Weight Loss Success Secret Ingredients
by delon on May 20th, 2010
filed under Weight Loss
Weight loss success for many people is a constant struggle while others seem to get it on the first try. So why do some people struggle and others breeze through this difficult challenge?
There are certain factors that seem to work against some people, like age, a lower metabolism and even genetics play a part. But these are all things that can be overcome with the right motivation, commitment, knowledge and support.
In fact, these are the secret ingredients that successful losers have, and by losers I mean those who have lost the weight and kept it off. You can find just about every weight loss tip like drink plenty of water, eat healthier foods and exercise more. All of these are great tips and will help towards losing weight. But if you struggle to lose weight then you need to dig deeper and try new ways to stay committed to your weight loss goal, gain all the right information for you, find ways to get motivated and build the proper support system.
Weight Loss Success through Commitment
My guess is if you didn’t want to lose weight you would not be reading this article. But saying you want to lose weight is just a small step to really committing to weight loss.
Increase your commitment by creating a personalized weight loss plan. Set a realistic goal, one that is something you can achieve and would be happy with. The goal can be in terms pounds, inches or body fat loss. Or it can even be by clothing size or the way you look in the mirror.
Make smaller goals that you can measure your progress by the week or month. Making smaller goals helps you stay focused and committed towards your long term goal. Plan for the week and go shopping for the foods you need and clear your schedule to allow time for your planned exercise routines.
Keep in mind that even the best made plans can change as life will give you the unexpected. Don’t let a missed day of exercising or eating right throw you off track. Shrug it off and keep on going with your plan and make adjustments if needed.
Weight Loss Success through Knowledge
Knowledge is power and with the right knowledge on your weight loss needs you can accomplish amazing results. Many weight loss programs are designed to adjust to the individual needs. Each person’s calorie intake needs and exercise needs will be different.
Your daily calorie intake for weight loss is dependent on your weight and height, age and gender and activity level. Do the proper research to first determine what your basal metabolic rate is. Then adjust your calorie intake needs for your level of activity. Once you have armed yourself with this information, then create a calorie deficit, where you consume fewer calories than you burn.
If you are able, add exercise to your weekly routine. Studies show that people who exercise and diet lose weight quicker and are more likely to keep the weight off versus those who only diet. Start out slow if you have not exercised in awhile. You should try to create a calorie deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories a day for weight loss by eating fewer calories and adding exercise. Be sure you don’t reduce calories too low or you will cause your metabolism to slow down and you run the risk of actually gaining weight.
Weight Loss Success through Motivation
If only we could buy motivation in a can we would be all set to lose the weight. Unfortunately motivation cannot be bought and is at times very difficult to find. Try looking for that certain something or someone that inspires you to stay with your weight loss and keep you motivated.
Try motivating yourself using a reward system. You can reward yourself with whatever you want but try to stay away from food as a reward. Use a calendar and place stickers or stars when you reach a goal or had a good week. Although this may seem like you are back in school, it is a visual reminder of how well you are doing. When you hit a significant goal treat yourself to a night out with your friends and family.
If you hit a weight loss plateau and feel like giving up, motivate yourself by looking back at your progress to see how far you have come. Remind yourself that plateaus are just part of the journey and to stick with it. Eventually you will come off the plateau and be on the losing end of things again. Try mixing up your exercise routine or change and add different foods to push past the weight loss plateau.
Another weight loss motivation tactic is to create your own personalized motivational saying. Even if you don’t think you are a creative person, write something down that you can relate to and get motivated by. Post it where you can read it everyday. You know yourself best and therefore can create a personalized weight loss motivation tip that will inspire you.
Weight Loss Success through Support
Support groups can be found for just about everything life can throw at you, including weight loss support groups. Weight loss can be very challenging and frustrating. Adding support to your weight loss ingredients can be the difference between getting through the challenge and giving up.
You can look for organized support groups through weight loss programs, on-line forums or chat rooms. You can also build your own group. Include your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers. Let them know you are trying to lose weight and want their support. Perhaps you and your neighbor can go walking a couple of times a week. At work, you and your coworkers can plan a “bring your own healthy meal” day at work, instead of going out for lunch.
With the right support, motivation, knowledge and commitment, you can be successful at your weight loss goals.
Anti Aging Natural Skin Care Products – How to Find the Best Ingredients
by delon on May 12th, 2010
filed under Anti Aging
Just because a company says they offer anti aging natural skin care products does not truly mean that every ingredient is “all-natural”. The best anti aging skin care systems do, but you have to look for them.
You will not find them on the shelves at Wal-Mart and please don’t buy cosmetics from the Home Shopping Network. There is absolutely no way to tell what the ingredients are before you use them. Many adverse reactions have been caused by so-called anti aging natural skin care products.
If you are sensitive or prone to allergic reactions, then naturally occurring ingredients are the right choice, of course, but there are few regulations regarding what a company can call their items. My definition of anti aging natural skin care products is this.
They should contain nothing artificial, no fragrances, no mineral oils and no preservatives. The ingredients should be derived from plants or other carefully chosen substances, such as sheep’s wool extract and proteins. Only the best anti aging skin care creams can meet these criteria.
Some company’s idea of anti aging natural skin care products are way off base, in my opinion. Do you want to use something that is derived from hooves, feathers, cow hide and other animal parts? Sure, they might be naturally occurring, but how could that be good for my body.
If I could not eat it, I do not want to rub it all over myself. Why? Because, the pores absorb most chemicals and when used every day, they begin to build up in the body. In some cases, anti aging natural skin care products might not cause an immediate allergic reaction, but with continued use there can be rashes, itching and even more serious damage.
Take sunscreen, for example. Often highly touted as a step in the best anti aging skin care routine, its use is now considered questionable. Studies have shown that while decreasing your risk of basal and squamous cell, it increases your risk of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin-cancer. That’s pretty serious damage.
So, if the anti aging natural skin care products that you are looking at contain an SPF rating, forget them. One problem is that in order to be effective, they must be reapplied. Yet cosmetic companies think that it’s a good idea to include them in women’s foundation. How many women reapply that every couple of hours? Not many, I’m sure.
The best anti aging skin care should nourish your cells, not damage them. Vitamins, minerals, co-enzymes, antioxidants and other nutrients are just as important to your face as they are to your inner body. Think of it as feeding the skin-organ, because that is what it is.
New anti aging natural skin care products from New Zealand have clinical research and scientific data to support their effectiveness. They can actually help your body grow new collagen, elastin and skin cells, so you will look better than ever in a short period of time.
Anti-aging Agents: a Guide to Key Ingredients in Anti-aging Skincare
by delon on May 15th, 2009
filed under Anti Aging
Anti-Aging Agents
Wrinkles, sags, lines, freckles and “liver spots” are all normal accompaniments of aging–or are they? We hear so much hype about what goes on in the aging process it becomes really difficult to separate fact from fiction. However, we do know that there are some topical ingredients that will help the skin combat oxidative stress, regenerate tissue and heal itself. This list covers just a few of the anti-aging heavy hitters you will find in MV products. For a more complete discussion of aging, please visit the About Aging page.
Alpha-lipoic acid—A powerful anti-oxidant. Alpha lipoic acid’s antiaging benefits are in part likely related to its ability to increase levels of the amino acid glutathione, which also possesses anti-aging properties.
Australian bush plum– With the average vitamin C content of 3.0 – 3.5% (range= .2 to 5.9%) the bush plum provides the most concentrated natural source of vitamin C known. The typical bush plum contains about 2907 mg vitamin C per 100 grams of edible fruit.
Beta-carotene—a natural precursor to Vitamin A, whose cell regenerative properties have given it the reputation as the “skin vitamin.” Vitamin A is essential for skin health. Supplements are often given to help with cases of stubborn acne.
Carrot seed essential oil– This essential oil is widely appreciated for its ability to help heal dry and dehydrated skin. Carrot seed essential oil has a high carotol content, which provides good skin-rejuvenating properties. It also contains beta-carotine and it is rich in vitamins A & E. The oil’s aroma is sweet and it is an excellent essential oil for mature skin.
DMAE– (dimethylaminoethanol) An amino acid and antioxidant membrane stabilizer. DMAE works synergistically with antioxidants to enhance their strength, and to help repair and stabilize skin cell membranes by expelling waste.
Evening primrose oil– Evening primrose oil is one of the most concentrated sources of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. The body converts the GLA in evening primrose oil into prostaglandins, substances that function like hormones and help to regulate body processes. It also contains substantial amounts of polysaturated omega-6 fatty acids.
Ginseng extract– (Panax quinquefolium) When applied to the skin, ginseng has been shown to enhance the cellular function of skin cells and stimulate skin cell regeneration. It is useful in combating wrinkles and the visible signs of aging. Ginseng is extracted from the root of the ginseng plant after the plant reaches maturity, which may take six or more years.
Glyconutrients—provide nutrients so skin can biosynthesize hyaluronic acid and other glycosamineglycans, thus maintaining skin plumpness. Read more about the benefits of glyconutrients on the Glyconutrients page.
Gotu Kola– Known for its remarkable wound healing properties, gotu kola is often used for treating burns and skin ulcers.
Helichryssum essential oil– Helichrysum stimulates production of new cells, so it’s used in skin products to treat acne, scar tissue, bruising, mature skin, and burns. It also helps to prevent sunburn. It treats bacterial infection and inflammation and helps to boost the body’s immune system. Its healing properties can quell a chronic cough, bronchitis, or fever, and it can alleviate pain by numbing nerve endings. It also lessens muscle pain, arthritis, enlarged veins, liver problems and counters allergic reactions like asthma. Its scent helps relieve depression, nervous exhaustion, and stress.
Idebenone- a powerful anti-oxidant. Results of a clinical trial were presented in February 2004 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. They wanted to find out which ingredient offered the best protection against free radicals. Idebenone finished first against vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, kinetin, and alpha-lipoic acid. The benefits of this ingredient include shielding skin from environmental damage, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing dryness and smoothing skin texture.
Kombucha tea— Kombucha, also known as the Manchurian or Kargasok mushroom, is not a mushroom but rather a mixture of bacteria that includes Acetobacter xylinum, Acetobacter ketogenum and Pichia fermentans, and various yeasts. It contains lactic acid and glucoronic acid, essential for the biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid, an important component of the skin’s dermal layer that contributes to skin elasticity and plumpness. It acts as a humectant.
Pearl powder– By slowing down the development of melanin (the chemical in our body responsible for colour pigments) it prevents and facilitates the fading of pigmentation spots. Rich in proteins, pearls also help to renew skin cells. It is also rich in vitamin B-complex and polysaccharides which strengthen the muscles and improve metabolism. Taken internally, pearl powder also acts as a source of calcium to aid those with bone loss. Some Chinese experts claim that it has the ability to filter the sun’s rays and correct damage done to the skin by the sun. Common uses: evens out skin tone, clears acne and rosacea, fades pigmentation marks and is beneficial for general complexion maintenance.
Quercetin–a bioflavonoid (or flavonoid), which is a type of pigment found in almost all herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Bioflavonoids provide the body with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection, and quercetin is among the most powerful and effective of known anti-inflammatories and antioxidants
Resveratrol– Resveratrol ( trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene ) is a protective compound produced by grapes and other plants in response to environmental stresses. Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol has potent antioxidant activity and also has the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. These actions may help prevent free radical damage throughout the body and provide protective support to the cardiovascular system.
Rose hip seed oil– Rosehip seed oil contains Vitamin A, which helps to delay the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration, and promotes increase of collagen and elastin levels. Rosehip seed oil also contains a high amount of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E. In particular, it is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, important skin nutrients.
Seabuckthorn oil– Sea Buckthorn oil has multiple benefits in the area of restorative and anti-aging skin care. Natural antioxidants and essential fatty acids help reverse damaging effects of sun radiation and minimize long term effects of sun exposure. Promotes natural skin restorative processes. Tolerated by any type of skin, sea buckthorn oil is especially beneficial for rosacea-prone skin as it provides long term anti-inflammatory, restorative and revitalizing action.
White tea– well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Topical white tea polyphenols are likely to slow down the development of some signs of aging. In particular, since the sun protection benefits of white tea are particularly well documented, it makes sense to use a sunscreen with white tea in it, and particularly a sunscreen with zinc oxide, as ZO is chemically inert and will not react with white tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight).
2 Ingredients Every Skin Care Cream Should Have (And 2 They Shouldn?T!)
by delon on February 26th, 2009
filed under Skin Care
Do you avoid the skin care cream aisle at the store? Are you stubbornly using the same skin care moisturizer cream from 5 years ago, simply to avoid shopping for a new one? It’s overwhelming to see hundreds of “the best…” skincare products to choose from.
How can you possibly determine which are rip-offs and which actually work? How can you be sure that the 3 oz bottle of skin care moisturizer cream (priced at $34.99) isn’t the same stuff as the $3.99 bottle of Jergens at Wal-mart?
I’ll make it easy for you. Here is a crash-course in skin care cream ingredients. I’ve listed 2 ingredients your skin is crying out for, and 2 ingredients your skin has nightmares about. With just these 4 tips, you’ll be able to weed out 95% of the thorns and come out with a rose.
2 Things Every Skin Care Cream Should Have
Babassu
Babassu is a natural wax that softens and soothes your skin. It’s important because it creates a moisture-barrier around your skin that keeps out dirt and grime, but yet allows the skin valuable “breathing” room. It’s a natural product that comes from the oil extracted from the Babassu palm (in the Amazon). Many manufacturers will attempt to save a dime by replacing Babassu with mineral oil (one of the 2 no-no ingredients listed below).
Vitamin E (in the form of natural alpha-tocopherol)
Vitamin E has a long-proven record of protecting your skin from damaging free radicals found in pollution, UV radiation, poor nutrition, and aging. The best form of Vitamin E found in your skin care cream should be alpha-tocopherol. Most skincare products (including the expensive ones at department stores) use a synthetic form of alpha-tocopherol. Besides being less effective in synthetic form, manufacturers will only put a dash in each skin care cream product (.1% to .2%), making it practically meaningless. It is also a natural preservative that prevents your skin care moisturizing cream from going rancid before you’ve finished using it. Again, many well-known skincare lines will use parabens to preserve their product. Parabens are NOT good for your skin! In fact, they are one of the two ingredients your skin care cream definitely should NOT have in it.
2 Things Your Skin Care Cream Should NOT Have
Parabens – (look on the label for methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl parabens)
These chemicals are widely used in expensive (and cheap) skin care creams to give the creams a longer shelf-life. They are super cheap and widely available. Some studies have suggested that they could cause cancer (particularly breast cancer) and affect estrogen levels over long periods of time.
Mineral oil – (also written on the label as liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, or petrolatum)
This petroleum by-product is super cheap and used by companies to coat the skin and “keep in moisture”. Unfortunately, it also keeps in toxins, encourages acne break outs, and strips away the natural oils that prevent premature aging. Even worse, any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with the cancer-causing PAH’s. Stay young longer by avoiding products using mineral oil or other petroleum by-products.
In evaluating your skin care cream, keep this question in your mind: Could you eat your skin care moisturizer cream? (I’m not suggesting you do, just asking if you could.) If you recoil in horror from putting those ingredients in your mouth, why would you put them on your skin? After all, it’s going to be absorbed and enter your body just as if you had eaten it.
Crack open that cabinet and pull out your skin care cream. Flip it over and look at the ingredients label. If your skin care moisturizer cream is missing those two important ingredients, and if it uses mineral oil and Parabens instead, it’s time to find a new skin care cream.
You can spread effective skin care cream and eat it too. Synthetics not only damage your skin’s health in the long run, they are simply not as efficient in treating your skin in the long run. (But they are cheaper! This is why so many skincare manufacturers use them!)
Babassu and Natural Vitamin E are just the tip of the iceberg. There are a whole host of other ingredients that bring will bring out the best in your skin care cream.
Phytessence Wakame, Maracuja, and Crodamol OP come most immediately to mind. You can find out more about these amazing botanical ingredients (and where to find a skin care cream with them inside) at my website linked below.