Losing Weight with Lorelei - Day 19

Dec 19, 2010 Lorelei Sieja

Lentils are a Nutrient-Rich, Low Calorie Food - photo by Nick Mote

I love lentils! I never had them as a child, but discovered them sometime when my own children were young. At first I cooked them with ground beef to stretch the meat farther, and topped them with sour cream and cheese. Anything is tasty with sour cream and cheese on top, though! Now I'm learning new lentil recipes, as they are very nutritious, very inexpensive, and very low-calorie, making them a perfect diet food. So here is all you ever wanted to know about the lentil, and how to serve it:

What is a Lentil?

Lentils are legumes, like beans and peas. They come in a wide variety of colors from red and gold to green, brown, and black.They cook quickly and unlike most dried beans, do not need to be pre-soaked. They are high in iron, protein, water soluble fiber, B vitamins and folate. USDA research shows that the black lentils are also anti-oxidants, providing some protection from heart disease, cancer, and aging. Lentils are the mainstay of the Indian diet, served at every meal with either steamed rice or bread.

Where Can I Buy Lentils?

In the United States, brown lentils are sold in most grocery stores next to dried peas and beans. The colored varieties can be found in specialty shops and health food stores.

How Good are Lentils for you?

Lentils are high in fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. High fiber foods also help manage blood sugar levels, cures constipation and prevents digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis. Lentils are high in six minerals (molybdenum, manganese, iron, copper, phosphorous, potassium) and two B-vitamins (B1 and folate). There are only 229 calories per one-cup serving. They are rated in the top 130 of the world's healthiest foods.

How Do I Serve Lentils?

Lentils cook quickly, in about thirty minutes, and without prior soaking. They will turn mushy if over-cooked. They can be served hot over rice, bread, or potatoes, or cold in salads. They are often added added to soups. Raw foodists prefer to soak them and sprout them, then eat them raw. I tried them that way, but I haven't developed a taste for that yet. Tasted very earthy - a bit like eating a raw, unwashed white potato. Cooked, they taste similar to other dried beans, but with a slightly nutty flavor.

Lentil Recipes:

Lentil Soup

• 2 1/2 cups (1 6-oz. package) dried lentils
• 1cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• salt, pepper to taste

Cook everything for thirty minutes. Scoop 2 cups of lentils into a blender or food processor. Let them cool for five minutes (so they don't explode). Then puree until smooth. Return to the soup pot, and reheat, then serve.

Lentil Stew

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 2 cups water
• 3 tomatoes
• 1/2 onion
• 2 celery stalks
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• salt, pepper to taste

Put all ingredients in a large pot. Cook for 30 minutes over medium heat, adding more water as necessary. Season to taste, and serve.

Lentil Salad

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• mustard, salt, pepper to taste

Cook lentils in water about thirty minutes until done. Stir in feta cheese, cucumber, onion, and celery. In a separate small bowl, whisk together juice, oil, and seasonings. Pour dressing over lentils, and chill up to eight hours. Serve.

Lentil Chili

• 2 cups dried lentils
• 4 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lg can diced tomatoes
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• paprika
• salt, pepper to taste

Put it all together and cook for thirty minutes or more, until lentils are cooked through. Serve.

Lentil Sandwich

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 2 cups water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, chopped finely
• salt, pepper to taste
• tomato slices
• lettuce or spinach leaves
• sesame seeds
• whole grain bun or pita pocket

Cook lentils in water with garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Lightly toast the bun. Ladle a heaping spoonful of lentils into the bun or pita pocket, top with lettuce, tomato and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Today's Menu:

1. apple, banana
2. whole grain crackers, raisins
3. large salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.
4. tangerine
5. lentil stew, more salad, 1 glass white wine

Today's Exercise Plan:

Walk the dogs. My exercise is getting very boring. I need to unpack the Pilates DVD and get going on that again. And as soon as snow falls, I'll run the dogs! Yeah, Mushing Season will be here soon!

Related Reading:

Losing Weight with Lorelei - Day 1

Losing Weight with Lorelei - List of Articles

Joanne's Lentil Lasagne

Sources:

"The World's Healthiest Foods", the George Mateljan Foundation. Accessed December 17, 2010. www.whfoods.com

Raymond, Joan; "World's Healthiest Foods: Lentils," February 1, 2008, Health.com; accessed December 17, 2010.

Zeratsky, Katherine, R.D., L.D., "Lentils: How Do I Cook with Them?", July 7, 2009; MayoClinic.com Accessed December 17, 2010.

Copyright Lorelei Sieja. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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Home Remedies for Cellulite

Dec 19, 2010 Sara Anastasia Ferrer

Lessen cellulite with home remedies. - Ivan Polushkin

Eighty to 90 percent of women have cellulite, affecting even slim individuals as well as some men. The condition occurs when fat cells protrude through the connective tissue that holds the fat in place, resulting in a dimply, “cottage-cheese” texture that is made all the more apparent through skin with poor elasticity. The cause can stem from a myriad of factors, including hormonal imbalances, lack of physical activity and a refined diet, and poor circulation. Genetics may also determine whether you will get cellulite or not, and the degree of severity. With a plethora of treatments available, from topical creams to clinical procedures, the treatment of cellulite can be expensive. However, there are many cost-effective remedies that may help reduce this unsightly condition. Do not rely on these methods solely, as they are not guaranteed to work on their own. Combine them with a proper diet and exercise to maximize success.

Massage with Coffee Grounds

When applied topically, caffeine is known to stimulate blood circulation and if often a common ingredient in many cellulite creams. However, you can utilize its effectiveness for much less by making your own scrub and massaging it into your problem areas.Brew enough coffee to make at least a handful of grounds, and soak it with just enough vegetable oil to make a coarse paste. Scrub your problem areas in a circular motion from the top down, spending a minute or two on each part before snuggly wrapping it with cellophane and letting it sit for 30 minutes. Afterwards, brush off the mixture and shower the rest off.For results, do this twice a week.

Dry Brush Massage

Dry-skin brushing requires the use of a soft-bristled shower brush and approximately 15 minutes. It should be done once a day and before you bathe. By brushing the entire body and not just cellulite-ridden areas, you will be stimulating the waste-removing lymph and circulatory systems while strengthening the skin. Using either the “head-to-toe or toe-to-head” option, make long elliptical strokes, Use a light pressure with the exception of the palms and soles of the feet, where the skin is denser.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The detoxifying properties of apple cider vinegar can be taken orally or used on the skin. HomeRemediesWeb.com recommends a drinking a purifying tonic by mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with honey in a glass of water each day. You can also create a mixture made out of three quarters apple cider vinegar and one quarter massage oil to be rubbed on the body twice a day.

Epsom Salts

These salts are known for their health and beauty benefits. To treat cellulite, soak in a bath with two cups of Epsom salt and few drops of detoxifying essential oils such as lemon, grapefruit, juniper or basil. You can also rub the salts directly onto the skin to exfoliate and stimulate skin.

Essential Oils

Essential oils have the same cleansing effect when used directly on the body; they can also be used as a diuretic and to stimulate the lymphatic system. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or avocado oil before kneading the mixture onto the skin. You may also use a few drops to soak in a warm, detoxifying bath.

Supplements

According to Natural Health Research Institute, supplements such as fish oil, primrose oil, grape seed extract, soy lecithin and ginkgo biloba help improve circulation and fat metabolism of cellulite.

What to Eat

The Natural Health Research Institute and the National Institute of Health encourage a diet low in dietary fat and high in fiber to reduce cellulite. Low fat and fiber-rich foods such fruits, vegetables and whole grains are also stocked with the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals needed to strengthen skin and reduce excess water and toxins. Healthy fats from fish and nuts help collagen formation and skin suppleness. It is important to stay hydrated and drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day while avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Resources:

American Council on Fitness. "Exercise and Cellulite"(accessed December 12, 2010).

Home Remedies Web. Cellulite "Home Remedy"(accessed December 11, 2010).

Natural Health Research Institute. "Cellulite Reduction"(accessed December 11, 2010).

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How to Lose Belly Fat

Dec 17, 2010 M. Cord Ray

Woman measuring waistline - Luigi Diamanti

How to Lose Belly Fat

Belly fat can be some of the most stubborn, unsightly, and unhealthy fat there is. If you are shaped more like an apple it is probably the first fat on and the last fat off. It is discouraging but there are things you can do.

Losing fat around your mid-section is important for more than just vanity. Those with fat closer to their heart are at higher risk of heart attack, diabetes, and stroke. In order to lose belly fat you need to lose fat all over. Unfortunately it’s impossible to spot reduce just stomach fat.

There’s No Quick Fix for Spot Reducing Belly Fat

In reality there's no such thing as spot reduction. This means there’s no way to tell your body ‘Hey lose the fat in my stomach, not my breasts’. If you do sit ups it is not going to make you lose more fat in your stomach rather than anywhere else. Comedians put it well when they say, “If spot reduction worked than how come chewing gum doesn’t give us skinny faces?”

So if you want to lose fat around your spare tire it’s important to start taking steps to lose fat all over, but luckily some new studies show that there are also some things that will biologically help give belly fat burning a boost.

Want a Flat Stomach Fast?

Want a flatter tummy? Ever wondered how to get a slimmer mid-section? Wanted to know how to get a great body? Don’t we all. You are not alone. No way is as fast as we’d like but we’ll take all the research we can get.

Number One Trick for Losing Belly Fat – Stress Reduction

Dr. Elissa Epel of the University of California at San Francisco is one of the leading experts on the effects of stress. The study “Stress and Body Shape: Stress-Induced Cortisol Secretion Is Consistently Greater among Women with Central Fat”, in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, studied the connections between stress, cortisol, and weight. 1

The results found something that all dieters already know. Subjects ate more after being exposed to stress. Those who produced more cortisol when stressed ate even more and gained more weight. What does that mean? That means those who dealt with stress better produced less cortisol.

Numerous studies have proven that cortisol translates directly to belly fat. 2

(You are entitled to get stressed out when you see skinny people in the grocery store but it will actually make you fatter!)

Second Trick for Banishing Belly Fat – Up Your Cardio Intensity

If you aren’t doing any cardiovascular activity, start. If you are doing some, a new study shows that a shorter harder burst gives you more bang for your buck where your tummy is concerned. Do you like a long stroll? Try throwing in 15 - 30 run or fast walk a few days a week instead. A study released in 2009 proved that you could lose more visceral fat (fat around the organs in your midsection) with short intervals of intense cardio than longer slower exercise that burned the same amount of calories. Dr. Robert H. Coker, PhD, associate professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences lead the study. 3 In addition to your 20 minute cardio workouts, park at the far side of the grocery store parking lot and pretend you’re running for a touchdown toward the store because you want to shake up your routine by adding in some fast spurts.

Eat Yogurt, Beans, Nuts, and Seaweed for a Slimmer Stomach

The Journal of Obesity published a study recommending low fat dairy stating that calcium from food (as opposed to just supplements) helped whittle waistlines specifically. Yogurt and Kefir are a good source of dairy calcium. They also provide CLA, conjugated linoleic acid, another belly fat-busting compound. Keep in mind that while dairy gets good PR for calcium it’s not the only source of the mineral. Seaweed, beans, and nuts all have significantly higher calcium content than milk and it is easier to extract calcium from these sources.

Get a Thinner Stomach by Balancing Your Hormones

Dr. Michael Aziz is one of many doctors to finally embrace a philosophy of common sense and food balance to promote balance of your hormones to keep you young, happy, and healthy. Dr. Aziz is founder of Midtown Integrative Medicine in New York City. Dr. Aziz is author of the book “The Perfect 10 Diet”, a book that deals with the ten hormones most closely related with weight management. Dr. Aziz stresses the connection between insulin overproduction and belly fat by saying “If you’re wondering whether or not you’re producing too much insulin, just look at your belly. If you can’t see your abs, your pancreas is secreting too much insulin.”

Want to Lose Twice as Much Fat as Most Dieters? Set a Track Record

Kaiser Permanente conducted a study of almost 1,700 participants. The study found that people who kept daily food diaries lost twice as much weight or more as those who didn’t write down what they wrote. The study, which was published in the August 2008 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, confirmed what many doctors, dieters, and support groups have known for years – writing down what you eat lets you look back on the day and assess. It also stops you from eating things that aren’t good for you because you don’t want to see more questionable choices in black and white.

Want to Lose More Belly Fat and Get a Slimmer Waist for Life?

Wanting to have a better shape is a noble goal, a good goal, and an attainable goal. Some days it may seem difficult even impossible. Making little changes one day at a time is a key to success. These are lifestyle changes, not temporary fixes. Start with the ones that are easiest for you. Make one change at a time and gradually add item by item until you can celebrate a slimmer waist line.

1. http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org - “Stress and Body Shape: Stress-Induced Cortisol Secretion Is Consistently Greater Among Women with Central Fat” by Elissa S. Epel, PhD, Bruce McEwen, PhD, Teresa Seeman, PhD, Karen Matthews, PhD, Grace Castellazzo, RN, BSN, Kelly D. Brownell, PhD, Jennifer Bell, BA and Jeannette R. Ickovics, PhD. -- From the Health Psychology Program, University of California, San Francisco (E.S.E.), San Francisco, CA; Rockefeller University (B.M.), New York, NY; University of California, Los Angeles (T.S.), Los Angeles, CA; University of Pittsburgh (K.M.), Pittsburgh, PA; and Yale University (G.C., K.D.B., J.B., J.R.I.), New Haven, CT.

2. “Stress Can Make You Fat” (FitnessRX – April 2002), “Chronic Health Problems Reveal Toll of Unbridled Stress on Body (Dayton Daily News – April 18, 2002), Turn on Your Weight Loss Hormones! (Prevention – May 28, 2002)

1. Liebert Journals and Liebert Online, August 2009.
2. The Journal of Obesity, April 2004

5. Kaiser Permanente “Keeoss”, Science Daily, Ju

Copyright M. Cord Ray. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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Season Rewind: American Le Mans Series

CHAMPIONS: David Brabham & Simon Pagenaud

Simon Pagenaud and David Brabham wheeled the Patron Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-01c to three victories and the American Le Mans Series LMP championship. (Al Steinberg Photo)

Patrón Highcroft Racing dominated the LMP division of the American Le Mans Series for the second-consecutive season. David Brabham was a driving champion for the second-straight year, sharing the team’s HPD ARX-01c with first-time title winner Simon Pagenaud.

In addition to winning the overall LMP championship, the team and drivers also claimed top honors in the LMP2 classification.

The operation, owned by Duncan Dayton, became the first American-owned and based team to clinch two ALMS teams’ championships in the outright prototype class.

The team earned three overall LMP triumphs and four class victories during the nine-race campaign.

WHO WON WHAT IN 2010

Date	Track	Winner(s)	Car
March 20	Sebring Int’l Raceway (Fla.)	Alexander Wurz Marc Gene Anthony Davidson	Peugeot 908
April 17	Streets of Long Beach (Calif.)	David Brabham Simon Pagenaud	Acura ARX-01c
May 22	Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (Calif.)	David Brabham Simon Pagenaud	Acura ARX-01c
July 11	Miller Motorsports Park	David Brabham Simon Pagenaud	Acura ARX-01c
July 24	Lime Rock Park (Conn.)	Greg Pickett Klaus Graf	Porsche RS Spyder
Aug. 7	Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course	Guy Smith Chris Dyson	Mazda Lola B09
Aug. 22	Road America (Wis.)	Paul Drayson Jonny Cocker	Judd Lola B09
Aug. 29	Mosport Int’l Raceway (Ontario)	Romain Dumas Klaus Graf	Porsche RS Spyder
Oct. 2	Road Atlanta (Ga.)	Franck Montagny Stephane Sarrazin Pedro Lamy	Peugeot 908

LMP Top Five

Position	Driver(s)	Points
1.	D. Brabham/S. Pagenaud	182
2.	Klaus Graf	162
3.	Jonny Cocker	110
4.	Chris Dyson	98
5.	Paul Drayson	94

LMPC Top Five

Position	Driver(s)	Points
1.	Scott Tucker	183
2.	Gunnar Jeannette	169
3.	Elton Julian	153
4.	Christophe Bouchut	147
5.	Kyle Marcelli	101

GT Top Five

Position	Driver(s)	Points
1.	J. Bergmeister/P. Long	157
2.	Gianmaria Bruni	140
3.	B. Auberlen/T. Milner	125
4.	Jamie Melo	115
5.	Oliver Gavin	110

GTC Top Five

Position	Driver(s)	Points
1.	T. Pappas/J. Bleekemolen	146
2.	Shane Lewis	126
3.	Andy Lally	113
4.	Henri Richard	111
5.	Bill Sweedler	109

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A Weight Loss Plan That Works At Last

Dec 17, 2010 Andrea Parker

weight loss plan - Andrea Parker

Almost everyone has tried at least one weight loss plan and given up in disappointment. This is usually the fault of the weight loss plan itself, and not the individual. At times, a highly motivated person tries a weight loss plan and cannot stick to it despite trying very hard with best effort. In sad cases like this, most likely the weight loss plan is not building in incentives or offers unappealing food selections. Here are some elements of a weight loss plan that works.

Focus on Organic Vegetables and Grains

Fiber is a very important element of an effective weight loss plan. One of the best ways to get fiber is through vegetables and grains. Some examples of high fiber vegetables and grains include oatmeal, sweet potato, spinach and whole wheat. Sometimes it may seem that high fiber foods are somewhat bland or lacking in taste. In truth, it is just that food choices such as these are different. They may be greatly enhanced through spices and herbs. Using spices and herbs is one of the secrets of weight loss, because healthy food can be made to taste very delicious. This good taste satisfaction can influence people to stay on

Take Essential Fatty Acid Supplements

Essential fatty acids in the form of DHA are really helpful on a weight loss plan. DHA improves elimination and increases calmness and mental clarity. DHA is naturally found in fish such as salmon.

Cultivate More Positive Emotions

Although it may not seem related, it is very important to cultivate positive emotions whiile on a weight loss plan. Positive emotions come as a result of playing and enjoying life; having fun, much like a child. Do not take life so seriously. Enjoy life while staying positive and happy.

Do Yoga

Yoga can be helpful to a weight loss plan and enhance great health in general. Yoga is a centuries old practice that improves breathing, circulation and mood. It can also decrease anxiety tremendously, thus discouraging "binge eating." The benefits of a daily practice of Yoga are many and far- reaching. Weight loss as well as life in general can be greatly improved through a daily Yoga regimen.

The above are some elements of a weight loss plan that works. Focus on eating vegetables and grains for great results on the weight loss plan. Cultivate positive emotions and do yoga daily to get rid of stress and anxiety. All of these factors combined will work synergistically to improve the results of a weight loss plan.

Source:

Trudeau, K. (2007) The Weight Loss Cure. Elk Grove IL: Alliance Publishing Group.

Copyright Andrea Parker. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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Contrave - Is the New Diet Pill Really Safe?

Dec 17, 2010 M. Cord Ray

woman measuring waist - Luigi Diamanti

Contrave - Is the New Diet Pill Really Safe?

A new diet pill passed a first round toward becoming a household name. When will it come out and is it worth it?

In a country that is getting more and more obese, weight loss drugs could be a dream. Every weight loss drug should be a short term solution only. There has yet to be a weight loss drug without serious side effects – something that needs to be taken into account.

Contrave is no different - so like every drug you think about taking you will need to educate yourself on what it is, how it works, and do a serious weighing of the pros and cons.

Diet Pills or Uppers?

Diet pills are usually amphetamines (stimulants). They are made to speed up your whole body and therefore your metabolism. Most diet pills are taken off the market within five years of FDA approval. Almost all of them are taken off the market for the same reason, increased heart risks.

Contrave – What is it?

Contrave is a little bit different. Contrave is a combination of two medicines already on the market: the antidepressant bupropion and the anti-addiction drug naltrexone. Bupropion is the generic name for Welbutrin a well-known anti-depressant drug that effects the brain neurotransmitter dopamine.

Naltrexone is an “opioid receptor antagonist” which has long been used in the management of drug and alcohol dependence.

Contrave – Does it Work?

Well….sort of. In the clinical trials the groups taking Contrave only lost approximately 4% more weight than the control group.

The panel of FDA advisory experts voted in a 13-7 vote on December 8, 2010 to recommend that the FDA go ahead and approve the drug despite the fact that it did not meet all the requirements for passing a drug as a weight loss drug.

As a matter of fact, a weight loss drug needs to prove that it is at least 5% more effective than taking a placebo. While Contrave failed this standard, the FDA advisory panel recommended the drug anyway with the general thought that the 4.2% was close enough to 5 in this case.

Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. the drugs manufacturer did four clinical trials, each slightly over a year long, with between 500 and 2,000 subjects in each study.

The drug eeked by another qualification by meeting a “second measure of effectiveness involving the number of patients who lost at least 5 percent or more of their weight” was how it was stated by the Associated Press.

So, if you were, say, 150 pounds, and this worked for you, you might lose seven and a half pounds over the course of a year or approximately two ounces a week. (Provided all other factors stayed the same.)

Contrave – How Does it Work?

Welbutrin effectively boosts dopamine. This is the neurotransmitter in your brain that makes you want to get up go. Feeling better can make people want to move more, be more social, take on more tasks. Dopamine itself gives the brain a feeling of “revving up”.

Naltrexone enters the brain and nervous system and blocks the receptor sites that drugs like heroin and alcohol have to attach to give us pleasure. It’s been used for over 20 years to treat addiction and should work for biological compulsive overeating cravings.

Contrave – Is it Safe?

Welbutrin has been around for over 20 years. It has a long list of side effects. The side effect that concerns us most here is increased racing heartbeat (tachycardia) approximately 11% and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias) approximately 5%.

Naltrexone also has possible side effects, but taken by itself it doesn’t usually raise heart health questions.

FDA reported higher rates of side effects in Contrave because the two drugs were taken in combination -specifically high blood pressure, racing heartbeats, fitful sleep, and dizziness.

Dr. Sanjay Kaul, prominent cardiologist at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in NYC was one of the FDA doctors who voted no against Contrave. He made it clear that although the recommendation was given the doctor’s felt lukewarm about it for two reasons: the heart dangers were high and the weight loss results were low.

But Is It Safe?

The general answer is probably yes. If you monitor your own body and pay attention to the signs it is reasonably safe. It is more dangerous than Welbutrin alone. Dr. Kaul stressed more than once that the side effects of Welbutrin which can be severe are compounded in Contrave. Individual factors such as blood pressure, current medications, and family heart history that will determine whether or not it is safe for any particular individual.

When Can I Get It?

The medicine has NOT been approved by the FDA yet. The Federal Drug Administration often takes the advice of their panel of experts but has no obligation to do so. The doctors on the panel strongly urged for more testing and although the possibility is extremely slim, the FDA could ask that the testing be done before approval. However, the FDA vote is scheduled for January 31st or February 1st.

Will This Be The Pill That Helps Me Lose Weight?

We are a country of people who want an easy fix. When it comes to weight loss, it’s a trillion dollar industry where people struggle constantly and results are small.

This pill could be a real help for you if you are totally committed to change your lifestyle and want a little double boost to help you get started and keep you going. While clinical trials were less than stellar many hope that the anti-depressant factor may be the little push that proves to be the tipping point for some. If you feel you are one of those people who can do it with just a little extra get up and go then this may be just the solution you were hoping for.

Copyright M. Cord Ray. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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Webber demonstrates car for Thai King

Mark Webber demonstrated Red Bull’s Formula 1 showcar in front of a crowd in 150,000 in Thai capital Bangkok yesterday as part of the Thai King’s 84th birthday celebrations.

Webber, who had met King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Friday, demonstrated the car on the city’s Rajdamnoen Avenue. The crowd was the largest so far for one of Red Bull’s showcar events.

The team’s programme of street demonstrations this year has already seen its car running in Dubai, Poland, Lithuania, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Northern Ireland, as well as more traditional F1 nations such as Britain, Italy, Australia and Germany.

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Di Grassi wins first heat of kart event

Virgin Formula 1 driver Lucas di Grassi won the first heat of Felipe Massa’s annual International Challenge of Go-Kart Champions karting event at the Arena Sapiens track in Florianopolis, Brazil, on Saturday night.

The event has again attracted a large number of past and present Brazilian F1 drivers, IndyCar racers and stars of the country’s national racing scene.

The opening heat, which took place under floodlights last night, saw di Grassi break away from a spectacular battle with Massa and former Jaguar and Williams F1 driver Antonio Pizzonia, who now races in Brazil’s V8 Stock Car series. Di Grassi ultimately won by two seconds, with Massa 0.3s ahead of Pizzonia in second.

Spanish Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari, the only non-Brazilian in the field, beat 2004 IndyCar champion Tony Kanaan and Brazilian stock car driver Marcos Gomes to fourth.

The second heat takes place at 11.00 local time today, and features a partially reversed grid. Williams F1 driver Rubens Barrichello’s eighth place from last night gives him pole today, ahead of IndyCar’s Vitor Meira and Gomes.

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Losing Weight with Lorelei - Day 18

Dec 15, 2010 Lorelei Sieja

Could Your Coffee Be Making You Fat? - photo by Beatrice Murch

Coffee... the word itself evokes a feeling of warmth and relaxation. No other single food in my kitchen has quite the same history with me as my morning brew. I remember waking up as a child to the pleasing aroma of the percolator. Later, when Mr. Coffee machines invaded many kitchens, I remember mom saying that it just didn't smell as nice.

I used to cut classes a lot in high school. I was bored. I was uninterested. I usually went home, though, and my mom and I went out to a coffee shop together. She took hers with cream, I took cream and sugar, then we'd both order donuts. My dad wasn't thrilled that I cut school, but as I continued to get straight As, he didn't complain (until I was actually flunked, because I hadn't met minimum compulsory attendance, but that's another story!)

Unfortunately, I had to give up caffeine about fifteen years ago. It didn't just keep me awake at night, but I had almost an allergic reaction to it. If I drink a cup of regular coffee by mistake, within minutes my pulse starts racing and it remains high for many hours. It is scary enough that I was able to give up all caffeine products (except chocolate). I drink only decaf now, but my children and spouse are still caffeine addicts, as are many of my relatives. So when I read something about caffeine causing weight gain, diabetes, hypertension and other health problems, I sat up and took notice. I decided to research it more. Now I'll share that with you.

Caffeine Affects Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is known as the "stress hormone". During times of stress, cortisol along with epinephrine and norepinephrine are released into your blood. These hormones give you an energy boost to deal with the crisis. Afterward, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels quickly return to normal, but the cortisol level remains high for some time. Cortisol tells your body to burn fat and carbohydrates right now, so you can have the energy you need. Cortisol also tells your body to release more insulin which raises your blood sugar levels. All this work makes you hungry, so you eat more. Cortisol is a major cause of belly fat - the most dangerous kind of weight gain. Since caffeine raises cortisol levels, then yes, caffeine consumption will make you more likely to "cheat" on your diet.

Caffeine Affects Blood Pressure

This one is hardly any surprise. I mean, I've heard for years that coffee is a stimulant. It wakes us up in the morning, gives us an energy boost throughout the day, and it can keep us awake even when we'd rather be sleeping. According to Dr. Sheldon Sheps, ("How Does Caffeine Affect Blood Pressure", www.MayoClinic.com) caffeine can temporarily raise your blood pressure significantly. It is unsure how caffeine does this, whether it is because it constricts blood vessels limiting blood flow, or if it causes the adrenal gland to release more adrenaline. Dr. Shep believed that two cups of a caffeinated beverage a day was unlikely to cause any adverse health affect, unless one already has high blood pressure. Limiting caffeine intake, however, becomes problematic in that caffeine is found in so many products, from sodas and teas to candies and even certain medications.

Decaffeinated Coffee Raises LDL - the Harmful Cholesterol

I switched to decaff about twenty years ago. I became sensitive to caffeine, and found that it caused a rapid spike in my pulse rate that lasted for many hours. However, I find now that I may have eliminated one problem and caused another. Recent research shows a high correlation between decaffeinated coffee and a rise in LDL cholesterol. While the researchers did not feel the results were enough to ban coffee from our diets, they did suggest that if you have high cholesterol, stop drinking decaff, and if you have high blood pressure, stop drinking caffeinated coffee. If you have both? Dr. Superko replied, "There's always Green Tea."

To Lose Weight, Eat Only Nutrient-Rich, Low Calorie Foods

Since coffee has no nutrients, and fills me up so that I'm not hungry for more nutritious foods, I guess for the duration of this diet, I will stop drinking it. Water is great for dieters, few of us drink enough of it. Fruit juice is better than soda, but it has less fiber and more calories than the fruit from which it is made. Fruit smoothies are the best alternative then, as you get all the fiber of the original fruit.

It's up to you, my readers, if you decide to give up coffee or decaff... I just posted the information here for you to make an informed decision. I've lost a few more pounds, but my weight loss is slow. I love cream and sugar in my decaff - black, it is just too bitter. Maybe this sacrifice will have the added bonus of easing the budget. Those little side trips to the coffee shop sure add up!

Today's Menu:

1. Banana, two tangerines
2. whole wheat crackers, cheese
3. Potato-Corn Chowder
4. Apple Slices
5. Lentil Stew, side salad

Today's Exercise Plan:

This evening I need to help my spouse put the dog boxes on the truck. There is heavy lifting involved, but not much aerobic exercise. Ultimately, though, I'll be able to run my dog sled team soon! Yeah for winter! I will still walk the dogs twice today (Two thirty-minute walks, one in the morning, one in the evening.) Then I expect I'll have a session with the heating pad tonight...

Related Reading:

Losing Weight with Lorelei - Day 1

Losing Weight with Lorelei - list of articles

Sources:

Dr. Stoppler, M.D., "Ask the Experts: Does Stress Cause Weight Gain?", Medicinenet.com. Accessed December 13, 2010.

Little, Linda; "Decaf Coffee May Increase ApoB Levels", Medscape Medical News, November 2005, Medscape.com Accessed December 14, 2010.

Copyright Lorelei Sieja. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

• 

  Could Your Coffee Be Making You Fat? - photo by Beatrice Murch

• 

  Cortisol Causes Belly Fat - photo by Les Chatfield

• 

  Caffeine Affects Blood Pressure - photo by Clay Irving

• 

  Eat Nutrient-Rich, Low-Calorie Foods - photo by Jrsnchzhrs

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Group Lotus relaxed over Renault name

Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar says he is happy with his company just being a Formula 1 team sponsor and shareholder for now – and accepts people will call his Lotus-backed outfit ‘Renault’.

Although Renault’s F1 team has been rebranded as Lotus Renault because of the title sponsorship deal, the outfit has not designated its chassis as Lotus, which means it is still officially running Renault cars.

Speaking in London on Wednesday, Bahar made it clear his company was not pretending that the team was now wholly Lotus – and said he fully understood that people will continue to call it the Renault team.

“Yes I understand that and we are fully aware of this, and we were aware of this before we did this move,” he said. “However, when we fully decide to enter into an activity of this size, it is a long-term agreement, a long-term activity for us. It is not about the next year or the next two years, it is something to establish, to give the sustainability to the whole company for the next 10 years.

“We are well aware that we cannot change the mechanisms that are in place today by changing the chassis name, because this would have a lot of negative consequences. We are fine being a sponsor at the moment, and we have to respect the fact that commentators will just use the name Renault. That is unfortunately as it is.”

Bahar once again admitted that the future plans remain open, however, with the possibility of Lotus taking over full control in the next few years.

“I don’t think it makes sense to enter just for two years with the sticker on the car without having a long-term plan for it and without having a heavy involvement,” he said. “And having involvement is something that we are trying to maximise as much as possible from day one by setting up a group of engineers that are working in Enstone and trying to get technology transfer from F1 into our new road cars.

“This is all we can do in the short term, but it is a long term plan and the time will come when we will be in charge of doing the things the way Lotus was always doing.”

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Ferrari against F1 race in Rome

Ferrari believes that there is no space on the calendar for two Italian Grands Prix, amid ongoing speculation that Rome could host a one-off race in the future.

Rome has been pushing hard to get a street event put on the calendar over the next few years.

But, with Monza having signed a deal earlier this year to host the Italian Grand Prix until 2016, the only way that could happen would be if the nation is allowed to host two events.

But, with Ferrari having close affinity with Monza, team principal Stefano Domenicali has made it clear that he does not believe there is now room in the schedule for a country to host two events.

This come with India being added to the F1 calendar next year, and the United States returning to the schedule in 2012.

“Our position is very clear and leaves no room for interpretation,” Domenicali told the official Ferrari website. “Our sport is increasingly expanding the number of countries hosting a grand prix and all the teams are in agreement about that.

“Therefore it is inevitable that it will no longer be possible to have two races in the same nation. It’s not the job of the teams who choose where a grand prix is held, that’s up to the commercial rights holder. Everything else is pure speculation.”

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Create a Body to Be Proud Of

Dec 15, 2010 Andrea Parker

There are many weight loss diets in the marketplace. There are also many tales of all those who have succeeded or failed on these weight loss plans. Which of these weight loss diets would be best for any given individual? The following are some predictable traits of weight loss diets that work and are useful to do:

Two Salads Daily

Weight loss diets that encourage eating two salads a day are on track. This is because there is enormous benefit to eating raw vegetables. It is a great habit to begin to eat two salads a day. For one thing, it cuts the appetite so that less of the other food is consumed at the meal. Also, salads are generally full of vegetables, which are acceptable fare and encouraged on virtually every good diet. Vegetables have a very high water content and are high in nutrients as well.

Get Enough Sleep

Many people do not know it, but sleep is important for weight loss. Sleep deprived people do not lose weight properly. Get at least eight hours of sleep a night. This ensures proper energy and positive mood for the coming day.

Perform Resistance Training

Perform resistance training in addition to dieting in order to increase stamina and strength. Many people feel intimidated by weights or workout equipment but there are personal trainers who would be delighted to explain proper use of the machines. A person's physical body almost always looks better when they are in the daily habit of performing resistance training exercises. This look does not usually come from dieting alone.

Eat the Best Snacks

Snacking is not prohibited on most good diets. In fact, the best diets encourage healthy snacks such as cut vegetables and pieces of fruit. Other great snacks include a handful of nuts or some salsa and whole wheat pita. Why not get in the habit of eating some hummus and whole wheat crackers? Healthy snacks like these are the best of all.

Drink Green Tea

Weight loss diets that work often educate people on the merits of drinking green tea. Green tea has antioxidants and it also helps to burn some calories. Green tea is a wonderful addition to an effective weight loss diet.

The above are some ways to create a body to be proud of. By learning to perform resistance training, eating salads and drinking green tea, individuals may lose weight. Perform all of these actions together in order to obtain the maximum benefit.

Source:

Trudeau, K. (2007) The Weight Loss Cure. Elk Grove Village Illinois, Alliance Publishing Group

Copyright Andrea Parker. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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Holiday Weight Control with Mindful Eating Strategies

Dec 15, 2010 Cheryl Heppard

Avoid Holiday Weight Gain - Free Foto

The holidays are usually a flurry of holiday parties, which include fattening foods and drinks every where we turn. Many people who kick off the season with the best intentions fall into temptation more often than they had originally planned. When the holidays finally wind down in the New Year, it's not uncommon for some to gain an extra five to ten pounds which lingers long after the holidays are over.

Between the extra stress that accompanies the season, and all the food pushers at the office and at parties, it can be a struggle to avoid weight gain. One fatal mistake that many people make during the holidays is planning to completely avoid holiday parties, treats, and temptations. In research published recently in the journal Behavior Research and Therapy, doctors found that dieters who tried to control their appetites using avoidance strategies were at greater risk for overeating than those who developed coping skills to control their overeating.

Calories in, Calories out still applies

The good news is that studies show the average person usually only gains about a pound over the holidays. The problem is that many people don't take the weight off after the holidays, so it becomes cumulative over time. Weight gain over the holiday season happens for the same reasons as any other time of year, which is too much eating and not being active enough. November and December create a perfect storm between all the tempting treats, rich meals and being too busy with planning, shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking and attending parties to make time for exercise.

Mindful eating is an excellent strategy that can be used during the upcoming season to avoid the holiday bulge. Mindful eating depends upon recognizing the relationship between eating and the feelings that are present. It's a concept based on learning to identify why people eat what they eat, and how it makes them feel.

It's crucial to focus on the eating experience in order to eat mindfully, instead of mindlessly. Then it becomes less likely to miss satiety cues, and more likely to notice a feeling of fullness and stop eating. For example, eating a meal should be a nourishing experience for more than just the stomach. Set the mood and the table, light a candle, and use nice dishes and placemats. Each meal should feel special. This nourishes all of the senses and makes the meal a much pleasurable experience. When we have intense pleasure, it becomes a richer experience overall which results in eating less and feeling full faster.

Food Experiments Illustrate Lack of Mindful Eating

Dr. Brian Wansink is the author of the best selling book, Mindless Eating. Dr. Wansink is a well respected psychologist who completed 250 experiments which studied the psychology of eating. His experiments illustrated that people have no idea what they put into their mouths, or why. His entertaining and interesting studies concluded two basic facts :

• The bigger the bowls, plates, cups, etc. that people eat or drink from, the more they tend to eat or drink.
• The more foods we are served, the more we eat

Use these mindful eating strategies for a happy and healthy holiday season.

• Get in touch with overall happiness, and satisfaction about how this year went for you. Often times eating is just a band-aid for unhappiness, stress, anxiety, or depression. The holidays can bring a lot of emotional issues to the surface, so take some time to sort out how your feelings can possibly relate to your eating habits, and consider how to make any changes you feel you need or want to make.

• When it's time for a meal, sit down and really enjoy it. Make it an experience instead of eating out of the refrigerator or eating while standing up or driving in the car.
• Weigh yourself once a week during the holidays. Studies show that this can give an 80% increase for successfully reaching weight related goals.
• Set goals for how a personal eating and exercise plan will take shape. Tackle the easiest goals first and then work on the harder one. Start with three goals and then create more as you go.
• Be sure to eat breakfast every day, studies show that people who eat breakfast eat less over the course of the day than those who skip breakfast.
• Be sure to hydrate and drink enough water. Many times we think we're hungry but we're really just thirsty. Stock up on sparkling waters and delicious teas.
• When attending parties, have a light and healthy snack before you go. Some veggies and hummus, or fruit and yogurt. It's easier to resist fattening foods when the stomach isn't empty. It's extremely difficult to have willpower and discipline when the body is doing everything it can to be convincing that food is needed immediately.
• Have one glass of water for every cocktail or glass of wine. This will save a lot of calories and possibly a hangover as well.
• Keep moving: Be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, or as much as possible. Find a buddy and create a schedule, then stick to it.

Don't Forget to Set Rewards

And finally, decide on a nice reward for once the holidays are over and the goal of not gaining weight has been accomplished. Make it something tempting to stay motivated. Put a photo of the prize on the refrigerator to help increase willpower and ward off temptation. Research shows that goals are often sabotaged if there isn't a satisfying reward established.

Copyright Cheryl Heppard. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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Desperate in the Desert

Week Sixteen of the NASCAR iRacing Pro Series took the drivers out west to Phoenix International Raceway for the first time this season. With only three weeks left until the end of the season, drivers on the bubble of qualifying for the 2011 NASCAR iRacing Series World Championship needed to keep their noses clean, while still earning as many points as possible.

The online racing action kicked-off Wednesday night with two splits of 18 sim racers each. The first of the two races saw two drivers dominate the action. The first half of the race was paced by Ray Alfalla, but Thomas Hazard made sure he was good when it counted, dominating the second half of the race on his way to victory over Mitchell Hunt, Tyler Hudson, Alfalla and Justin Lowery. Steve Sheehan placed a respectable sixth in his only start of the week, picking up an important 225 points in his quest to make the top twenty.

Berry shows some love for Realtree Outfitters as he celebrates Wednesday's win.

The other Wednesday race also had two dominant drivers, Josh Berry and Daniel Pope with Berry getting the best of Pope on pit strategy, winning by over two seconds in a race that featured only two caution flags and long green flag runs.

“Had another good car tonight,” Berry explained.? “I spent the first half of the race chasing Daniel around. We had green flag stops with about 50 to go.

I decided to short pit him and attempt to leap frog him in the pits and let him chase me, and it was able to work.”

Pope settled for second at the checkers followed by Richie Davidowitz, Brad Wright and Henrik Carlsson.

Friday again went without an official race, but Saturday more than made up for it with most of the “bubble” drivers taking part in the action. Like Wednesday there were two splits, this time of sixteen and seventeen drivers. In the first race Alfalla, who already had a fourth on the week, totally destroyed the field, leading 112 of the 130 laps. Brian Schoenburg finished second with Byron Daley third. Bubble driver Josh Connors came home fourth, and with his 249 points on the week now sits twelfth in the NiPS standings. Ben Sexton made a great comeback to finish fifth after spinning on the first lap and sustaining some damage. He now sits on the bubble in twentieth position in the overall standings.

In Saturday’s second race, Pope was so dominant there was not a single lead change. Pope led all 130 laps in a narrow victory over Brad Davies. Justin Trombley came home third, with Jameson Spies fourth. Greg Spears, another bubble driver, finished fifth and now sits just a single point out of the top twenty in a close race that is surely to come down to the last race of the season.

Sunday was the last chance for the “bubble boys” to have a strong showing, and the last chance to score a coveted NiPS win at Phoenix. The race drew 29 drivers, all in one split and with that many drivers on the track, anything is possible. Schoenburg and Hunt led the majority of the race, but the big moment happened back in the field on a restart on Lap 58. The pack stacked up coming to the green, triggering a massive crash that completely blocked the front straightaway and destroyed several drivers’ chances to win, or even finish. In the end, Schoenburg scored the win.

Talladega doesn't have a monopoly on "The Big One."

Enthusiastic as always, Schoenburg detailed his winning move: “For the second time in two weeks, I’m really happy I ran the Sunday race. Started second and tried to follow Mitchell’s tire tracks for the first part of the race. His car looked really good. Caution came out with about 45 to go, and for the second time in two weeks…

My pit crew got me the clean air, and that’s all there was to it.”

Hunt finished second with Charles Cosper, Carlsson, and Pedro Mojica rounding out the top five. A good portion of the rest of the field looked more suitable for a junkyard than a racetrack and for some drivers, the bad break really hurt. Three bubble drivers looking for good finishes — Jon Adams, Rick Savage and Jean Costa — all were caught up in trouble and finished well down in the running order.

Next up on the schedule is the dreaded Talladega Superspeedway. Qualifying and executing green flag pit stops will mean everything as the NiPS aero package really does not allow for much passing on the race track, especially for the lead. For the bubble drivers, this is a make or break week. Do well, and a place in the NiSWC is waiting. Get in the Big One, and it is going to be one long offseason.

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O’Connell leaves Corvette

Long-time factory Corvette driver Johnny O’Connell is leaving his role with the squad’s American Le Mans Series and Le Mans 24 Hours programme, but will remain with the General Motors family to drive a Cadillac in the SCCA World Challenge GT series.

During his long association with Corvette, the 48-year-old notched up three ALMS class titles, took four class wins at Le Mans, and stretched his Sebring 12 Hours record to an eighth class victory.

“After 10 amazing years with Corvette Racing as part of one of the best American sportscar teams in history, I am extremely flattered that Cadillac selected me for this very important programme,” said O’Connell.

“I’m very proud to have won more ALMS races in Corvettes than any other driver and to set records at Sebring and Le Mans.

“I’ve enjoyed fantastic relationships with the team, with great friends and co-drivers like Ron Fellows and Jan Magnussen, and with Corvette enthusiasts around the world.

“I look forward to building a similar fan base with Team Cadillac and representing Cadillac for many years to come.”

GM Racing director Mark Kent added: “Johnny O’Connell has made a tremendous contribution to the success of Corvette Racing both on and off the track.”

Corvette will announce its revised 2011 line-up next month.

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Daydreaming About Eating Food May Help You Lose Weight

Dec 14, 2010 Karen Gaskell

Imagination May Help You Lose Weight - freedigitalphotos.net

Imagine this: Simply imagining that you are enjoying your favorite mouth-water foods, whether it is a juicy steak, chocolate ice cream or raspberry cheesecake, may actually cause you to eat less of it.

Those are the delicious results of five studies conducted by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, conducted to determine what impact “repetitive imaging” has on intake. The flavorful findings may offer a new weight loss method for dieters to use when they are trying to resist food cravings. The findings of the research were published in December, 2010 in the journal Science.

In one study, participants imagined inserting 33 quarters into a coin-operated washer. Another group put 30 coins in a washing machine and ate three M&M candies. The final group visualized placing three quarters in the washer and then eating 30 M&Ms. All three groups were then offered M&Ms from a bowl. The group that had imagined eating 30 M and M’s ate far fewer candies from the bowl than the other two groups.

Another study found volunteers who merely thought about M&Ms ate more of them than those who imagined eating them. The studies imply that "if we actually imagine consuming a food, that seems to decrease our desire for it, but just thinking about a food increases our appetite for it," noted lead author Carey Morewedge, a psychologist and assistant professor of social and decision sciences.

Americans Want to Improve Their Eating Habits

A 2005 Parade magazine survey that tracks the food shopping, eating and diet habits of Americans found 84% said they try to eat a nutritionally-balanced diet. Some 77% of people of those surveyed said they are eating more chicken, vegetables and fruits. The questionnaire was filled out by more than 2,000 U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 65.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends eating whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean meats, poultry , fish, beans and low-fat dairy items. It also suggests going light on sugar, salt and saturated fats.

Twenty-five percent of those surveyed in Parade said they don’t bother reading nutritional labels. Nearly 60% said while they are familiar with the USDA food pyramid guidelines, they don’t necessarily adhere to it. The survey also found that Americans continue to associate eating with pleasure and often see it as a reward. Nearly 90% said they eat dessert at least once a week.

Sources:

CBS News, “American Eating Habits” (Accessed December 14, 2010)

Medline Plus, “Nutrition” (Accessed December 14, 2010)

USA Today, “Imagining eating makes you eat less?” (Accessed December 14, 2010)

Copyright Karen Gaskell. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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Ireland pushes for WRC return

Ireland’s chances of returning to the World Rally Championship calendar have improved in the wake of a positive meeting between FIA vice-president Mohammed ben Sulayem and Irish senator Marc MacSharry.

Rally Ireland has not been included in the WRC since 2009 and it will not run next year. MacSharry is working to try and return the Sligo-based cross-border to the series for 2012. WRC promoter North One Sport will be presenting the 2012 calendar to the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council in March next year.

In the wake of his meeting with ben Sulayem, MacSharry said he would be contacting the Rally Ireland stakeholders Motorsport Ireland, Failte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the office of the Minister for Sport and the Secretary General of the Department in an attempt to further a formal bid to North One Sport.

In addition to chasing the return of world rallying, MacSharry also wants to see the FIA hierarchy in north-west Ireland.

“As a prelude to the WRC’s return I intend to illicit support to mount a bid for Sligo to host the World Motor Sport Council meeting in 2011 and the prestigious FIA General Assembly and prize giving in 2013,” said MacSharry.

“With Sligo as its lead, Ireland proved to the world that it can successfully bid for, win and host global events such as the WRC. In 2007, in particular, we displayed our capability to not just compete, but beat the best the rest could offer with the Irish round of the WRC ranking second in the championship and first in terms of television viewers worldwide.

“Some 800 million people viewed aspects of Rally Ireland that year between live and delayed coverage. Such exposure, together with direct revenue and tourism generation, is too big to ignore – especially in these recessionary times.”

Ben Sulayem said: “Senator MacSharry’s support for motorsport is most welcome and his enthusiasm and determination for Ireland’s hosting of FIA events is encouraging.

“Given Ireland’s long association with motorsport, its track record on Rally Ireland, together with the work and commitment of Motorsport Ireland and Senator MacSharry, clearly I would be supportive of any Irish Initiative to host the WRC or other FIA events.”

Rally Ireland has run as a WRC round twice, in 2007 and ’09.

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Boost Metabolism and Lose Weight Quickly

Dec 14, 2010 Shweta Shah

Improve metabolism with foods - Mikael H?ggstr?m

Eating certain foods and following specific guidelines can help increase the body’s metabolic activity significantly. A revved up metabolism improves the processes of digestion and assimilation, assists in optimal fat burning, prevents deposition of excessive fat, and consequently aids in significant weight loss.

Ways to Boost Metabolism

Here are a few easy-to follow techniques that help keep metabolic activity high:

• Have a wholesome breakfast: Eating breakfast peps up the body’s metabolism and provides sustained amounts of energy that maintains the metabolism at its optimum level. Opt for good quality protein, such as eggs or soy, complex carbohydrates like whole wheat and skimmed milk.
• Eat the majority of the food in the first half of the day: Dinner should be a light meal, and avoid eating after 8 p.m.
• Do not starve: Not eating or drastically cutting down on the calorie intake signals the body to go in to the starvation mode; and this slows down the metabolism.
• Eat small, frequent meals: Small and frequent meals keep the blood glucose level stable and prevent spiking. This generates a balanced source of energy to fuel the metabolic activity.
• Exercise: Exercise enhances cardio-vascular competence, pumps more blood, and consequently larger quantity of oxygen in to the cells, and thereby increases the metabolic efficiency.
• Consume 12 glasses of water per day: The energy-burning process of metabolism requires adequate water to work effectively.

Foods That Boost Metabolism: Weight Loss Foods

Certain specific foods are metabolism boosters and weight loss boosters. They keep one feeling full for longer; and importantly, contain negligible calories.

Fresh fruits, vegetables and soups are loaded with water, and allow one to eat more without raising the calorie intake.

High fiber foods increase satiety, prevent fluctuations in the insulin level, keep the digestive tract functioning optimally and prevent fat deposition.

Speed Up Metabolism with Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are highly nutrient dense foods. They are a wonderful source of innumerable nutrients and dietary fiber. Bell peppers speed up metabolic activity and help in quick burning of fat. The bell pepper contains capsaicin that has the ability to increase the metabolic rate and encourage burning of fat for energy.

Boost Metabolism Naturally with Apples

Apples are extremely low in calories, high in fiber; and keep one feeling fuller for longer. The fruit fights hunger pangs and satisfies cravings for sugar. It is packed with pectin, a soluble fiber that exerts a powerful force on the intestinal muscles’ ability to expel toxic wastes and built-up noxious matter. It brushes the colon clean, boosts metabolism and burns fat.

Increase Metabolism with Oats

Oats provide liberal amounts of dietary fiber. Oats have a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels of the body, and help maintain an optimum weight easily and naturally.

Boosting Metabolism and Losing Weight Fast

Once the metabolic rate increases, the body’s processes and functions get enhanced. Not only do digestion, absorption and assimilation improve, but also, the process of elimination gets perked up. As a result, the body throws out unwanted accumulated toxic wastes; and this assists in quick fat loss. What’s more, excessive deposition of fat does not take place. An enhanced metabolism burns fat faster; facilitates weight loss, and helps attain an ideal body weight.

Thus, weight loss and high metabolic activity are closely linked. Furthermore, increasing the body’s metabolism proffers several remarkable health benefits as well: retaining an ideal body weight, optimal functioning of the organ systems, better absorption of nutrients, expulsion of lethal wastes, high energy levels, anti-aging and an uplifted mood.

Reference:

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition and the Immune System: An Introduction, Chandra, R. K., 1997.

Copyright Shweta Shah. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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Kolles: Rookie drivers hampered HRT

Hispania team boss Colin Kolles believes his squad would have been a match for Lotus and Virgin if it had signed more experienced drivers for its debut season.

The squad was generally the slowest in the field this year, though it beat Virgin to 11th in the constructors’ championship on countback of best race results.

Hispania started the year with rookies Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok, and while later recruits Sakon Yamamoto and Christian Klien had previous Formula 1 experience, Lotus fielded two grand prix winners in Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli, and Virgin’s lead driver Timo Glock had the benefit of two full seasons with Toyota’s works team plus a partial campaign with Jordan in 2004.

Kolles pointed out that Hispania had achieved impressive reliability compared to its nearest rivals, and argued that once all three new teams were running similarly-inexperienced drivers in the Abu Dhabi rookie tests, the times were much closer.

“It was a difficult year but we were the most reliable new team,” he said.

“I think the only reason why we did not finish 10th is that teams like Lotus and Virgin had more experienced drivers during the whole season.

“I think that in testing we showed quite a good performance in relation to the other new teams.”

He added that after the pre-season upheaval that led to the squad changing from its proposed Campos set-up to its eventual form as Hispania, the focus for 2010 had just been on getting to the end of the year and gathering mileage.

“We improved over the season,” said Kolles. “Reliability was the first objective. We learnt a lot and hope that from now on we can concentrate more on improving the performance.”

He described his aims for 2011 as “to stabilise the team and to improve its performance.”

With Toyota having recently announced that a deal for it to provide Hispania’s 2011 chassis had fallen through, the team may have to rely on an updated version of its 2010 car next year. But it has secured a continuation of its Cosworth engine supply, and will receive transmission systems from Williams – which Kolles is confident will lead to an upturn in form.

“It cannot be wrong to have a package which proved to be on a regular basis in Q3 in qualifying,” he said.

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Vitamin D for Weight Loss

Dec 14, 2010 Jody Morse

Salmon Is a Good Source of Vitamin D. - Alpha

Most people are aware of the fact that vitamin D is an essential nutrient. It turns out that this vitamin may offer even more health benefits than we originally thought, however. Could vitamin D play a key role in weight loss? Here are some of the things that anyone who is trying to lose weight should know about using vitamin D for weight loss.

The Link Between Vitamin D and Weight Loss

Research has shown that there is a possible link between vitamin D and one’s ability to lose weight. According to the University of Minnesota, a study showed that individuals who did not consume adequate amounts of the vitamin had a more difficult time losing weight when they followed a diet that was lower in calories. While more research needs to be done to confirm the link, the research on vitamin D and weight loss seems promising.

Vitamin D for weight loss may also prove to be an ideal option for people who are trying to get rid of belly weight. The research on this vitamin has shown that individuals who did not consume adequate amounts tended to have more abdominal fat. This is good news because belly fat can be very difficult to lose.

How to Consume Vitamin D for Weight Loss

Anyone who is overweight or obese may want to take advantage of the link between vitamin D and weight loss. It is possible to increase consumption by getting more exposure to sunlight and eating foods which are rich in this vitamin, such as fatty fish, cod liver oil, eggs and vitamin D-fortified whole grains and milk. Keep in mind that the best way to increase vitamin D for weight loss is to take a supplement, as most people do not get adequate amounts through diet or sunlight alone.

One of the things to be aware of is how much of the vitamin you should be consuming each day. Adults are recommended to take at least 1,000 IU and no more than 2,000 IU, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For vitamin D and weight loss, some experts recommend taking more than 2,000 IU. To find out how much vitamin D is safe for you to take, be sure to ask your doctor.

While the effectiveness of vitamin D for weight loss has not yet been proven, the link seems promising. Keep in mind that weight loss is not the only health benefit of increasing your intake of this vitamin. Vitamin B has been linked to lower instances of osteoporosis, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and various other health problems.

Sources:

University of Maryland Medical Center, “Vitamin D” (accessed December 14, 2010).

University of Minnesota, “Vitamin D and weight loss” (accessed December 14, 2010).

Copyright Jody Morse. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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How Many Calories a Day Should I Consume on a Diet?

Dec 12, 2010 Riki Markowitz

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The number of calories you need while on a diet depends on your weight, age, gender and activity level. The best way to lose weight is by taking in fewer calories than you use and exercising regularly.

Calorie Deficit

The National Institutes of Health reports that 1 lb. of fat is equivalent to about 3,500 calories. So in order to drop 1 lb. a week, you need to consume 500 fewer calories daily or burn 500 calories a day through exercise. You can also do a combination of both. For example, burn 250 calories while exercising and eat 250 fewer calories a day.

If you’re overweight, chances are that you’re taking in too many calories. You may be able to lose a few pounds simply by eating the number of calories recommended for you based on your sex, activity level and age.

Recommended Calorie Requirements

The American Heart Association, known as the AHA, reports that most moderately active women should consume between 1,800 to 2,200 calories a day. Moderately-active men need 2,200 to 2,800 calories a day. If you workout rarely, you need fewer calories. Most sedentary women need 1,600 to 2,000 calories daily. Sedentary men need 2,000 to 2,400 calories a day. Females who are physically active need to consume between 2,000 to 2,000 calories a day and physically active males need 2,400 to 3,000 calories a day.

A sedentary lifestyle is defined by the AHA as doing only light physical activity apart from your daily routine. A moderately active lifestyle means that your physical activity is equivalent to walking about 1.5 to 3 miles daily at 3 to 4 miles per hour, in addition to your normal daily routine. An active lifestyle is equivalent to walking more than 3 miles daily at 3 to 4 mils per our in addiction to your daily routine. Physical activity guidelines, described by the American College of Sports Medicine, indicates that healthy adults under the age of 65 should do moderately intense cardio exercises 30 minutes a day, five days a week or vigorously intense cardio exercise 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week. A moderately intense cardio workout requires you to raise your heart rate and break a sweat.

Even when dieting, you still need a minimum number of calories in order to meet your recommended daily allowance of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The University of Florida reports that females need to consume no fewer than 1,200 calories a day. Males need to consume at least 1,600 calories day.

Copyright Riki Markowitz. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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