Archive for November 10th, 2008

Fucoxanthin

Monday, November 10th, 2008

Background

Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid, with formula C42H58O6. Metabolic and nutritional studies carried out on rats and mice at Hokkaido University indicate that fucoxanthin promotes fat burning within fat cells in white adipose tissue by increasing the expression of thermogenin (used to generate heat). Through an extraction process, Fucoxanthin is available in pill form and available as a dietary supplement. Say goodbye to fat, forever!

What is Fucoxanthin?

Fucoxanthin is an all natural ingredient found in edible seaweed which possesses strong thermogenic effects without affecting your central nervous system, so it doesn’t give you the jitters or affect your sleep. Fucoxanthin actually boosts your metabolism, breaking down and accelerating fat loss.
Although brown seaweed is the richest source of fucoxanthin, you would have to eat an unrealistic amount of it daily to get fucoxanthin levels close to those used in research studies.

Why Do People Use Fucoxanthin?

Weight Loss

Fucoxanthin is being explored for weight loss. So far, only animal studies have been done. Japanese researchers have found that fucoxanthin (isolated from wakame) promotes the loss of abdominal fat in obese mice and rats. Animals lost 5 to 10% of their body weight.

Although it’s not fully understood how fucoxanthin works, it appears to target a protein called UCP1 that increases the rate at which abdominal fat is burned. Abdominal fat is the kind of fat that surrounds our organs and is linked to heart disease and diabetes. Fucoxanthin also appears to stimulate the production of DHA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon.

Fucozanthin is a promising and popular nutritional supplement. Researchers are confident that it will work in humans the same way it has worked in animals. If it does prove to be effective, fucoxanthin could be developed into a diet pill for obesity.

Diabetes

Fucoxanthin has also been found in animal studies to decrease insulin and blood glucose levels. Researchers hypothesize that fucoxanthin anti-diabetes effect may be because fucoxanthin appears to promote the formation of DHA (the omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil). DHA is thought to increase insulin sensitivity, improve triglycerides and reduce LDL (”bad”) cholesterol.

Cancer

Preliminary research in test tubes suggests that fucoxanthin may have anti-tumor effects. No studies have looked at whether this holds true in humans or if taken orally. It’s far too early for fucoxanthin to be used as a complementary treatment for cancer.

Side Effects

Because there hasn’t been research on fucoxanthin in humans, the possible side effects aren’t well known.
People shouldn’t consume large amounts of wakame or other types of seaweed as a source of fucoxanthin. Seaweed is rich in iodine and excessive consumption may result in iodine poisoning. High levels of iodine can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. Also, consuming excess amounts of iodine-rich foods isn’t recommended if there is a known allergy or hypersensitivity to iodine.

Fat Burning Foods

Monday, November 10th, 2008

If you’re tired of trying supplement after supplement that hasn’t worked for you, then the FAT BURNING FOODS diet may be just the right place. While diet and exercise are tried and true methods for shedding unwanted fat, FAT BURNING FOODS offers a comprehensive look at different foods that will work better than any supplement on the market. Fat Burning Food reviews items that can help you shed that layer of blubber that has grown around your waist. Everything from food items that increase your metabolism to foods that actually help burn body fat is reviewed.

Recommended Foods

CATABOLIC FOODS

The purpose of eating catabolic foods is their negative calorie affect. These are foods that burn more calories in the digestion process than the food itself contains. Simply put, they are foods that burn fat instead of creating it. Catabolic foods burn more calories than they supply, the opposite of anabolic foods. For example, a medium sized apple (which is catabolic), would provide an average of 85 calories. However, your metabolism requires an additional 99 calories to metabolize it. As a result, you burn calories (and hopefully fat!) To help maintain your weight, it’s helpful to eat a minimum of ten servings of catabolic foods each day. Below is a list of catabolic foods that is recommended by FAT BURNIND FOODS. High grade catabolic foods are more effective than low grade (listed below). It is best to spread the consumption of your catabolic foods over the course of the whole day.

HIGH GRADE CATABOLIC FOODS

FRUIT

  • Black/Blueberries, Limes, Pineapple, Cantaloupe, Grapefruit, Oranges, Plums, Strawberries (Damson), Lemons, Raspberries, Pears (Bartlett), Watermelon

VEGETABLES

  • Artichokes, Celery, Parsley leaves, Sweet Potato, Asparagus, Cucumbers, Peppers, Tomato, Broccoli, Eggplant, Radishes, Zucchini, Brussels sprouts, Leeks, cooked Spinach, Carrots, Lettuce

LOW GRADE CATABOLIC FOODS

FRUIT

  • Apples, Cherries, Honeydew Melon, Peaches, Apricots, Grapes, Nectarines, Tangerines

VEGETABLES

  • Green beans, Cauliflower, Endive, Peas String Beans, Chives, Fresh Garlic, Pumpkin Beets, Corn, Onions, Red Cabbage, Cabbage, Dill Pickles, Parsnips, Turnips

SEAFOODS

  • Crabs, Lobster (cooked), Flounder, Mussels, Clams (cooked), Frog Legs, Shrimp, Prawns Cod, Tuna- any white meat without fat.

Slim4Life

Monday, November 10th, 2008

What is the Slim4Life Program?

The Slim4Life program offers:

- A balanced approach
- Weight reduction programs that are comprehensive
- Stability
- Well-trained staff that are professional and available to you a
at all times
- Rapid results that are nutritionally based

How does the Program Work?

Slim4Life customers are given an easy to follow nutritionally balanced plan based on how much weight they need to lose, age, sex, activity level and most important medical condition. Your nutritional plan is completely flexible and Slim4Life wants you to feel like the foods you eat are the foods you WANT to eat. Slim4Life plans fit with your lifestyle, making it easy for you to dine out and grocery shop. Nutritional plans shouldn’t require turning your life upside down. Our nutritional food plan is coupled with one-to-one personal counseling which offers you the structure and accountability needed for success and enables you to lose your weight consistently with fewer plateaus. Slim4Life ensures that this integrated approach is the right mix for a successful weight loss experience!

What kind of foods do I eat?

The Slim4Life diet is balanced and consists of all of the most basic food groups most importantly fruits and vegetables, foods that you are probably already eating. Few limitations are placed on your old habits, but in order to ensure that you reach your goal weight Slim4Life is going to help you develop new habits that will give you that edge on your weight loss mission.

How fast can I lose my weight?

Your age, sex, medical condition, activity level and degree of obesity will determine the rate at which you lose your weight. Studies have shown that healthy weight loss occurs at a rate of about 3.3 pounds per week. Following your weight loss plan will be key to the rate at which you lose weight. If you are at all concerned about a pre-existing medical condition slowing your weight loss plan our trained professionals will be their to advise you on ways around those stumbling blocks. Slim4Life wants to ensure you that any medical conditions you might be concerned about will not keep you from losing the weight. Your health and well-being are our primary concern. Most clients who fall in this category will still see an average weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds per week.

Do I have only one assigned counselor?

The Slim4Life staff consists of men and women from every walk of life, many of whom started out just like you, looking to lose weight in the Slim4Life program. All staffers are well trained professionals that are certified and educated from a variety of backgrounds all to serve you better. These men and women know what they are talking about and when it comes to you and your Slim4Life weight-loss plan everyone is here to help you succeed. Many of our counselors travel between centers so that clients get the benefit of this varied expertise. Our professional counselors provide a comprehensive resource pool for you to draw on for your individual needs if required.

Do I need an appointment to see a weight loss counselor?

All of Slim4Life’s clients are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. No appointment is necessary, you come in at your own convenience when it is a good time for you!

Do I have to eat packaged meals?

The beauty of the Slim4Life program is that you don’t have to turn your life upside down just to live a healthy lifestyle. Our focus is on teaching you healthy eating habits and portion control, without the hassle of expensive, unnecessary pre-packaged meals.

Do I have to exercise to lose weight?

The great thing about the Slim4Life program is that you will see results with or without the additional exercise. Even though exercise is not required to lose weight, increasing your activity level is strongly encouraged as part of a healthy lifestyle. Most clients see an immediate increase in energy when they begin to lose weight and are encouraged to begin adding appropriate levels of activity to their daily regime based on their individual situation. Your physician should always be consulted before beginning an exercise program.