Fat Kills You

The number of myths about natural bodybuilding are too numerous to mention. For every guy who knows the principles of effective bodybuilding, there are countless others who don’t. Those lacking the knowledge to train properly will argue until their strides split open or until Frankie No-Gains asks them for a spot. I don’t argue anymore. I just figure they can either take it, or leave it.

Bodybuilding is not complicated. It’s simpler than your brother’s, cousin’s third husband. Plus, it allows you to completely transform yourself from a proverbial "weakling," into a "muscle monster." That’s if you so choose. In short, it rocks. Narrow-minded sceptics who argue otherwise, are just too damn lazy to try it themselves.

The majority of "skinny guys" you will ever meet can quickly supply an elaborate list of exercises with incredible performance detail. However, the same losers can’t seem to identify the most effective ones. Failing to understanding the "fundamental" science of muscle growth, is truly criminal. But to be fair, just this once, most beginners will always experience some form of ignorance, at least initially. However, by learning what you have here, you are already ahead of ninety-nine percent of everyone you will ever meet.

Although some training methods produce reasonable results, it doesn’t mean that you should be using them. Training with this routine will achieve far better muscle gains in much less time. This routine consists of only the most effective exercises available. Always strive for the greatest return on time and energy invested. Anything less is unnecessary, pointless, and not worth your time. Got it.

I don’t need to disprove alternate methods of training. Boring you with the evidence that supports the methods advised in this routine is just sucking wind. Addressing two of the more dangerous myths, however, is a valuable warning. Stay focused, stay alert. You need to hear this.

The strategy of "intuitive" or "instinctive" training is a myth in its finest form. This theory promotes the utilization of personal intuition and instincts to guide your training program. Supporters of this method claim, that eventually, you will develop a "feel" for a suitable training program which includes a selection of the most suitable exercises.

This strategy is a farce. If achieving optimum muscle gains from your training is your goal, working in direct opposition to your instincts is critical. Following your instincts exclusively, will results in next no gains at all. Remember, you gotta be smarter than that.

During any given workout you will need to overcome your persuasive, primitive instincts. You need to approach muscle growth in a more scientific manner. The satisfaction, not to mention the muscle growth, you will gain from proper training is truly incredible. Turning your goal of bigger stronger muscles into a reality is the aim here. In this equation, instinct factors nowhere.

Exactly what would happen if pandering to your instincts was an option? During an exercise set, you would stop performing well before you stimulated any muscle growth. The human body is a homeostatic organism. It will do everything in its power to maintain the status quo. For example, instinctive hunger pains precede your body’s actual need for food by several hours.

In the case of intense exercise, the body is quick to recognize the onset of a challenging workload. It will do everything it can to prevent you from performing additional exercise. The instinctual body dreads the point of momentary exhaustion. You must be aware of this destructive self-talk, so that you can push onwards to bigger gains and better gains.

There is of course a definite limit in your training that you shouldn’t go beyond. However, this limitation only applies to the quantity of exercise performed, not the intensity of effort. Exhausting your body’s ability to recover is the only real, potentially life threatening concern. However, maximizing intensity of effort is an absolute requirement for achieving super-fast muscle gains. Using your questionable instincts to guide your training program will not produce maximum muscle gains. No gains at all, is the most likely outcome from just such actions.

Another misguided and dangerous myth involves the use of ‘growth drugs’ or anabolic steroids. Unfortunately, drug use is widespread among athletes, bodybuilders and individuals looking for a performance advantage. The health risks associated with consuming steroids are severe. Compared to the risks, the benefits just aren’t worth it.

Besides, using these types of drugs is totally unnecessary. The only exception is someone who has them prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons. Steer clear of these substances if you are healthy and wish to remain so. Essentially, the majority of ‘performance enhancing’ drugs are synthetic hormones.

Even though increased dosages of these drugs can boost recovery ability, they are not required for incredible muscle gains. On the contrary, most bodybuilders who use drugs, must do so simply because they are training too often. I guess ignorance is bliss. At least until you suffer a stroke, and end up in a wheelchair.

The dangers in using ‘performance enhancing’ drugs are obvious. The benefits and damaging side effects associated with their consumption is still greatly unknown. Controlled testing has not been widespread. The jury is still out on the long term effects of these drugs. My advice, avoid steroid use completely.

Trent Brook is the Author of "Huge Gains Fast - How to Get More Rock-Hard Muscle Mass In A Month Than You Now Get All Year. His "Huge Gains Fast" muscle building program is an easy-to-follow system so simple and understandable it’s fully explained to you in just 4 easy steps! The Revised Edition is now available online at his website, http://www.hugegainsfast.com

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and potentially life-altering disorder with symptoms such as extreme muscle pain, extraordinary fatigue and multiple tender and painful points. Fibromyalgia itself tends to be similar in many aspects to rheumatic diseases although it differs from arthritis in that there is no known inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles or tissues.

While the actual cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, many factors have been associated with its appearance. Stressful events are sometimes the triggering point while other times the onset of fibromyalgia is in conjunction with other illnesses or diseases.

Nutrition has had some success with easing of symptoms. However, nutritional therapy for fibromyalgia is currently not widely used or known about. It’s unfortunate that this is the case as several interesting studies have recently emerged from the scientific community touting the possibility that supplementing the diet of patient’s with fibromyalgia with glyconutrients may in fact decrease symptoms, especially those of pain and fatigue.

It has been shown that a particular molecule necessary for normal transport and stabilization of the proteins that carry serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine is one of the eight essential sugars - a glyconutrient! Serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are responsible for helping people to sleep restfully and achieve relaxation. Those suffering from fibromyalgia have difficulties in these two areas. The possibility exists that fibromyalgia sufferers are deficient or altogether missing some of the essential glyconutrients needed by the body1.

Additionally, glyconutrients also play a role in the central nervous system and its pain carrying pathways. There is a hypothesis that if the body is deficient in one or more particular glyconutrients it will perceive greater pain than that of an optimally functioning body1.

One final reason to use glyconutrients for those with fibromyalgia lies in the important function glyconutrients play in the immune system. When a person is in a constant state of stress their immune system tends to function at a lower level which leads to greater risk of infections and illnesses. Those with fibromyalgia have high levels of stress and more than likely a depressed immune system. Glyconutrients may be the very thing patients with fibromyalgia need in order to keep their immune system as healthy as possible while dealing with the other symptoms of fibromyalgia.

1. Glyconutritional Implications in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Scott Saunders is a full time wellness consultant who can be reached at Whole Earth Health

When the immune system in our body finds or realizes anything as foreign to the body, it immediately releases antibodies like histamines to fight against the foreign substance. This causes inflammation which is called allergy in our body.

There are many natural remedies for allergies available. Although natural remedies are easily available without prescription, it is better to consult a doctor before to take up any medicine as a remedy for allergies.

When a person is taking natural remedies or any other medicines for allergies, it is better to concentrate on the environment in which they live. Avoid moist environments. Moist environments aid the growth of molds that are one of the causes of allergies. Cleanliness of the beds and the carpet plays an important role in treating allergies. Food restrictions also help in treating the allergies well. Certain types of foods should be avoided and certain foods can be taken. A proper nutritional supplement to aid the treatment is also recommended.

Foods like wheat and chocolates cause allergy symptoms like headaches which can also be migraine in nature. Hay fever, hives, childhood allergies, asthma, and eczema are also caused by such foods. Garlic and Onion can be taken daily to treat allergies. It is found that these herbs contain Quercitin which is effective in curing allergies. This is found to reduce the production of histamine that causes allergies in us. Green tea extract which is rich in phytonutrients is used to ward off cellular attacks. It is an excellent anti bacterial and is used to cut down the cholesterol level and to regulate the blood sugar.

Bromelain is used to assist in digestion of vegetable protein. Papain contains an enzyme that breaks down protein is effective in curing allergies. The acidic stage of the allergic reactions can be controlled effectively with Magnesium (Citrate). This is also used in treating asthma which has strong bonding with allergies. Calcium (Citrate) which balances the acid and the alkaline levels in our body is good in curing allergies. Calcium also reduces the production of histamine in our body.

Air filters and dehumidifiers can be used to prevent mold that is present in the humid environments. It is known that onions, garlic, and citrus fruits contain natural antihistamines. Having these would help you prevent and cure allergies. Natural nasal rinses are also available for treating allergies. Allergy can be controlled with the help for a proper diet. You have to note down the food items that are taken by you. Avoiding certain foods and taking some foods would help you in controlling the allergies.

Certain food supplements would also help in treating allergies positively. Natural antihistamines are taken to control allergy. You should know that the histamine released by our immune system is responsible for the allergic reaction. It is also better to know what leads to allergies. It is found that in babies the eating habits during the first year play an important role in a baby’s sensitivity to allergy. Lack of breast feeding and feeding babies with solid food too early may lead to such conditions.

Visit http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/allergy/home-allergy-remedies.html or http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/allergy/natural-allergy-treatment.html to learn more about treating allergy naturally.

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My name is Greg Ryan and I am a high profile fitness expert. In twenty years of being a personal trainer and health club consultant, I am frightened at how fast the health of Americans is deteriorating. You are being eaten alive from the inside out by diabetes, heart disease and obesity. And the scary thing is either you do not know it YET, or you are in denial of the problem.

You have a choice to make and you better make it soon, before it’s too late. Is this a scare tactic? You bet it is! I am very tired of patting people on the back who walk into my clinics and want something for nothing. I’m frustrated with listening to people make excuses for not exercising and eating right. Your weight gain and high body fat levels will comes down to three things; denial, pride and laziness.

My responsibility as a high profile fitness expert lies not in if you like me, or even if you buy my e books. My responsibility lies in giving you straight talk. You want quick fixes to your health problem that has taken years to develop. You think you get them by purchasing gimmicks that promise you fast results. You fall for it, and at the end of the day you are more frustrated than every. Why? Because you are denying the root of your problems.

Promises in fast weight loss programs is part of the problem with Americans having high percentages of body fats. People, they do NOT work! Quit wasting your money on a false hope! The ONLY way of dropping good weight (fat) is to balance your lifestyle with, exercise and better eating.

NEWS FLASH: The problem with Americans body fat levels is not with the exercise programs out there, it is the lack of fitness experts helping you with your approach combined with lack of responsibility.

Body-fat is the over all percent of muscle to your body weight. If you are close to thirty percent you are clinically considered to be obese. Over forty percent of you are obese. And sixty percent of you are over weight just asking to get diabetes.

Do you know if you just lower your body fat levels 5 percent you will decrease your chances of heart disease, diabetes, strokes by half? Not to mention the greater quality of life you will live. Is your image of yourself so bad that you would rather be fat than to feel good?

Here are the main ways to lower your body fat levels:

#1: Lower your fat intake in your daily diets.

#2: Get a full balanced exercise program started: walking, weight training, and stretching.

#3: Take basic vitamins

#4: Lower stress levels

#5: Quit making excuses

So I ask of you, I beg of you, start exercising today. Make better choices in your food groups. If you need help I can help. www.resolutions.bz

START LOSING WEIGHT THE RIGHT WAY FOR GOOD TODAY! FREE MINI COURSE click here http://www.resolutions.bz Discover the common sense way to lose weight with out dieting that the doctor’s DON’T want you to know. Greg Ryan is a best selling author, former employee of Kathy Smith, and high profile fitness expert.

As you have undoubtedly heard, college students around the country are gaining weight at a rapid rate. A recent study by Cornell University found that on average, college freshman gain about 0.5 pounds a week, which is almost 11 times more than the average weight gain among 17-and 18-year olds and almost 20 times more than the average weight gain among American adults.

Exercise is a great way to ward off extra pounds, but what college student really has time to visit a gym multiple times each week? Hectic, stressful schedules are almost always partially to blame for the extra weight gain in the first place! A great solution is to find exercises that you can perform right in your dorm room.

Try out the following Dorm Room Exercise Routine right in your own room! Please remember to consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.

Lunges

Equipment: Optional Dumbbells or Barbell ? This can be done simply with bodyweight.

Starting Position: Stand with your feet together and a barbell across your shoulders, or, if using bodyweight, hands on your hips. Take a large step forward and bend your knees down into a lunge position.

Movement: Exhale as you press yourself back up to a standing position, or continue through with your step into another lunge.

Push Ups

Equipment: Optional Exercise Matt

Starting Position Beginner: Get on all fours on the matt with your hands directly under your shoulders. Walk your knees back until your upper body is stretched out and your back is flat. Starting Position Advanced (shown in picture): From the all fours position, walk your feet back until your body is stretched out and your back is flat.

Movement: Inhale as you slowly lower your body down towards the matt. Be sure to keep your back straight and to not allow it to sag in the middle. Exhale as you press yourself back up to the starting position.

Crunches

Equipment: Optional Exercise matt

Starting Position: Lie on your back on the matt with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Support your head by placing your hands behind it, and keep your eyes turned up towards the ceiling throughout the entire movement.

Movement: Exhale as you raise your upper body up a few inches off of the matt by contracting your abs. Be sure to keep your back straight and avoid pulling yourself up with your hands. Hold yourself in this contracted position for a moment before slowly lowering yourself back down to the starting position.

Couple the above exercises with regular walks or jogs around campus, and you will be well on your way to combating college weight gain. For more information on dorm room exercises and avoiding college weight gain visit www.AvoidTheFreshman15.com. You don’t have to be stuck with unwanted weight gain just because you are a busy college student!

Diana Keuilian, Certified Personal Trainer, and author of "Avoid The Freshman Fifteen", has a proven method for avoiding college weight gain. Visit http://www.AvoidTheFreshman15.com to learn more. She is also the head Fitness Trainer for the nation’s leading online fitness site http://www.HitechPersonalFitness.com and board member of http://www.HitechTrainer.com

Parents always tell their children to take their vitamins. Every day, consumers are bombarded with vitamin advertisements, and it is common knowledge that vitamins are beneficial to the human body. Unfortunately, many people do not know exactly how vitamins are beneficial. Knowing how vitamins can be helpful, and other important information about vitamins can help anyone decide the right vitamins to take, and shows their true benefits.

Two Types of Vitamins

It is very important to understand that there are two types of vitamins: fat soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fat tissues in your body as well as in your liver. The vitamins remain in the body fat until they are needed. When the vitamins are called upon, special carriers take them to the source. The period of time that fat-soluble vitamins stay in the body can be up to 6 months. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all fat-soluble vitamins.

The second type of vitamin is water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are quite different than fat-soluble vitamins because they are not stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins are moved through the bloodstream, and whatever is unused by the body comes out when you urinate. For this reason, these vitamins ought to be replaced most often because they don’t remain in the body for a long period of time. Some water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C, and a large group of B vitamins: B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pryidoxine), B12 (cobalamine), niacin, biotin, and pantothenic acid.

How Vitamins Help

Most people understand that vitamins are helpful, but they do not know exactly what each vitamin does. Vitamin A is very important for eyesight and also helps you see colors more clearly and distinctly. Finally, vitamin A helps proper growth and healthy skin. B vitamins are very important in metabolic activity. B vitamins help create energy and set it free when it is needed by the body (during heavy physical activity, for example). B vitamins are also involved in the creation of red blood cells. Vitamin C keeps body tissues, such as muscles and gums, healthy. Vitamin C can help resist infection and helps heal wounds. Vitamin D is a very important vitamin for your bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium it needs to have stronger bones. Vitamin E maintains a lot of the body’s tissues. Some of the tissues vitamin E maintains are found in the eyes, skin, and liver. Vitamin E also joins with the B vitamins in the formation of red blood cells. Finally, vitamin K helps with blood clotting. Vitamin K and C work together to heal wounds.

Where to Get Vitamins

For most children, eating healthy can provide them with all the vitamins needed. However, some adults may be advised to take vitamins in order to get their daily-recommended amounts. The best way to get vitamins is to have a balanced diet. It is always a good idea to look at the nutrition facts on labels. Some foods contain a variety of vitamins. Orange Juice is rich in vitamin C, but did you know that eggs contain vitamins A, B, D, and E? Vitamin supplements can always help, but there is simply no substitute for eating foods with vitamins naturally found in them.

Conclusion

Vitamins are quintessential for a healthy body. Vitamins can help heal wounds, create new blood, maintain tissue, and improve basic body processes. It is important to have an in-depth understanding of vitamins in order to truly appreciate their benefits. Kids and Adults alike should always be vitamin conscious. Eating healthy, and taking vitamin supplements if needed is the only way to make sure that you get your daily recommended amount of vitamins. Having the recommended amount of vitamins will lead to a healthier, happier, and longer life.

Ruth Stattmiller enjoys writing about health topics. Learn more about vitamin benefits at MyVitaminGuide ( http://www.myvitaminguide.com/ ).

One of the most talked about topics in any political and social circle is the rising costs of health care. Some say the health insurance companies are to blame, while others point the finger at medical malpractice lawsuits. We may or may not ever come up with the right answers to this query, and we might just be talking in circles.

Whether or not we can decide what the problem is with health care costs, there are some things that you can do to reduce the chance that you will have to rely on doctors and prescription drugs to get through your daily life. The costs of health care are not the only burden. Relying on prescription and non-prescription drugs is not a pleasant way to live.

Your diet and exercise routine will help to keep you healthy and add to the longevity of your body and mind. You don’t have to jump into a gym membership or become a vegetarian just yet. Your lifestyle change takes time. Any major change in diet needs time for your body to adjust.

Common sense offers the best rules when it comes to a healthy body. Most of us know what is good for us, and what we should eliminate from our lifestyles. There are healthy alternatives to many of the ailments that we have a hard time staying away from.

Some simple tips are all you need to get into a healthier lifestyle:

• Buy healthy foods. We are always in a hurried state, trying to get the most of our time. Unfortunately, out lack of time tends to send fast food and processed food onto our dinner plates.
• Learn to cook. The more comfortable you are in the kitchen allows for a wider variety of foods. You’ll eat better, and enjoy it much more. Community education offers great, inexpensive classes.
• Exercise regularly. You don’t have to hit the gym everyday, just go for a 30 minute walk in the mornings or evenings. It’s relaxing too.
• Sleep. Your body needs to recharge after a long day, and you can never catch up on lost sleep. Eight hours is just about right. Consistency is also a key ingredient to sleep.
• Don’t feel guilty. We all slip up once in a while. Just limit your impulses to small portions. One scoop of ice cream instead of two.

You’ll soon notice that the common sense approach to lifestyle change will definitely make a difference in how you feel from day to day. Your health is the most important possession you have. Take care of your body, and you reduce the need for reliance on the health care system. Your body has the amazing power of healing itself; just give it the chance to do its job.

Robb Ksiazek is a writer and web publisher for information at Body-Mass-Index-4U.com. He believes that mind, body, and soul allow for a most fulfilling life.

The common ginger root used in cooking has been found to alleviate nausea, indigestion, and motion sickness.

For motion sickness ginger is more effective than the common Dramamine, says the British medical journal Lancet. Researchers recommend 1,500 mg. of ginger approximately 30 minutes before travel. An alternative is a 12 oz. glass of ginger ale. Another study found that a 940 mg. dose of ginger was effective if it was consumed 20 to 25 minutes before travel.

Physicians in Europe found that 250 mg. of common ginger stops the nausea and vomiting of mothers-to-be.

A study with 80 Danish naval cadets unaccustomed to sailing heavy seas found that one gram of ginger reduced vomiting and cold sweating. Fewer symptoms of nausea and vertigo were also reported.

The magic ingredient is gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger. It works with the gastrointestinal tract and does not interact with the nervous system so it has no side effects of toxicity.

A 1/2 teaspoon of ginger is as effective as Dramamine in relieving motion sickness and is equal to 940 mg.

A ginger tea can be made by measuring one teaspoon of powdered ginger in a cup of boiling water or fruit juice.

Another method of using ginger is to use essential oil of ginger. Fill a bowl with boiling water, put in one drop of ginger per pint of water used, cover your head and inhale for 5 minutes with your eyes closed.

For morning sickness drink ginger ale or ginger tea, eat ginger snaps or take 250 mg. of ginger four times daily. Using 1/8 teaspoon of powdered ginger 4 times a day relieved morning sickness in pregnant women.

During pregnancy, the total daily dose should not exceed one gram daily. For others, the daily dose may approach two to three grams if needed. For prevention of motion sickness, begin taking three to four hours before the planned trip.

The active ingredient in ginger is gingerol, so when purchasing a ginger extract, make sure it is standardized in an 11:1 concentration. The recommended dose of the extract is 1,000 mg.

While ginger is safe for most people, if there is a history of heartburn or gallstones, a doctor should be consulted before use.

For more information on ginger, extracts, oils, and more, visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/health/ginger.htm

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.

Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

Sugar intake is a real concern for people who’ve had gastric bypass, in fact most patients fear sugar. The foremost fear isn’t weight gain, it’s dumping. Foods containing sugar pass too quickly through the small pouch, they are rapidly absorbed and cause insulin levels to drop resulting in dumping.

Very unpleasant. Instead of taking chances with sugar many of us reach for "sugar free" sweets or diabetic candy to satisfy our sweet tooth. Many of these products contain sugar alcohol, a natural sweetener derived from fruits and berries. Unlike artificial sweeteners that contain no calories, sugar alcohol has about half the calories of sugar. Diabetics are able to have food with sugar alcohol because it’s converted more slowly to glucose and require very little insulin to be metabolized.

While sugar alcohols are low in calories and slow to convert to glucose, the down side is they can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. I learned this the hard way. One day that devil we call temptation seduced me into buying a bag of sugar-free jelly beans. Jelly beans are dangerous because they are little bites of soft food which means a gastric bypass patient can eat too much volume. I ate the entire bag in about an hour (true confessions of the closet snacker). I soon became uncomfortable with a small tummy ache. The tummy ache turned to bloating, cramping and gas. Extreme cases of all three symptoms. Painful "take me to the hospital I think I’m gonna explode" symptoms. It took a couple of days for my body to return to normal, a couple of stressful and uncomfortable days.

The jelly beans I ate contained Mannitol, a common sugar alcohol extracted from seaweed. I know they contained Mannitol because I read the package mid-way through the crisis. The package contained this warning, "Warning: excessive consumption can cause a laxative effect" Fine time to be reading labels I told myself! Mannitol is found naturally in pineapples, olives, asparagus, sweet potatoes and carrots. It’s about 60% as sweet as sugar, so more product is needed to replicate the sweetness of sugar. "Mannitol lingers in the intestines for a long time and therefore causes bloating and diarrhea." Yup! That’s exactly what happens all right.

What other names are sugar alcohols called?

Sorbitol is found naturally in fruits and vegetables. It is manufactured from corn syrup. Sorbitol has only 50 percent of the relative sweetness of sugar which means twice as much must be used to deliver a similar amount of sweetness to a product. It has less of a tendency to cause diarrhea compared to mannitol. It is often an ingredient in sugar-free gums and candies.

Xylitol is also called "wood sugar" and occurs naturally in straw, corncobs, fruit, vegetables, cereals, mushrooms and some cereals. Xylitol has the same relative sweetness as sugar. It is found in chewing gums.

Lactitol has about 30-40 percent of sugar’s sweetening power, but its taste and solubility profile resembles sugar so it is often found in sugar-free ice cream, chocolate, hard and soft candies, baked goods, sugar-reduced preserves and chewing gums.

Isomalt is 45 - 65 percent as sweet as sugar and does not tend to lose its sweetness or break down during the heating process. Isomalt absorbs little water, so it is often used in hard candies, toffee, cough drops and lollipops.

Maltitol is 75 percent as sweet as sugar. It is used in sugar-free hard candies, chewing gum, chocolate-flavored desserts, baked goods and ice cream because it gives a creamy texture to foods.

Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH) are produced by the partial hydrolysis of corn. HSH are nutritive sweeteners that provide 40 - 90 percent of the sweetness of sugar. HSH do not crystallize and are used extensively in confections, baked goods and mouthwashes.

Should Gastric Bypass Patients indulge their sweet tooth with sugar alcohol?

The American Diabetes Association claims that sugar alcohols are acceptable in a moderate amount but should not be eaten in excess. In addition, weight gain has been seen when these products are overeaten. Personally, I’m not dipping my sticky fingers into sugar-free candy again. For gastric bypass patients generally the key, as in all eating, must be moderation, not a full bag of jelly beans. And of course, we can always rely on the old advice of conventional dieters, "Hungry for something sweet? Reach for a piece of fruit."

Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of http://www.livingafterwls.com and http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com

LivingAfterWLS is a no-nonsense resource for people Living After Weight Loss Surgery. Our community is growing in numbers even as we are shrinking in pounds. Together we support one another in this lifestyle, that it turns out, is NOT the easy way out.

Fresh & insightful content is added daily, check in often. To subscribe to the LivingAfterWLS monthly newsletter “You Have Arrived” click on http://www.livingafterwls.com and enter your details in the subscription box.

Here are seven tips for getting the calories out of restaurant meals while still ordering your favorites.

1. Say NO to Super Sizing. The size you ordered is already too big. Stop super sizing and you’ll save money. Better still, order one dinner and ask for an extra plate. Many restaurants will do this for a dollar or two, and it’s well worth it. Then share the meal with your friend and you split the cost straight down the middle. Another option is to order from the so called “appetizer” menu. Two people could order three entrees, one dessert and split the whole thing and it’s still a ton of food!

2. Skip the Bread and Rolls. Most family restaurants still serve a bread basket with your meal. Unless it’s a fresh baked loaf or some really special bread, just skip it. You don’t need to fill up on ordinary bread when you’re paying good money for a meal. Just ask for it to be taken away if you can’t resist, but frankly, you’re an adult, you can resist, if you want to. You can simply choose not to put a roll on your plate. Try it, just once and see if you don’t walk out of that restaurant feeling strangely powerful.

If you can’t skip the rolls, at least skip the butter. That’s right. Eat it plain. Whole grain bread is delicious all by itself.

3. Stop Ordering Drinks. Soft drinks are a huge cash cow for restaurants. For pennies they sell you a squirt of syrup and carbonated water and act like they’re doing you a big favor by only charging you $1.29 for a giant 64 ounce soda. Start saving those dollars. Especially if you’re ordering “to go” skip the drink. If you’re eating it there, ask for water, or at least switch to diet drinks. Never drink “fat pop.”

4. Slow Down You Eat Too Fast! What’s the rush? Take your time, savor the moment, enjoy the flavors. A big part of getting in touch with your hunger signals and learning to eat what really will satisfy is learning to recognize the subtle signs of hunger. You won’t know when you’re approaching satisfaction if you’ve gobbled everything down in five minutes. Take a bite then notice how many times do you chew before you start wanting to swallow? Once, twice? Make an effort to chew your food and your body will be much happier. A very large part of digestion begins in your mouth, not to mention you’ll get much more pleasure if you let the food linger.

5. Trim Visible Fat and Skin. I know, you really love the skin–of course you do, it tastes good, it should, it’s pure fat. Do you want to get leaner, or do you want to eat fat? You choose. I never eat chicken skin and never eat the visible fat hanging off a steak, good taste or no. You have to decide what you want more, the second’s worth of pleasure of a yummy taste, or a lifetime of carrying around an extra 40 lbs? I know this is counter to the low carb crowd’s belief that fat is good, carbs are evil, but I’ve maintained an 80 pound weight loss for 18 years without dieting and I don’t eat visible fat or skin. Enough said.

6. Ask for a Doggie Bag at the Beginning of Meal. When the food is served, immediately portion off some to take home for tomorrow. Most restaurants in the US serve way too much. There is no law you have to eat it all. Do this frequently and soon you’ll find you’re getting an extra lunch out of that meal.

7. Read Restaurant Confidential by Michael F. Jacobson and Jayne Hurley, and start checking out how many calories you’re really eating. If you eat out frequently and you carry extra weight, then that’s probably the problem right there. This little book can help you realize why it seems you don’t eat that much yet you can’t lose any weight. Hardees recently introduced a new burger that clocks in at just under 1200 calories all by itself! Now that’s frightening.

If you really want to get a handle on your weight problem, look first to where you eat, second at what you eat, and third how much you eat. Where, What and How Much? Try these steps choosing one tip at a time, and see how easily you can take some of the calories out of restaurant food.

Kathryn Martyn, Master NLP & EFT Practitioner, Author, Speaker and Weight Loss Coach brings a fresh approach to weight loss. Her step-by-step method works when all else has failed. “It’s not about the food, but the mood.”

Read “Changing Beliefs, Your First Step to Permanent Weight Loss,” and get “The Daily Bites: Lessons in Using EFT for Weight Loss” to get started on the path to the body you want http://www.onemorebite-weightloss.com/getnews.html