Jun 11

weightdiet1.jpgWhen people have a lot of fat they sometimes try to trim it down. Some people do a lot of sit-ups a day and their stomach gets bigger. They may ask why? That is because the fat doesn’t disappear just from doing sit-ups; instead the muscle pushes the fat further out and makes people look even fatter.

Men on an average usually have 12-17% body fat as and women have 18-22% body fat. The only way to reduce this fat is to burn it off. When doing a work out we must burn 3,500 calories in order to lose a measly 1-pound. In order to reach the 3,500 mark we must do an intense work out even to get that much burned in one day. A typical 1-hour work out usually only burns 400 to 900 calories.

When building muscle it will make you bigger. After weight lifting 1 day we should rest at least 1 day after that in order to give muscles time to regain all the strength back. If people weight lift it will give them stronger bones also.

Here are some examples to help succeed in this, drink plenty of water to lower hunger, lower the fat intake, exercise at least 3 days a week unless trying to achieve something big, lift weights once to twice a week if you really want to be buff, and get lots and lots and lots of rest.

Feb 29

trainingThere are different types of exercises which give different results. Strength training, such as lifting weights, produces dramatic differences in physical appearance and raises one’s metabolic rate (the rate at which one burns calories). It also improves athletic performance and builds stronger bones.

Cardiovascular training (also referred to as aerobic activity) builds a powerful heart and strong lungs. It helps to prevent hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and Type Two diabetes. When one’s cardiovascular system works efficiently he/she is able to do aerobic activities, such as running and swimming, longer, which helps to burn maximal fat and calories.

Flexibility and balance training is also important when striving for an over-all body workout. Flexibility and balance training increases agility, perfects one’s posture, and boosts over-all strength. Specific exercises can reduce back pain, exercise-related soreness, and increase the range of motion in joints and muscles.

Flexibility and balance training, such as stretching, focuses attention on one’s mind and soul, encouraging he/she to be patient and self-accepting. It is important to incorporate exercises from each group into your fitness plan to reach optimal physical and mental health.

Fitness and nutrition are key factors in staying physically and mentally healthy. It is a known fact that if you look great and feel great you will live a longer and happier life.

It is important to take one’s age, health, and current physical activity level into consideration when writing a fitness and nutrition plan.

There are many people out there, such as nutritionists, personal trainers, and even one’s own doctor, who can help develop a nutrition and fitness plan that is right for him/her. We are lucky to live in a country that is so health-conscious. There are so many facilities out there to help keep you alive and healthy — why not take advantage of them?!

Feb 28

nutriitionNotice that some foods which are more commonly associated with a certain food group actually do not belong in that food group. Many people consider cheese to be part of the milk group when in actuality it is found in the meat group. The same goes for corn and potatoes, which are usually referred to as part of the vegetable group. Since these are starchy vegetables they are counted towards the bread group.

It is important to know what kinds of foods are found in which food groups to correctly consume the adequate amount of servings needed. It is also important to note that, while some foods can be considered part of two food groups, they are not counted as a serving from each group; they should only be counted as a serving from one group or the other.

Nutrition is not the only thing that should be factored into a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is just as important as a nutritious diet. There are many benefits of physical activity besides the obvious advantage of having a better physical appearance. Physical activity reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and from developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and Type Two diabetes. It also helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, joints, and a healthy heart. Exercise can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve one’s mood and feelings of well-being. Besides helping you look great it helps you feel great, too!

Feb 27

fooddieGood fitness and nutrition are key aspects not only in appearance but in living long, healthy lives. One may look fabulous, both fit and healthy, while being just as unhealthy as an obese person. The exact opposite is true, also. A person may be a little overweight but have a healthy heart and diet. My case and point: You cannot judge a person’s health just by looking at them.

The only way to find out if one is eating healthy and getting the proper amounts and types of exercise is by looking at their diet and activity level.

It is important to first start with a good eating plan. Age, health issues, and level of physical activity are just a few factors that should be taken into consideration when writing a meal plan for a person.

For example, a young, healthy, and active person can eat more freely than an older person with high cholesterol who does not get much physical activity. On average, a person should try to eat 6-11 servings of grains, 3-5 servings of fruits, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 2-3 servings of dairy, 2-3 servings of meat, and consume fats and sugars sparingly each day. One should shoot for this range until he/she can have an eating plan written for them.

The number of servings a person should consume daily is useless, however, unless he/she knows what amount of food is considered to be one serving, and what types of food are included in each food group. The following are examples of what can be considered to be one serving of different foods found in each food group:

Bread/Starches (includes starchy vegetables such as corn, potatoes, and green peas):
½ cup cereal, grain, pasta, or starchy vegetables
1 slice of bread
Fruit (fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or juice):
½ cup canned fruit (with a small amount of juice), cut fruit, or fruit juice
¼ cup dried fruit
Vegetables (starchy vegetables excluded. Dark green and yellow vegetables are most nutritious):
½ cup cooked vegetables or vegetable juice
1 cup raw vegetables
Milk (see meat group to count cheeses):
1 cup milk
1 cup yogurt
Meat (includes meats and other protein-bases foods such as cheese, eggs, and beans):
1 ounce cooked beef, pork, lamb, poultry, or fish
1 ounce cheese
½ cup cooked dried beans, peas, or lentils
1 egg
Fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are best for you which are found in plant foods):
1 teaspoon butter, margarine, or vegetable oil
1 slice bacon
1 tablespoon regular salad dressing

Feb 22

workout.jpgThere are differences in those who work out and those who do not.

Besides the obvious physical attributes, there are health and behavioral issues involved as well.  People who work out are generally healthier and may live longer.

People who have worked out for a few months have different physical attributes than many who do not.  Those who exercise may have notable muscle definition or mass.

These people are in and out of the gym as often as you indulge in unhealthy food.  Some of the people that work out a great amount are often short, not necessarily overweight. These people may be athletes of some sort.

Exercise has a tremendous impact on health.  Exercise can strengthen the lungs, heart, and other muscles.  This in term allows you to have better health and live longer.  By strengthening the heart, you allow it to more efficiently do its job.  This heart of yours beats for many years and should not be weak.  A fair assumption can be made that someone who works out knows how to eat as well.

There are behavioral advantages as well.  Exercise can reduce or eliminate stress, depression, and eliminate weakness in your immune system.  Without the aforementioned, you will definitely feel different. Individuals who do not exercise face decreased productivity and social stigmatization. Exercising can relieve anxiety and improve your overall mood.

These are the major differences with those who exercise and those who do not.

An increased life expectancy, good mood, and stronger body are some of the fruits of their labor. Minor activities can improve health drastically when you are geriatric.

Exercise is very helpful for damaged limbs, old age, mental health, and in the prevention of atrophy.  Every man or woman can spare ten to fifteen minutes a day doing this overly rewarding activity.