Making Weight Loss Work with a Weight Loss App

Fit Bit, Tap and Track, Map My Walk, Weight Watchers are all offering phone apps to help you through your weight loss journey.

FitBit - Eat Smarter

Weight loss experts say tracking your food, weight loss and emotions while eating helps to regulate behavior by increasing mindfulness and vigilant.


Although weight loss apps seem to help create a face value to the whos and whats of what we consume, do they work? The apps are not recommended to be the only tool to achieve your goals, it is more of an accessory with support and proper nutritional guidelines to meet your needs.

For more information visit: NPR's article Ga Ga Over Mobile Calorie Tracking App

Weight Watchers Reveals Better Than Ever 360 Weight Loss Program

Weight Watchers has gone way beyond those old meeting that were housed in gyms, in fact Weight Watchers has made it so easy to combine the technology of today with the wisdom of the weight loss and health tips of Weight Watchers.

Images courtesy of Weight Watchers 360 Plan

On Monday, December 2, 2012 Weight Watchers unveiled their newest  sidekick, Weight Watchers 360.

When asked:
" Can you tell us what the driving force was behind the Weight Watchers 360° program?"

Weight Watchers PR Rep responded with:
"We’ve made some big — but simple — changes based on new, breakthrough research. Among other things, this research has uncovered that food consumption can be physiologically driven by simply seeing, thinking about or smelling highly palatable foods — that is, foods that are most often high in sugar and/or fat. That’s called “hedonic hunger,” and it helps us look at weight loss in a whole new way."

For more information visit: Weight Watchers 360

Sensa: To Good to Be True? Pays $900,000 in False Claims

Sensa's (weight loss powder) claims when sprinkled on your food it will help you loose weight, filling you with a new age like fiber that makes you feel full faster. To good to be true? Well after much publicity including appearances on NBC's Dateline, the Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, the CBS Early Show, Good Morning America and Extra TV, Sensa is being challenged for their online marketing claims.

"Shake your Sensa, loose, 30 + pounds without the use of traditional dieting", what a great concept!

Image courtesy of: Sensa

The Southern California weight loss companies claims consumers can loose weight just by sprinkling its "Tastants" -- flavored crystals -- on their food. However the Nutritional Supplemental Task Force's newest settlement case is challenging those claims and is demanding that Sensa will need to pay more than $900,000 to settle a false advertising lawsuit.

Video: How Sensa works

The settlement against Sensa was signed in Santa Cruz last week and took place between a statewide Nutritional Supplemental Task Force and Sensa, a company based in El Segundo (Southern California). Prosecutors in Santa Cruz, Alameda, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Solano and Sonoma, make up the Nutritional Task Force of California. 

And although the case was never about whether Sensa actually helps people lose weight the civil suit was about Sensa's claims online that its weight-loss effects had been clinically proven in the "largest clinical study" ever conducted. According to Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Yen B. Dang, of the office's consumer protection unit, the study was "not competent and reliable,"

For more information on the claims against Sensa visit: Yahoo News - Sensa

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback Weight Loss Challenges Kansas for Top Results

The time has come when obesity is now an epidemic. Miseducation of food choices, unhealthy ingredients in everyday foods, lack of physical activity and an excess of technological advances has placed us all in the world of convenience. Is this true? Well some weight loss challengers believe that it is. Including political advisors that are lending a hand to motivate those they may have lost their motivation for getting out there and creating health within their space.

Image courtesy of: Weightloss.ks.gov

Tuesday, November 27, 2012 Governor Sam Brownback and members of his Cabinet took the lead in a weight-loss contest to help encourage the people of Kansas to take a look at obesity and work towards incorporating  healthier eating habits into their families daily lives.

The weight loss contest will challenge "executive, legislative and judicial branch employees to field five-member teams that will compete to lose the largest percentage of body weight". The contest is scheduled to take place January 15 to May 15, 2013. How exciting!

The facts:

• In Kansas & nationwide — 2/3 of the adult population and 1/3 of children are overweight or obese
• Building a team to lose weight may help residents find support & motivation to change their habits 
• Obesity rose from 15% in 1995 to 30.1% in 2010
• Poor nutrition, physical inactivity & tobacco use were the two leading preventable causes of death

Don't get angry yet, i.e. he's trying to control us, the government is stealing our freedom of choice, this is my body, etc. That is your EGO talking, that is your fear to change and grow. The overall picture? He is working towards creating a healthier and a more supportive community. By publicly announcing and encouraging others to support each other, something new and wonderful can take place.  Wouldn't you love to have the support and education you need to move forward with your goals to loose weight?

"Don't give up. That's the biggest thing about this," Brownback said. "It's not about winning. It's about getting healthier."

To register, view contest rules and/or gain nutrition information for the challenge visit:  Weightloss.ks.gov 

Here's the catch!

1. The governor will be recruiting 4 members of his Cabinet to join his team. 
2. Measured by %, prizes will be awarded to the top two state employee teams with the biggest weight loss.
3. Teams that beat Brownback's team, but aren't already in the top two, will beligible for additional prizes.
4. Local governments and private businesses have also been encouraged to form teams and join the challenge, although these teams won't be eligible for state prizes, just the prize of health and a dropping a few pounds.

Matthew McConaughey: Why would the fit & attractive Matthew lose 30lbs?

Matthew McConaughey was recently caught with a physique nothing like the hot and sexy Matthew that we are all so used too. Once voted by People Magazine as the sexiest man of the year, what would make him drop an incredible 30lbs? Film of course, a new film in which McConaughey starred in in 2013.

Image courtesy of: insider.com

How did he do it?
When asked what weight loss method he used for loosing so much weight, well not eating was the answer. In what seems like a trend in the movie industry for absolute devotion to their work; discipline, coaches and maybe no food around probably helped out a bit. But don't get any bright anorexic ideas there are better ways to losing weight than starving yourselves.

He had mission though, and hopefully does not plan to stay that thin, because although some men look good thin he looks better tan and built! Stay tuned next year for "The Dallas Buyer's Club".

Video: Matthew McConaughey Weight Loss: 'Magic Mike' Actor Skinny for Movie

Image courtesy of: dailymail.co.uk

 Image courtesy of: m.zimbio.com

Image courtesy of: ScreenCrush

Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Challenging 335-lb Woman to Change

Do you ever feel like we are all heading to those slug like morbid creatures on Wall - E? They had given up basic human activities to eat junk food 24-7 and use the computer and television to replace human contact.

So unattached from where humans had originally started as survivors, hunters and gathers, communities that cared for one another. Do you find your bottom growing larger and numbing out from everyday sensations? Are you unhappy with your weight but are too lazy to move forward into a solution?

Images courtesy of: The Examiner

It's funny how we get stuck in ruts. Stuck and unwilling to move into what we have to do, or until we feel so bad that we are inwardly forced to do something. What is your block? What's keeping you from advancing yourself into something you truly wish to be?

Extreme Makeover is known for helping those in need, helping "situation victims" that have got stuck in that everyday rut, usually due to situations out of their control. Now Extreme Makeover has gone weight loss. Granted I live in Southern California, one of the healthiest (or so they say) areas in the country.

I think it is due to the unearthly amount of sunshine and nice weather we have year round. I have lived in some " bad weather" locations including Key West, Georgia, Vermont and even Seattle and let me tell you weather means a lot. Although with the proper motivation, exercise can be achieved everywhere. Even if that means vhs tapes with the curtains closed.

Learn more about what happens to Sally on Extreme Makeover's Weight Loss Edition when she is challenged to give it her all. Go Sally, and for all of my followers, don't give up because beyond your body your life is worth it!

Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition' challenges 335-lb Sally to change

Can weight loss can improve your sex-confidence?

Recently on Huffington Post a discussion arose in regards to whether or not fat is sexy. Does Western culture put weight first before real sex appeal? A study by Duke University shows that women with weight issues tend to stray from sex because of their lack of self confidence and the bad feelings that they harbor for their bodies. This lack of sex-confidence has created a phenomena within the female Western culture, a reflection of their inner most workings and lack of feelings in regards to themselves.

The answers to these common occurrences in American women's lives comes from some unthought of places, including early childhood sexual abuse, a strong libido that has been suppressed in a marriage creating feelings of guilt and dysfunction, self-hate and body loathing, and even lack of desire for ones partner. These deep seeded feelings have been known to bring up a series of hidden emotions that  never become resolved, instead women tend to stuff their feelings with a safe alternative 'food'. This creates a visious cyclye of abuse on all levels. She eats to stuff her feeelings deep down inside to avoid her truth and whomever the feelings are aimed at, in return the weight accumulates, the feelings grow and the relationship slowly dies.

Photo courtesy of: NanettestheJuicyTruth

Where's the answer? Many of these issues are ones that need assistance in getting through, i.e. therapist, counselor, someone trustworthy that will not violate the trust bestowed. Generally therapists and couslors are the best for this, as they are schooled in the manners in helping another work through these sensitive subjects and they are professionally trustworthy, therefore you do not have to worry about your sister telling your husband your true feelings etc. The professionals are separate from your lives and are able to provide invaluable answers to your lives worst woes. So if this is you:

"Obesity is associated with lack of enjoyment of sexual activity, lack of sexual desire, difficulties with sexual performance, and avoidance of sexual encounters. Sexual quality of life is most impaired for women."

If this is you, then I hope that you are able to find your truth and become empowered as a woman without the hang-ups of yesterday. Because life is short, do it today!

Photo courtesy of:  SodaHead

For more information on weight loss and sex visit: Huffington Post
To find a counselor or therapist in your area visit: PsychologyToday.com

Firm Those Thighs!

Thighs, they can be hidden. However when you feel good about them it is a pleasure to show them off. Keep in mind that diet and excercise play a huge part in the overall success of your body's shape and muscle tone, however we are just talking about thighs here nothing else.







To help tone up for summer I will be writiing a few blogs that focus on certain bathing suit worthy areas of the body. Just a thought on quick fixes such as cosmetic surgery or even liposuction, these are great concepts but are not a permanent fix. Sooner or later you will have to learn to take care of those sexy inner and outer thighs.

Part 1: Firmin' Up Your Sexy Thighs

Question: Where exactly are your thighs?
Answer: Wikipedia states that "In humans the thigh is the area between the pelvis and the knee." This means the front, inside, outside and the back side of the leg.

Photo courtesy of: Fine Cosmetic Surgery

Question: Why do thighs get fat?

Answer: Scientific America states that  the following criteria work to determine what your thighs will look like:

• Hormones
• Women store fat differently than women
• Cellulite appears as body fat is gained
• Age
• Exercise
• Food choices

Video: Best Thigh Thinning Exercises

Will weight loss surgery work for you?

With claims from doctors that there are no scars, a fast surgery and instant weight loss, why not? But let's cover some of the basics first, before we make an appointment at the local doctor's office:

1. The surgery started many years ago on cancer patients with severe ulcers. Where the doctors removed large parts of the stomach or intestine to help control the cancer patient's ulcers. The doctors noticed that the cancer patients began to loose weight after the surgery, and weight loss surgery was born.
2. Obesity surgery involves manipulating the stomach or/and small intestine in some way.
3. There are two types of surgery used currently for weight loss: malabsorption and restrictive surgery.
4. Malabsorption surgery shortens the length of the small intestine therefore limiting the amount of food that is digested or absorbed.
   
5. Restrictive surgery involves making the stomach smaller. In restrictive surgery a section of your stomach is removed or closed off therefore limiting the amount of food it can hold which also causes you to feel full.

Photo courtesy of: PennMedicine.org

The University of Rochester's Medical Center states that in order to have bariatic surgery you must meet these qualifications:

• BMI (body mass index is determined by your height and weight) of 40
• BMI of 35-39.9 with one of the following obesity related health conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea.
• Absence of any psychiatric disorders
• Absence of any eating disorders
• No active substance abuse
• 21 years of age and older
• History of obesity of at least 5 years or greater
• Documented failed attempts at conventional weight loss programs
• Ability to follow pre-operative and post operative dietary, exercise and behavioral recommendations

To calculate your body mass index visit the University of Rochester's website: URMC.Rochester.edu

Keep in mind like most surgeries there is the possibility of many side effects, for a list of side effect consult your physician or WebMD.

Aside from physical side effects keep in mind the emotional effects of this surgery. Sure you feel fuller and you will begin to drop the pounds if all goes as the ads state. However the underlined behavior not being mentioned is dealing with the emotional patterns that began your weight gain nightmare. So if you decide to take advantage of this new advancement in medical technology, just don't forget about inner emotional self. The self that you buried deep underneath those extra pounds. Remember that your butt may look better for now, however that phases out after some time when the underlined emotions that created all that fat in the first place begin to resurface. Whatever your choice may be, best wishes in a new happy and positive you!

For more information on weight loss surgery, here is a brief list of informative websites:

• WeightLossSurgeryChannel.com
• American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
• National Association for Weight Loss Surgery
• Obesity Help
• Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
  

Source:

WebMD's - Is Weight Loss Surgury For You?

BBQ Your Way to Weight Loss

Spice up your food plan this summer with healthy grilling. Grilling can present a tasty and healthy way to cook your food while enjoying the outdoors. I tend to steer towards a wood grill because I like to play around with smoking veggies and meats, however I currently use a gas grill. It is just as good and faster to cook on.

If you haven't cooked with a gas grill before take a look at this video on How to Grill.

One of my favorite recipe websites is Saveur.com.  This is the online version of Saveur Magazine with a search bar. The Food Network also offers a complete selection of healthy and not so healthy recipes for grilling.

Vegetables on the Grill - Photo by Steve

So try something new this summer and delight your taste buds with your favorite vegetables in a balsamic and herb infusion, grilled chicken breasts for your salads or even grilled pineapple or peaches for dessert.

Not Your Average Marriage Proposal Video

Check out this fun and all inclusive marriage proposal video. Need ideas on how to do it? This may help. If you have no plans to propose or it has already happened to you  then maybe this will just lift your spirit and bring you back to a place of soulful love!

Video: Isaac's Live Lip-Dub Proposal by RobertaFosse on YouTube

Marriage proposals can be tough, how do you do it? Will it be right? What about the timing? There are so many questions and what ifs. Below are some helpful books that helped me through the process. Salute!

Beyonce Loses 60 Pounds of Baby Weight!

Congrats to Beyonce for losing 60 pounds!  Why waste time after giving birth to a new daughter? Beyonce did not, in fact soon after Blue Ivy's birth in January she began to get ready for her May four concert weekend in Atlantic City, NJ.  Bearing a custom-made Ralph & Russo two-piece midriff, adorned with eye-catching Swarovski crystals fringe.

Image courtesy of: Amazon S3

"Y'all have no idea how hard I worked!" says  the 30-year-old Beyonce to her fans during her May concert at Revel's Ovation Hall.  Strange as it may be, it is comforting to know that even Beyonce has had weight issues and struggled to move forward with weight loss. So congrats to this beautiful woman no matter what her size.

Image courtesy of: ABC7.com

How to re-create yourself? Part 1

This is part 1 of a 3 part series on recreating your life!

Spring is the time for renewal, growth and change. Eastern medicine empahasizes the air for re-creation and balance of oneself begins with the seasons. And dis-ease with oneself may set in when old behavioral patterns become unhealthy and change is not accepted into one's life when it is needed.

Recently the idea of re-creating became constantly evident in every aspect of my life. Re-creation, how do I re-create myself and what does it mean?


There is a saying that states that:
'The only thing you can count on in life is change.'




And although for some of you "I hate change-ers" this can be scary, but really it is true and no matter how hard you try to hang onto today, today will change into tomorrow. And that is good, it is the natural part of life's every changing re-creating of itself.

So what is re-creating oneself?

Re-creating oneself encompasses a dramatic challenging of one's daily habits and beliefs.  Becoming observant of unconscious ways that you treat yourself and others. A few unconscious attributes I have recently became conscious of is:

• How I feel about others
• Negative self talk
• How I apply and where I apply my creative abilities
• How I spend my time
• And positive and negative ways that I care for myself

Taking a thorough inventory of these qualities about myself has opened up my eyes in so many ways to how I operate on an every basis and will overall help me improve myself.



Here are few great books to help you through the process of recreating yourself:

1)   Recreating Your Self   by Neale Donald Walsch

            

2)  Recreating Your Self  : Building Self-Esteem Through Imaging and Self-Hypnosis by Nancy J. Napier

     


3) Flawless! The Ten Most Common Character Flaws and What You Can Do about Them by Louis A. Tartaglia

     

4) The Five Things We Cannot Change: And the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them by David Richo