Monday 19 September 2011

Green tea for weight loss


Green Tea Burns Fat

Food (including sugar and fat) is synthesized into a substance called “triglyceride” in the liver and small intestine. It is then carried into the bloodstream to other tissues in the body.

Triglyceride is used as source of energy for life support and activities. The problem arises when there are excess amounts of triglyceride, because then they are turned into fat which subsequently causes obesity.

That’s where green tea comes in. It contains high amounts of polyphenols which activate the enzyme that is responsible for dissolving excess triglyceride. In the long run, this means that green tea effectively aids in burning fat and preventing the storage of fat from triglycerides.

Green Tea Stimulates the Metabolism & Accelerates Weight Loss

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechin polyphenols that are responsible for many of the health benefits of green tea. One of them called epigallocatechin gallate (or EGCG for short), has been found to stimulate the metabolism and accelerate weight loss.

EGCG, along with the caffeine in green tea, stimulates the central nervous system and causes fat to be released into the blood stream for the body to use as an energy source. This process of fat being used for energy is called “thermogenesis”. It provides extra energy, sheds excess water, and also helps to burn body fat.


Green Tea Helps You Exercise Longer

Everybody knows how important exercise is to weight loss. It burns calories, increases energy levels, and builds muscle which in turn boosts your metabolism even more.

The catechin polyphenols in green tea appear to stimulate the use of fatty acids by liver and muscle cells. This subsequently reduces the rate that carbohydrates are used and allows for more endurance and longer exercise times. In fact, a study using green tea extract on lab rats increased the amount of time the animals could swim before becoming exhausted by as much as 24%.
More endurance means more exercise, which means more calories burned, and it all adds up to more kilograms lost for you.

Sunday 4 September 2011

Top 5 Fat Burning Foods

Did you know that some foods promote fat burning? Here are my top seven fat burning foods........

Oatmeal

This is a very potent fat burner. And easy to cook or just add to your protein shake. Since the carbs contained in oatmeal are releases slowly over time, you won't get the insulin spike that KILLS the fat burning effect as found with more simple carbs.
In addition, they are high in insoluble and soluble fibers. Soluble Fibers allow sugars to be released at a slower rate and help to bind fatty acids. It can even lower cholesterol and LDL cholesterol which is the bad cholesterol. Insoluble Fibers help to move food through your intestines.

A typical half cup includes three grams of fat, five grams of
protein, and 27 grams of carbs, which is an ideal balance. Always choose regular flavor & stay away from the high sugar packets. 

Brown Rice

This is another cornerstone staple. Be sure to  measure it out to keep the calories controlled. Brown rice and is your top choice for a slow releasing starchy carbohydrate. 

Flax seeds and fish oils

Flaxseed and fish oils are great food supplements for anybody to take. These oils contain omega-3 fatty acids which help to speed up your metabolism.
These oils help to reduce body fat and thus they are a great supplement to add to any fat burning diet. The Omega 3s these oils contain can also help reduce soreness after workouts and act as an anti-catabolic agent. Using these oils allow your body to maintain its strength levels while losing body fat. In addition, they give your body a good source of natural energy and help to maintain triglyceride/cholesterol levels. These oils should be taken upon wakening and before bedtime.

Vegetables

Something many people do not know about vegetables is the negative calories that they contain. It takes more calories to digest the vegetables than the calories that the vegetables contain. The reason for this is because of the high fiber content; it takes calories to process so much fiber. Broccoli, spinach and asparagus are the top fat choice.

Chicken breasts 

Chicken, by far, is the most popular choice for fitness enthusiasts & fitness competitors alike. You can buy it in bulk & it's easy to cook. But all chicken isn't made the same. You want to make sure you stick to lean cuts of meat such as the breasts. Other parts of a chicken contain lots of fat and hidden calories

Contact me for eating plan and diet info.





Thursday 1 September 2011

CELLULITE: The fat all women fear

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is the collection of fat that pushes the connective tissue under the skin, causing a change in the appearance of the skin. The build up of toxins due under the skin and lack of proper circulation are also major factors.  Cellulite is not an object, but rather a description of the dimpled apperance the skin takes as a result of the accumulation of fat under the skin.

Who suffers from cellulite?

Cellulite is a normal condition in postpubertal women, and also in males who have low testosterone levels and high estrogen levels. Cellulite is also more prevalent in individuals undergoing hormonal therapy ( estrogen).

The Main causes of cellulite.

  • Hormonal factors: Mainly estrogen levels impact the formation of cellulite, other hormones, including insulin, the catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin, are also involved in the development of cellulite.

  • Lifestyle factors: High stress levels cause the formation of catecholamines which cause cellulite formation and lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle plays an big role in the storage of fat in the body.

  • Diet: Diets high in saturated fats and sugar result in the storage of adipose tissue causing cellulite.

  • Predisposing factors: Age, genetics, race  play a significant role in determining if you will suffer from cellulite.
How to combat cellulite!

Change your diet: A well balanced diet can help women reduce cellulite. Improper diet and lack of exercise leads to the accumulation of fluids, toxins and waste products in the body that cause cellulite formations.

  1. Limit dietary intake of saturated fats
  2. ingest enough omega 3 and essential fatty acids
  3. your diet should contain high amounts of fibre, complex carbohydrates and lean protein
  4. drink plenty of water daily, and avoid caffeine drinks
  5. avoid junk food which is high in cholesterol
 Massage: improves circulation and is proven to help reduce the appearance of cellulite  When used with oils with anti-cellulite properties, such as clary sage, black pepper or lemon, the effects are even greater.

Exercise: toxins are flushed out from under the skin during sweating caused by exercise, the building of lean muscle also increases metablic rate which helps reduce overall bodyfat, and cardiovascular exercise burns calories which aids in fat loss. Weight training for women also aids in shaping and toning problem areas on the body and helping to firm up the skin around those areas by firming up the muscle under the connective tissue.



 
Dry Skin Brushing: Using a soft natural bristles brush stroke the affected areas using circular brushing movements on the problem areas, this increases bloodflow to these areas and also boosts lymphatic drainage.


Detox Baths :Make your own detox preparation using about 1-2 cups of Epsom salts added to a hot bath, and soak in the water for 15-20 minutes. Drink plenty of water afterwards, as your body will continue sweating to sweat and eliminate toxins.
 
Maintain a healthy Liver as the liver is essential in detoxification processes in the body!