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A healthy body and a sound mind

4 Shocking Health Tips That Actually Make People Gain Weight

November 26, 2023 By dave

weight-loss-myths

Ever wonder how there can be so many scientists, using so many billions of dollars in research, and yet we continue to trend toward higher, near-epidemic levels of obesity, diabetes, and cancer? Well, the pressures of Wall Street on our government certainly play a role, but there’s also some very toxic and terrible advice out there that is leading people to gain weight.

Here are the four most shocking and diet-related tips that could be hurting your progress toward health, not helping it! These unlikely health and diet misconceptions can lead to obesity! [Read more…]

Originally posted on February 24, 2014 @ 1:17 pm

Filed Under: Weight Loss Tagged With: health tips, Weight Loss

How Minimally Invasive Weight-Loss Surgery Works

November 26, 2023 By dave

Losing weight is a struggle for millions of people around the world. There are now more overweight people than there have ever been in history.

There are many reasons for this. Some people have a bad diet, some live a sedentary lifestyle, and some have genetic disorders that make them gain weight very quickly and easily. Whatever the cause, being overweight can have profound negative consequences on a person’s health. [Read more…]

Originally posted on March 14, 2014 @ 10:07 am

Filed Under: Weight Loss Tagged With: Weight-Loss Surgery

Different Shoes for Different Terrain

November 26, 2023 By Guest Author


Image courtesy of Take it to the Manx

It’s not enough to say that “one size fits all” doesn’t apply to running shoes. Not only is size an important consideration, but the type of running terrain you plan to tackle will greatly determine which shoes are best suited for your goals. Shoes can vary widely with regard to how they’re best used; if you set out on rough terrain with the wrong type of footwear, you might have a much tougher time—and increase your risk of injury as a result.

It’s important to do your research when choosing your running footwear. You aren’t just looking for shoes that fit your feet—you need them to fit your running style as well the terrain where you’ll be doing most of your running. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the ideal shoes.

Concrete and asphalt

Most running shoes—unless otherwise noted—are designed for all-purpose running, particularly on hard, smooth surfaces such as roads, sidewalks and paved running trails. A smoother undersole is acceptable, and foot stability is not ramped on these shoes like what you’d find in more rugged shoes.

If you’re primarily on surfaces like these, you’ll be fine investing in the base models produced by most shoe manufacturers. But one tip: when the traction starts to wear away, it’s time to seek a replacement. Even though traction isn’t a big concern, worn-out shoes can still slip on wet surfaces and lead to injury. A good rule of thumb is to replace these shoes every 500 miles.

Rugged nature trails

The terrain most demanding on your feet is anything off-road, including hiking trails or other dirt paths. These surfaces can be loose and unstable and can change several times over the course of your run. For this type of terrain, you want a trail running shoe that offers greater ankle support to reduce your risk of injury.

Similarly, your shoe’s rubber sole should feature studs and more pronounced traction technology to grip loose surfaces with greater ease. Companies like Vibram have made a name out of producing running footwear for adventurous terrain, but even mainstream manufacturers produce rugged running shoe models.

Rubber-based running tracks

Outdoor running tracks are the softest running surface you’ll encounter, and because of the cushioning and stability offered by this surface, you can get away with a more minimalistic running shoe. If you plan to participate in races on a track, you might want to invest in a racing shoe featuring studded spikes sticking out from the bottom of the sole. Your body won’t suffer from the lack of cushioning, but you’ll be lighter and will enjoy greater traction. Virtually every running shoe manufacturer makes racing shoes, so you have plenty of options available to you.

Considering activity type

One mistake many runners make is using cross-training or general athletic shoes to facilitate their runs. Cross-training shoes are great if you’re engaging in a variety of activities in various situations. But if you’re primarily a runner, you need a running shoe to match. Shoes specifically intended for running offer different cushioning and support than cross-training shoes and are designed with that singular purpose in mind.

Before you invest in a running shoe, try it on to make sure it offers a snug fit and doesn’t apply excessive friction anywhere on the foot or ankle. No matter how much research you do, it’s important to make sure the shoe fits your foot’s individual features before you make the investment. If you don’t cater the shoe to the needs of your feet, you could create other running problems—including a higher injury risk—just as you’re trying to better prepare yourself for the terrain ahead.

Originally posted on February 12, 2013 @ 1:31 am

Filed Under: Bone Health, Exercise and Fitness, Weight Loss

Getting Your Body Back Post Baby

November 26, 2023 By Guest Author

Whether you’ve just had your first child or one of several, losing your weight after the baby is an important part of your health that’s all too easy to overlook. Shedding excess weight helps you feel good in your body again. If you’ve held onto pregnancy weight between several babies, now is the time to get your body back in shape. When you take charge of your own fitness, you may realize that you have more energy to go about your day — and to care for your child.

strengthtraining

While you may be itching to lose baby weight right away, maintain your pregnancy eating habits for the first six weeks of your baby’s life if you are breastfeeding. During this time, you need a high caloric intake. Depleting this through diet or exercise may leave you feeling ragged. After six weeks, you can resume the type of exercise that you were doing pre-pregnancy. Since you’ve taken time off, you may want to ease into things. If you were an avid jogger, start with walking. If you went to five Zumba classes a week, begin with one class per week.

Managing Expectations

You didn’t gain all your pregnancy weight overnight, and it won’t come off overnight either. While you begin your quest to get back in shape, try to manage your expectations regarding time, activity level and life balance. You’ve got more obligations now and won’t have the same time to work out that you did before the baby. Your body may feel pain and discomfort when you work out, or may be craving certain foods. Work at your body’s pace and don’t beat yourself up.

Fitness Tips

It’s important to practice both cardio exercise and strength training to reclaim your shape. The former helps you shed calories and lose pounds, while the latter tones and defines your muscles. Aim for a half-hour of cardio exercise three to four times a week. If you hit the gym, think treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike or gym classes like Zumba, spinning or other movement. Consider a sport like tennis, racquetball, basketball or volleyball where you can work out with other moms who are trying to lose weight.

You can even turn exercise into bonding time by including baby. Jogging strollers allow you to power walk or run with baby. Not only do you realize the fitness benefits of running or jogging, but you get an extra workout from the resistance of having to push the carriage along. Strength training exercises such as sit ups, lunges, squats and push-ups allow you to hold baby while you work out.

To help shed pounds, eat a healthy diet that consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Aim to cut 500 calories per day out of your diet to lose about 1-1/2 pounds per week — a slow but steady weight loss rate. Try to eat five to six small meals a day rather than three large ones, since this stimulates your metabolism and helps you take off more pounds. It’s important not to skip meal even though you’re caring for baby. Not eating reduces your energy levels and weight loss.

If you regularly work out, maintain a good diet and moderate your expectations, you will see the weight come off. Maintain your commitment to getting in shape to get back to the body you had before pregnancy and enjoy more energy.

Thomas is a health and fitness enthusiast. He spends his spare time blogging on behalf of Sears and other reputable brands he uses every day.

Originally posted on March 5, 2013 @ 5:02 am

Filed Under: Weight Loss Tagged With: post baby weight loss, Weight Loss

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