It is approved as an appetite suppressant to help reduce weight in obese patients when used short-term and combined with exercise, diet, and behavioral modification. It is typically prescribed for individuals who are at increased medical risk because of their weight and works by helping to release certain chemicals in the brain that control appetite.

In 1959 phentermine first received approval from the FDA as an appetite suppressing drug. Phentermine hydrochloride then became available in the early 1970s. It was previously sold as Fastin from King Pharmaceuticals for SmithKline Beecham, however in 1998 it was removed from the market. Medeva Pharmaceuticals sells the name brand of phentermine called Ionamin and Gate Pharmaceuticals sells it as Adipex-P. Phentermine is also currently sold as a generic. Since the drug was approved in 1959 there have been almost no clinical studies performed. The most recent study was in 1990 which combined phentermine with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine and became known as Fen-Phen. (wikipedia)

Weight loss pills have been a subject for heated debates and bitter controversies for decades. Praised by some as life-turning instruments for gaining self-esteem and looking good, diet pills are hailed by others as deadly chemicals that can wreck havoc inside our bodies and very likely kill us. Today, I’m going to talk to you about one of the most commonly used weight loss drugs out there, a little blue and white pill that goes by the name of phentermine.

Phentermine is closely related to amphetamines and works as an appetite suppressant. Its main function is to stimulate the release of brain chemicals that effectively reduce sensations of hunger, making us feel like we don’t need to eat at all, or we have to eat very little. However, a report of the UN International Narcotics Control Board published last year warned that phentermine is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs in the world, along with other amphetamine-type drugs collectively and ironically known as “anorectics”. Another almost equally abused such drug is Ritalin, whose main purpose it to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children – however, one of its main side effects is also appetite suppression.

A quick search on the Internet will reveal thousands of pages stuffed full of glowing testimonials from “overjoyed” women who took phentermine and lost tens of pounds in surprisingly short intervals, something that would definitely not have happened if they had been trying to lose the weight the old-fashioned way, using diet and exercise. However, most women who share their experiences with the weight loss drug conveniently forget to mention its common side-effects, among which mood swings, chest pain, tremors and irregular heartbeat. A phentermine overdose can induce hallucinations, seizures, severe headaches, blurred vision and vomiting.

The scariest part of the story – along with the terrible side-effects of this drug – is that phentermine is readily available on the Internet and can easily be bought from online pharmacies, despite being banned in countries such as Great Britain. The catch is that the law banning the use of phentermine without a valid prescription doesn’t apply to overseas pharmacies that sell via the web.

Professor Hamid Ghodse is a former president of the UN’s International Narcotics Control Board and is currently the chairman of addiction psychiatry at St George’s Hospital in London. In an interview with the Daily Mail a few months ago, he warns women all over the world about the dangers of phentermine and all other amphetamine-related diet pills used to cut weight. “They’ve been around in various guises since the Sixties and are highly addictive”, he says. “Users can experience painful withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, headaches and convulsions, when they try to stop taking the drug”.

“The drugs work by stimulating the central nervous system, mimicking the natural effect of adrenalin by increasing the heart rate and suppressing the appetite”, Professor Ghodse explains. “Users also feel euphoric and have increased energy levels. However, this also leads to insomnia. Over time, sleep deprivation, coupled with weight loss caused by what basically amounts to starvation, can cause extreme changes in behavior. Users have hallucinations, mood swings, become anxious, paranoid and sometimes violent”, he adds.

And finally, endocrinologists also warn that any weight loss achieved using phentermine is only temporary. “Most people simply put the weight back on once they stop taking the drugs”, the Daily Mail quotes Endocrinologist Dr Nicola Bridges, who specialized in the medical treatment of obesity. “These are extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. They have to be prescribed by a doctor who has carefully assessed the risk versus benefit for the patient”.

Whether we like it or not, there is no quick fix, no rapid solution for healthy weight loss. In an age where everything tells us that we have to be thin to be successful, the temptation posed by these drugs cannot be denied. Coupled with their widespread availability and relatively low costs, weight loss drugs are among the demons of our modern society and cannot be ignored. The best solution however is to protect your body and not try to cheat or cut corners. Go on a healthy, all-natural diet. Exercise. Take up running or dancing. Stay healthy and with enough determination, you can lose weight without killing your body in the process. (softpedia)

BOOKS	REVIEW
	Attrack Weight Loss World’s First Online Weight Loss Program based on the Law of Attraction.Lose Weight Permanently in only 8 Weeks.
	How To Safely Melt Away, Your Post-Pregnancy Weight… Without crash diets, dangerous drugs, stimulants or going crazy trying to fit a 20 minute workout in 3 days a week!.
	Fat Loss Meals Plans Discover How To Quickly Lose Weight The Healthy Way With New SIMPLE, CHEAP, And EASY Veggie Meal Plans.

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download: Phentermine and Weight Loss (48.56KB) added: 26/12/2009 clicks: 65 description: Phentermine, a contraction of “phenyl-tertiary-butylamine”, is an appetite suppressant of the amphetamine and phenethylamine class.

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We should learn to pick out the best foods from our normal daily diet and use them to form the basis for our new healthy eating habits. This gives familiarity to the new way of eating rather than the idea that the individual is “on a diet”. Trying to lose weight on a specific diet relays the message that it will end some day. When a diet ends many people gain back most, if not all the weight lost.

Here are some suggestions on how to eat foods to help lose weight…

Try not to have too much variety of food for each meal

Evidence has shown humans always consume more food and calories when there is more choice on offer. For example, have you ever been at a buffet style meal where its “eat all you can” no matter how much we eat there always seems to be room for one more item maybe that delicious looking dessert or ice cream!

Many diets in the past have been based on a similar principle, the cabbage soup diet, the vegetable diet, etc.

Health experts state always eat a balanced diet which may seem to contradict the above statement. However, it is possible to select a balanced diet and lower amount of choice for each meal by eating regular small meals.

The evidence is overwhelming: following a vegetarian diet low in fat and high in fiber can lower the incidence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity in the average person. This is because a vegetarian diet tends to be lower in saturated fats, which come mostly from animal products. The connotation of “vegetarian” can be a little misleading. Simply avoiding meat and animal products will not make you any healthier. Vegetarians have to be just as conscious of what they eat as non-vegetarians.

Diet Plans

While most all vegetarians do not eat meat, there are some varying degrees of vegetarianism that require different levels of commitment and creativity when it comes to cooking and eating. These include:

• Fruitarians, who do not eat any animal products or processed foods,
• Vegans, who do not eat (or typically use in a way) animal foods or products,
• Lacto-vegetarians, who eat all dairy products, except for eggs,
• Lacto-ovo-vegetarians, who eat all dairy products, including eggs,
• And Semi-vegetarians, who might eat fish and/or chicken, but no red meat products.

As you can see, there are plenty of options open for those who are considering taking the dietary leap to vegetarianism. But, there are some important things to keep in mind about what you should eat, and what you shouldn’t.

There are some basic staples that should be part of almost every vegetarians diet, including:

• Grains, such as whole grain breads, brown rice, whole wheat pastas, and whole grain cereals,
• Any types of beans, pulses, or seeds,
• All fruits and vegetables,
• And dairy products (for some types) or soy-based “dairy” products.

Whether or not you are a vegetarian, it is equally important that you get a well-balanced diet. It is not uncommon for vegetarians to fall victim to eating unhealthy foods, just because they are not meat-based. Some of these foods can be high in fat and calories, such as some fried foods, potato chips, or candy and chocolate. Not only are many of these foods high in fat and calories, they are also highly processed, which can have an adverse effect on your digestive system.


As a vegetarian, your reasons for choosing the lifestyle might be varied. You might be a friend to animals, or you might just want to live a healthier lifestyle. It is important to keep in mind that just because a food is not made of or produced with animal products, it can still be unhealthy. A vegetarian lifestyle of any type can make you healthier and more energetic, you just have to educate yourself, and be creative with your food choices and recipes.

by: weightlossforall

BOOKS	REVIEW
	Attrack Weight Loss World’s First Online Weight Loss Program based on the Law of Attraction.Lose Weight Permanently in only 8 Weeks.
	How To Safely Melt Away, Your Post-Pregnancy Weight… Without crash diets, dangerous drugs, stimulants or going crazy trying to fit a 20 minute workout in 3 days a week!.
	Fat Loss Meals Plans Discover How To Quickly Lose Weight The Healthy Way With New SIMPLE, CHEAP, And EASY Veggie Meal Plans.

download: Weight Loss Diet (48.24KB) added: 15/11/2009 clicks: 58 description: Losing weight by swapping and changing to different diets is not the best way, we need to find a way of reducing energy content from the normal foods we eat every day.

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Green tea is a type of tea made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea originates from China and has become associated with many cultures in Asia from Japan to the Middle East. Recently, it has become more widespread in the West, where black tea is traditionally consumed. Many varieties of green tea have been created in countries where it is grown. These varieties can differ substantially due to variable growing conditions, processing and harvesting time.

Over the last few decades green tea has been subjected to many scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its long-purported health benefits, with some evidence suggesting regular green tea drinkers may have lower chances of heart disease and developing certain types of cancer.[1] Green tea has also been claimed as useful for “weight loss management”- a claim with no scientific support according to medical databases such as PubMed.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

Check the back of the bottle of many popular diet pills and you’ll see “green tea” or “green tea extract” listed as one of the ingredients.

Diet pills are often dangerous and packed with other unhealthy ingredients, but there’s a reason they use green tea. Green tea helps you lose weight. Of course it won’t be “20 pounds in one week” or other nonsense that marketing companies like to claim, but green tea has been scientifically proven to burn calories and block fat absorption.
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 physical activities, and is very necessary. The problem comes about when there are excess amounts of triglyceride, because then it’s 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.

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 in particular, 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 fuel. 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.

Although caffeine alone can stimulate the metabolism this way, it’s important to note that researchers found that the combined ingredients of green tea were much more effective at this process than just caffeine by itself.(greenweightlosstea.com)

Research by Japanese and other researchers(1) suggest that if the average person were to drink five cups of green tea a day, they would burn an extra 70 to 80 extra calories through an effect known as thermogenesis – the process of heat production in organisms. While much of the thermogenesis effect in green tea is derived from caffeine, studies also suggest(2) that thermogenesis in green tea occurs to some degree beyond its caffeine content from epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG.)

Clearly, drinking green tea alone is not going to be satisfactory for significant weight loss. Still, green tea can still be quite useful as a weight loss aid. The extra 80 calories per day can be just what a person needs to tip the scale from a calorie surplus to a calorie deficit, especially when following a balanced nutrition and exercise regime. (o-cha.com)

If you are serious about losing weight, even though you should not expect the pounds to melt off as some will claim, we still definitely do recommend green tea as a complement to a sound nutrition and exercise regime, not only for the slight metabolism boost it will give you, but more importantly for the many other documented health benefits.

That said, in case you have not yet had the fortune to come across a *real*, no-nonsense weight loss program that will work for just about *anyone*, one that will put you back in control of things once and for all, one that *will* work, here is one we highly endorse. Why this program? The 45 year old webmaster of this site has personally lost and kept off 35 pounds of fat since May 1st, 2007 by following this no-gimmick system and has never felt better! You may freely contact him directly if you have any questions about it. Change your life today!

PRODUCT	REVIEW
	Alli Weight Loss Aid Starter Pack alli is more than just a pill. It’s an innovative weight loss program that works with you, not for you. alli can help you lose 50% more weight than dieting alone, but you have to do your part by changing the way you eat and live to see results. Is the hard work worth it? Yes. With alli you can achieve gradual and healthy weight loss.	$ 31.65
	100% Whey Protein – Gold Standard (Natural) After spending hours comparing nutritional information labels on a dozen diffrent brands of powders, I decided on this one for obvious reasons. It replaces alot of ingredients with natural ones, and costs only about 46 cents per serving, yet has an impressive 24 grams of protein per serving. That’s really the bottom line why you should choose this product.	$ 20.89
	Alli Refill Pack, 120 Capsules I have had hypothyroidism for several years, and this is the first product that I have had good results with. I am an RMA and know the dangers of stimulants, so this is a much better choice for everyone. I just had a baby three months ago and I have surpassed my goal of fitting into pre-pregnancy clothes. I also have IBS and the “treatment effects” are no worse than I already experienced.	$ 41.56

download: Green Tea and Weight Loss (60.09KB) added: 03/11/2009 clicks: 32 description: Green tea is a type of tea made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing.

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When I started taking alli, I was 235 lbs and in less than 5 months, I lost over 35 lbs. Besides taking alli, I did exercise and monitor what I ate, but by no means was I being very strict. I would try to exercise for at least 30 minutes about 2-3 times a week and do stretches in the morning before work. I still indulged in the foods I loved on the weekends (like pizza & chicken wings), but during the weekdays, I would try to limit my calorie intake to 1500-2000 calories a day. Yes, if I hadn’t taken alli, I still would have lost weight, but it would not have been as much.

Remember, you have to burn 3,500 calories to lose 1.0-lb (or eat 3,500 calories to gain 1.0-lb), and your body will burn between 2,000-2,500 calories a day depending on your age, weight, height, and sex. Therefore, if you watch your calorie intake and do some form of exercise (anything is better than nothing), then you will lose weight.

The benefit from taking alli is that it will help reduce the amount of calories your body absorbs even more by blocking a percentage of the fat you consume, and therefore helping you lose even more weight then you would with just diet and exercise alone. However, if you are still binge eating and consuming more than 2,500+ calories a day, alli will not make up for that… it is not a miracle drug. It is intended for people who are on a diet (or at least watching what they eat) and want help to lose a little more weight.

The side-affects from taking alli vary from person to person and just like any other drug, it is not for everybody. For me, the only side-affect I encountered were the “treatment affects” or oily stools. Yes, this kind of side effect is very unpleasant and sometimes inconvenient, but it is also controllable and is a clear indication that the product is working, which is more than I can say for other weight loss pills I’ve tried.

If you eat a bunch of fatty & greasy foods, then you will have more oils (or fat) in your stool because there was more fat for alli to block (demonstrating that it is working). Instead of getting upset and blaming the drug, take it as a lesson that you need to become more disciplined and consider this the consequence for cheating on your diet. Maybe it will help you realize just how bad some of the foods you eat are for you; it was definitely a wake-up call for me.

I’m going to keep using alli, watch my calorie in-take, & exercise (some) and hopefully I will lose another 35-lbs!

By N. A. Cummings “Horror Chick” (Newark,NJ)

I am over weight and I decided to make a complete life change. I enrolled in the gym and I started to see a dietitian. The weight began to come off, but I felt like I needed an extra boost. I did my research online and I spoke to my doctor about Alli, I was nervous because of one of the possible side effects is diarrhea, but that only happens when you eat food loaded with fat! I decided to give it a shot before Alli I was losing about 2-3lbs a week, but with Alli I am losing between 5-7lbs a week! I know it might not sound like alot, but the difference is really amazing for me! But people have to realize you have to take control dont expect to eat whatever you want and lose more weight just because you take Alli before your meal, its not like that the better you eat and the more you exercise the more Alli will help you! Trying to lose weight is a slow go, but when you change your entire lifestyle the rewards will last a lifetime.

PRODUCT	REVIEW
	Alli Weight Loss Aid Starter Pack alli is more than just a pill. It’s an innovative weight loss program that works with you, not for you. alli can help you lose 50% more weight than dieting alone, but you have to do your part by changing the way you eat and live to see results. Is the hard work worth it? Yes. With alli you can achieve gradual and healthy weight loss.	$ 31.65
	100% Whey Protein – Gold Standard (Natural) After spending hours comparing nutritional information labels on a dozen diffrent brands of powders, I decided on this one for obvious reasons. It replaces alot of ingredients with natural ones, and costs only about 46 cents per serving, yet has an impressive 24 grams of protein per serving. That’s really the bottom line why you should choose this product.	$ 20.89
	Alli Refill Pack, 120 Capsules I have had hypothyroidism for several years, and this is the first product that I have had good results with. I am an RMA and know the dangers of stimulants, so this is a much better choice for everyone. I just had a baby three months ago and I have surpassed my goal of fitting into pre-pregnancy clothes. I also have IBS and the “treatment effects” are no worse than I already experienced.	$ 41.56

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Nature has a way of protecting the body against excessive weight loss. If, for instance, your calorie count suddenly drops, your body will compensate for the fact by reducing your metabolic rate. As a result, you’ll need fewer calories to maintain your weight. This explains why some people lose weight up to a point and then cannot lose any additional weight, no matter how hard they try.

If you lose weight quickly, there’s a good chance that your health will be jeopardized. For instance, fast weight loss has been linked to the appearance of gall stones. Also, you may experience loose skin as your weight goes into free fall. Perhaps most distressing of all, if you experience rapid weight loss, there’s a good chance that you will gain the weight back again. This is because it is very difficult to maintain a healthy diet regimen. You may find yourself falling back into your bad eating habits after a period of deprivation.

Fast weight loss also places you at greater risk for an eating disorder. Although the body has the capability of shedding a great deal of weight over a period of time, most medical experts agree that one should not expect to lose more than one or two pounds a week in order to remain healthy. This can be disappointing to a dieter, especially one that needs to lose about 50 pounds. However, doctors believe that the go-slow approach is best for long-term weight loss. There are a number of approaches you can use to lose weight. For instance, you might follow the Atkins plan, the Zone, or the diabetic diet. You might try Sugar Busters or the Carb Addict’s prescription for losing weight. However, it is vitally important that you accompany your diet plan with an effective exercise routine. As has been demonstrated here, rapid weight loss should be approached with caution. It is far better to lose a few pounds each week and maintain that weight loss over the long term. In essence, all good things take time, and that is particularly true when it comes to weight loss. Follow a reasonable diet, get plenty of exercise, and drink a good amount of water. That way, you should be able to slowly lose weight without jeopardizing your health in the process.

1.) Drink More Water One of the best weight loss secrets is to ditch the sodas and stick to water!  Experts say you should drink approximately eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy.  Instead of turning to calorie-laden or sugar-rich drinks, grab a refreshing glass of water.  In addition to flushing toxins out of your system, drinking water encourages you to build muscle.

2.) Eat More Meals
A traditional three-meals-a-day plan just will not cut it if you are in the market to burn fat.  Your body is not able to metabolize large meals and will quickly turn any excess into fat.  Many experts believe you should eat six small meals a day.  Be sure you cut back on your food consumption at each meal, or else you will be doubling your intake—and doubling your fat storage!

3.) Work Out with Weights
One great way to maximize the amount of fat you are burning is to add a weight program to your work out routine.
Weight training will not only tone your physique, but will strengthen your body and improve your general health.
Lifting weights will also burn calories and fat more quickly than traditional exercising, and it will also boost your metabolism.

4.) Choose Protein
Choose protein-laden foods for boosting your metabolism and enabling your body to burn fat rapidly.  In addition to burning fat, consuming a protein-enriched diet will help you rebuild muscle after work outs and maintain leanness of that muscle.  Wisely choose proteins for your diet.  Take great care to pick proteins low in fat so you do not consume extra calories.

5.) Cut Calories Wisely
It may be tempting to drastically cut your calorie intake when starting a healthy lifestyle.  Instead, use a step method when cutting your calorie intake to minimize risk.
Reducing calories too quickly results in your body rapidly burning all available calories, which will lower your metabolism.  Furthermore, you are more likely to maintain your healthy lifestyle through this step method.

6.) Reward Yourself
When it comes to successfully dieting to burn the most fat, be sure to reward yourself.  Everyone has temptations and favorite treats—so allow indulgence.  You will be less likely to cheat on your new diet if you grant yourself small rewards.  If you are a chocolate lover, treat yourself to a small square of chocolate or single chocolate kiss each evening.

7.) Avoid Marathon Work Outs
The biggest mistake people make when looking to burn fat and lose weight is to have one long, extensive work out session.  Instead, break up your work out plan into small chunks throughout the day.  Take a brisk walk in the morning, enjoy a work out at lunch, and then exercise more in the evening.  In addition to staying active all day long, breaking up your work out will better maintain your metabolism.

8.) Mix It Up
Choosing to engage in a variety of quality exercises will keep your interest and best allow you to maintain your goal of burning fat.  Instead of doing the same exercises each day—mix it up!  Opt to swim laps one day, jog another, and bike the next.  Rotating your activities will not only allow you to experience a variety of athletics, it will also allow you to better tone your body.

9.) Skip Happy Hour
For those individuals who want to burn fat quickly, avoid alcohol.  Rich in sugars and carbohydrates, alcohol is a calorie-rich substance.  These empty calories can add up quickly and take away from necessary nutrients that should be included in your daily diet.  Furthermore, alcohol acts as an inhibitor for burning fat, allowing your body to store it more quickly.

10.) Try a Low GI Diet
A low GI diet is an excellent method of burning fat quickly.  This diet encourages individuals to consume high amounts of foods with low rankings on the Glycemic Index. These foods are nutritious and will aid your body in burning fats and calories at a quicker pace.  This diet includes many of your favorite fruits, vegetable, meats, dairy, and grain products.

PRODUCT	REVIEW
	Alli Weight Loss Aid Starter Pack alli is more than just a pill. It’s an innovative weight loss program that works with you, not for you. alli can help you lose 50% more weight than dieting alone, but you have to do your part by changing the way you eat and live to see results. Is the hard work worth it? Yes. With alli you can achieve gradual and healthy weight loss.	$ 31.65
	100% Whey Protein – Gold Standard (Natural) After spending hours comparing nutritional information labels on a dozen diffrent brands of powders, I decided on this one for obvious reasons. It replaces alot of ingredients with natural ones, and costs only about 46 cents per serving, yet has an impressive 24 grams of protein per serving. That’s really the bottom line why you should choose this product.	$ 20.89
	Alli Refill Pack, 120 Capsules I have had hypothyroidism for several years, and this is the first product that I have had good results with. I am an RMA and know the dangers of stimulants, so this is a much better choice for everyone. I just had a baby three months ago and I have surpassed my goal of fitting into pre-pregnancy clothes. I also have IBS and the “treatment effects” are no worse than I already experienced.	$ 41.56

download: Tips for Rapid Weight Loss (60.09KB) added: 22/10/2009 clicks: 55 description: Theoretically, you could lose as much as 20 pounds a week. However, much of that weight could be water weight. That means that, once you go off your diet, you are likely to gain much of that weight back. Also, unless you engage in strength training, you will be losing muscle as well as fat, since about ¼ of the body’s weight consists of muscle. It is interesting to note that, at most, you can probably lose four pounds of fat in a given week.

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In addition to these herbal and dietary supplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Alli — a reduced-strength over-the-counter (nonprescription) version of orlistat, a prescription weight-loss medication for adults age 18 and older. Alli promotes weight loss by decreasing absorption of fat by the intestines. Alli sounds like a dieter’s dream, but there are no shortcuts to permanent weight loss. Alli is intended to be used only with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise. Side effects, such as diarrhea and gas with oily spotting, can be significant if you don’t reduce the amount of fat in your diet.

Dietary supplements and weight-loss aids aren’t subject to the same rigorous standards as are prescription drugs or medications sold over-the-counter. Vendors can make health claims about products based on their own review and interpretation of studies without the authorization of the FDA. However, the FDA can pull a product off the market if it’s proved dangerous.

For the consumer, it’s hard to know what you’re getting, or even if the list of ingredients matches what’s in the bottle. Many weight-loss pills contain a cocktail of ingredients — some with more than 20 herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals or other add-ons, such as caffeine or laxatives.

How these ingredients interact individually and collectively with your body is largely unknown. There’s no magic bullet for losing weight. The most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is through lifestyle changes: Eat healthy, low-calorie foods, watch portion sizes, and engage in regular physical activity. It’s certainly no magic pill, but it works.

Keep in mind that even if you take a weight-loss pill, you still have to eat fewer calories than your body uses in order to lose weight. Even if these products were to help you lose weight initially, you’d have to continue taking them for the weight to stay off, which may not be practical or safe.

If you’re concerned about your weight or have a condition that’s exacerbated by extra pounds, talk to your doctor. Whether you have 10 pounds or 100 pounds to lose, you need to eat a healthy diet based on a variety of foods and burn calories through physical activity. Time has shown that there truly are no easy solutions to losing weight.

Product Review:

Alli (60mg)

Alli is the only FDA approved over-the- counter weight-loss aid for overweight adults

* Innovative weight-loss program that includes an individually tailored online plan that teaches people healthier eating habits
* Alli binds to gastric and pancreatic lipases blocking absorption of 25% of consumed fat
* Undigested fat is excreted from the body instead of being turned into fat
* Alli, in combination with a reduced calorie low fat diet ,can help an individual lose 50 percent more weight than with dieting alone.

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100% Whey Protein – Gold Standard (Natural)

Instantized. With faster-acting HydroWhey. Naturally flavored. 24 g protein per serving! Most whey protein isolates ever! Contains Aminogen. Whey protein isolates as the primary protein source. No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. Lactase and other digestive enzymes. 30 servings. The first ingredient in ON Natural 100% Whey Gold Standard is whey protein isolate (WPI). WPI is the purest from of whey protein available; it’s also among the most expensive. However, it takes the best raw materials to create the best whey protein supplement on the market: ON Natural 100% Whey Gold Standard. Simply the Best: 24 g of protein per serving/31.4 g serving size x 100 = 76% pure, unadulterated protein! ON Natural 100% Whey Gold Standard is a superior source of BCAAs. Millions and millions of satisfied ON Natural 100% Whey Gold Standard customers can’t be wrong! Since the very beginning, Optimum Nutrition has raised the standard by which all other whey protein supplements are judged. Now we’re raising the bar again with the 3rd generation of ON Natural 100% Whey Protein: ON Natural 100% Whey Gold Standard. Like its predecessors, this container of ON Natural 100% Whey Gold Standard contains Optimum Nutrition’s exclusive, proprietary blend of: 1) Microfiltered whey protein isolates; 2) ion-exchange whey protein isolates; 3) ultrafiltered whey protein concentrate; 4) HydroWhey hydrolyzed whey peptides. To give you more of what you want (pure, unadulterated whey protein) with less of what you don’t (fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, lactose, and other carbohydrates) with every serving. The container you are holding in you hand is no exception. In fact, ON Natural 100% Whey Gold Standard is better than ever! Here’s Why: 1) ON Natural 100% Whey Gold Standard provides more whey protein isolates (WPI) – the purest and most expensive source of whey protein available. 2) Higher Protein Percentage: ON Natural 100% Whey Gold Standard has always been a leader in this respect.

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download: weight loss supplements (86.53KB) added: 16/10/2009 clicks: 68 description: In the US alone, around 80,000,000 people have been looking for weight loss treatments to help them lose weight. We have reviewed and tested all of the best weight loss pills out there. A number of weight-loss pills are available at your local drugstore, supermarket or health food store. Even more options are available online. Most haven’t been proved safe and effective, and some are downright dangerous.

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There are many companies that will set up healthy weight loss plans for you. Plans such as Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig commit to moral support. There are other meal plans, which allow you a certain amount of calories in a day.  Most of these plans allow anywhere from 1200 calories to 2800 a day. There are specific meal plans that are provided that show which types of foods should be eaten and how much. By giving examples of the types of foods that will help you stay within the limits, you can plan your meals better and have an easier time sticking to the diet.

Typically, diet plans that allow you to create your own meals work better than restrictive diets such as the slim fast diet because they actually allow you to eat. Weight loss plans that have meal guidelines make it easy to lose weight because you are preparing your own  meals while still eating foods that help lose weight. It is very important when you are choosing a healthy weight loss plan to make sure you are getting a balanced and complete diet. Healthy weight loss plans will be different for everyone depending on what works for you.

Some people may find sticking to a low calorie diet easier and more effective than only eating fruits and vegetables. All of them claim that their weight loss plan is a new miracle of science that can bring desirable results within a week or two.

By using most of these plans, you can certainly lose something; your money, nothing else. You have to be self-motivated because no one can force you towards following a weight loss plan. There are many weight loss plans that you can use to reach your goal, out of these, 3 most common weight loss plans are discussed below:

Low Carbohydrates

One of the most common weight loss plans is to reduce the amount of carbohydrates that you take. This plan works for many people. There are many diet plans available today that claim to be less in carbohydrates like the famous Atkins diet. The plan demands you to reduce as much carbohydrates from your diet as you can. However you should note that the plans says Low Carbohydrates, it doesn’t says No Carbohydrates.

What you should cut out from your diet is excessive breads and grains that usually cause weight gain. This plan is really great and it has worked for many people. For that you should always restrict carbohydrates in your diet.

Low Fat Diet

One of the most effective weight loss plans is to reduce or eliminate fat from your diet. If you are willing to follow this plan, then make sure that you never touch a diet that contains more than 10 grams of fat. By following this plan, you will intake less calories which will make sure that you won’t gain obesity and if this weight loss plan is accompanied by regular physical exercises then it means that you are eating fewer calories and burning more calories; which would result in weight loss. Some people do say that this plan doesn’t work since it allows you to eat everything that is low in fat, however, this plan has worked more than any other plan so you should at least give it a try for few months and then conclude whether it was a practical and effective plan or not.

Low Calorie Diet

Another weight loss plan is to have a low calorie diet. So another solution would be to have a low calorie diet. This plan works really well provided that you include healthy exercises in your weight loss plan as well.

All of the above mentioned weight loss plans really work as long as you show commitment and enthusiasm. You have to adhere to these plans for a longer period of time to get sustainable results.

New ideas for weight loss and health plans come and go, there are some which are successful and then there are some which fail. In this confusion of new weight loss plans and ideas every other day, the user often gets confused about selecting the best option for themselves. One of the most successfully implemented weight loss plans are the free weight loss plans.

These free weight loss plans are most commonly used because they are free of cost and there are no additional charges for implementing the same. These plans can be found on online sites, books and magazines. The implementation of these plans is very easy but the success rate of these plans depends on various kinds of factors.

One of the most important considerations while selecting a weight loss of fitness program should be the feasibility of the plan. There are various kinds of exercises and diets which are included in these plans. Also try and avoid all plans which have fad diet ideas. Though these diets may help you loose weight before holidays they also increase the chances of putting on more weight once it is stopped.

It is essential that the weight loss plan or idea include diets and exercises that are fun but also benefit you health wise.

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35. Remember that the fork is not a shovel. I eat fast (I swear I can’t help it). Even if I’m not hungry, I want to shovel everything into my mouth in less than a minute. But my brain doesn’t know that my stomach is full until twenty minutes after it actually is. As such, I could stuff myself silly before realizing I didn’t need to consume as much as I did. Try eating half of what’s on your plate, wait ten minutes, then continue to eat if you’re still hungry. You never want to feel full – ever. That’s when you know you’ve eaten too much. If you want a real hunger-stopper, try an Omega 3 and Omega 6 supplement (EFAs) twenty minutes before a meal.

36. Become your own snack fairy. It’s okay to snack between meals, really. Small meals throughout the day are enough to keep you satisfied, as (much like the sensation of being full) you never want to feel hungry. Let your body know it’s going to get a regular regimen of calories. Plus, if you starve yourself for the regular meals, you’re probably going to eat more before your brain tells your mouth to stop. Think about it: breakfast, lunch, and dinner are social constructs at their very core.

37. Love the oil companies. Just like your car needs high-quality oil, so too does your body. Not all oils were created equal, though it’s hotly contested which ones are better for you than others. Personally, I love a good olive oil – it’s 100% natural and is rich with Omega 9 fatty acids. Enova is another one that we’ve found to work quite well in our lifestyle at home. Choose your oil wisely, though – your weight loss goal should be more than simply cosmetic. It’s a good rule of thumb when it comes to food: the more natural something is, the better it is for you.

38. Fat is where it’s at. If you think you can lose weight and keep it off by avoiding all fats, you’re sadly mistaken. In fact, if you think that low fat eating is the only way to go, you might as well just quit now. Your body (and your brain) needs fat to survive! This is why the scientists call “them” essential fatty acids – Omegas 3, 6, and 9. These fats have been stripped from many supermarket shelf items, and it’s your responsibility to put fat back into your dietary plan. Don’t avoid eating fat, embrace it – equally.

39. Bring balance to the force. If you eat the same foods over and over again, you’re going to get bored – unless they’re foods you really, really like. Feel free to change it up – keep your tongue happy. Balance carbs with proteins with fats, though. If you have more of one nutrient for one meal, try more of another nutrient for the next. And for heaven’s sake, don’t just shop in the “diet” section of the store. You can still (likely) eat the same things you’ve always eaten, just not so much of them at any one time.

40. Know your daily calorie limit. When I was in the process of losing weight, it was suggested that I stay under 1700 calories a day. Knowing that number was half the battle. I could eat anything I wanted throughout the day, so long as I would stay at or beneath that number. While I couldn’t track 100% of the items I ate, I was able to make intake estimates – and adjust my schedule and ration my remaining calories accordingly. In this sense, you’re given extreme freedom – so long as you stay at or beneath that suggested calorie level for your plan. If you don’t know how much you’re supposed to take in, how are you supposed to know how much you’re supposed to take in?! Sounds redundant, but it’s a situation that many “dieters” are in (which is why they fail)!

41. Fiber good. When you start to lose fat, you’re probably going to get constipated. Yeah, it happens more frequently than we care to admit (or share). You should have a good amount of fiber every day, anyway. Fiber is very important to your health (and your weight loss goals). Try the Metamucil snack wafers for a quick fiber infusion. Then, magnesium citrate for those… “stuck” moments, in which you’ll find yourself from time to time. Stick a bottle or two of that in your fridge for safe keeping, and don’t plan on going anywhere for 24 hours after taking a dose (trust me, trust me, trust me).

42. Walk the walk. You burn calories when you walk, did you know that? Certainly, you don’t expend as much energy as you do when you run, but you burn it nonetheless. Consider picking up a good pedometer, if only to gauge how many steps you take in the average day. According to others, the Omron HJ112 Premium Pedometer is the one to beat. If nothing else, knowing how many steps you take on the average day will give you a better idea as to your regular activity level – around the home and/or the office. Plus, you can count those steps as calorie deficits in certain programs (like CalorieKing).

43. Train wrecks will happen. One of these nights, you’re going to go out with friends and eat your weight in steak (likely blowing any kind of progress you had made for that day). Instead of repeating the overindulgence, just put yourself back on track the next day. You’re allowed to “mess up” every now and again, so long as you don’t make a habit out of consuming an excessive amount of food. Right the dining injustice immediately. You’ll be okay. You’ll be fine. Just don’t do it again. And again. And again. And again.

44. Satisfy cravings with extreme prejudice. If you’re hungry for something, eat it. Don’t deny yourself the simple pleasures. If it’s possible, eat only half of what you want. Is your craving satisfied, or are you addicted to the flavor? Losing weight shouldn’t be torture for anybody. You have to ask yourself: Is it more important for me to eat this entire case of fudgesicles, or to look good for my brother’s wedding? Only you have the answer to that question, and if you ignore logic, you’re going to hurt yourself in the long-run. Just take a nibble or two – I won’t tell a soul.

45. Water you waiting for? If you’re not drinking enough water, your body will let you know. Thirst is an amazing sensation – quench it. If you’re not hydrated, your body won’t be working at peak levels. Most of your body happens to be water, by the way. If you’re worried about “water weight,” remember that you’re likely to retain more water when you’re not giving your body enough of it in the first place. Besides, that’s what those workout sessions are supposed to help with every other morning. I’m not going to dictate how many glasses you should drink, though – as that’s going to vary from person to person.

46. Join the soda club. Like most people, I love carbonated beverages. However, unlike most people, I love unflavored carbonated beverages – and if your tongue is attune to sugary-sweet drinks, you’re also the kind of person who believes that club soda tastes salty (even when it contains no sodium). Make the move to an unflavored drink sooner rather than later. If you need help along the way, lemons and limes can be your best friends. If you’re going to drink something more than water, at least make sure it’s not going to hinder your progress. If you’re a sugary-soda drinker, dropping it from your daily routine altogether will help you drop ~5 or more pounds in a single week (WITHOUT doing anything else).

47. Sugar is evil that tastes good. You probably don’t want to hear this, but sugar is a bad thing. The more refined it comes, the more your body is going to react negatively to it. Sugar, sugar, sugar is in everything, everything, everything. If it’s sweet, it’s got sugar in it. There are all sorts of sugars out there, and all of them are ultimately metabolized by the body. It’s a good bet that the sugars in an apple are better for you than the sugars in a candy bar, though. If you’re addicted to sugar, this is going to be a horrible hurdle to overcome.

48. Sugar substitutes are just as evil as sugar itself. Do you really think your body knows how to handle something that was man-made? Seriously. These chemically-adjusted products do not occur in the wild; there are no Splenda trees in warmer climates, nor are there NutraSweet plants in the Arctic. In some instances, taking in sugar substitutes may actually increase your levels of hunger! Let’s not forget about all the health issues that might arise from these unnatural substances. If you’re given a choice, it’s almost better to go with something your body knows how to deal with (real, unprocessed sugar). No, it’s much safer (and healthier) to stay away from blue, pink, and yellow packets entirely. Do a Web search for “Artificial Sweeteners May Damage Diet Efforts.” Then sit there and tell me they’re okay? No way.


49. White bread can’t jump. Did you know that white bread isn’t good for you? Oh, it’s true – just ask any diabetic. Research has shown that people who eat more refined products (like white bread) are more likely to have belly fat. Why? It’s simple: your body isn’t getting what it needs. The food industry isn’t the health industry, okay? You can’t trust that they’ve got your best interests at heart (despite all their marketing efforts). If you want the flavor of white bread, please eat the whole grain white bread instead? Sara lee makes a wonderful loaf, as I can personally attest (even though I like rye more than white or wheat). Repeat after me: whole grain white bread, whole grain white bread.

50. Hasta la pasta, baby. Much like its cousin, white bread, refined pasta can damage your health and pinch your weight loss plans. I’m not saying you should quit pasta altogether, but I will suggest that you change your pasta pusher to Barilla. They have a new wheat pasta that’s a dead ringer for the ol’ crappy white stuff you used to eat. “Barilla PLUS” is absolutely fantastic, as well as a good source of fiber and protein. You’re usually going to be better off with a “wheat” option, although traditional wheat pasta has a texture that you might not like (even though I find it perfectly acceptable to my palate).

Now, once you’ve achieved your weight loss goals, what are you going to do to keep the fat at bay? The worst thing you can do is something I’ve done countless times over: get lazy. I’ve conveniently forgotten about all of the aforementioned rules a few times, and it’s put me back in the same situation I don’t want to be in – ever again. While I don’t have to be as careful as I was during the weight loss period, I’m still measuring myself and recording my daily activities. This may turn into a weekly weigh-in soon enough, as it’s easier to correct yourself at 5lbs than it is at 50lbs. Good luck!

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13. Never count on live programming. It’s important to stimulate your mind while your body is exerting itself in other ways. However, never rely on “what’s on TV or the radio” at the time. Instead of zoning out, you’ll find yourself flipping between channels – and that’s going to make the time drag as much as it would if you weren’t keeping your mind busy in the first place. “Live” is a very bad idea. Go with pre-recorded programming or go without.
14. Video games helped me lose weight. I can keep my balance on the Gazelle (which some might find difficult to do). As such, I plugged an Xbox 360 into the TV and started to play it while I was working out. Immediately, I found that I was sweating more than I was when I was only watching TV passively! The reason boils down to a single word: adrenalin. Now, the only way I’m able to work up a sweat is when I play a fast-paced game on the game console. Yes, even game genre is important; avoid any diversions that require long pauses between tasks. Racing games (like Burnout) have worked very well for me. The more mindless the game, the better your burn, the faster the exercise session will go.

15. Set realistic goals. You can lose 50 pounds in a week if you work out 12 hours a day and eat nothing but celery – but not if you’re human. Slow and steady wins the race. Don’t bite off more than you can chew – literally. Make small goals on your way to the bigger goal(s). In the end, you’ll have achieved more (and more frequently, might I add).

16. Avoid trans fats and high fructose corn syrup. I offer this suggestion for a few reasons. First, they’re not good for you anyway. Second, you’ll eliminate a lot of the “bad foods” outright – no questions asked. You’ll have to become more selective in what you eat by avoiding these two nasty ingredients – which are in more foods than you probably care to know.

17. Don’t always listen to your mate. I’ve already suggested that you tell your family – but sometimes members of your family will try to dissuade you from trying to lose weight. It’s simple: they might not want you to succeed where they may have already failed, whether consciously or inadvertently. Your loss is not always their gain. Watch out for statements like: “You’ve lost enough weight.” or “I like you just the way you are.” Fact of the matter is, if YOU don’t like the way that YOU are – then YOU are going to have to do something about it, no matter what anybody says. They still love you, though (in theory).

18. Don’t compare yourself to others. Every body is different. It stands to reason that everybody will lose weight differently. Even if you do the exact same things that I do, you won’t lose weight at the same rate. The key is in finding your triggers. Keep your goal in sight, and do whatever you have to do to meet that goal. When you start looking at someone else’s habits, you’re only going to become discouraged and quit without even realizing that it’s physically impossible to be anybody but yourself.

19. Women aren’t men. It’s been proven that men can lose weight more rapidly than women can, which is likely due to our physiological makeup (women are supposed to have more fat than men, because they’re the birthing gender). This isn’t a sexist statement to make – it’s pretty much the truth. As such, females should expect to set separate goals than males – especially if you’re working on losing weight together, side by side.

20. Take a magic pill. Nonsense! There is no such thing as a magic pill. Don’t fall victim to the hype of the latest fat-burning drug commercial. If you listen or read closely, you’ll see that every single one of these things is effective when combined with proper diet and exercise (which they even state in their advertisements). The side-effects for these drugs are usually worse than your additional weight, anyway.

21. Vitamins are good for you. If you’re going to take any pills, let them be natural supplements (like Essential Fatty Acids or multivitamins). Be careful about overdoing it, though – especially with herbal remedies. Too much of anything is a bad thing. You can consult a nutritionist, but always buy on your own – and keep these supplements to a minimum. Remember, too, that specific vitamins are no good without specific minerals.

22. Deck your desktop. In the beginning, some of my friends sent me complicated spreadsheets to help chart progress. Uh, no – not for me; I’m the kind of guy who likes taking the easy route. As such, I scoured the Web for the best desktop tool and remembered CalorieKing. You won’t find anything easier to use. Trust me, this is the one; I can keep track of everything I eat and expend (without hassle). While the statistic-addicts will love CalorieKing for its thoroughness, the utility was truly designed with non-geeks in mind. The CalorieKing Web site and service are fine on their own, but the downloadable client is what you really want to get. Pay the registration fee, man – how much is your health worth to you?

23. Identify your ideal weight. If you’re 5′5″ with a certain build, there’s an ideal weight that matches your body type. Find it – and make that your goal. And if you don’t know what that might be, try searching the Web for a calculator (though results and calculations will vary by a small margin). Now you have a weight goal to shoot for.

24. Consider the source. I’m going to make a gross generalization here, but… why would I trust an overweight doctor or nutritionist to give me proper advice on weight loss? “Do as I say and not as I do” is not a maxim I’m willing to accept from anybody who would be qualified to tell me how to do something. Talk to people who are doing it, or who have done it and been successful. You don’t have to mirror their regimen, but at least you’re getting help from someone who’s really been there. Or, as they said in the Christmas episode of “Two and a Half Men,” people who live in fat asses shouldn’t throw waffles.

25. Ignore Ronald McDonald. You don’t have to eliminate fast food completely, but you should avoid it at all costs. Most of it is nasty, bad stuff anyway – if you’d even go as far as to call it food. If you’re looking for convenience, find a more convenient meal source. Besides, most of what they serve would be considered “food product,” not food. There’s a gigantic difference as far as your body is concerned. Your bloodstream does not have taste buds, need I remind you?

26. Scale up. If your measurement tool sucks, upgrade it. If it’s analog, dump it. I’ve talked to many geeks about their choice in scales, and most of them (myself included) recommend something in the Tanita family. They’re high-quality, rugged, accurate devices. Make sure you set your scale on a hard surface, too (as carpet foundations do not make for accurate weight measurements).

27. Watch your weight. Some people say that you shouldn’t weigh yourself more than once a week. I’ve been much happier charting my progress every day. No matter what, you need to weigh in at the same time, every time. For me, that’s 10am every morning (or somewhere thereabout). If you decide to weigh yourself every single day, understand that your weight will fluctuate by one or two pounds – and that you should only keep a serious eye on the lengthier trends.

28. One pound a week. If you’re not losing at least one pound a week on your chosen weight loss regimen, you’re (a) stalled, or (b) finished. You might need to push yourself even harder, or (in some cases) let up a little bit while your body plays catch-up. If you lose more than one pound a week, then you’re doing better than average. Expecting to lose five pounds a week just isn’t realistic, though.

29. Maintain your priorities. Sure, your sandwich would taste amazing with an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise… but do you really need it? Rather, is it more important for you to reach your weight loss goal quicker – or have this sandwich taste marginally better? What’ll happen the next time you’re faced with this decision – will you cave again? It’s a slippery slope; don’t lose sight of what’s most important to you.

30. All weight is not equal. Muscle weighs more than fat, but the last thing you want to lose is muscle! For this reason alone, it’s important to have a regular exercise routine somewhere in your schedule. Without exercise, your body is going to burn through muscle first – and you’ll wind up more imbalanced than you were to begin with. You want your body to burn fat, not muscle. You want to lose weight, but you want to lose “fat” weight – not muscle mass.

31. Counteract the “Rainy Day” principle. If you decrease your calorie count without necessarily increasing your physical activity level, your body is going to crash. It’s going to say to itself: “Holy sh*t! I better store these calories as fat, because I’m not getting enough of them – and I don’t want to die.” When you exercise, you set your body’s process to “burn” instead of “save.”


32. Don’t overdo it. If you change something in your lifestyle, you’re probably going to see results – but there’s a law of diminishing returns at play. You can exercise for an extra hour a day for a week and still lose the same amount as you had when you were only exercising half as much. Give your body time to adjust – don’t push yourself too hard or you’re just going to spend your energy on something that’s not necessarily going to give you immediate and direct benefit. This, of course, only applies to those of you wanting to lose fat – not for those who are training for a triathlon.

33. Patterns are good. Once you’ve found your workout groove, do your best to stick with it. Exercise no less than three times a week for 40 – 60 minutes each time, but don’t feel the “need” to do it more than five times over a seven day period. Your body will likely appreciate a burn-off in the morning more, but if you need to relieve stress in the evening – don’t be afraid to adjust your workout schedule accordingly. Schedule making and keeping are important for other areas of your life as well.

34. Sleep it off. To be an efficient fat-burning machine, your body requires at least eight hours of sleep a night. If you think that you’re doing yourself a favor by sleeping less, you’re mistaken. Give your body time to rest itself, both mentally and physically. Sleep is very, very important (if only for mental alertness for the following day). If you feel tired, that’s likely your body’s way of saying: “Shut your eyes, stupid!”

35. Remember that the fork is not a shovel. I eat fast (I swear I can’t help it). Even if I’m not hungry, I want to shovel everything into my mouth in less than a minute. But my brain doesn’t know that my stomach is full until twenty minutes after it actually is. As such, I could stuff myself silly before realizing I didn’t need to consume as much as I did. Try eating half of what’s on your plate, wait ten minutes, then continue to eat if you’re still hungry. You never want to feel full – ever. That’s when you know you’ve eaten too much. If you want a real hunger-stopper, try an Omega 3 and Omega 6 supplement (EFAs) twenty minutes before a meal.

by: chris.pirillo.com

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For many people weight loss is a chronic endeavor. All too often the shedding of pounds is a temporary event followed by a steady regain of lost weight. Most popular diets are unsuccessful in the long run because they fail to address the multi-faceted nature of what successful, permanent weight loss entails. Luckily, research has revealed many invaluable strategies which can help increase your odds of permanent weight loss. While no single article can possibly cover this vast subject, we have provided links to excellent weight loss programs and books which are backed by clinical research, and can significantly help you in your quest. We also encourage you to browse through our hand-picked award links to learn more about the best strategies you can incorporate for long term weight loss success.

1.  Dietary control and exercise. It’s true what they say – all you need to do is watch what you eat, and expend more energy than you consume. It’s really that simple. You can quit reading this list now, you now know everything you need to know and didn’t need to fork over $500 for the privilege of me telling you the secret of losing weight. You don’t need to read a 4,000 page book, you don’t have to buy a tape series, you don’t need to stay up late at night to watch infomercials to understand this basic premise. It’s 100% true.

2. Change your lifestyle. If you’re calling this a “diet,” then you’re going to gain all the weight back (and more) within a few months of losing it. Diets do not work. Diets are temporary. When you change your dietary lifestyle, however, you’re changing your habits – and you’re putting yourself on track for long-term / continued success and weight maintenance. Don’t ever tell anybody you’re on a diet – ever. I’m speaking from experience, here – a reformed low-carber. Worked out well for a while, but ultimately failed because my entire lifestyle didn’t change (permanently).

3. Join an online support group. In my case, I created my own – FatBlasters. It’s essential that you not feel alone, and reaching out to friends (new or old) is typically a smart move. I just heard about PeetTrainer, but didn’t know about it when I began down the road to weight loss. You have to know that others are out there for moral support – they know things that you couldn’t possibly know, and they’ve probably been “in your shoes” at some point in the past (or present). Share stories, laughter, tears, successes, and failures – share them. There are thousands of communities out there, so keep looking until you find the one that fits you.

4. Take before and after photos. I know it sucks to see yourself as a chunky monkey (sorry, that’s what I called myself – if only to get myself motivated to meet my weight loss goal). However, there’s no easier way to illustrate your progress. The “after” photos are far more fun to capture and share, admittedly. Find yourself on Flickr! It’s good to see yourself how others see you. Do you like how you look? In many ways, Flickr helped me lose weight.

5. Hire a substitute teacher. Don’t reach for the brands you know and love immediately – or without thinking first. Eggs are “good” for you, but consider using egg substitutes instead (in fact, many restaurants will let you order lower calorie foods). There are countless “lower” alternatives for you to try. If something different doesn’t taste good, by all means – find a better substitute, or eat less of the original. In some cases, the substitute may be worse for you than the regular version of the product. The good news is, healthier choices are silently replacing their “normal” counterparts – and they taste just as nice.

6. Start reading labels. I know it sucks, but you have to do it – and there’s no way to avoid this tip. If you don’t know what you’re putting in your mouth, you’re flying blind. Don’t assume, either – triple-check the ingredients list and serving sizes. You must rely on yourself for this; nobody else is going to be able to lose the weight or do the math for you. It’s not that complicated a task, but it will require effort. If nothing else, just pay attention to the calorie count.

7. What’s so funny about bovines? If you like cheese, you must buy the Laughing Cow brand, and keep several of the suckers in stock at all times. The individually-wrapped wedges make for excellent snacks, and are wonderful when melted over just about anything edible. I’d be careful about straight-up American cheese, though – it’s oil, but not necessarily as good for you as (say) a slice of cheddar would be. I have yet to find something as calorie-light and filling as Laughing Cow (I don’t know how they do it).

8. Tell your family. You’re not going to lose the weight alone, even if you ARE alone in losing the weight. If you’ve got a family at home, talk to them about it – initially, not incessantly. Let them know what you’re going to do, and that you want (and need) their support. If you don’t let them know, you’re running the risk of them inadvertently sabotaging your efforts. You want them to help you get to your goal(s). You want them to share in your happiness when you’ve made it past a certain mark. Who knows? Maybe some of your new habits will rub off on them and they’ll become healthier people, too?

9. Go public. I didn’t want to admit that I had screwed up, but admitting the problem in public was the first step on the path to eventual success. I was now accountable for my actions, and all my friends knew what I was doing. There was no turning back, otherwise I’d be risk damaging my integrity. I didn’t want to disappoint the people who read me on a regular (or semi-regular) basis. Plus, it’s an easy way to find out which of your friends have gone through the process before – and glean tips from their own experiences. Then, other friends might become inspired to do the same thing you’re doing once they see that you’ve taken the first step.

10. Identify your exercise. No exercise was created equal. You might like running, so run. You might like jogging, so jog. You might like stationary bikes, so bike stationarily. Find the one that works best for you – that isn’t too much of a chore for you to do regularly throughout the week. Don’t pick a routine that you don’t like – or you won’t want to do it, and you certainly won’t stick with it for long. I also wouldn’t recommend buying into that whole “no pain, no gain” mantra. I’ve lost weight without hurting myself, and you probably can, too.


11. Become a Gazelle. You’ve probably seen Tony Little on TV, selling his Gazelle glider – a low impact exercise machine. I can tell you: it works. It’s easy on my legs, and really gives me a workout when I apply myself on it. Some people say it’s awkward to use, but I love mine – and would consider recommending no other home exercise equipment at this point. Then again, I’m a wimpy geek who only wants to burn calories.

12. Zone out. There’s a reason why people exercise to their favorite music – listening to external stimulus takes your mind off of the physical activity. That’s the secret to making “exercise time” fly. If you’re concentrating on what your body is doing, the session is going to drag on for what will seem like days. Buy a portable music player, or situate yourself in front of a television.

Continued …

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