Doesn’t it seem like every day brings us another fad diet or other so-called “weight loss miracle”? Don’t get me wrong, I know a lot of these plans really do work, but that’s not the problem. The problem is that there are just so many that it makes it hard for the average person to figure out which ones work and which ones they should pass on. But there is one method that is ideal…walking for weight loss. Let’s take a look at why it is such a good option for shedding those extra pounds.

Before we get to why it’s so good, it’s important to understand a bit about how losing weight works. It all comes down to a simple equation: 3,500 calories is equal to one pound of body weight. So, if you take in an extra 3,500 calories compared to what you burn off, then you will gain a pound. If you get rid of 3,500 calories, you will lose a pound. There are a few exceptions to this because some calories are more easily stored, and not all exercise is the same. Regardless, physical activity is an important part of any weight loss plan.

Almost everybody can go for a walk. Even those who may be missing a leg are usually able to walk. What’s the best way of walking for weight loss? The answer is as simple as can be. All you need to do is put one foot in front of the other, then repeat the process for as many times as you wish.

Another benefit of walking for weight loss is that you need any special equipment, except for a comfortable pair of shoes. There’s no need to buy any special clothes, and you don’t have to join a gym or pay a personal trainer, either.

Walking is a low-impact way to burn calories. In theory, you could walk for hours at a time, though that wouldn’t be practical. Still, if you have been inactive until now, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about your plans. They will be aware of any underlying medical concerns, and can let you know if there are any precautions you need to take.

Exercise burns calories, but it has another benefit for weight loss and that is boosting your metabolism. You will get a little extra help burning calories for a few hours after you have stopped walking. Of course, the more brisk you walk, the more calories you will burn. But any walking is better than none at all.

Finally, people are built to walk. We’re bipedal; it’s in our DNA. It only makes sense that one of the best things you can do for your health is to use the body in a way it was designed for. But…none of this matter if you don’t take action. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start walking for weight loss.

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It used to be that almost all meals were eaten at home. The only exceptions were if you happened to travel for business, were a truck driver, or happened to be on vacation. People simply cooked and ate at home. But over the years that has changed, and now it is estimated that people in the United States may eat more than half of all their meals outside the home. One of the big problems with this is that you don’t have control over what goes into the food you’re eating. This adds up to big trouble if you’re trying to lose weight.

However, there are some things you can do to eat healthier when eating out. Here are some tips to help you eat better, and keep your weight under control at the same time.

Skip the bread and butter. Sure, it’s nice to have something to nibble on while waiting for your food to arrive, but a slice of bread, with butter can add up to 300 calories. Have two slices and you’re already up to 600 calories, and none of your food is even at the table yet.

Choose your appetizers wisely. It’s a good idea to get an appetizer because it will keep you from overeating when the main dish arrives. Don’t order anything deep fried or that’s has cheese on it. Anything made with fresh vegetables is a good choice, as is a clear soup or seafood cocktail.

If you get a salad, have them put the dressing on the side. Otherwise there is a good chance the kitchen will pour too much dressing on the salad, and that adds up. You control how much you add when you have it on the side. (This goes for all sauces whenever possible)

Generally speaking, chicken and fish are better choices than pork and beef. However, you also have to pay attention to how it’s prepared. Fried chicken and fish, covered with cheese or a heavy sauce will have more calories than a lean cut of beef that is prepared the right way. Better methods of preparation include roasted, baked or grilled.

Share the entree. One thing most restaurants are known for are their large portion sizes, and they keep getting bigger. So, see if you can split the entree with someone at your table (some restaurants will charge a nominal fee for this, but it’s worth it). If no one wants to share, then eat half and take the other half home. You can always ask for a container before you start eating to make sure you’re not tempted to eat everything on your plate.

Fruit for dessert. If you still have room for dessert, then opt for one that contains fresh fruit. Remember, you can always split a dessert, too.

The main thing to keep in mind is that you don’t have to put your diet on hold just because you’re eating out. Learning to make better choices is all it takes to dine out without having to worry about an expanding waistline.

Tags: Appetizer, Appetizers, Big Trouble, Bread And Butter, Calories, Cheese, Choices, Cut Of Beef, Dish, Eating Habits, Exceptions, Fried Chicken, Fruits And Vegetables, Good Chance, Healthy Diet, Large Portion, Losing Weight, Nibble, One Thing, Pork And Beef, Portion Sizes, Sauces, Seafood Cocktail, Vegetables —

Do you want to lose weight? Have you found that diet and exercise simply just arent enough? If so, you may turn to surgical procedures. These surgeries fall into the category of bariatric surgeries. You do have many options, but the LapBand system is one of the most popular.

As you know, not all individuals are the same. That is why the LapBand, as much as it comes highly rated and recommended, is not for everyone. Your doctor will help you determine if the LapBand surgery is your best course of action. However, before you schedule a consultation appointment, you may wonder if the LapBand surgery is right for you. To determine if so, closely examining requirements.

Before highlighting a few LapBand surgery requirements, it is important to make note of variances. Thousands of surgeons in the United States perform the LapBand surgery. Although each of these surgeons operate under strict guidelines, many have their own restrictions. A few exceptions to the common eligibility requirements, which are outlined below, may be found on a case-by-case basis.

Weight. On average, it is recommended that patients are 100 pounds overweight. This translates into a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more. According to the Body Mass Index (BMI), this also translates into severe or morbid obesity.

Minor weight related complications. As previously stated, obesity can lead to other health complications. Two examples are diabetes and asthma. When weight loss is achieved, patients suffering from these conditions often see their symptoms disappear. In these instances, a slight adjustment may be made to the above mentioned weight criteria. For example, those who are only 85 pounds overweight, but suffer from diabetes are still ideal candidates for the LapBand system.

Age. Most surgeons operate on criteria that recommends a patient be between the ages of 18 and 60. Those who are young and healthy are able to recovery and experience less compilations from the LapBand surgery. The minimum age of 18 is often selected due to choice. Unless a young child is in danger due to severe obesity, most professionals wait until the child turns 18 and is able to legally make their own health decisions.

Failure of other weight loss alternatives. Many surgeons in the United States perform the LapBand surgery, although most only use it as a last resort. For that reason, it is suggested you try other methods of weight loss. Your doctor may develop a healthy eating and exercise plan for you. If you are unable to see success, LapBand may be next best course of action.

Long running obesity problem. It is not uncommon for a persons weight for balloon from time to time. Depression and lifestyle changes can attribute to a weight gain. You are a better candidate for LapBand surgery if you have been obese for five or more years, as opposed to one year.

Family history of obesity. A family history of obesity does not necessarily guarantee that descendants will be overweight, but it increases the risk. If you have a family history of obesity and have been plagued with it for years, the LapBand surgery may be your best option.

No health complications. Health related complications impact ones eligibility for the LapBand surgery on a number of different levels. For starters, some health complications make individuals ideal candidates for surgery. This is common in the case of diabetes. With weight loss, diabetes disappear, making surgery well worth the risk. On the other hand, those suffering from cancer and women who are pregnant or expected to become pregnant are advised against undergoing the LapBand procedure.

Understanding. Ideal candidates for the LapBand system are between the ages of 18 and 60 and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more. With that said, these qualifications do not automatically make one eligible for the procedure. A clear understanding and commitment is required. The LapBand surgery itself is not what results in weight loss. Surgery combined with dietary changes results in weight loss. If you are unable to restrict your diet, the surgery is not right for you.

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Tags: asthma;, bariatric surgeries, Basis Weight, Body Mass, Body Mass Index, Body Mass Index Bmi, cancer;, Case Basis, Compilations, Consultation Appointment, depression;, diabetes;, Diet, Eligibility Requirements, Exceptions, Exercise, Health Complications, Instances, Lapband Surgery, Morbid Obesity, obesity;, severe obesity, Strict Guidelines, Surgeries, surgery, Surgical Procedures, United States;, Weight Criteria, Weight Loss —

The LapBand is a surgical procedure that has increased in popularity in the United States. It is one of the fastest growing weight loss procedures in the country. Despite its success and popularity, not all individuals are ideal candidates.

While you may find some variances, most surgeons base their decision on common eligibility criteria. This criteria states that those between the ages of 18 and 60 and those 100 pounds overweight are perfect candidates for the LapBand system. Health will also be taken into consideration. Weight exceptions may be made for those with obesity related complications, such as asthma or diabetes.

If you are interested in undergoing the LapBand surgery, your first step is to schedule a consultation appointment with your doctor. This consultation appointment may involve meeting with your family doctor or a referral may lead you to LapBand surgeon. Either way, your consultation appointment will determine whether the LapBand procedure is right for you. But, what if it isnt?

If you arent deemed an ideal candidate for LapBand surgery, you may honestly feel as if you hit a road block. You may feel as if you have exhausted all of your options. Yes, this may be true, but know that you do have many other choices.

Look for another LapBand surgeon. Despite the fact that each LapBand surgeon has eligibility requirements, some are more flexible than others. For example, if you are 85 pounds overweight, but suffer from diabetes, it is possible to find a surgeon who will perform the procedure. This is because most cases of diabetes disappear with weight loss. Some surgeons believe this is worth the risk.

Start eating healthy. Those who suffer from obesity typically have a problem with their diets. This problem tends to involve the consumption of foods that are high in fats and calories. Restricting your diet can result in weight loss. Unfortunately, diet restrictions are not easy. If you opt for this weight loss alternative, it will take a lot of time, trial and error, and patience.

Schedule an appointment with a nutrician. These individuals are knowledgeable on the subjects of food, health, and weight loss. If you have spent years consuming foods that are high in sugar, fat, and calories, you may not know which foods are right for you or how to start the transition to healthy eating. A professional can help you develop the best eating plan to fit your needs.

Start exercising. Diet, when combined with exercise, is the most natural way to lose weight. If you are obese, as opposed to overweight, exercise may be something you want to avoid. You may have unpleasant visions of hours on the treadmill or stares at the gym. The good news is that these visions do not have to become reality. Exercise can be something as simple as parking in the back of the parking lot so that you can walk more. After you start to see a small weight loss and gain confidence, incorporate more extensive workouts into your day.

Examine other weight loss surgeries. The LapBand procedure is just one of the weight loss surgeries performed in the United States. So, you do have other alternatives. Unfortunately, Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RGB) and Biliopancreatic Diversion (extensive gastric bypass) procedures have more risks and complications. This is due to stomach stapling, as opposed to the use of an adjustable LapBand. In most instances, if you are deemed ineligible for the LapBand, you are likely to receive the same response. Of course, it wont hurt to inquire.

Discuss alternatives with your doctor. Once you hear that you are not an ideal candidate for the LapBand system, you may want to run out of the office in frustration. Instead, stay and ask your doctor about alternatives. He or she will likely suggest exercise and diet restrictions, but still ask. Following the recommendations of a professional healthcare provider is the best and safest way to lose weight.

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