Fitness Methods

Pilates exercises focus a lot on developing core strength, balance, flexibility, and posture. Exercises that build the abdominal muscles and back help strengthen your core. While many Pilates exercises are done on the mat, there are some exercises that make use of Pilates devices to intensify the workout. Some of the most popular Pilates abdominal devices are the Swiss ball, Pilates Ring, and the Reformer.

Using a Pilates Ring for Abdominal Exercises

A Pilates Ring is an inexpensive device that can enhance your abdominal workout. Pilates rings are lightweight and flexible. They come in different sizes and provide varying degrees of resistance.

This Pilates device can be used in some abdominal exercises. To tone your stomach muscles and buttocks, lie on the floor flat on your back. Bend your knees and keep your feet hip-width apart on the floor. Place the Pilates ring between the knees. Position your arms on the floor slightly away from your sides with the palm facing down. Squeeze the Pilates ring between your thighs. Exhale as you squeeze and inhale as you release. Repeat 10 times. This exercise engages your abs and buttocks.

Pilates Abdominal Exercises with a Swiss Ball

A Swiss ball is another inexpensive device that can be used with a Pilates abdominal exercise. It increases the challenge of your Pilates workout.

To perform the Swiss Ball Saw with Hamstring Stretch, start by sitting up straight on a Swiss ball. Both feet should be flat on the fall, knees bent and in line with the ankles.

Hold your arms straight to your sides at shoulder level, palms facing forward. Rotate your upper body to the right. Straighten your right leg and reach your left arm towards your right foot. Bend forward from the waist. Sit back slowly, one vertebra at a time. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. This exercise targets the muscles on the abdomen, obliques and lower back. It also stretches your hamstrings.

The Swiss Ball Pyramid is another Pilates abdominal exercise that uses a simple device to provide a challenging workout. In this exercise, your body moves from a plank to a pyramid position. The ball challenges your balance and core strength because your lower body is being supported by this movable surface.

To begin, lie face down on the ball. Walk your hands forward until the ball is under your shins. At this point, your body should be straight from head to toe. Keep your arms perpendicular to the floor. Raise your hips toward the ceiling. The ball will roll slightly forward. Your body will now form a pyramid, with your hips as the top of the pyramid. Lower your hips back to the plank position to complete the routine.

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Have you ever tried to boost your energy  with natural detox? Most of us take better care of our automobiles than our bodies. We take them in for regular checkups and change oil and filters often so that they work to their optimal capabilities. But we sometimes ignore our bodies when they become sluggish and don’t work as they were meant to.

The truth is that our bodies need the same type of care that our cars do ? including periodic cleansing and refueling. If we don’t get the car out of the garage for years, it wastes away and so do we if we don’t exercise. Exercising on a regular basis will boost your energy and help flush out toxins that can pollute your body and begin to shut it down.

Natural detox diets don’t require any supplements or special equipment. The foods you eat and liquids that you drink will naturally detoxify your body’s internal system and get it back to excellent working condition. There are many detox diets available for you to choose from, and the one you choose should depend on your lifestyle and how committed you are to the detoxification process.

To boost your energy with natural detox involves eating natural foods that specifically target your energy. You may want to completely cleanse your system before beginning a natural detox diet by using one of the liquid plans such as Lemon Detox Diet, Aqua Detox or any other plan that is specifically meant to clean out your system and prepare it for the consumption of solid foods.

Herbal teas are another way to detox your system the natural way and improve your energy level. You can research these teas online or in your favorite herb shop ? just be sure that those you choose are grown organically and without any preservatives or additives.

The whole idea of going through a natural detox plan is to avoid foods that are difficult to digest or those that add contaminates to your system ? and to only eat those foods that are naturally grown and help to cleanse your system.

Eating naturally doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. There are many recipes available online to boost your energy with natural detox that use only ingredients that are good for you and that will help your system stay free of contaminates. These recipes can be fun to assemble, pleasing to the eye and very delicious.

A natural detox plan will bring you to your best weight and optimal health. You’ll notice a change in your energy level almost immediately and your skin and hair will look healthier too. Then, follow a plan that lets you eat healthy, drink plenty of water and exercise on a regular basis to maintain the changes you’ll enjoy by a boost your energy with natural detox.

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Belly fat exercises are important for anyone, especially women. A flat tummy is flattering on the figure, not to mention healthier too. Belly fat can be blamed on hereditary factors but in most cases it is the result of bad eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. If you want to get into your bikini this summer you should start working on your midsection now. Belly fat exercises for women and a balanced diet will help tone your abdominal muscles and get rid of belly fat.

Women who want to lose belly fat must perform abdominal exercises at least three times a week. These exercises for women will firm and tone the abdominal and back muscles. Combined with a healthy low calorie diet, you will lose belly fat and get a flat tummy faster.

While ab machines and other devices can help develop your ab muscles and flatten your tummy, there are belly fat exercises for women that you can perform easily without the need for fancy gym equipment. The crunch, with it many variations, is one of the best belly fat exercises for women. The exercises given below target the abs and lower back muscles. They are some of the most effective exercises for women who want to get rid of belly fat fast.

Crunch as a Belly Fat Exercises

Lie down on your back on an exercise mat. Keep you feet flat on the floor with your knees bent. Place your hands on your chest or at the side of your head. Do not lock your hands behind your head. Roll or crunch your torso in a curling movement. Lift your shoulder blades but keep your lower back on the floor. Maintain the tension on your abs and hold the top position for a few counts. Return to the starting position and repeat. When doing the crunch, concentrate on keeping the tension on the abs, not on speed.

Bicycle Crunch as a Belly Fat Exercises

This is one of the most effective belly fat exercises for women. Lie down flat on the floor on your back, with your hands behind your head. Raise your upper body through your shoulders and bend your left knee while keeping the right leg straight. Twist your torso and try to touch your left knee with your right elbow. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement with the other leg. Do 10 reps of this exercise for each side.

Reverse Crunch as a Belly Fat Exercise

Another exercise that women can do at home to lose belly fat is the reverse crunch. For this exercise, lie down on the floor flat on your back, keeping both legs straight. Place your hands at the side your head. Raise your legs with a right angle bend in the knees. Yu can cross your feet or keep them together. Tighten your abs and lift your hips, bringing your knees towards your chest. Keep your upper body on the floor. Lower your legs slowly back to the starting position. Repeat the exercise 10 times.

Lose the Fat

To get rid of excess stomach fat, combine these exercises with cardio exercises and a low-calorie diet.These belly fat exercises for women will firm and strengthen your abs while decreasing your waistline.

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The abdominal area is a good indicator of how physically fit a person is. That is why many people work on their abdominal muscles so they can show off their 6-pack abs. Excess fat on the stomach is very hard to lose. However, using the best abdominal exercise equipment will help you tone your muscles and get rid of belly fat.

Before taking a look at some abdominal exercise equipment, it’s important to point out that you can have great-looking abs only if you exercise regularly and consume less calories. You should also remember that exercise burns fat from all over the body, not just in targeted areas.

Abdominal exercise equipment comes in all shapes and sizes. Some abdominal exercise machines can be expensive while others cost only a few dollars. Don’t judge a piece of abdominal exercise equipment by its price. Some of the cheapest exercise equipment can be the most effective.

Stability Ball or Exercise Ball. Stability balls were first used in physical therapy and rehabilitation facilities but came into general use when doctors and fitness trainers took notice of their benefits. A stability ball can be used in place of a regular bench to provide extra challenge when performing abdominal exercises. The core muscles have to work harder to stay balanced on the ball. You can perform crunches, twists and other exercises on a stability ball.

Ab Wheel. The ab wheel is a very simple piece of abdominal exercise equipment. It looks like a wheel with a stick through it that you grasp with both hands. To exercise your abs with the ab wheel, kneel down with the wheel in front of you. Roll out until you are stretched, and then roll back. This exercise may look easy but it is actually very challenging. The ab wheel exercises your arms, abs, and back.

Slant Board. The slant board or ab board looks like a bench with a declining angle. It has two sets of padded rollers at one end. You can perform crunches on the board, using the padded rollers to anchor your knees and ankles for stability. For a more challenging ab workout, hold a plate weight to your chest while exercising. The slant board is one of the most effective abdominal exercise equipment.

Exercise Mat. For many fitness experts, the floor is one of the best abdominal exercise equipment. Naturally, an exercise mat should go with it. There are dozens of ab exercises that you can perform on the floor, including crunches, leg raises, sit ups, and bicycle maneuver.
The use of abdominal exercise equipment must be paired with cardiovascular exercises if you want to get a flat tummy. While abdominal exercises strengthen your abs and back muscles, cardio exercise will help melt away the fat to reveal your rock hard abs. Look into Abdominal exercise equipment  today.

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In some people, fat accumulates in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Others find fat accumulating in their midsection or stomach. While excess fat in any area is bad, visceral fat or fat that accumulates in the abdomen is more dangerous. It increases the risk of developing heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. If you are wary of medical treatments and weight-loss pills, you may want to know how to lose belly fat naturally.

Exercise and diet changes are the best ways to lose belly fat naturally. There are also other steps you can take to reduce belly fat safely.

How to Lose Belly Fat Naturally

1. Get a good night’s sleep. You need 6-8 hours of sound sleep to maintain a healthy body. When you are sleep deprived, your metabolism drops by 10-15%. Sleep deprivation also causes glucose intolerance and increases the production of cortisol, causing you to feel hungry. Getting enough sleep helps reduce fat storage in the body.

2. Don’t skip breakfast. Mom was right. A good breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism and gives it a boost. Eat more proteins for breakfast. You’ll feel full longer and prevent food cravings that will have you eating more. Eating breakfast will help you lose body and belly fat naturally.

3. Consume low-calorie, nutrient-dense food. Eat more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and legumes. Choose lean cuts of meat and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Avoid highly processed foods that contain high amounts of sodium, fats and sugar. Healthy foods will help you lose belly fat naturally.

4. Perform cardiovascular exercises. Cardio workout should be done for at least 30 minutes to encourage fat burning. Brisk walking, jogging, biking, swimming, and kickboxing are excellent forms of aerobic or cardio exercise.

5. Develop your abdominal muscles. Targeting your abs will help tone and flatten your belly. Some of the best abs exercises that will help you lose belly fat naturally include crunches, sit-ups, leg raises, and pelvic tilts.

6. Get stronger. Lift weights to develop your muscles and increase muscle mass. Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat does, even while at rest. When your muscle mass increases, your metabolic rate will also increase. Your body will burn more calories and you will lose belly fat naturally.

7. Eat less but eat more often. Have a light snack once every two to three hours between meals to increase the rate of your metabolism. Snack on fruits, vegetables, healthy nuts, and other natural foods. Include whole-grain cereals in all your meals. Whole grain cereals are high in fiber, low in calories, and will keep you feeling full longer. Try some fat-burning foods that will help you lose belly fat naturally.

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Want your body to look and look and feel like you’ve been to a spa for a week? You can get the same effects at home without spending thousands of dollars. Cleanse your body out with a fast that will flush out the pollutants that are making your body sluggish – and when your internal organs are working properly, your outside organ (skin) will begin to glow and become clear of blemishes in a short amount of time.

Water only fast –  Limiting your diet to drinking only water for a few hours or a couple of days can produce benefits like lowering your blood pressure and releasing harmful toxins from your body so that your organs can better filter what you consume.

Natural foods fast – By eating only natural foods and eliminating alcohol, sugars, saturated fats, caffeine and cigarettes, your system will begin to naturally begin the detoxification process.

Cleansing supplement packages – These packages come with everything you need to thoroughly cleanse your system. They usually contain vitamins, minerals, herbs and fiber.

Herbal cleanse – Herbs such as burdock, milk thistle and dandelion root can be used to cleanse the liver, which is one of the main filtering organs in your body.

Fiber cleanse – A good, natural fiber cleanse generally includes eating high fiber foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Among the best foods for a cleansing diet are cabbage, broccoli, beets and seaweed.

Exercise is a way that you can help the toxins pass through your body quickly. It’s also necessary to build muscle and keep from losing what muscle you’ve got. When you fast, the body turns to its stored glucose and fat for energy. When those resources are depleted, the body turns to muscle.

If you choose a body fast program as a weight loss tool or to cleanse your body of toxins, pay attention to the mental aspect of the program. Try to reduce stress from your life as much as you can. You may also want to clear your house of aerosol products that may contain environmental hazards and try to purchase organically-grown fruits and vegetables.

Body fast plans have been used for centuries to cleanse the body, restore health, prevent diseases, gain spiritual awareness and promote longevity. Modern-day researchers have found that detoxifying our bodies may also help us to be more mentally acute. Fasting may even help prevent the onslaught of Alzheimer’s disease – and for that, alone, it’s worth taking a look at. So cleanse your body out with a fast

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Men have two compelling reasons to reduce belly fat. One is looks (do you know of any red-blooded male who doesn’t want 6-pack abs?). The second one is health. Men with a waistline over 40 inches are at risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

There is no magic pill to reduce belly fat in men. The most effective way for men to lose belly fat is to combine a healthy diet with regular exercise.
How to Reduce Belly Fat in Men

Weight-loss principles remain the same, whether you’re trying to lose belly fat or overall body fat. Eat less, do more. And don’t put the blame on your genes. An unhealthy lifestyle may be more to blame than hereditary factors.

The following tips are guaranteed to help reduce belly fat in men.

1. Reduce your calorie intake. There’s only one way to lose fat, and that’s to consume fewer calories than you burn. Make your portion sizes smaller. Choose low-calorie, nutrient-packed natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

2. Avoid foods made from white flour. Instead, eat more whole grains. Studies show that dieters who consumed whole grains instead of refined grains lost more weight. Best of all, they were able to lose more belly fat than those who continued to eat refined grains.

3. Focus on monounsaturated fats and limit your intake of foods high in saturated fats and trans fats. Not all fats are bad. In fact, your body needs fats to function properly. Fat in your diet also provide a feeling of satiety and prevents food cravings. Excellent sources of monounsaturated fats include olive oil, avocado, nuts, salmon, and seeds. Monounsaturated fats promote weight loss.

4. Do strength training exercises to develop your muscles and increase muscle mass. This is an effective way to boost your metabolism and reduce belly fat in men. Pound for pound, muscles burn more calories than fat does. If you have more muscle mass, your body will burn more calories even when you’re sleeping.

5. Do cardiovascular exercises. Aerobic exercise builds endurance and improves physical fitness. It also burn calories more efficiently. Men who want to reduce belly fat faster should engage in cardio workouts. To be effective, do cardiovascular exercises for at least 30 minutes a day.

If you want to get 6-pack abs you must also do ab exercises such as crunches, sit-ups, and leg-raises. Combine these exercises with the tips to reduce belly fat in men and you’ll have ripped abs in no time.

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Whether you call them Swiss balls, medicine balls, or stability balls, fitness practitioners agree that abdominal balls can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your workout. Swiss balls have been around for years and they are popular as an aid for abdominal exercises. They offer a number of benefits that enhance many exercise routines.

More Effective Abdominal Workout

Abdominal ball exercises are more effective in developing the core muscles because they provide a greater degree of challenge and difficulty. Using a ball for your abdominal exercises makes your body work harder to maintain balance. A Swiss ball abdominal exercise will strengthen the core muscles of your stomach more effectively than exercising on the floor.

Develop Core Strength

The Swiss ball or stability ball is recognized as one of the best tools to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles. Abdominal ball exercises directly target the core muscles as your body maintains your balance. Keep in mind that one of the functions of your core muscles is to provide support and maintain your balance. A Swiss ball increases the intensity of your abdominal exercise.

Improves Your Posture

The only way to keep your balance while exercising on a Swiss ball is by making sure your body is aligned. Swiss ball abdominal exercises engage the core muscles that support the whole body. The core muscles keep the body aligned, thus improving your posture.

Builds Strength and Endurance

While abdominal ball exercises target the abs and core muscle groups, they also improve overall body strength and endurance. These exercises help strengthen your arms, shoulder and back. They also increase the flexibility of your body.

Aids in Weight Loss

Regular exercise using a Swiss ball is an effective way to lose weight. The increased intensity and challenge of your abdominal ball exercise causes more calories and fats to be burned. You can have the best weight loss results if your exercises are coupled with a healthy, low-calorie diet.

Saves Money

A Swiss ball or stability ball is very affordable. It is one of the most cost-effective devices for a home gym. A Swiss ball is convenient to use and does not take up too much space in your home.

An abdominal exercise ball also helps save money because you won’t have to go to a gym to get a great workout. You can do all your abdominal ball exercises at home.

Many sporting goods stores and online stores offer Swiss abdominal balls in different sizes. You can easily find one that’s just right for you.

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Using the natural cleanse for health method to rid the body of dangerous bacteria and toxins is the ultimate weight loss plan that you can easily follow for the rest of your life. When you follow a natural cleansing program for your body, it restores the digestive tract, immune system and even your mind to the healthy state it should maintain for keeping weight off and living a healthy lifestyle.

So many maladies plague us as a result of how we live our lives today. Unwanted pounds and obesity are only two of the problems – others include sluggish dietary and immune systems that lead to health problems that could ruin our lives and the lives of those we care about. Most of these difficulties result from the way we live, but merely changing our habits won’t do the job. Periodically cleansing your body can prepare it for ultimate weight loss and ultimate health and isn’t that what we all wish for?

A true body cleanse isn’t merely taking a laxative to clean out your colon. Here are some steps you have to take if you want to thoroughly cleanse your body of toxins and achieve the ultimate weight loss and health potential

Here is how to do a Natural Cleanse for Health

The natural cleanse for health program to lose weight will also benefit your body in ways other than ridding it of toxins.

Extra benefits include:

A natural cleanse for health program is simple to follow and you’ll see and feel positive results immediately.

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Abdominal fat is a problem for many people, prompting them to find ways and means to get rid of belly fat fast. Unfortunately, fat in the abdominal area is often difficult to lose. Even with exercise and diet, belly fat sometimes refuses to go away. In their quest for a trim physique, some people wear abdominal belts in the hope that it will help to flatten their tummy.

Abdominal belts for weight loss are advertised on TV infomercials and the internet with promises that these devices hold the secret to rock-hard abs without the need for sit ups, crunches, or a low-calorie diet. Let’s find out more about the abdominal belt and see if it is effective for weight loss.

What Is an Abdominal Belt?

An abdominal belt is a special electronic device that you can wear around your waist at all times of the day. Manufacturers of abdominal belts claim that this device will help develop your abdominal muscles without the need for exercise. The belt electrically stimulates the abdominal muscles while you sit or relax. You can also exercise while wearing the belt to enhance the development of your abdominal muscles.

How Does an Abdominal Belt Work?

Abdominal weight loss belts are equipped with small pads that the user attaches to the bare skin. The pads contain electrodes that send a series of electrical pulses to different areas on your stomach. The pulses stimulate the muscles, allowing them to contract and relax. This simulates the effects of exercise.

Requires FDA Clearance

Abdominal belts that use electrical muscle stimulation are classified as medical devices, according to the FDA or Food and Drug Administration. The sale of abdominal belts to consumers must be pre-approved. Currently, only the Slendertone Flex abdominal EMS belt has FDA clearance for toning the abdominal muscles.

Results of Research Studies

A small study conducted at the University of Wisconsin measured the effects of abdominal EMS belts on test subjects. The test subjects wore the belts for 20 to 40 minutes every day, five days a week. At the end of the study, the test subjects reported losing an average of 1.38 inches around their waist. Abdominal strength increased by an average of 58%. The control group reported no significant changes in these measurements. Neither group experienced significant weight loss.

The study was funded by a former distributor of Slendertone Flex belts.

Are Abdominal Belts Effective?

Abdominal belt manufacturers claim that aerobic exercise can benefit belt wearers. The stretching and constant movement during aerobic exercise along with electric impulses from the belt is said to stimulate the abdominal muscles more intensely. The Federal Trade Commission, however, says abdominal belts have questionable value to consumers. The FDA also warns that these devices have caused minor and serious injuries including pain, irritation, bruises and burns. There are no magic pills or devices for losing weight. The only proven combination is a good diet and exercise.

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Some people are simply born with well-defined leg muscles ? and some of us have to work for them. There are a number of exercises that are specifically designed to sculpt and strengthen your leg muscles. These exercises usually combine fat-burning cardio to decrease body fat with strength training that exclusively targets the toning process of the leg muscles.

Most leg-defining programs make use of aerobic exercises several times per week. Leg-strengthening exercises such as squats, lunges and calf raises will help to sculpt the major muscles in your legs.

Any sport that utilizes the leg muscles to the fullest will also help to strengthen and define the legs and give them those sexy curves that beg to be revealed with short skirts and shorts. Sports such as tennis, water or snow skiing and swimming are excellent methods for overall toning of your leg muscles.

All you really need to exercise your legs to the fullest are a treadmill (or simply take a brisk walk outside) and a workout bench (a yoga mat on the floor will do just as well). You can also add an exercise ball to the workout equipment to get the full effect of stretching those leg muscles.

Of course exercise is critical in sculpting your leg muscles, but if you’re overweight you’ll need to reduce the body fat to achieve the lean, toned legs you want. Adopting a good fat-burning diet can also help you get the results you desire.

The best diet to burn fat and boost your metabolism is to simply make it a balanced one. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, limes and lemons. These fruits are high in Vitamin C, which can dilute fat so that it can be easily flushed from your body.

Other fruits, such as apples and berries can also boost your system so that you’re burning more fat. They contain “pectin,” which helps your body place boundaries on how much fat your cells can absorb. Remember to drink plenty of water to flush out the damaging toxins in your body during your quest to improve those leg muscles.

If you really work and concentrate on improving your legs — before you know it, you’ll be showing off those toned and tanned legs in shorts and mini-dresses.

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Many religions use fasting as part of their faith and as an opportunity to slow down and meditate about spiritual issues. Fasting is also a method to begin a weight loss program on a positive note by removing toxins and pollutants from your body. A weight loss fast might be drinking only water, juices or tea for a day or more, or it can mean that you drastically cut your calories for a length of time.

When you cut calories, your body is forced to rely on the stores of fat it’s accumulated for energy. It’s normal to feel lethargic and experience headaches and dizziness during a strict weight loss fast, but that usually lasts for a short amount of time. You may want to fast one day or alternate days while you’re going through a weight loss plan if you have a busy schedule and don’t have time to rest during the day.

Another good weight loss fast plan is to skip meals. Skipping a dinner, for example can drastically cut calories and give your digestive system a rest while you’re sleeping. It’s been scientifically proven that when we restrict the calories in animals, they’re healthier, keep off unwanted weight and also enjoy longer lives.

Heart disease is a major problem among overweight or obese people, so we’re beginning to study and find ways to restrict calories and lose weight for health as well as to feel better about our bodies and look better in our clothes. A scientific study in Utah revealed that heart disease among people of the Mormon religion is significantly lower than the rest of the population. Mormons usually fast on the first Sunday of the month and also maintain healthy diets, avoiding caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.

Longevity is another reason to periodically engage in a weight loss fast. By cutting calories, losing weight, eating a healthy diet and avoiding processed, chemical- and pesticide-laden foods and other things you ingest that plug up our systems, your body performs better and your immune system is better prepared to ward off diseases. As you age, changes occur in your insulin level and body temperature. Periodic fasting and restricting calories on an every day basis can slow those changes and help you to age more gracefully.

Begin a weight loss fast carefully by researching which type of fasting plan is best for the lifestyle you live. One thing to beware of when fasting is that your metabolism will slow down during the fast and when you resume your normal diet, you’re likely to put the pounds back on unless you ease into it.

Along with the weight loss fast, choose an exercise plan that you can stick to. It doesn’t have to be rigorous ? a walk around the block with your pet can do wonders in keeping your metabolism up and your weight down. Good luck!

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Kicking your metabolism into shape so that you burn more calories rather than adding more fat to your body may take some drastic measures. Flushing the fat from your body is one way to increase your metabolic rate. It also rids the body of toxins that cause you to feel bloated and sluggish.

Fat tends to find a home in your body in three main areas ? butt, hips and thighs. Flushing out the fat targets these areas of your body rather than other diets where you may actually lose muscle mass.

Here are five tips for flushing unwanted fat out of your body that will lead you to weight loss success.

1. Lower calorie intake. Calorie count should be between 1000 and 1500 daily for the first couple of weeks.
2. During your fat flushing diet, you should add some good fat (such as flaxseed oil) as well as some protein, vegetables and fruit. Spices (such as cayenne pepper) are also a great addition to the diet plan.
3. Drink plenty of water, green tea and other liquids that act as a diuretic to flush out toxins and fat.
4. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep acts as a restorative process for your body and shouldn’t be neglected.
5. Keep track of all your activities, food and drink. You can jot the information in a notebook or enter it into one of the many online “journals” that are available.

Exercise is also important during this time, but don’t overdo it. You may feel weak because of decreased calorie intake. A brisk walk around the block or ten minutes on the treadmill will suffice.

After two weeks of the above regimen, you can increase your calorie intake to 1500 calories and add more carbohydrates to your diet. Follow this plan until you reach your desired weight. By then, your metabolism will have the boost it needs to work more efficiently.

Some medical professionals find that drastically lowering your calories is unhealthy and maintain that you’ll eventually put the weight back on. It’s true that you lose weight rapidly and unless you stick to the diet, you’ll more than likely put the pounds back on at a later time.

But you have a deadline to meet (such as fitting into that new bikini before your first trip to the beach), try the fat flushing diet for a couple of weeks to see quick and pleasing results.

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On an every day basis, you can make changes in your diet and environment to help detox your body of contaminates, help your immune system ward off diseases and give you more energy. There are certain things that you can’t change ? the city in which you live may have polluted air quality or you may not live near an organic market place to purchase fruits and vegetables or have the opportunity to grow them yourself.

But, there are things you can do to improve your health and help your body to perform at its optimal level. Detoxifying your body in a healthy manner simply means that you eat healthier and remove as many potential toxins from your life as possible. It’s not a quick process, but a continuous one that you can work a bit on every day and that will eventually provide visible results.

Eating healthy and organically grown foods that are free from pesticides and harmful chemicals is a good way to begin to detox your body. But what about all the other contaminates in your home ? where you live and breathe most of the time? For example, how much plastic do you have in your home and use on a daily basis?

Did you know that the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) used to make plastics is actually contaminating your home and your body with toxic chemicals? You may eat on plastic plates or drink from plastic cups. Perhaps you use a plastic shower curtain, tablecloth or store your clothes in plastic covers. This is one contaminate that you can get rid of by purchasing items made with cotton or polyester materials that are much safer for your home and for you and your family.

We’re a nation of pill-takers ? and even over the counter medications such as pain relievers that contain acetaminophen can damage organs (such as the liver) that you use to filter contaminates from your body. Eliminating or removing as many pills as you can
from your life will help to detox your body the natural way.

Use plants to freshen the air in your home. Those great-smelling air fresheners aren’t so great when they enter your eyes and the rest of your body. They’re filled with pollutants that can make you sick. You might also want to purchase an air filtrating system for your home ? and open the windows to let in natural air when you can.

Cleaning your home with natural products such as baking soda and vinegar ensures that you won’t be breathing the harmful chemicals found in aerosol products. When you garden outdoors, don’t use pesticides on your plants to keep bugs or diseases away ? Instead, find a proven organic method that works on the plants you’re growing. There’s a lot of information available online that can help you make the right decisions.

When you detox your body, you’re turning back the hands of time. Living a modern lifestyle has left your body with residue that can not only harm, but also age you. A good detox plan can slow the aging process and even return your skin, hair and energy to a vital and glowing living thing.

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Rather than diet pills or weight loss diets that offer far less nutrients that your body needs ? think about using a detox cleansing method to prepare your body for weight loss ? the natural way. You may already realize the importance of eating organic and natural foods and avoiding too much meat or processed foods, but do you know that it’s also a way to detoxify your entire body from chemicals and toxins, restore your health and lose weight?

Depending on which detox cleansing diet you choose, other procedures (such as natural laxatives or juice fasts) may be included with the diet plan. Detox cleansing may seem like a drastic solution to weight gain, and you won’t be able to keep the weight off unless you make some lifestyle changes. But, after detoxifying your system, your body will be ready to accept these changes and you’ll be more apt to continue with a healthy lifestyle.

Some natural foods that you can eat to help your system in the detox cleansing process and flush out the toxins that are contaminating your body.

Juices that are pure (no sugar added) and made with organically grown fruits and vegetables (cranberry juice is an excellent way to naturally flush out the kidneys).

Lean meat isn’t included at the beginning of the detoxification process, but as you reintroduce solid foods to your diet, avoid fatty meats and concentrate on lean chicken.

Raw fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber which keeps your digestive tract working properly.

Berries such as raspberries and strawberries are abundant in nutrients that help clean out pollutants such as alcohol. They also increase brain power.

Citrus fruits, rich in Viamins E and C are great cleansers for your liver.

There are many natural foods that help your body work properly ? and, after all — you do have the best detoxification process inside your body. You were specifically designed so that organs such as the kidneys, liver, gallbladder and lungs would work in your favor to keep the body safe from toxins.

But, along the way, our diets and lifestyles have gone from healthy, fresh foods and moderate or vigorous amounts of exercise to foods drowning in too much oil, sugars and salt ? and we’ve become a nation of couch-potatoes besides. Plus, the environment in which we live has become polluted, clogging our lungs and slowing our thinking process.

Detox cleansing means returning to a more simple way of life, eating natural foods, lots of water and exercising our bodies. It’s the natural way to make sure we remain fit and healthy, keep off the unwanted weight and be able to fight life-threatening diseases that come our way.

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Fasting isn’t something you should try without much thought and preparation. For most people, fasting is an incredible experience that helps you feel renewed and rewarded. For others, fasting is fraught with untamed cravings, headaches and feelings of failure because they couldn’t see it to the end. Learning how to fast safely is all about choosing the plan that’s right for you and your lifestyle.

There are so many available fasting plans ? and you’re sure to find one that suits you and that you reap huge rewards from. Any fasting program you choose should begin by deciding what your motivation is for fasting. It could be that you want to begin a weight loss program on a clean slate, cleanse your body for health reasons or for spiritual reasons. Find a fasting plan that fits what you’re trying to achieve to make sure you won’t be disappointed at the end.

Then, check with your doctor to make sure that your body is ready and able to handle the particular fast you chose. Ask him or her for tips you can use to ensure that you realize everything from the fast that you’ve envisioned.

There are a few items you need to invest in to get the most from any fasting plan you choose. First, you should purchase a juicer rather than choosing from juices at the supermarket. Fresh, rather than pasteurized juice is a better fit for fasting. Sometimes they’re difficult to locate, but if you can buy organically grown fruits and vegetables rather than those available at most supermarkets, do so. They may cost a little more, but the quality is worth the cost. When you purchase teas, choose only from the wide variety of organically grown, herbal teas.

While it’s okay and even recommended to exercise during your fast, it should be limited to non-stressful or low aerobic movements. Walking or stretching exercises are best during the fast ? but take it easy. If you don’t feel like exerting yourself ? don’t. Fasting is different for everyone. Some people are energized and others feel lethargic.

When the fast is over, be aware that your body has just gone through a major renewing and rejuvenating experience. The thing you don’t want to do is begin eating foods high in carbohydrates, sugars, additives or drinking alcohol, carbonated beverages and dairy products such as milk. If you do indulge in these foods and drinks immediately following the fast, you may experience bad reactions such as stomach and other digestive problems.

Fasting should be the first step you take in developing a healthier lifestyle. When you learn how to fast in a safe manner, you’ll end the fast with feelings of self-esteem (after all, you’ve just completed a process that involves depriving yourself of one of life’s main comforts and necessities to achieve a goal) and pride for what you’ve accomplished.

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It’s easy to distinguish a healthy detox plan from an unhealthy one ? how it feels. And for each detox plan, there’s someone out there whose body will respond in a positive way and someone who will respond to the same plan in a negative way. Everyone’s body and lifestyle is different, so research carefully before you embark on the process.

The basics of a healthy detox plan mainly involve eating healthy foods to produce a healthy outcome. You should have an abundance of energy and never feel hungry. If you’ve been consuming an unhealthy diet, you may experience cravings or withdrawals, but those should pass in a short amount of time.

There are 3, 7 and 21-day detox plans and even 1 day plans, depending on your lifestyle. Some ask you to drink a liquid diet for at least one day and take a laxative to flush out the toxins. For some, this is too drastic — to ease into the plan is a much better option. And always check on your overall health before embracing any severe diet plan.

When you decide upon a healthy detox plan, it’s important that it’s at the right time in your life. You should plan to have as few distractions as possible during the beginning phase, so that means you should time it so that you can slow down, meditate and avoid the triggers (television and stress) that cause you to consume food mindlessly.

Among the basics of a healthy detox plan is to break away from unhealthy foods. You probably already know what they are:

· Alcohol and drugs ? Check with your doctor before you quit taking prescription drugs, but basically ? don’t drink alcohol or take over the counter drugs during the detoxification process.

· Don’t eat unhealthy foods ? Stay away from allergy-promoting foods, those that contain additives and unhealthy fats. Don’t eat meat during the detox plan. It can contain harmful hormones and other additives.

· Dairy and soy products ? Eggs and milk often contain antibiotics, causing digestive problems. Rather than soy, choose nuts and grains to get your protein requirements.

· Processed foods ? Products made with white flour and processed grains can cause an allergic reaction ? and they also contaminate your immune system.

· Don’t use saturated fats or hydrogenated oils in cooking ? Use healthy oils instead, such as olive and sesame oils.

· Avoid drinking carbonated beverages. Instead, drink pure, filtered water ? and plenty of it.

When you’re researching for a healthy detox plan, keep in mind the word, ‘natural.’ If you can’t say that a food is natural, don’t eat it.

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We think nothing about “spring cleaning” our homes. After a long winter, spider webs are everywhere and dust can be an inch thick in places that are rarely seen. Our bodies need the same type of cleansing to maintain our health. Otherwise, the “cobwebs” will clog our arteries and organs and toxic substances will remain in our bodies and make it more difficult to fight off diseases.

There are many types of cleansing methods available and some target different parts of the body. Here are a few ways to cleanse your body to get rid of toxins and improve your health:

Ion cleansing ? Ionic footbaths are popular in spas that offer detoxification. The process includes putting your feet in a warm water bath as the water flows freely beneath your feet. Both positive and negative ions will pull out the toxins in your body.

Colon cleansing ? Your colon can be the cause of many health problems if it isn’t cleaned out periodically. You might experience constipation, bloating and other maladies that can make you ill if your colon is full of toxins. There are many methods of colon cleansing available ? do some research to find one that’s right for you.

Herbal cleansing ? This method of cleansing targets your entire inner body. It’s an inexpensive and gentle way to make sure that residue from pesticides, chemicals and other toxins are flushed from your body.

Other methods to cleanse your body include the Master Cleanse and Parasite and liver cleansing processes. A little research regarding symptoms, what each cleansing process entails, and which would be the best for you to follow can be done online very easily.

After your body goes through the detoxification process, it’s best to adapt a healthy way of eating. The less amounts of processed foods and meat that you ingest will help to keep your system free of the toxins that can damage your health and make you gain unwanted pounds.

Pay attention to the signs your body alerts you to. If you feel sluggish and don’t sleep very well at night, it may be a sign that you need to cleanse your body. Constipation and bloating are also signs that your digestive tract and intestines are in distress and a cleansing program that targets those areas is best to use.

Body detoxification is so much healthier than taking medicines to restore and balance your system. Many medicines only tend to make matters worse in the long run. The natural way to cleanse your body is best if you want to get a head start on eating healthy and nutritious foods because it gives the food a clean slate to nourish your body as it should be.source