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Aug 17

Instagram Will Now Allow You To Block Weight Loss Spam: Here’s How – Women’s Health

For many people, weight loss content and adverts appearing on their social media feed isnt helpful - its harmful. Now, Instagram is taking measures to monitor these ads, allowing users to hide the adverts from their feeds.

Regardless of who you follow on social media, the fact remains that unwanted adverts and spam continue to pervade our feeds and if theres one kind of content we seemingly cant get away from, its that of weight loss. As if its not enough that we already have to overcome decades of societal pressures and beauty ideals that have been inculcated into us by the media, now these adverts are coming for us in a space that should be protected. And while some individuals certainly might seek out weight loss tools and advice, for many those that appear unsolicited within the Instagram app arent helpful theyre harmful.

It makes the announcement that Instagram will now look to monitor weight loss content on the app something worthy of celebration, particularly after tireless campaigns from the likes of Jameela Jamil and Katie Budenberg, who have long talked about the need for body positivity across social media. Users can now be spared the kind of triggering content like detox teas and weight loss plans thanks to a new tool which will allow them to select body weight control as an ad topic they want to see less of.

In her body positivity campaign, Budenberg launched a change.org petition in which she explained: Its no secret that the aim of a weight-loss ad is to make you feel inadequate in your body so that you are persuaded to pay the company large amounts of money to help you lose weight. To some, these ads may be harmless and they can scroll on but for some these ads are triggering and dangerous.

Budenberg adds, This is why we are asking that Instagram adds the option to not see weight loss ads; this setting already exists for other potentially triggering topics, such as alcohol and parenting, and should be extended to weight-loss. This setting would make Instagram a safer, and therefore a more inclusive, place for those with a history of disordered eating and/or body image issues.

Already, the change has been welcomed by users who have been quick to express their support. This is super helpful. I couldnt find body weight control but was able to select see less on other things like specific weight loss products, probiotic brands I had been seeing a lot of, cleanses, diet advice, and other unhelpful content, wrote one user on a post from the National Eating Disorders Association.

While its a great development and a step in the right direction, even after blocking the spam, you may still see some weight-loss-adjacent ads popping up on the feed. It might not be a total solution currently, but as Instagram suggests, by opting out, you will still see less of an ad topic than you would otherwise. You may still see some ads related to these topics even if you chose to see less of them. If you do see an ad related to a topic that you chose to see fewer of, you can hide the ad and well use your feedback to improve the relevance of the ads you see.

On your Instagram profile page, go to Settings, then Ads and Ad topics. In the drop down list, look for body weight control and other similar topics. When you click on them, select see less to remove them from your feed. If you cant find body weight control, consider other terms like diet and weight loss which should provide plenty of terms you can then filter out from your feed.

If you or someone you know needs support for eating disorders and body image issues, help is available. Contact the Butterfly Foundations National Helpline at 1800 33 4673 for free and confidential support.

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Instagram Will Now Allow You To Block Weight Loss Spam: Here's How - Women's Health


Aug 17

Will eating veggies before rice help you lose weight? Is alkaline water really good for you? Common food myths explained – Channel NewsAsia

Now, heres where the alkaline water proponents come in: If you drink water that is acidic, youll create too much acid in your blood and pave the way for all sorts of health issues ranging from cancer to osteoporosis.

But can alkaline water be counted on to do so much for your health? And what exactly is it? Alkaline water is essentially water containing added compounds such ascalcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium and/or sodium bicarbonate. Its pH is around 8 or 9, said Dr Look.

Tap water can range from 6.5 to 8.5, or even slightly acidic, depending on the country you are drinking it from, he said. In Singapore, the tap water has an average pH of 8.2, which makes it alkaline to begin with.

There are many claims that alkaline water can neutralise acid in your bloodstream and, in turn, prevent heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer, said Dr Look. So far, these claims have not been backed by scientific evidence.

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Will eating veggies before rice help you lose weight? Is alkaline water really good for you? Common food myths explained - Channel NewsAsia


Aug 17

What to Eat Before a Workout to Lose Weight and Gain Muscle – STACK

Your training routine is only one component of the equation when attempting to lose weight and gain muscle. Indeed, exercise and training do have a significant impact. However, knowing what and when to eat provides more effective results. For example, you dont need to carbo-load if youre attempting to lose weight. And, if you want to bulk up, timing your protein is critical.

To lose weight, you cant starve yourself. To burn calories requires calories. Like driving your car, it needs gas to go, and your body needs calories to move. What your body doesnt need are excessive calories. For instance, its about making healthier choices like eating chicken, carrots, potatoes, and broccoli and not eating things like pasta or macaroni and cheese. Its a big difference.

Caloric restriction and eating less is not the answer. Instead, its about eating smarter and better.

Understand how protein, carbs, and fat are used to build muscle and lose weight.

Many individuals believe that protein is used only for post-workout recovery. However, you can strategically utilize it before and during your workout to gain muscle.

When you consume protein, you initiate a process called protein synthesis. This simply refers to the process of producing proteins. Therefore, your body gets ahead of your training results when you drink or eat protein prior. The proteins that are present before a workout begin the rebuilding process as you exercise.

And, when you drink a protein shake during your training in small amounts, it continues and sustains the rebuilding process.

Afterward, post-exercise in the recovery phase, protein synthesis will continue to be stimulated, helping you to build muscles quickly.

A secret tip to building muscle.

Drink 20 grams of a protein shake 45 minutes before working out in the gym. A protein shake absorbs quickly and does not cause cramping. Drink another 10 grams midway through your workout. After your workout, have your protein meal or drink another 10 grams of protein shake. In this manner, proteins will be produced continuously to build muscle instead of waiting till after. It is more effective!

Proteins are not supposed to be used as energy. Instead, they are used to rebuild.

To build muscle, consume about 1.5-2.0 grams per kilogram of your body weight daily. If you want to preserve muscle without building, consume 1-1.2 grams.

Carbohydrates are the preferred energy source when it comes to training. There are two different types of carbs.

Simple Carbohydrates

These carbohydrates are used for quick energy. They require 30-60 minutes to be absorbed and prepared as fuel. Therefore, simple carbs are appropriate for brief workouts or those that last less than 60 minutes. On the other hand, complex carbohydrates are not required for training for less than 60 minutes.

Eat carbs like fruit to provide instant quick energy.

Complex Carbohydrates

These carbohydrates deliver a slower, more sustained energy source. Unfortunately, it takes about two hours to prepare them as fuel. So, timing is key. Use complex carbs for more strenuous and prolonged workouts, lasting between 90-120 minutes. Complex carbs deliver more consistent energy over a longer length of time.

Eat carbs like vegetables and rice to give you more sustained energy.

Consuming fat with meals before exercise is not recommended. Fats break down more slowly than carbohydrates. Therefore, your body will not break down and absorb the fat in a timely manner. Fats need 4 to 6 hours to be ready and used as energy. Therefore, there is no purpose in ingesting it to gain energy, build muscle, or lose weight for your workout.

Training that lasts up to 3 hours uses carbohydrates, not fats. This is because the body has a sequence in which it uses energy. First, it will burn simple, switch to the complex, and after complex, burn fat.

Make sure the meal is 60 complex carbs, 30% protein, and 10% or less is fat.

The meal needs to be somewhat condensed. Foods must be simplified and easy to eat and digest. At this time, fats should be little to none. Instead, eat 60% complex and 20% simple carbs and 20% protein.

Food needs to be very condensed. Meals or snacks need to be easily digested to break downno fats in this time frame. Fats in this time frame can cause cramping.

A smoothie or a blended drink is best.

To be more specific with your energy, 1-2 hours before your workout, consume 1 gram of carbohydrate per kilogram of bodyweight.

Remember, the denser the food, the more time you need before training.

For more exercise, health, and nutrition information, check out the Balanced Body.

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What to Eat Before a Workout to Lose Weight and Gain Muscle - STACK


Aug 9

Michael Mosley: ‘Eat properly’ and still lose weight with diet method that burns fat fast – Express

Dr Michael Mosley has been hailed for his weight loss techniques for years, having created the 5:2 programme, which sees people eat healthily for five days a week and then only eating 800 calories on the two remaining days. It's a method that's been found to be "more effective" for shedding weight, but he warns people it does come with some rules.

Speaking while doing an appearance on Studio 10 in 2019, Dr Mosley discussed why this diet method is better than other slower techniques.

"The scientists have been telling me for some time now that you can be better off doing rapid weight loss diet and that is doing 800 calories a day," he said.

He referenced two big UK studies that examined this with groups of more than 300 people.

One group was allocated a rapid weight loss diet and the other on a normal slower paced one.

READ MORE:Diet: Expert warns against common mistake

Dr Mosley went on to claim it has been "undoubtedly" proven to work but noted: "You have to eat properly.

"The problem with some of the diet which were done in the past is that they were kind of crazy," he added of fad, quick-fix diets, such as the cabbage diet.

"What you need to do is have a balanced diet, enough nutrients, enough protein in particular," he said.

READ MORE:Michael Mosley weight loss: Remove three foods to stay slim

"Now we say 800 calories and a lot of people say it's a lot more tolerable.

"We found people reported it was a lot more doable and they got less grumpy."

He explained that the new 5:2 intermittent fasting method still helps people consume fewer calories during the eight-hour window they're allowed to eat.

"It seemed to be low enough to trigger desirable metabolic changes like burning the fat, but high enough to stop them getting grumpy."

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Michael Mosley: 'Eat properly' and still lose weight with diet method that burns fat fast - Express


Aug 9

Time-Restricted Eating and Weight Loss, Mood – Healthline

Time-restricted eating is effective for weight loss, but it can also improve mood and blood pressure.

Thats according to research published today in JAMA Internal Medicine that found that early time-restricted eating for a period of 8 hours between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. led to more effective weight loss, blood pressure control, and mood improvement in adults with obesity when compared with a group who ate in an eating window greater than 12 hours.

Early time-restricted eating (eTRE) was more effective for losing weight and lowering diastolic blood pressure than eating over a period of 12 or more hours at 14 weeks, the study authors wrote.

The eTRE intervention may therefore be an effective treatment for both obesity and hypertension. It also improves mood by decreasing fatigue and feelings of depression-dejection and increasing vigor, and those who can stick with eTRE lose more body fat and trunk fat, they added.

The researchers found that the impact of early time-restricted eating on participants with obesity was the equivalent of decreasing calorie intake by 214 calories a day.

Experts say this could make a significant difference in weight loss.

Over a 14-week period, an additional 214 calories/day amounts to 6 pounds (2.7kg) difference in weight loss. For many people, losing 5 percent of the weight is considered a significant health benefit and so, yes, this many calories can absolutely make a difference because in a year this would amount to losing roughly 10kg of weight (22 lb), which for some people would be close to a 10 percent weight loss, Dana Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, a senior dietitian at the RR-UCLA Medical Center in California, told Healthline.

The study is the latest in a growing body of research examining the impact of time-restricted eating but focuses specifically on early time-restricted eating.

We tested a version of TRE called early TRE (eTRE), which involves stopping eating in the afternoon and fasting for the rest of the day. Because key circadian rhythms in metabolism such as insulin sensitivity and the thermic effect of foodpeak in the morning, eTRE may confer additional benefits relative to other forms of TRE, the study authors wrote.

The study participants who were tasked with following an early time-restricted eating plan were instructed to eat 500 calories less than their resting energy expenditure every day between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

In the afternoon and evening, they were instructed to fast. They were asked to follow this program at least 6 days a week for 14 weeks.

What was interesting about this study is the timing of the restriction. Earlier restriction seems to have a greater benefit. This would make sense as insulin levels can remain lower for a longer period of time and thereby increase calorie burning, Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, told Healthline.

Anyone trying to lose weight may benefit from intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating. The downsides to this way of eating are that a person may feel hungrier during the period where eating is not allowed and may have difficulty adhering to the plan, Mir added.

When it comes to the timing of eating, experts say it is important for those attempting time-restricted eating to find a suitable eating window that suits their needs and lifestyle.

For individuals who dont like to go to bed feeling hungry, this can be a difficult way of eating. Alternatively; for some individuals, beginning to eat later in the day, shifting the time restriction for example to noon to 8 pm works better than 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. It really depends on the person. Also, if you are someone with a history of disordered eating habits, time restriction can be a trigger, Hunnes said.

The study participants who followed early time-restricted eating lost an additional 2.3kg compared with other participants.

They also experienced a reduction in diastolic blood pressure.

Time-restricted eating was also found to be more effective at improving mood disturbances among study participants.

What we eat, how we eat, affects our mood for many reasons, Hunnes said. Dopamine can be triggered from eating certain foods, The way we feel about ourselves can be affected by what we are eating. Inflammation (or anti-inflammation) from foods can affect our mood. The ups and downs of our blood-glucose levels can affect our mood. So, yes, the way we eat, what we eat, when we eat, like circadian rhythms, can affect our mood.

But before embarking on a time-restricted eating plan, experts advise it is a good idea to speak with a doctor for advice.

The first step before trying a time-restricted diet plan, or any diet really, is to see your primary care physician and make sure it is appropriate for your health concerns. Diabetes and other conditions can certainly have an impact on any diet plan, Ali said.

There are a number of ways to implement an intermittent fasting or time-restricted plan, so trying different options to see what will work for your lifestyle is important, he added.

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Time-Restricted Eating and Weight Loss, Mood - Healthline


Aug 9

These 6 dishes are full of protein, will reduce weight fast, will make a strong body – News Day Express

There is no doubt that losing weight is a difficult task. It is often seen that people go to the gym, work out and reduce calories, yet they do not lose weight. Experts believe that to lose weight, as much as workout is needed, diet is also needed.The best way to lose weight in a healthy way is to consume all those things along with exercise, which are low in calories and promote muscle growth. Protein is considered the best solution for this.

Protein is very important for losing weight. This strengthens the muscles, enhances the body and reduces weight. Now the question arises that what are the main sources of protein and how should protein be included in the diet to get a good figure and lose weight? For this, Priyanshi Bhatnagar, the founder and holistic nutritionist of Detoxpri, is telling you high protein dishes.

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It is a mixture of various nutritious vegetables, which will give you various nutrients along with protein. This low-calorie Indo-Chinese dish, unlike any other recipe, will whet your appetite. It is stir-fry in a little oil and spices are added. Dont forget to add cheese to it.(Photo Credits: TOI)

Cauliflower is rich in nutrients and low in fat. There is a better vegetable for those who want to lose weight. Just you should not make it in too much oil and spices. Also, avoid putting potatoes in it.

There is no doubt that eggs are the best and cheapest source of high protein along with taste. If you are losing weight, then you should include eggs in breakfast. All you need is black pepper, milk, eggs and butter to make it. You can also add more vegetables to make it more nutritious.(Photo Credits: TOI)

This Mughlai recipe is high in protein and low in calories. Do not use oil to make it. Just baking will do the job. This will not only satisfy your craving but will also keep your weight in check.

(Photo Credits: TOI)

Another quick and easy recipe is Sprouts Chaat. You can make it by mixing rajma, moong dal and black gram. Mix lemon juice with onion, tomato and green chili in it.

Make a salad by mixing quinoa, a little millet, kidney beans and some vegetables. This blend is a treasure trove of protein and fiber. If you are looking to lose weight, then this option may prove to be better for you.

(Photo Credits: TOI)

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always contact your doctor for more details.

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These 6 dishes are full of protein, will reduce weight fast, will make a strong body - News Day Express


Aug 9

There is no magic pill to lose weight – Jordan Times

Slimming down is on many peoples minds. But as Ive come to learn for myself, there are no shortcuts to melting away fat. Avoid any magic potion that promises to do that!

Many of us remember watching Aladdin as children as he and Jasmine ride on that magic carpet to discover a whole new world. The movie industry has benefited tremendously from capitalising on our love for watching dreams come true and underdogs climbing from rags to riches. It touches that special place in our hearts that desperately wants to believe that miracles do happen.

Its that same desperation we dieters have as we seek that magic pill. That pill that promises to take away your appetite so your scale keeps going down. Or the pill that promises the sun and the moon without you having to do anything to earn it.

The only place for a magic carpet is on the cinema screen and is purely for entertainment. Lets stop fooling ourselves into believing we can manage our weight on a magic carpet while sweeping the real issues under the rug!

No to shortcuts

We may see some results from popping a pill or drinking a mystery solution, but trust me, researchers will discover that very pill causes cancer or kidney failure a few years down the road. Well find ourselves stranded at the side of the road that we thought would be our salvation.

Freedom from overeating isnt free. Like anything else in life that is worth fighting for, it takes courage and hard work to accomplish lasting goals. It also means we have to be willing to give up some things and Im not just referring to food. Food is the tip of the iceberg. Underneath lie a million other reasons we have resorted to feeding this addiction. Until we deal with underlying cause, we cannot even begin to heal from overeating.

Slowing down

This month, lets mindfully and objectively slow down enough to think hard about what we want to accomplish and what small steps we can take to keep us motivated. Do you remember the tortoise and the hare story when we were kids? The hare took a snooze only to lose at the end of the race because as slow as that turtle was, it refused to give up.

We are that turtle. Slow and steady is what it takes, the opposite of what the marketing world advertises as they push one product after another with promises to help us with our weight issues FAST. The only fast thing they may accomplish is quickly depleting our bank accounts as they make money off of our desperation.

I will be honest with you and tell you that I threw out leftover pills just approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to decrease appetite for the sake of weight loss. It took facing the truth head-on to love my body enough to protect it from something that could potentially prove harmful.

If you are popping those magic pills, youll be surprised at how empowering it is to throw them out before you find youve thrown your health to businesses that line their pockets with profit.

Heres to staying healthy the good old-fashioned way and plugging along without stopping, like that turtle!

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine

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There is no magic pill to lose weight - Jordan Times


Aug 9

Glam gran from Queensbury who shed five stone now helping others as personal trainer – Halifax Courier

Personal trainer Emma Taylor, 45, tipped the scales at 14st 1lb after her weight ballooned from a diet of fast food and sugary snacks.

She would regularly eat two takeaways a day, including a McDonalds for lunch and a kebab for dinner.

But she was jolted into shifting the pounds after seeing a photo of herself at a party taken by her sister-in-law.

The 5'1" mum-of-five was shocked by the photo and thought she looked like a 'little barrel'.

And she used it as inspiration for her new fitness regime that saw her drop five dress sizes from a tight-fitting size 16, to a loose size 6.

She used to live by the motto 'the bigger the plate, bigger the portion', but has cut out the takeaways and joined a gym - and is now a trim 8st 10lb.

Now Emma will start the day with a healthy breakfast of oats, berries and yoghurt with honey, followed by a light lunch of a chicken and avocado salad and a tea of tuna with a side of veg.

She's lost 15 inches from around her hips, 19 inches from her waist and her bra size has dramatically dropped from a 36DD to a 32A.

Emma, a personal trainer at Black Dyke Mills in Queensbury, said: I was instantly horrified and mortified, and knew I had to take control.

I was upset and I knew I had put on weight, but this was like a lightbulb moment for me.

I was also having health issues because of my weight, I was suffering with my breathing and couldnt sleep at night.

I had tried to lose weight before and tried various diets, I spent so much money on fad diets and I was always on the web looking for a quick fix.

I had tried yoga and pilates before, but I would have rather gone home and had a kebab.

Emma enlisted the help of personal trainer Danni Taylor and boxing coach Mathew Bird to help her lose weight, exercising a whopping 18 times a week, which she said 'is the best thing Ive ever done.

She added: "They pushed me so hard but helped me to believe in myself.

"My body quickly started shrinking - even my feet.

"I didn't set a goal and I think that helped, I just said once I'm happy, I'll know what my goal weight is.

"It's bizarre when I see pictures of myself now."

In her previous job as a nail technician, the grandmother-of-two would often order a McDonalds or portion of fish, chips and curry sauce from the local chippy.

But after losing the weight and falling in love with exercise, she was inspired to quit her job and qualify as a personal trainer, setting up her own business Taylor-Made Fitness.

She said: I tell everyone just to enjoy the journey and treat every day as it comes.

Instead of spending 45 minutes sat on your phone, you could come and spend that with me and do some exercise.

Just be consistent and it will make you feel amazing.

"I'm a bog standard mum and nan, so if I can do it - they can."

Us women are so hard on ourselves and often dont see the difference, so I always encourage them to take before and after pictures.

Emma has said that exercise has 'changed her life completely'

She said: "I'm a changed person, my confidence has gone up so much.

"My whole family have changed their lifestyles with me as well, so it's not just a family affair - they've all been keeping fit with me."

Emma is introducing a brand new womens only class on a Sunday morning from 9:30am. It costs 5 and is for women of all ages. No experience needed.

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Glam gran from Queensbury who shed five stone now helping others as personal trainer - Halifax Courier


Aug 9

A Health Phenomenon: Fast facts on fasting – The Financial Express

By Shubhangi Shah

People across the world follow a wide range of religions, which probably have one thing in common: abstaining from food on certain days. Buddhist texts restrict monks from eating after noon; Muslims have Ramadan during which they fast from dawn till sunset. Similarly, Jews practise Taanit, different Christian traditions have their fasting rules, and Hindus fast on several occasions throughout the year. Several religions see abstinence as a crucial aspect in physical and spiritual well-being, says Dr Unni Nilanjan, Ayurvedic doctor at Art of Livings Sri Sri Tattva Panchakarma. It means abstinence from indulgences. Far from being a way to sustain oneself, food often becomes an indulgence. In this regard, fasting helps a person develop an inner strength to withdraw from pleasures of the senses and go deeper within, he adds.

However, with time, fasting has evolved from being a religious practice to becoming a health phenomenon, with several doctors and fitness pundits recommending it. So, what is the fuss all about?

Benefits galoreFasting, intermittent fasting to be specific, is becoming increasingly common as a way to lose weight. In this, one eats in a time-restricted window and fasts otherwise. There is no restriction concerning food. And it has shown to be effective.

A 2014 study showed intermittent fasting led to a 3-8% loss in weight in 3-24 weeks. It also led to a reduction in waist circumference. As many as 40 review studies have found its positive results on weight loss.

However, it is not the only benefit.

According to Sreemathy Venkatraman, a wellness nutritionist, clinical dietician and founder of Mitha Ahara: Eat to Live, intermittent fasting can lead to:

Mental health improves, too, as one has better self-control and does not graze throughout the day, she says. As your weight decreases, so does your chance of developing chronic illnesses, says Neha Pathania, chief dietician, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram. You also experience enhanced cycles of brain health. Life expectancy increases too, she adds.

Dr Nilanjan goes beyond that and points at Japanese biologist Yoshinori Ohsumi, who won the 2016 Nobel Prize in medicine for his work on autophagy, which is the bodys natural cleansing mechanism to purge the body of damaged cells and regenerate newer, healthier cells. This happens while fasting, the Ayurveda doctor says. Some bodies of research have shown that intermittent fasting and calorie restriction can cause autophagy.

However, since religious fasting is practised for a few days, does it undo the benefits? The answer is no, according to Dr Nilanjan. Fasting is similar to taking your car to the workshop. Doing it once in a while ensures that it runs smoothly and has optimum performance for a longer period. The life of the car is also longer when you maintain it regularly. Similarly, fasting increases the quality of life, when done regularly, he explains.

Dos and dontsFasting has been shown to lead to weight loss and other health benefits. However, healthy eating is the way forward. Hence, do not go overboard with high-fat, ultra-processed and ready-to-eat foods, which trigger inflammation and thus lead to more fat deposits. Instead, have a balance of all the food groups, which includes whole grains, healthy fats, good sources of protein, and lots and lots of fibre. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 35 grams of fibre per day for every adult, which is mainly sourced through vegetables and fruits. Hence, include lots of these, which are in season, in your diet, recommends nutritionist Venkatraman, adding: Also, do not forget to drink enough water.

Coming to religious fasting, it is not uncommon to see people breaking fasts with heavy meals consisting of fried and high-fat foods. Dr Nilanjan recommends against it and says fasting is akin to a workout, as both are experiences we put the body through. We would not just jump into a heavy workout or end one abruptly. Fasting puts the body into a particular state, and thus there is a need to ease out of it, he says, recommending breaking a fast with a light meal containing good amounts of carbohydrates.

On the flip sideLike anything else, fasting, too, has its share of pros and cons. When not done properly or under guidance, fasting can have detrimental effects on the body such as wasting and malnutrition, and can induce unfavourable conditions in the body such as ketosis and hypoglycemia, says Dr Nilanjan.

Also, it may result in the rise of cortisol, the stress hormone, which might cause an increased desire for food. Hence, overeating and binge eating are two frequently seen negative effects of intermittent fasting, says Pathania, adding: As you often forget to drink water when you do not eat, it can occasionally lead to dehydration too.

Apart from these, if you experience unpleasant symptoms, including overeating and probable weight gain, and short-term physical ailments, hormonal changes, or menstrual cycles, discontinue your fasting routine immediately or talk to your doctor, recommends Pathania.

Muscle careAlthough fasting can aid fat loss, there can be a concern about losing muscle mass too. It is crucial to understand that weight loss without exercise typically results in a decrease of both lean and fat mass. Everything in a persons mass that is not fat is considered lean. It holds for fasting too. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting for several months can lead to the loss of minor quantities of lean mass, says Pathania.

At the same time, nutritionist Venkatraman recommends including protein in every meal, which can be challenging for vegetarians and vegans. So, include lots of legumes and pulses in your diet. Have rajma, chana, white-eyed peas, nuts, and oilseeds. Vegetarians can have milk, yogurt, paneer, etc, while vegans can replace these with tofu and vegan milk varieties, she says.

In the end, fasting can be a way of a very disciplined life. You become aware of what you eat, and it gives you the power to control your hunger, says Venkatraman. So what is the way to go about it? To not assume it as just another fad and take it slow as benefits take time to show, she adds.

Types of fastingIntermittent fasting is an umbrella term and includes multiple types in its ambit. Here are a few of them

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A Health Phenomenon: Fast facts on fasting - The Financial Express


Jul 8

Key to losing weight is not diet or excessive exercise – best way to shed pounds – Express

Following a healthy eating plan or sticking to a calorie deficit, alongside regular exercise can help you lose weight. Express.co.uk spoke to Nicholas Freer, Training Specialist at fitness and lifestyle coaching app Freeletics about the best exercises to do to see maximum results.

Nicholas explained the best forms of exercises to do to lose weight.

He said: Assuming fat loss is the desired weight to be lost, there are three things to consider.

Energy balance: You will need to be in a caloric deficit, or burn more calories than you consume.

This can be accomplished by consuming fewer calories, increasing your activity level, or a combination of both.

Include both cardio and resistance training into your exercise plan.

READ MORE:Diet: Eat well on a budget by looking after your pockets and health

As for whether any specific exercises are best to do to lose weight, the expert said: The exercises that you enjoy!

Unfortunately, there is no magic weight-loss exercise, the biggest key to losing weight is consistency. This means training regularly, even if that starts with two days a week of going for a walk.

Finding an activity that you are motivated to get into your sports clothes and perform is going to help you shed those pounds.

However, if youre pressed for time, aim for full-body exercises like pushups, jumping jacks, burpees, or squats as they can increase total energy expenditure compared to isolated exercises.

READ MORE:Michael Mosley: Eat protein every morning to 'reduce your hunger'

But remember, you wont lose weight if you arent in a caloric deficit at the end of the day/week.

Full-body exercises arent an easy solution to weight loss, however, they will help to make your workout more time-efficient and thus help you stick to a routine more easily.

In terms of how many times a week someone should workout to lose weight, Nicholas said: There is a general weekly recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activities like walking, recreational swimming, and yard work, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activities like HIIT, running, and jumping rope (all of which are found in the Freeletics app).

It is also recommended to spread your workouts across at least three days in the week to avoid injury or excessive fatigue.

Keep in mind that you will lose both fat and muscle while in a weight loss phase and one of the best ways to prevent unwanted muscle loss is to incorporate resistance training in your weekly plan consistently.

For this reason, it is recommended to incorporate some form of resistance training at least one to two times a week (these sessions count toward your 150 moderate-intensity or 75 vigorous-intensity minutes of activities).

A healthy weight loss goal is one pound per week, and you should aim for a calorie deficit of 500 calories a day to achieve this.

In terms of burning fat, one pound of fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories.

So if you want to lose one to two pounds per week, 500 or 1,000 calories need to be burnt a day.

Nicholas said: You should aim to achieve your caloric deficit from both a reduction of calories (eating/drinking fewer calories) and by increasing your physical activity per day (working out).

Read more:
Key to losing weight is not diet or excessive exercise - best way to shed pounds - Express



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