The Best Weight Loss Blog For Women: 2013

Fifteen Fascinating Fat Facts

We all need body fat to live. In fact, it is so essential to normal, healthy functioning that an average,

size 10, slim female carries approximately 100,000 calories of fat on her body.That’s equal to 54

packs of butter in total but before you get too depressed, it’s also enough to fuel the energy required to shop for 86 days
Thinking can make you fat! Brand new research, conducted at Laval University in Canada has shown that although thinking hard and concentrating doesn’t require any extra calories, it does stimulate the body to feel hungrier. So much so in fact that volunteers of the study that were asked to carry out mentally challenging tasks went on to eat 253 more calories (almost 30% more) in just one meal than those that were told to daydream.
Most people gain an average of just 1g of extra body fat a day - but before you reach for that second slice of cake consider this. 1 gram a day equals 365 grams of extra body fat a year. A gain of 365g every year after the age of 25 would mean that by the time you hit your 50th birthday you’d have laid down an extra 20 lbs (almost one and a half stones) of excess body fat – or as it’s better known ...middle aged spread!
A typical adult has approximately 50 billion fat cells which means there are more fat cells in one human body than there are people on the earth.
First the good news…fat cells generally do not increase in number after puberty so even if you gain weight the number of fat cells you have remains the same. Now the the bad news... Each fat cell simply gets bigger and can expand up to ten times its normal size.
Fat cells exist in all parts of the body except the eyelids, parts of the esophagus, the brain and the penis.
Female breasts are composed almost entirely of fat which is one reason why, when dieting, they tend to reduce in size long before you lose the wobble elsewhere!
Spot reduction, the term used for attempting to reduce fat by exercising the muscle underneath fat deposits (such as doing sit ups to get rid of abdominal fat or thigh raises to get rid of fat stored on the hips) does not work. If it did, all gum chewers would have skinny faces!
1 pound of body fat is equal to 3,500 calories. To burn off 3,500 calories the average woman would need to do 6 step classes, walk briskly for almost 9 hours or run for 33 miles. To eat 3,500 calories she’d need to chomp through almost 50 apples or just two and a half Indian takeaways.
At 9 calories per gram, fat is the most calorific nutrient we can eat. Alcohol contains 7 Kcals per gram. Protein and carbohydrate contain approximately 4 Kcals per gram.
The places you predominantly store fat and the places you lose it from first are largely determined by your gender (women tend to store it around their hips, bottom and thighs, men around their abdomen) and your genes – so choose your parents wisely!
Fat cells live for an average of ten years. Once a fat cell dies the body makes a brand new one to take its place. However, once brain cells die they are gone for good which is why as we age we may lose our memory but love handles can stay for life!
Fat cells die at the rate of 150 per second.
An average fat cell can only store half a millionth of a gram of fat therefore it takes 4 million fat cells to store the energy equivalent of a Tic Tac.
The ‘Tape Worm Diet’ is one of the craziest diets ever invented to reduce body fat. Under the plan, followers simply swallow tapeworms then allow them to sit inside their intestines and dine off their dinner. Apart from the bit where you actually eat the worm and the side effects of bloating, nausea, and diarrhoea there was a very real danger that the worms could lay eggs in other tissues, such as the nervous system, which could cause seizures, dementia and meningitis.

Burn the stubborn fat with the revolutionary female weight loss system- The Venus Factor

The Venus Factor is a diet and fitness system for the female body that has taken a new approach to weight loss for women. The program has quickly drawn the attention of women across the world for its potential of reshaping the female body.

Most fad diets talk about terms most women are familiar with: carbohydrates, sugar, protein and fat. But the Venus Factor focuses on an all new component- leptin. This is a hormone that regulates appetite, metabolism and weight. Women who are overweight almost certainly have leptin resistance, meaning that their bodies don’t react to leptin the same way as men’s do. Their brains don’t get the signal that they've had enough to eat, which makes it way too easy to take in too many calories.

What the Venus Factor will teach you is exactly how to use leptin in order to carve the body of your dreams.

When you order the system you will get:

The essential fat loss diet guide- This is the main book. It gives all the information about losing weight, dieting, working out and using leptin to skyrocket your metabolism.
The fat burning 12-week workout program for body reshaping- This is a workout program that can be done either at home, in the gym or outdoors. It comes with some great instructional exercises videos to get you started.
You also get The Virtual Nutritionist application software that will help you calculate the amount of protein and calories you should consume after taking into account your body measurements.
It also includes The Venus Index Podcast that can significantly boost your motivation levels when you hear other member’s journey to weight loss. You can also share your weight loss story as well if you want to!
Last but not least, you will get access to the amazing Venus Community. This is a forum which only women who bought the system have access to. This creates a supportive and very active community of women that are going through the same challenges.

And as if all of this is not enough to make it a "no-brainer", you also get a 60 day money back guarantee. If for whatever reason the system turns out to be different than what you might have expected, you will get a 100% money back guarantee just by sending an email, no questions asked.

Eager to find out more about the Venus Factor? Thеn click here or on the button below to watch an eye-opening video presentation by the creators of the system!

7 Day Detox Plan

Rather than following an extreme detox plan that limits just about every food except fruit and veg while at the same time getting you to down a nasty ‘detox’ drink every day, this plan is safer and more sensible and shouldn’t leave you short on nutrients if you follow it for just one week.

Foods to include in the plan

Your plan can include:

Fruit – your plan can include any fruit including fresh, frozen, dried or canned in natural fruit juice. This includes apples, bananas, pears, oranges, grapefruit, satsumas, sultanas, raisins, pineapple, mango, kiwi fruit, strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, nectarines, peaches, melons, star fruit etc

Fruit juice – either make homemade fruit juices or smoothies from fresh fruit, or drink ready-made juices. Make sure ready-made juices are labelled as being ‘pure’ or ‘unsweetened’.

Vegetables – eat any vegetables including fresh, frozen or canned in water (without salt added). This includes carrots, onions, turnip, swede, sprouts, cabbage, peppers, mushrooms, sweetcorn, peppers, leeks, courgettes, broccoli, cauliflower, salad, tomatoes, cucumber, spring onions etc

Beans and lentils – eat any beans, including those that have been dried or canned in water. This includes red kidney, haricot, cannellini, butter, black eye, pinto, red lentils, green lentils and brown lentils

Tofu and Quorn

Oats – sprinkle oats over fresh fruit or use to make porridge, sweetened with honey and fresh fruit

Potatoes – all types

Brown rice and rice noodles

Rye crackers, rice cakes and oatcakes

Fresh fish – eat any fresh fish including cod, plaice, mackerel, salmon, lobster, crab, trout, haddock, tuna, prawns, Dover sole, red mullet, halibut, lemon sole, monkfish, swordfish etc. Canned fish in water is suitable too eg salmon or tuna

Unsalted nuts – eat any including Brazil, peanuts, almonds, cashew, hazel nuts, macadamia, pecans, pine nuts, pistachio, walnuts etc

Unsalted seeds – eat any including sunflower and pumpkin

Plain popcorn – without sugar or salt

Live natural yoghurt

Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Garlic, ginger and fresh herbs

Ground black pepper

Honey

Water – at least 2 litres a day. Tap or mineral water is fine.

Herbal or fruit teas

Foods to avoid during your detox

Red meat, chicken, turkey and any meat products like sausages, burgers, and pate

Milk, cheese, eggs, cream

Butter and margarine

Any food that contains wheat including bread, croissants, cereals, cakes, biscuits, pies, pastry, quiche, battered or breadcrumbed foods, etc

Crisps and savoury snacks including salted nuts

Chocolate, sweets, jam and sugar

Processed foods, ready meals, ready-made sauces and takeaways

Alcohol

Coffee and tea

Sauces, pickles, shop bought salad dressing, mayonnaise

Salt

Fizzy drinks and squashes, including diet versions

Detox Plan Breakfasts

Banana porridge

Porridge made with water and topped with natural yoghurt, banana, raisins and sweetened with honey.

Fruit salad with yoghurt and oats

Fresh fruit salad with natural yoghurt and a sprinkling of oats.

Fresh fruit smoothie

Fruit smoothie made from fresh fruit, natural yoghurt and honey to sweeten if needed.

Muesli and yoghurt

Homemade muesli made from oats, seeds, nuts and dried fruit served with natural yoghurt.

Fresh fruit and yoghurt

Fresh fruit and a pot of natural yoghurt sweetened with honey.

Detox Plan Lunches

Vegetable soup and oatcakes

Large bowl of vegetable or lentil soup (either homemade or supermarket ‘fresh’) with oatcakes.

Tuna and sweetcorn jacket potato and salad

Jacket potato topped with tuna (canned in water) mixed with sweetcorn and natural yoghurt and served with salad.

Mediterranean salad with rice cakes

Rice cakes served with rocket, avocado, tomatoes, fresh basil and black pepper. Plus a handful of unsalted nuts.

Guacamole with crudités

Homemade guacamole made from avocado, lemon juice, fresh chilli, tomatoe and garlic served with vegetable crudités and oatcakes.

Tzatziki with crudités

Homemade tzatziki made from natural yoghurt, garlic, cucumber and lemon juice served with vegetable crudités and oatcakes.

Avocado and prawn salad

Fresh avocado served with prawns, salad, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice.

Jacket potato with grilled cod

Grilled cod fillet served with jacket potatoes and lightly steamed vegetables.

Detox Plan Dinners

Chinese vegetable stir fry

Stir fry a selection of vegetables such as bok choi, spring onions, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and beansprouts in a little olive oil with garlic and ginger. Serve with brown rice.

Baked salmon with jacket potato

Bake a salmon fillet and serve with a jacket potato and steamed vegetables.

Tuna and prawns with noodles

Gently fry a selection of vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, peppers, courgette and leek in a little olive oil. When lightly browned, add a handful of prawns. Cook for a few minutes, then add canned tomatoes, tomato puree, black pepper and tuna canned in water. Bring to the boil and simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve with rice noodles.

Sweet and sour stir fry with rice

Gently fry a selection of chopped vegetables such as onions, peppers, baby sweetcorn and mushrooms. Add canned pineapple (in fruit juice), canned tomatoes, tomato purée, white wine vinegar and honey. Bring to the boil and simmer until the sauce has thickened. Serve with brown rice.

Potato and bean casserole

Gently fry a selection of typical casserole vegetables such as onion, carrots and parsnip in a little olive oil with garlic. When browned, add diced potato and fry for a few minutes. Add fresh vegetable stock, black pepper and your favourite beans. Bring to the boil and simmer until the casserole thickens.
Detox Plan Snacks

Fresh fruit or fresh fruit salad
Natural yoghurt mixed with honey
Plain popcorn
Handful of unsalted nuts or seeds

The essential fat loss diet guide- This is the main book. It gives all the information about losing weight, dieting, working out and using leptin to skyrocket your metabolism.
The fat burning 12-week workout program for body reshaping- This is a workout program that can be done either at home, in the gym or outdoors. It comes with some great instructional exercises videos to get you started.
You also get The Virtual Nutritionist application software that will help you calculate the amount of protein and calories you should consume after taking into account your body measurements.
It also includes The Venus Index Podcast that can significantly boost your motivation levels when you hear other member’s journey to weight loss. You can also share your weight loss story as well if you want to!
Last but not least, you will get access to the amazing Venus Community. This is a forum which only women who bought the system have access to. This creates a supportive and very active community of women that are going through the same challenges.

Eager to find out more about the Venus Factor? Thеn click here or on the button below to watch an eye-opening video presentation by the creators of the system!

4 Ways to Get Your Juice On

In health-minded circles, "juicing" has become a buzzword – and not in the steroid-abuse way. Fresh vegetable juice drinkers – including Madonna and Natalie Portman – extol the panacean power of juice, claiming radiant skin, weight loss, increased energy, and even a cure for cancer. “If there’s only one thing you do in the day, you take that time out and have that morning juice,” says Ana Ladd-Griffin, a nutrition counselor and business manager for detoxer-to-the-stars Natalia Rose. New York juice emporium Organic Avenue is opening a total of four stores in 2010, including its new outlet in Norma Kamali’s flagship boutique. “There’s a lot of demand for the juice. It’s not a luxury product it’s a necessity,” says Doug Evans, Organic Avenue CEO. “Most of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit models drink the juice on a regular basis.” Juice bars and even home delivery services are popping up everywhere: Ladd-Griffin’s program now freezes and ships juice across the country, and Organic Avenue delivers green drinks to subscribers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Watts – even in the middle of the night. But not all juice packs the punch. Here's what to look for.

1. Greens: While orange or other fruit juices may already be part of your daily routine, it's the veggies that make an impact. “More minerals, less sugars,” Evans says. Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale have important antioxidants and minerals like calcium and iron. “All of the nutrients and enzymes that vegetables carry, if you drink in the juice form, you’re mainlining it,” says Ladd-Griffin.

2. Organic: Don't assume – ask. Many restaurants will skimp on quality and use “wishy-washy” produce to save money, says Evans of Organic Avenue, which uses only certified organics. For a clear complexion, it's best to stay pesticide-free. “The toxic residue from the conventional produce gets concentrated in the juicing process,” Evans says. Some nutritionists claim that if juice is not organic, it's not worth it, because the sprayed stuff does not have the same nutritional value. “They just don’t have the same life force,” Ladd-Griffin says.

3. Pressed: While centrifugal juicers, which use a spinning process, are the most common, high-tech pressing equipment minimizes produce oxidation, preserving the quality. Fruits and vegetables begin to lose nutrients as soon as they go through the centrifuge, but pressed juices retain their power for three or four days. “There’s actually a great fallacy that juice made on demand in front of a consumer is most likely superior to juice made in a certified juicing facility,” Evans says.

4. Just juice: Look for juice that is raw, nothing added or processed. Besides containing additives, brand-name juice on the shelf has been pasteurized, which kills vital enzymes. “You’re actually changing the metabolic composition of the juice,” Evans says, “because it’s now dead.”

Burn the stubborn fat with the revolutionary female weight loss system- The Venus Factor

The Venus Factor is a diet and fitness system for the female body that has taken a new approach to weight loss for women. The program has quickly drawn the attention of women across the world for its potential of reshaping the female body.

Most fad diets talk about terms most women are familiar with: carbohydrates, sugar, protein and fat. But the Venus Factor focuses on an all new component- leptin. This is a hormone that regulates appetite, metabolism and weight. Women who are overweight almost certainly have leptin resistance, meaning that their bodies don’t react to leptin the same way as men’s do. Their brains don’t get the signal that they've had enough to eat, which makes it way too easy to take in too many calories.

What the Venus Factor will teach you is exactly how to use leptin in order to carve the body of your dreams.

When you order the system you will get:

The essential fat loss diet guide- This is the main book. It gives all the information about losing weight, dieting, working out and using leptin to skyrocket your metabolism.
The fat burning 12-week workout program for body reshaping- This is a workout program that can be done either at home, in the gym or outdoors. It comes with some great instructional exercises videos to get you started.
You also get The Virtual Nutritionist application software that will help you calculate the amount of protein and calories you should consume after taking into account your body measurements.
It also includes The Venus Index Podcast that can significantly boost your motivation levels when you hear other member’s journey to weight loss. You can also share your weight loss story as well if you want to!
Last but not least, you will get access to the amazing Venus Community. This is a forum which only women who bought the system have access to. This creates a supportive and very active community of women that are going through the same challenges.

Eager to find out more about the Venus Factor? Thеn click here or on the button below to watch an eye-opening video presentation by the creators of the system!

5 Healthy Foods You Should Eat Every Day

The new trend among the weight conscious? Eating more. Don't focus on consuming less of the "bad" foods — aim to incorporate more of the good foods into your diet. Not only will you feel less deprived, but you'll also end up being too full to crave the junk. Try these five nutritional superstars for a result that's even greater than the sum of its wholesome parts.

1. Spinach

For $1.50, the price of a large bag of spinach at most grocery stores, you can reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis, lower your cholesterol, and raise your I.Q. Spinach is an excellent bone-builder, containing vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium. It's also high in flavonoids, plant molecules that act as antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent breast, stomach, skin, and ovarian cancer. Spinach is a great source of vitamin A and vitamin C, which not only keep you from getting sick in the winter, but also de-clog your arteries and reduce heart disease.

Spinach contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the brain, thereby preventing the effects of aging on mental activity. Scientific studies have demonstrated that both animals and people who eat a few servings of spinach per day improve their learning capacities and motor skills.

Serving ideas: Sauté spinach with olive oil, pine nuts, and raisins — the olive oil will help you to better absorb its nutrients. Don't love the flavor so much? Try these spinach brownies from Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious cookbook — you won't taste a thing.

2. Eggs

In the Snackwell-crazed '90s, dieters feared eggs because of their fat and cholesterol content and suffered through millions of tasteless egg-white omelets. But research has shown little, if any, connection between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol, and the humble egg is finally being recognized for the remarkably complete set of nutrients it provides. It makes sense: Something that contains the ingredients for an entire life can give you the fuel you need to get through the morning.

Eggs are a great source of protein, containing all eight amino acids (if you eat the whole thing). As any healthy dieter knows, protein is essential for staying full and having energy.

Serving ideas: For breakfast on the go, roll up a veggie omelet in a whole-wheat wrap. Or, update the classic egg salad by chopping yours up with Italian tuna, black olives, and some olive oil and vinegar.

3. Blueberries

A Tufts University study found blueberries were the number one source of antioxidants among 60 fruits and vegetables analyzed. Blueberries contain antioxidants that can (get ready): prevent ulcers, cataracts, and glaucoma; decrease risks of heart disease and various types of cancer; and lower cholesterol. They can also reduce aging of the brain, keeping your memory sharp and diminishing the effects of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Serving ideas: Throw some frozen ones in the blender with honey or agave syrup for a granita-like treat. Or, serve in a salad with spinach, sliced almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette for a light and gourmet lunch.

4. Apples

Eating an apple a day can keep all kinds of doctors away, from physicians to dentists. Apples contain both insoluble and soluble fiber, which not only make them filling, but also work double time to reduce cholesterol. Some doctors even recommend drinking apple juice after eating a fatty meal to reduce the food's negative effects on your body.

Apples have been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease. And if that's not enough to make you bite into a Fuji or McIntosh, consider this: Chewing apples stimulates saliva, which scrubs stains off your teeth and freshens breath instantly.

Serving ideas: Spread peanut butter on sliced apples for a yummy taste of childhood. Or, dice them up in your oatmeal before cooking and sprinkle with cinnamon for an apple pie-flavored breakfast.

5. Winter Squash

One cup of winter squash provides 170 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin A, a nutrient necessary for night vision that's hard to find in other foods. Squash's bright orange color comes from a high dose of carotenoids, antioxidants that prevent eye degeneration due to aging and filter out carcinogenic light rays. Makes you think of jack-o'-lanterns in a new "light," doesn't it?

Roast the seeds alongside the flesh and you'll reap a host of other benefits. Winter squash seeds contain a significant amount of L-tryptophan, which can help to prevent depression. They're also a rich source of magnesium, a mineral Americans don't consume nearly enough that's vital to almost every bodily function. Eating your daily dose of magnesium will lower your risks for heart disease, abdominal obesity, and diabetes.

Serving ideas: Mix canned or pureed squash with cinnamon and the sweetener of your choice for a decadent and surprisingly low-cal treat reminiscent of Thanksgiving candied yams. One-half cup of pureed pumpkin has 40 calories, in contrast with yam's 180 (and that's if you don't add butter or marshmallows). Or, roll the seeds in cinnamon and sugar, crunchy sea salt, or curry powder, then roast them in the oven. And don't limit yourself to pumpkin — delicata and kabocha squash seeds are equally nutritious, with their own unique, nutty flavors.

Burn the stubborn fat with the revolutionary female weight loss system- The Venus Factor

The Venus Factor is a diet and fitness system for the female body that has taken a new approach to weight loss for women. The program has quickly drawn the attention of women across the world for its potential of reshaping the female body.

Most fad diets talk about terms most women are familiar with: carbohydrates, sugar, protein and fat. But the Venus Factor focuses on an all new component- leptin. This is a hormone that regulates appetite, metabolism and weight. Women who are overweight almost certainly have leptin resistance, meaning that their bodies don’t react to leptin the same way as men’s do. Their brains don’t get the signal that they've had enough to eat, which makes it way too easy to take in too many calories.

What the Venus Factor will teach you is exactly how to use leptin in order to carve the body of your dreams.

When you order the system you will get:

The essential fat loss diet guide- This is the main book. It gives all the information about losing weight, dieting, working out and using leptin to skyrocket your metabolism.
The fat burning 12-week workout program for body reshaping- This is a workout program that can be done either at home, in the gym or outdoors. It comes with some great instructional exercises videos to get you started.
You also get The Virtual Nutritionist application software that will help you calculate the amount of protein and calories you should consume after taking into account your body measurements.
It also includes The Venus Index Podcast that can significantly boost your motivation levels when you hear other member’s journey to weight loss. You can also share your weight loss story as well if you want to!
Last but not least, you will get access to the amazing Venus Community. This is a forum which only women who bought the system have access to. This creates a supportive and very active community of women that are going through the same challenges.

Eager to find out more about the Venus Factor? Thеn click here or on the button below to watch an eye-opening video presentation by the creators of the system!

Discover The Ultimate Girl's Guide to Detoxing

Six different ways to detox, how they work, and what you should know before you try them. What would you look like at your goal weight?

From juice cleanses to salt rooms, IV cocktails to sweat therapy, detox continues to be the health trend du jour. And, says Dr. Rashmi Gulati, the director at New York’s Patients Medical, there’s no better time than now to clear your body of toxins. In the fall and winter, Gulati explains, the body goes into a state of quasi-hibernation. Come spring, your body — in harmony with nature — is ready for a rebirth.

Here, we take a look at six different ways to detox, how they work, and what you should know before you try them.

Juice Cleanse

What it is: All juice, all the time.
How it works: The basic premise behind juicing is that it frees up energy to engage in deep cleaning. Blueprint Cleanse founder Zoe Sakoutis explains, “The energy normally spent on breaking down a sandwich, a Twinkie, or even a big healthy salad can now be re-directed to helping the body ‘clean house.’”
Need to know: The cleanse will go down much better if you prepare your body for it — which means phasing out meat, dairy, coffee, and alcohol prior to juicing.

IV Therapy

What it is: An intravenous injection that bypasses the digestive track and delivers detoxifying agents directly to the tissues and cells.
How it works: IV therapy can be used to build up the body’s nutritional stores — i.e., infuse minerals and vitamins directly to tissues and cells — and to extract toxins through the use of chelating agents. Either way, the main advantage of IV therapy is that it’s a direct line to bloodstream.
Need to know: This is not your standard spa treatment and should only be administered by an accredited physician, nurse, or medical assistant.

Halotherapy

What it is: Halotherapy, or salt therapy, historically meant a visit to one of Europe’s salt caves. Now we have manmade salt rooms.
How it works: Because of the dry, highly dispersible nature of rock salt, it is able to travel through the airways and absorbs bacteria and mucus from your lungs. It’s also thought to have a beneficial impact on skin irritations, asthma, and allergies.
Need to know: Salt therapy won’t immediately cure that winter cold you’ve been battling or that bout of rosacea. Give it time: Expect to see and feel results after about three or four trips.

Sweat Therapy

What it is: Call it a steam room, sauna, banya, or hammam, the basic idea is this: It’s hot, you’re sweating.
How it works: Our skin is the biggest organ in our body and when we sweat, we’re not just cooling down our body, but also eliminating toxins.
Need to know: Lower temperature saunas are thought to be more effective as a detoxifying technique because they stimulate a “fat sweat” as opposed to a “water sweat.” Either way, be sure to take it slowly and drink plenty of water.

Lymphatic Massage

What it is: A gentle massage targeting the lymphatic system.
How it works: Soft-touch opening techniques promote lymph flow and help move stagnant energy, stimulating the immune system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
Need to know: Make sure your therapist is certified in manual lymphatic drainage therapy (LDT) and avoid this type of massage if you have a heart condition or are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.

Mud Therapy

What it is: A full-body mud or clay wrap or bath.
How it works: “Bentonite clay particles carry a negative electrical charge, while toxins carry a positive charge” explains Kelli Ziegler, director of the Spa at Camelback Inn. “The negatively charged molecules draw the positively-charged toxins out through the skin pores.”
Need to know: Mud therapy is not for the claustrophobic, as it typically involves being wrapped up in a cocoon-like sleeping bag or layer of towels and heating pads, for at least 20 minutes. It’s also not recommend for pregnant women or those with iodine or shellfish allergies.

Burn the stubborn fat with the revolutionary female weight loss system- The Venus Factor

The Venus Factor is a diet and fitness system for the female body that has taken a new approach to weight loss for women. The program has quickly drawn the attention of women across the world for its potential of reshaping the female body.

Most fad diets talk about terms most women are familiar with: carbohydrates, sugar, protein and fat. But the Venus Factor focuses on an all new component- leptin. This is a hormone that regulates appetite, metabolism and weight. Women who are overweight almost certainly have leptin resistance, meaning that their bodies don’t react to leptin the same way as men’s do. Their brains don’t get the signal that they've had enough to eat, which makes it way too easy to take in too many calories.

What the Venus Factor will teach you is exactly how to use leptin in order to carve the body of your dreams.

When you order the system you will get:

The essential fat loss diet guide- This is the main book. It gives all the information about losing weight, dieting, working out and using leptin to skyrocket your metabolism.
The fat burning 12-week workout program for body reshaping- This is a workout program that can be done either at home, in the gym or outdoors. It comes with some great instructional exercises videos to get you started.
You also get The Virtual Nutritionist application software that will help you calculate the amount of protein and calories you should consume after taking into account your body measurements.
It also includes The Venus Index Podcast that can significantly boost your motivation levels when you hear other member’s journey to weight loss. You can also share your weight loss story as well if you want to!
Last but not least, you will get access to the amazing Venus Community. This is a forum which only women who bought the system have access to. This creates a supportive and very active community of women that are going through the same challenges.

Eager to find out more about the Venus Factor? Thеn click here or on the button below to watch an eye-opening video presentation by the creators of the system!

DISCOVER THE TOP FAT-BURNING FOODS

One of the best ways to begin reaching your goals is to learn which foods do good things to your body. These 10 fat-burning foods should be included in your diet plan .

1 Oatmeal

Aside from being easy to cook, oatmeal is a great fat burner because it is rich in insoluble and soluble fiber. Read the label on those pre-measured packets though, most of them have lots of sugar.

Oatmeal Macros
1 cup (cooked):
Calories: 111
Fat: 2g
Carbs: 19g
Protein: 5g

2 Chicken Breast

Nope, it's not your momma's fried chicken, although I'm sure that was delicious. I'm talking about lean chicken breast without skin or bone. It's one of the best fat-burning foods you can eat.

Chicken Breast Macros
In 1 breast (3 oz):
Calories: 142
Fat: 3.1g
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 26.7g

3 Egg Whites

Egg whites are low in calories and high in protein. This equation equals energy for fat burning and building muscles.

Egg Whites Macros
In 3 egg whites:
Calories: 34
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 7g

4 Brown Rice

Packed with fiber and essential nutrients, brown rice slowly absorbs in the bloodstream. You can't go wrong with this fat-burning carbohydrate.

Brown Rice Macros
In 1/2 cup:
Calories: 109
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 23g
Protein: 2g

5 Fish Oils

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fish oils have some incredible qualities. They increase your thermogenesis, making you burn more calories; they have an anti-catabolic effect, which prevents muscle breakdown; and they are anti-lipogenics, which means they reduce fat-storage. What more reason do you need to include them in your diet plan?

Fish Oil Macros
In 1 tablespoon:
Calories: 113
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 0g

6 Asparagus

Asparagus contains the plant chemical asparagine, an alkaloid that directly affects cells and breaks down fat. It also contains a chemical that helps remove waste from the body, which in turn helps reduce fat.

Asparagus Macros
In 4 spears (cooked):
Calories: 13
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 2g
Protein: 1g

7 Almonds

Loaded with Omega-3 fats, Almonds have been proven to increase fat-burning properties in the human body.

Almonds Macros
In 2 handfuls:
Calories: 216
Fat: 19g
Carbs: 8g
Protein: 8g

8 Garlic

One of the best components of garlic, besides its flavor, is Allicin. Allicin is a compound that helps flush fat from the body. Garlic has also been known to help maintain healthy blood-pressure levels.

Garlic Macros
In 1 clove:
Calories: 4
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 0g

9 Tomatoes

Tomatoes are soldiers in the war to stay healthy! Not only are they great oxidizers and metabolizers of body-fat, but they might also help lower blood pressure and fight certain types of cancers.

Tomato Macros
In 1 tomato:
Calories: 15
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 3g
Protein: 0g

10 Apples

Apples are a great fat-burning fruit, in part because they are high in fiber. Moreover, the pectin in apples restricts fat absorption and encourages water absorption in your body's cells. Other great fat-burning fruits are oranges, peaches, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits.

Apple Macros
In 1 apple:
Calories: 91
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 24g
Protein: 0g
Remember, 80 percent of obtaining your fitness goals comes from your diet, so pay close attention to what you put into your body. We've all heard the saying, "You are what you eat." Eat these awesome fat-burning foods and become a fat-burner yourself!

Burn the stubborn fat with the revolutionary female weight loss system- The Venus Factor

The Venus Factor is a diet and fitness system for the female body that has taken a new approach to weight loss for women. The program has quickly drawn the attention of women across the world for its potential of reshaping the female body.

Most fad diets talk about terms most women are familiar with: carbohydrates, sugar, protein and fat. But the Venus Factor focuses on an all new component- leptin. This is a hormone that regulates appetite, metabolism and weight. Women who are overweight almost certainly have leptin resistance, meaning that their bodies don’t react to leptin the same way as men’s do. Their brains don’t get the signal that they've had enough to eat, which makes it way too easy to take in too many calories.

What the Venus Factor will teach you is exactly how to use leptin in order to carve the body of your dreams.

When you order the system you will get:

The essential fat loss diet guide- This is the main book. It gives all the information about losing weight, dieting, working out and using leptin to skyrocket your metabolism.
The fat burning 12-week workout program for body reshaping- This is a workout program that can be done either at home, in the gym or outdoors. It comes with some great instructional exercises videos to get you started.
You also get The Virtual Nutritionist application software that will help you calculate the amount of protein and calories you should consume after taking into account your body measurements.
It also includes The Venus Index Podcast that can significantly boost your motivation levels when you hear other member’s journey to weight loss. You can also share your weight loss story as well if you want to!
Last but not least, you will get access to the amazing Venus Community. This is a forum which only women who bought the system have access to. This creates a supportive and very active community of women that are going through the same challenges.

Eager to find out more about the Venus Factor? Thеn click here or on the button below to watch an eye-opening video presentation by the creators of the system!

DIABETES DETOX

Diabetes is running rampant in our country. If you are one of the several million who have this condition, then this article is for you. It will teach you how to manage your food and therefore manage your blood sugar.

Type I diabetes is a condition in which the body produces very low amounts of insulin or none at all. Type II diabetics have low insulin receptors. Either way it creates a no-holds-barred situation for your internal system, and that's exactly how you need to fight back… NO HOLDS BARRED!

Your body uses insulin to convert the food you eat into energy. Here's how the process works in a non-diabetic person: calories are consumed, blood sugar rises, then the pancreas releases insulin to convert the sugar into energy. Any sugar not used as energy will be stored as fat to be used as energy later.

However, if you have diabetes the process works differently: you consume calories, insulin is released in response to the increased blood sugar but your body is unable to use the insulin effectively. Your brain sees that your blood sugar is still going up, so it asks your pancreas to release more insulin. But since your body can't use it's insulin to convert sugars into fuel, these sugars are now stored as fat, or they float around your blood stream. None of this is good.

Fortunately, there's a food plan you can use to give your body only the type and amount of food that it can effectively manage. It's called a food plan because it's not a quick fix diet; it's for life.

To use this food plan effectively, you should be familiar with the following food groups and how to best use them to your advantage:

Foods To Use To Your Advantage

Proteins: Proteins include meat, eggs, and low fat cheese. They raise your blood sugar only slightly and keep your belly full.

Fats: Fats are not the enemy. Some are better than other, though. Low polyunsaturated fats are good fats. They raise your good cholesterol (LDL) and encourage your body to use stored body fat as fuel. Try to avoid hydrogenated and trans fats. Fats do not raise your blood sugar.

Carbohydrates: These are the enemy! Again, some are better than others depending on their glycemic index reading. Lower glycemic carbs raise your blood sugar to a moderate level over a longer period of time. High glycemic carbs raise your blood sugar really high, really fast. Avoid high glycemic carbs!

So in this food plan, you can eat:

Unlimited Amounts Of Proteins Such As:

Chicken breast
Lean pork
Eggs - No really! They raise good cholesterol as much as bad.
Steak
90/10 ground beef
Tuna
Salmon
Shrimp
Scallops
White fish
Egg beaters

Unlimited Amounts Of Veggies Such As:

Lettuce
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Green beans
Tomato
Cucumber
Tomato
Asparagus
Spinach
Okra
Yellow squash
Peppers
Mushrooms
Onions
Zucchini
Cabbage

Unlimited Amounts Of Fats Such As:

Almonds
Walnuts
Cashews
Pecans
Pistachios
Pine nuts
Sunflower seeds
Olive oil
Avocado

Limited Amounts Of Carbs Such As:

Beans
Corn
Peas
Carrots
Yams
Oatmeal - Slow cooking type
Whole grain bread
Brown rice
Apples
Berries

Limited Amounts Of These Proteins & Fats:

Bacon
Sausage
Cottage cheese - Be careful with this! It converts to a carb during digestion.
Natural peanut butter - Peanuts are a bean not a nut so this is a little higher in carbs but loaded with healthy fat.
Avoid These Foods At All Costs:

White flour
White potatoes
Pasta
White rice
Sweets
Processed cereal
Grapes
Raisins
Juice of any kind
Citrus fruit
Bananas
Sugary peanut butters

Keep track of your blood sugar levels. Always check before each meal or snack and before and after exercise. Your body will usually be able to handle a carb better after exercise.

Sample Daily Menu

Here is a sample daily menu:

Breakfast:
2 eggs
½ cup oatmeal
Mid-morning snack:
Celery sticks
4-5 cheese cubes

Lunch:
Chicken breast
Salad with 1 tbsp. Olive oil and vinegar

Mid afternoon snack:
1 ounce nuts

Dinner:
Lean steak
Salad with 1 tbsp olive oil and vinegar
Asparagus

Observe These Meal Planning Rules:

Always eat breakfast
Use sugar free condiments
Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. Your second snack can be after lunch or after dinner
Eat carbs at only one meal per day
Take a multi-vitamin
Drink at least eight cups of water per day
Never eat a carb alone. Have a protein or a fat with it to slow down it's absorption into your blood stream

Good luck. You may feel terrible for the first few days on this plan. It's your body detoxing from the sugars. Stick with it. It will be worth it in the long run.

Burn the stubborn fat with the revolutionary female weight loss system- The Venus Factor

The Venus Factor is a diet and fitness system for the female body that has taken a new approach to weight loss for women. The program has quickly drawn the attention of women across the world for its potential of reshaping the female body.

Most fad diets talk about terms most women are familiar with: carbohydrates, sugar, protein and fat. But the Venus Factor focuses on an all new component- leptin. This is a hormone that regulates appetite, metabolism and weight. Women who are overweight almost certainly have leptin resistance, meaning that their bodies don’t react to leptin the same way as men’s do. Their brains don’t get the signal that they've had enough to eat, which makes it way too easy to take in too many calories.

What the Venus Factor will teach you is exactly how to use leptin in order to carve the body of your dreams.

When you order the system you will get:

The essential fat loss diet guide- This is the main book. It gives all the information about losing weight, dieting, working out and using leptin to skyrocket your metabolism.
The fat burning 12-week workout program for body reshaping- This is a workout program that can be done either at home, in the gym or outdoors. It comes with some great instructional exercises videos to get you started.
You also get The Virtual Nutritionist application software that will help you calculate the amount of protein and calories you should consume after taking into account your body measurements.
It also includes The Venus Index Podcast that can significantly boost your motivation levels when you hear other member’s journey to weight loss. You can also share your weight loss story as well if you want to!
Last but not least, you will get access to the amazing Venus Community. This is a forum which only women who bought the system have access to. This creates a supportive and very active community of women that are going through the same challenges.

Eager to find out more about the Venus Factor? Thеn click here or on the button below to watch an eye-opening video presentation by the creators of the system!

TRAVELING FIT

When you're traveling, dietary discipline can be as easy to lose as your luggage. Learn how to make the most of your diet even when you'e miles away from home.

VITAL STATS

Working full-time, training, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life can be exhausting. Still, it's a path many of us choose to stay happy, healthy, and fit. We slave over the stove to make macro friendly meals and hit the gym most days of the week, all while holding down the fort at home. In short, we prep.

My regular schedule goes something like this: I pick two nights each week to prep my food for the next 3-4 days. I bulk-cook my chicken—either by baking it in the oven or tossing it on the George Forman grill—divide it into 4-5-ounce portions, steam my veggies, and put together my salads, each of which includes half an avocado and a side dressing. Sure, it's a lot of work, but this way, when I get up at 6 a.m. to hit the gym, I don't have to worry about what I'm going to eat throughout the day. It's packed and ready to go.

Add to all that the turmoil that comes with travel, and the three Ps—plan, prepare, and produce—become more essential than ever. No wonder so many fitness plans unravel on the road. You're tempted by fast food, lured by quick and easy pre-packaged meals, and you can practically hear the double chocolate chip frap at the airport Starbucks calling your name.

Sound familiar? Don't let a few miles traveled stand between you and your fitness goals. Follow my air travel routine to help bypass any nutritional away-from-home hurdles.

9 ROAD RULES

1 PACK SMART

There are six little things I always bring with me just in case. Since none of these items need to be refrigerated, all can be easily stowed away in your checked luggage.

PRE-PORTIONED OATS
Keep some complex carbs on hand. It's better to bring along the right carbs than have to resort to scarfing down something unnecessarily unhealthy.

I typically pack enough for 3/4 cup every day as well as an emergency stash of a few additional cups just in case I need to use oats for my evening carb source.

ALMOND BUTTER
Heart-healthy unsaturated fats are essential to a well-rounded diet. Pack a source of healthy fats so you know exactly where yours come from.

QUEST BARS
Quest bars are all natural, low in carbs and sugar, and high in protein. Double-check the nutritional information on your go-to protein bar to make sure it's not just candy in disguise.

PROTEIN POWDER
This is a must. Scoop out enough for 1-2 servings per day, and store them in plastic baggies for easy access.

MEASURING CUPS
If you're anything like me, measuring cups will be handy for meting out your almond butter and morning berries.

BLENDER
Looking to take things even further? Pack an individual-sized blender to make super food smoothie.

2 REQUEST KITCHEN STAPLES
Call the hotel and request a room with a microwave and refrigerator.

3 PRIORITIZE PRODUCE
Stop by the local grocery store to get some go-to fruits and veggies. My personal favorites are snap peas, microwavable bags of broccoli, and apples.

4 SEEK OUT A GYM
Find out if the hotel has a gym, or where to find the gym closest to where you are staying. If there is no gym, go for a morning run or do a bodyweight workout in your room.

This can include basics like squats, push-ups, chair dips, pistol squats, and burpees, as well as core exercises like planks, bicycle crunches, and V-ups.

5 GO A LA CARTE
Customize the hotel menu to meet your macros. Most hotels have a restaurant, and you should be able to order a la carte items. My go-to breakfast at the hotel is a six-egg-white and veggie omelet with 3/4 cup oats and berries.

In the rare instance where this is impossible, I make a shake in my room with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, a scoop of protein, spinach, and blueberries. I have that with a side of oatmeal.

If you find yourself even more limited, mix a scoop of protein into your oatmeal and add some berries for a delicious concoction. All of these options are high in protein and offer up the right amount of complex carbs and morning sugars.

6 THINK PORTABLE
When ordering at restaurants, stick to lean fish, veggies, and complex carbs. Ask the chef to hold the butter and oils and get sauces on the side. Skip the wine and order an extra glass of water. If it's a special occasion, or you have a real hankering to indulge, stick to a glass of red wine or a vodka soda—just make sure it's not a regular occurrence.

WHEN ORDERING AT RESTAURANTS, STICK TO LEAN FISH, VEGGIES, AND COMPLEX CARBS.

7 CUSTOMIZE THE MENU
When working long hours, I often have to cut my workouts short. Instead of being able to leisurely take my time, I'm often limited to one hour from start to finish. I make the most of my time by pushing hard, doing supersets, and sticking to a short 45-60 second rest period between sets.

8 HAVE FORETHOUGHT

I can't stress this enough: Plan in advance. Think about your trip, anticipate your environment, and bring what you need so you're not stuck without any healthy options.

9 DRINK UP

Stay hydrated, and make sure you take in enough fluids. The stale air circulating in airports makes me super dehydrated, so I always bring an empty shaker bottle with me through security to fill up at the drinking fountain before boarding my flight. I pack all my travel day meals in my carry-on so I'm set in case of any delays.

An extra scoop of protein or a Quest bar is also a great, easy grab-and-go option. Also, make sure to pack supplements ahead of time and store vitamins in baggies so you know what to take and when to take it.

CLEAN EATING ON CAR TRIPS
While the distance might be shorter, road trips come with their own set of nutritional hurdles. But prepping food in advance, having easily portable snacks on hand, and choosing healthy fast food alternatives when necessary can help you avoid gas-station temptation.

Hug the curves of the road without packing unnecessary weight onto your curves with these road trip tips.

1 BRING A COOLER FULL OF GOODIES

Packing plenty of water and healthy snacks like your favorite sliced fruits and veggies, yogurt, almonds, Quest bars, and hummus is the best option. You'll be able to stick to your macros and have a strong line of defense against temptation when hunger strikes.

2 CHOOSE SMART

If you're gassing up and can't resist grabbing a snack from the attached mini mart, shop smart. Gas stations usually have pre-made protein drinks in the cooler. Buy one of those and a protein bar, if needed.

Plain (not movie theater butter) popcorn is another option to help satisfy that need to munch.

3 REDEFINE FAST FOOD

OK, so you're not going to make fast food healthy, but you can make healthier menu choices. Grilled chicken patties sans bun are a healthier option.

Also, salads with light dressing on the side—as opposed to salads doused in the creamy, full-fat alternative—are generally a safe option.

Burn the stubborn fat with the revolutionary female weight loss system- The Venus Factor

The Venus Factor is a diet and fitness system for the female body that has taken a new approach to weight loss for women. The program has quickly drawn the attention of women across the world for its potential of reshaping the female body.

Most fad diets talk about terms most women are familiar with: carbohydrates, sugar, protein and fat. But the Venus Factor focuses on an all new component- leptin. This is a hormone that regulates appetite, metabolism and weight. Women who are overweight almost certainly have leptin resistance, meaning that their bodies don’t react to leptin the same way as men’s do. Their brains don’t get the signal that they've had enough to eat, which makes it way too easy to take in too many calories.

What the Venus Factor will teach you is exactly how to use leptin in order to carve the body of your dreams.

When you order the system you will get:

The essential fat loss diet guide- This is the main book. It gives all the information about losing weight, dieting, working out and using leptin to skyrocket your metabolism.
The fat burning 12-week workout program for body reshaping- This is a workout program that can be done either at home, in the gym or outdoors. It comes with some great instructional exercises videos to get you started.
You also get The Virtual Nutritionist application software that will help you calculate the amount of protein and calories you should consume after taking into account your body measurements.
It also includes The Venus Index Podcast that can significantly boost your motivation levels when you hear other member’s journey to weight loss. You can also share your weight loss story as well if you want to!
Last but not least, you will get access to the amazing Venus Community. This is a forum which only women who bought the system have access to. This creates a supportive and very active community of women that are going through the same challenges.

Eager to find out more about the Venus Factor? Thеn click here or on the button below to watch an eye-opening video presentation by the creators of the system!

Men and Women are NOT created Equal when it comes to Weight Loss

Men and women have to deal with different issues when it comes to many aspects of their body and weight loss is no exception.

This is because the hormonal environment is different from man to woman. For starters testosterone and estrogen are dramatically different from man to woman and even more specific to weight loss leptin levels are also different.

Leptin plays a vital role in the control of appetite, metabolism and the signals involved in weight gain and weight loss. Leptin levels rise when you eat and fall when you’re not eating. This helps control your sense of hunger and your metabolic rate to keep you from gaining or losing weight. As long as they don’t rise too high or fall too low you’ll remain weight stable and feel fine.

When attempting to diet ‘hard’ leptin levels can fall too far too fast and you will find it very difficult to lose weight. In fact you can eventually crash and experience big rebound weight gain.

This is dramatic rise and fall of leptin could very well be what is causing so many restrictive diets to fail and so many people to gain all the weight back and then some!

This effect seems to be worse in women than in men and it’s because women have higher leptin levels to start with that drop far lower than a mans when they diet.

In other words, when it comes to leptin levels and dieting, women have higher ‘highs’ and lower ‘lows’. It’s these dramatic swings in leptin that can lead to the crash and rebound weight gain that so many women experience on standard restrictive diets.

In contrast a man’s leptin levels rise and fall very predictably and within a relative small range. The high’s aren’t too high and the low’s aren’t too low, and as a result men can follow a pretty mundane, straight forward calorie restrictive diet and make it through to the end without a major crash or rebound and essentially lose all the weight they want.

This explains why men seem to have an easier time losing weight than women. Or to say it another way, weight loss for men is pretty straight forward and doesn’t require much creativity when it comes to the diet.

Women on the other hand experience dramatic swings in leptin that require a more intelligently designed diet to minimize these big swings in leptin levels. One of the techniques that has become popular is the idea of adding in a ‘cheat’ day. This is a day during your diet program where you’re instructed to eat more food and more carbs specifically to attempt to bring your leptin levels back up after days and days of dieting and lowering your leptin levels. Knowing that leptin drops farther and faster in women it stands to reason that the ‘cheat day’ is a more useful tool for women as well. But the concept of ‘cheating’ seems a bit problematic to me and needs some adjustments’.

I don’t like the word ‘cheat’ as it implies you’re doing something wrong, and it also implies that you should be going ‘all out’ on junk food and whatever else you can get your hands on. This leaves the door open to really overdoing that day.

I would rather call it a strategic ‘eat-up’ day.

Women need these strategic “eat-up” days throughout their weight loss program to prevent their leptin levels from crashing and rebound weight gain from happening. And they need these days more often than men.

For example a man could probably make it two or even three weeks eating very low calories and minimal carbs without having a serious crash in leptin levels and thus no major consequences to their weight loss progress.

Women on the other hand need a to add in these ‘eat up’ days weekly to keep leptin levels consistent and keep the fat burning going.

To say it another way, we’re really talking about is hitting the sweet spot between just enough ‘diet days’ combined with just enough ‘eat up’ days.

As a woman once you hit this sweet spot the fat will come off faster than you think and the process itself will be much more enjoyable because you get to take periodic breaks from the diet.

That sounds like a win-win scenario to me!

The essential fat loss diet guide- This is the main book. It gives all the information about losing weight, dieting, working out and using leptin to skyrocket your metabolism.
The fat burning 12-week workout program for body reshaping- This is a workout program that can be done either at home, in the gym or outdoors. It comes with some great instructional exercises videos to get you started.
You also get The Virtual Nutritionist application software that will help you calculate the amount of protein and calories you should consume after taking into account your body measurements.
It also includes The Venus Index Podcast that can significantly boost your motivation levels when you hear other member’s journey to weight loss. You can also share your weight loss story as well if you want to!
Last but not least, you will get access to the amazing Venus Community. This is a forum which only women who bought the system have access to. This creates a supportive and very active community of women that are going through the same challenges.

Eager to find out more about the Venus Factor? Thеn click here or on the button below to watch an eye-opening video presentation by the creators of the system!

FREEDOM FROM FAST FOOD

It's difficult to navigate through the fast food-addicted world without getting caught up in it. Take these steps to untangle yourself from bad habits and start a healthier life.

In an age of excess, clever marketing, and constant access to food, overeating is almost inevitable.

Everywhere we look loom fast-food joints, billboards, or commercials telling us to eat, eat, eat! There's no doubt eating a Five Guys hamburger is a joyful experience, but consistent stops at burger joints and candy aisles only serve to make our waists fatter and our wallets thinner. In short, it's in your best interest to take it down a notch or two.

Realizing you have an attraction to unhealthy food is the first and most important step in solving a tough equation. If you're unhappy with how you look and feel, identifying unhealthy lifestyle choices is the first step toward better health. Recognizing what needs to change is no easy task—trust me, I've been there. My self-image caught hold of me after years of excessive drinking and double-fisting cheap-ass, greasy pizza. One day I looked in the mirror at my growing belly and knew something had to be done.

You don't need to cut out everything you love. You won't have much success if you think you can go from fast food lover to ultra-clean eater in one day. It's just like working out: You don't change from couch potato to workout machine with the flip of a switch. You have to work at it and make little changes as you go along.

I'm no scientist, nor do I have a degree in psychology, but I have been trapped in fast food's evil clutches and managed to escape unscathed. I developed these steps so you don't have to go through the same difficulties I did!

STEP 1: MAKE SIMPLE ADJUSTMENTS

Like I said before, you can't jump into this change with guns blazing. If you do, you'll probably feel overwhelmed, deprived, and be more likely to closet-eat. Instead of completely cleaning out your fridge, try making small changes.

For example: use only half the bun on a hamburger, order your chicken grilled instead of fried, and order a side salad instead of fries.

Once you master making smarter choices at restaurants, try bringing a healthy lunch to work at least three times per week. Once you adjust to that, bring your lunch every day, or make a healthy dinner or breakfast once per week. The point is to take small steps and allow yourself time to make lasting changes.

Finding a routine and plan that works might take some time, but you'll be much better off in the long run.

STEP 2: BEAT THE EMOTIONAL EATER

Who hasn't fallen into the "I need a beer and a burger" predicament? Sometimes it feels like the only way to lift the weight of the world from your shoulders is boozing or munching. Giving in to emotional eating can take a toll on your body. The best way to beat it is to find an alternative outlet.

Test out new ways to cope with emotional distress that don't involve eating. My favorite mechanism is exercise. Studies have found exercise releases endorphins. I feel much better after I work out. So if you struggle with stress, heartache, or anxiety, try training—it can have a huge impact on your mood.

STEP 3: IGNORE OUTSIDE INFLUENCES

You can be influenced by friends, co-workers, commercials, print ads, and billboards. When I found fitness, those external influences were the most difficult things for me to manage. Every day, my coworkers went out to eat together at fast food or casual restaurants. I had to remove myself from the situation and begin to bring my own food. Although they teased me, I knew they had respect for what I was doing. I became the influencer.

Hearken back to those D.A.R.E. days and learn to "just say no." Take it upon yourself to take a stand. Act like you know something they don't, and be a trendsetter. You might look or feel like an outcast now, but you'll have the upper hand when you're not huffing and puffing when you take the stairs up to the office.

STEP 4: READ FOOD LABELS

If you're not in the habit of reading food labels, "fat-free" might look like a wise choice. Don't be fooled. "Fat-free" usually means "full of sugar." It's important to decode those buzzwords by reading the nutrition facts and the ingredient list.

Pay special attention to the trans fat, sodium, and sugar content. That bag of fat-free granola might have more sugar in it than you need in an entire week. Trying to un-puzzle the enigma of "healthy" is the most difficult part of eating right.

Here are a couple easy rules:

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
When you're on the hunt for groceries, try to stay on the outer edge of the store. That's where you'll find whole, healthy foods that weren't created in a lab or factory.

STEP 5: EAT QUALITY NOT QUANTITY
IT TOOK ME A FEW YEARS TO FIND MYSELF AND FIGURE OUT WHICH FOODS PROVIDED THE BEST RESULTS.

Understanding portion size is an integral part of creating healthy eating habits. Many fitness buffs choose to weigh their food and count calories, but that's not something you should worry about right now. Over-calculating will just drive you crazy before you start to see results.

My solution is simple: The palm of your hand is now a measuring tool. Use it to measure a protein, complex carb, and vegetable portion for every meal. Once you have your portions figured out and drop the more-is-better mentality, the road gets much easier.

STEP 6: FIND YOUR GROOVE

Take these tips and create a lifestyle. Have fun with it. Try new recipes, do research, and browse for new tips. It's a difficult transition, but eventually your eating habits will be something you don't have to think about.

It took me a few years to find myself and figure out which foods provided the best results. I had to make mental adjustments to get there. You have all the cards you need; you just need to play them right. Granted, you may get a joker here or there, but that's life. You can always come back.

Just be consistent and moderate the bad so the good can prevail. Get in that groove and you will find a new you in no time!

Burn the stubborn fat with the revolutionary female weight loss system- The Venus Factor

The Venus Factor is a diet and fitness system for the female body that has taken a new approach to weight loss for women. The program has quickly drawn the attention of women across the world for its potential of reshaping the female body.

Most fad diets talk about terms most women are familiar with: carbohydrates, sugar, protein and fat. But the Venus Factor focuses on an all new component- leptin. This is a hormone that regulates appetite, metabolism and weight. Women who are overweight almost certainly have leptin resistance, meaning that their bodies don’t react to leptin the same way as men’s do. Their brains don’t get the signal that they've had enough to eat, which makes it way too easy to take in too many calories.

What the Venus Factor will teach you is exactly how to use leptin in order to carve the body of your dreams.

When you order the system you will get:

The essential fat loss diet guide- This is the main book. It gives all the information about losing weight, dieting, working out and using leptin to skyrocket your metabolism.
The fat burning 12-week workout program for body reshaping- This is a workout program that can be done either at home, in the gym or outdoors. It comes with some great instructional exercises videos to get you started.
You also get The Virtual Nutritionist application software that will help you calculate the amount of protein and calories you should consume after taking into account your body measurements.
It also includes The Venus Index Podcast that can significantly boost your motivation levels when you hear other member’s journey to weight loss. You can also share your weight loss story as well if you want to!
Last but not least, you will get access to the amazing Venus Community. This is a forum which only women who bought the system have access to. This creates a supportive and very active community of women that are going through the same challenges.

Eager to find out more about the Venus Factor? Thеn click here or on the button below to watch an eye-opening video presentation by the creators of the system!