Small Changes = Big Results

Bikini season is here—but don’t let it stress you out. By incorporating some small, manageable lifestyle changes into your easy weight loss program, you’ll feel much better in time for that beach day on the horizon. Here are a few ways to supplement quick weight loss programs like the ones provided by American Weight Loss Centers to achieve your short-term goals in a safe and healthy manner.

1.    Always Eat Breakfast. Make sure to eat or drink something as soon as you get out of bed. Even a piece of fruit will rev your metabolism. Avoiding breakfast can send your body into starvation mode, which is a big no-no and can result in metabolic issues.

2.    Eliminate one fat from your diet, especially an unhealthy fat (Avocados and nuts are healthy fats). For example, substitute your fat-filled coffee creamer or half and half with non-fat creamer. A simple change like this will save you hundreds of fat calories per day.

3.    Avoid soda. These contain empty calories and sugars that go straight to your hips and thighs. Definitely a hazard to even a FDA approved weight loss program or one using medical diet pills.

4.    Get stress in check. Make sure to exercise regularly and add some form of meditation to your routine. Stress can cause emotional eating, as well as ignite hormonal events that result in excess fat. At your next visit to a weight loss clinic, discuss ways to minimize the stress in your life.

5.    Get spicy. Studies show that certain spices have many health benefits and can boost your metabolism. Try adding red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to your food, add cinnamon to your coffee or sprinkle it on a banana with a teaspoon of honey for a delicious mid-afternoon snack. Weight loss centers or websites can give you more examples of ways to incorporate spices into easy weight loss programs.

6.    Get extreme. Eating foods at more extreme temperatures makes you eat slower, which gives your stomach more time to signal your brain that it’s full. Eating very cold snacks like a popsicle or Greek yogurt from the freezer, or very hot ones, like a cup of soup, will slow you down and limit your intake. Visit one of American Weight Loss Centers’ weight loss clinics to pick up some of our delicious hot and cold snacks, like tomato soup or one of our incredibly delicious smoothie mixes.

7.    Sign up for an easy weight loss program at a weight loss center near you. Sometimes we all need some help, which is why we offer quick weight loss programs and FDA approved medical weight loss pills at our weight loss clinics. *Our Aliso Viejo weight loss clinic and Rancho Santa Margarita weight loss clinic are our newest addition to our Southern California weight loss centers. Visit www.AmericanWeightLossCenter.com for more info.

Snack Rehab Necessary for Successful Weight Loss

Snacks are actually a fundamental part of our diets. Many people eat five meals a day to keep their metabolism revved, so it helps to think of your snack as a mini-meal. The problem is, many people equate snacks to treats, reaching for chips or a candy bar to get them through the 4 pm slump. Hitting up the vending machines can really do detrimental damage to our diets.

One of the integral components of safe yet quick weight loss programs is to realize that a snack can satisfy your craving, while still providing nutrients and fuel for your body. This simple mindset shift can result in weight loss.

Avoid sugary snacks like candy and empty calorie choices like chips and dip—all they do is provide a sugar or carb rush. Instead reach for vegetables and hummus, or fruit and a handful of some antioxidant packed nuts like raw walnuts, almonds or cashews. It’s good to do some food combining to get a little bit from more than one food group. If your cravings are out of control, medical weight loss pills can help eliminate cravings for the wrong type of food (*make sure your medical weight loss program uses only FDA approved weight loss pills).

Other good choices include Greek yogurt, an apple with peanut butter or low-fat cottage cheese. Our Pasadena or Orange County medical weight loss clinics sell some amazing snacks and meal replacements that were developed by the former head of the American Diabetes Association. Our weight loss centers sell delicious protein, appetite control crisps, smoothie and shake mixes, and more. Come browse the delicious selections at one of our Pasadena or Orange County medical weight loss clinics.

Change your snacking habits slowly, maybe incorporate one healthy snack at a time. This will help you maintain this behavior change for the long-term.

Spring into Action with American Weight Loss Centers

Spring is here and we all know what that means—Summer is around the corner! Instead of getting into a panic before you think about getting into that bikini or pair of swim trunks, take a breather and realize that there are quick weight loss programs in existence to help you achieve your weight loss goals. In addition to the FDA approved weight loss program and medical diet pills we offer, we’ve got a slate of great weight loss tips to make your life easier.

Start by getting outside and being active! Commit to spending at least a half hour per day doing something active—whether it’s walking, bike riding, swimming or gardening, simply get moving. If time is a factor, break it up into two 15 minute intervals.

Take advantage of all the delicious summer fruits and veggies available this time of year. Load up on color! Avoid junk food and fast food, as well as packaged foods when you can. Before you take a bite, ask yourself, “Is this going to supply my body with nutrients that it needs?” Whatever you do, avoid starving yourself. You must fuel your body properly or your mind will send a signal to your body that food is in short supply so that it goes into survival mode. This makes your body store fat and slows down your metabolism. If your appetite is out of control, consider visiting one American Weight Loss Center’s medical weight loss clinics in Orange County or Pasadena, to learn how our quick weight loss programs and medical weight loss pills can help you, visit www.americanweightlosscenter.com to get info about our Pasadena and Orange County Medical Weight Loss Centers.

Drink lots of water and green tea, eat breakfast every day and try to eat your healthy dinner early. Snack on oranges, bananas, apples, pears and grapefruit, healthy fats like avocado and raw nuts such as like cashews and almonds, and antioxidant-packed seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Get moving and eating healthy! Good luck.

Aliso Viejo Weight Loss - Top tips for getting into shape

Looking to tone up and lose that unwanted flab? Pasadena weight loss can be easily achieved by joining one of the many fantastic health clubs in the area or getting active outdoors. A few basic dietary modifications and regular exercise is all you need to drop the pounds and get yourself into top shape.

The city of Aliso Viejo, California has a great selection of gyms and fitness centres to choose from. These are all well equipped with weights and exercise machines such as treadmills and cross trainers. Your membership usually entitles you to a personal consultation with a professional trainer who will discuss your goals and create an individual program for you to follow. This is reviewed every few weeks, to help you evaluate your progress and update your workout as your fitness level increases.

Group exercise classes offer another way to work out in a fun, sociable environment. Popular classes include step, zumba, circuit, pump, yoga and pilates and are led by trained instructors. These can be done alongside your regular weights program to add variety and give your fitness level a boost.

With a gym membership comes professional advice, support from staff and other members and the chance to exercise away from the distractions of home, regardless of the weather. Many health centres also offer nutritional advice and some even run weight loss programs of their own.

If you prefer to exercise in the great outdoors, there are limitless opportunities to do this in the surrounding hills and forests. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities, and there are a number of excellent trails to choose from.

Of course, no fitness regime will burn fat unless your diet is healthy also. Try to cut out junk food, alcohol, sugar and salt and increase your intake of whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and lean protein. Your new lifestyle of exercising and eating well will give you more energy, improve your quality of life and see those pounds melt away.

Being overweight is an issue for many Americans these days. Across the nation people are gaining weight and damaging their health. But if you want to break the mold and get in shape you have many choices. Whether you want to slim down for the summer in Orange County, or flaunt your bod on the beach all year in Aliso Viejo, weight loss centers can help you reach your goal.

How to look and feel great with Aliso Viejo weight loss programs

The city of Aliso Viejo, California, with its beautiful scenic location and temperate climate, offers numerous opportunities to get fit and healthy. Aliso Viejo weight loss clinics include gyms, fitness centres and sports clubs, along with many wonderful outdoor activities.

If you want to start an exercise program, but are not sure how to go about it, head down to one of the many weight loss clinics in the area. Facilities usually include a variety of weights equipment, cardio machines, group fitness studio and changing room complete with showers. The staff will demonstrate the correct way to use the equipment and you can also have a personal program designed for your specific goals. This is reviewed at regular intervals, and the program adapted to meet your changing needs.

There are also generally a range of group exercises classes available like step, pump, zumba, circuit, yoga and pilates. With motivating music and energetic instructors, this can be a fun and sociable way to work out and lose weight.

Many gyms offer support and advice on weight loss and some even have specific programs designed for members. These are usually run for a certain period of time, during which the participants are expected to follow prescribed meal plans and dietary guidelines. They are also weighed and measured at regular intervals to assess progress and good results are often achieved.

If you are the outdoor type, there are numerous opportunities for you to exercise while enjoying the natural surroundings. Hiking and mountain bike trails abound in the nearby hills and forests, and provide the perfect excuse to get away from the busy city centre and restore your sense of well-being and calm.

Of course, no fitness regime will burn fat unless your diet is healthy also. Try to cut out junk food, alcohol, sugar and salt and increase your intake of whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and lean protein. Your new lifestyle of exercising and eating well will give you more energy, improve your quality of life and see those pounds melt away.

Obesity is a problem faced by many Americans these days. Across the nation people are packing on the pounds and damaging their health. If you want to break from the herd and get fit you have many choices. Whether you want to slim down for the upcoming summer in Europe or show off your beach bod year round in Aliso Viejo, weight loss centers can help you reach your goal.

What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol

“Bad” cholesterol or Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) is comprised of mostly fat with only a small amount of protein. High levels will build up on artery walls, putting you at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Desirable levels are less than 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).

Good cholesterol or High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) is comprised of more protein than fat. It helps to clear the bad cholesterol from the blood so it does not clog your arteries. Desirable levels are greater than 40 mg/dL for men and more than 50 mg/dL for women.

What raises “bad” cholesterol?
Cholesterol in foods may raise “bad” cholesterol, but foods high in saturated fats and trans fats have a greater impact on raising “bad” cholesterol. Foods that contain cholesterol include meats, egg yolks, dairy products, fish and poultry. Foods that contain saturated fats include fatty meats, whole milk, cream, ice cream, whole milk cheeses, butter and lard, as well as palm and coconut oils. Foods that contain trans fats are packaged or processed foods and fried foods such as cookies, chips, cakes, French fries, fried onion rings, doughnuts.
A sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to higher levels of “bad” cholesterol.

How can you improve your cholesterol levels?
Replacing saturated fats and trans fats in your diet with monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can improve cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber has also been proven to lower cholesterol levels.

Foods that contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats include olive oil, canola oil, nuts, flaxseeds, fish and avocados. Foods that contain soluble fiber include fruit, oats, barley, beans and peas.

Physical activity has shown to have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. Even low intensity exercise, such as walking 30 minutes a day, can aid in lowering cholesterol.

Dr. Garry Kim is a physician who specializes in weight loss and nutrition. After winning his own personal battle with obesity, Dr. Kim founded American Weight Loss Centers. He has maintained his weight loss for more than 15 years and uses his own experience to support others in their personal health & fitness journeys. His medical weight loss centers offer access to a FDA approved weight loss program, safe appetite suppressants and medical weight loss clinics. For more information and to learn about medical weight loss programs, visit www.AmericanWeightLossCenter.com.

*Originally posted at: http://www.thesavvygal.com/healthy-fit-fabulous-ask-the-dr-good-vs-bad-cholesterol

Weight Loss Tip: Steel cut oatmeal for breakfast

Here’s a perfect breakfast: steel cut oatmeal with sunflower seed butter, walnuts, dried cranberries and a side of grapefruit.
Steel cut oatmeals contain essential grains full of nutritional value and are high in protein, fiber, calcium and B-vitamins. These whole grains can prevent heart disease, cancer and diabetes as well as reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Sunflowers seeds are a good source of vitamin E which reduces your risk of heart disease and improves your mental acuity.
Walnuts are a rich source of omega-3 fat and protects your arteries while reducing your risk of coronary heart disease.
Cranberries are known to block urinary infections, prevents plaque formation on teeth, and can even kill the bacterias in your body known to cause stomach cancer and ulcers.
Grapefruits are rich in vitamin C which helps keep your immune system strong enough to fight the common cold.
Learn about medical weight loss programs, medical diet pills and our Orange County weight loss programs, Pasadena weight loss clinic and FDA approved weight loss program at http://www.AmericanWeightLossCenter.com/.