look forward to and so that thus you will want to reach that goal that much more.

More About Weight Loss Motivation

There are many other things that you can do in order to gain weight loss motivation as well, such as getting your friends and family members involved, so that you have people that are there working away to lose weight with you, and so that thus you will not be as bored and will not have the opportunity to get as frustrated or as angry.

As well, if you want to get weight loss motivation then you really need to speak to yourself and get yourself dedicated to the matter of losing weight. After all, you are not going to be able to make it very far at all if you do not believe in yourself, and so you really have to make sure that you are in it for the long haul and that you believe in yourself, because this is the only way that you will be able to get positive results.

Remember also that although losing weight is important for being healthy if you are overweight, you also do not want to lose too much weight because this can be just as dangerous as being overweight, and so you are going to want to speak to your doctor so that you can determine what your healthy weight should be, and therefore you can work towards making it to that weight.

Patience is extremely important here, and so you want to make sure that you take your time and that you make yourself as informed and as knowledgeable as possible, so that you know what you are talking about and what is going on, so that you are not confused in any way and also so that you have more motivation overall because you will feel happier knowing what you know.