Diet Success Is it All in the Mind?

Why do so many diets fail? In theory losing weight is easy. Simply eat slightly less than the body needs over a sustained period. Yet in reality only a small percentage of people lose weight and keep it off. And whilst it?s true that most diets would be successful if followed, many fail to acknowledge the psychological impact of weight loss. As Oprah Winfrey once famously said ?Diet?s don?t work, you?ve got to get to the reason that lies behind overeating.? She had rightly identified what many scientific studies had already indicated. By changing our mental attitude to food we can change our behaviour. Without that change in attitude there is little chance of long term success.

The Scientific Evidence

A laboratory controlled study conducted at the Littlemore Hospital, Oxford, England concluded that the effect of just food restrictive, weight loss programmes were ?surprisingly ineffective as a means of achieving sustained weight loss?. That?s because dieters seem to exhibit one of two distinct behavioural styles.

Behavioural Style One. The dieter starts full of enthusiasm only to revert to their previous eating style before reaching their desired weight. A chart that plots the fallout rates shows that 82% will lose heart in the first five weeks. Typically a specific food or event would trigger the initial break in their resolve, after which the dieter would increasingly revert to their old behaviour.

Behavioural Style Two. Between 3% and 8% of dieters would stick to their diet and achieve their desired weight. Then over time ? usually between six months and two years later 70% of this group would have gained most or all of the weight they had previously lost. This leaves only 2% of dieters with sustained, permanent weight loss.

This study is backed up by a substantial study conducted by The University of London, England. Its theme was effective and permanent weight reduction. They were evaluating the effectiveness of combining traditional diet control with positive psychology. Their findings overwhelmingly determined that by combining these techniques weight loss was much more effective and sustainable than just using a calorie controlled diet in isolation.

For permanent weight loss combine diet and positive psychology

Whilst many people can and do lose weight using a controlled diet this doesn?t address the psychological issues that surround eating patterns. For example, the act of eating produces complex ?psychological anchors?that link the process to emotions like pleasure, satisfaction, self-esteem. Break or change these anchors and losing weight becomes much easier.

Increasingly there are a number of useful courses and books that focus on this area. So if you are serious about sustained and permanent weight loss, take a tip from The University of London study and combine diet control with a change in your mental attitude. Because based on the research it seems that successful weight loss really is all in the mind.

Jim Brackin contributes tips, help and advice on popular psychology to variety of magazines like Cosomopolitan and Women's Own. Author of the No Diet Diet, he is the body language expert for Sky News (UK), and developed http://www.personaliteye.com that provides free visually based personality profiles.

Eating the Australian Way

Australians are often divided into the haves, and the have-nots.

But they're not always talking about money.

These days, it's often the haves (too much body fat), versus the have-nots (not overweight).

We can't seem to make up our minds whether to eat at McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, and All-You-Can-Eat fast food restaurants, or whether to grab a protein snack, a freshly-squeezed fruit juice with wheatgrass and go straight to the gym.

Women's Magazines have the same problem. A sample magazine from this month featured diet and exercise routines from three TV personalities and movie stars. Yet the back section of the magazine featured recipes such as luscious mocha fudge cake.

The incidence of obesity in Australia rose dramatically in the 90s - 80% for women. And over 20% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Our eating habits are often unbalanced.

Yet a trip to the local beach shows a large number of exceedingly fit bodies, often accompanied by personal trainers. Perhaps the rebellion has begun.

Australian authors are now responsible for several internationally-known health and fitness books, such as the Sandra Cabot's Liver Cleansing Diet, the CSIRO WellBeing Diet, and Jennie Brand-Miller's New Glucose Revolution.

So let's assume you've decided to improve your health and fitness, upped your intake of raw fruit and vegies (for Liver Cleansing), are monitoring your intake of white breads and potatoes (for Glucose Revolution), and planning a BBQ based around lean meat for dinner tonight (CSIRO diet).

A November 2005 announcement from Jennie Brand-Miller is good news for the traditional Ocker image of throwing a shrimp on the barbie, while drinking a cold beer.

Apparently moderate alcohol intake has been related to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The new study looked at the impact of beer, white wine and gin on a carbohydrate-based meal. The result was that the alcoholic drinks, in particular the white wine, helped to lower the glucose and insulin response after the meal.

So if someone criticises you for that pre-dinner drink this summer, just say that you're making an effort to avoid diabetes. They may just buy you another drink for being so thoughtful.

Cheers.

http://www.womens-health-and-fitness.com provides health, beauty, fitness and nutrition tips for women.

Top Five Foot Heel Pain Remedies

Years of walking and running can wear down our feet, and can be hard on our heels. Likewise, poor circulation, improperly trimmed toenails, disease and tight fitting shoes all contribute to pain in the heel.

1. Massage with water

This treatment is ideal for any type of foot or heel pain and only needs a container of hot and cold water. Here?s what you do:

1.Soak your foot for 5 minutes in cold water

2.Move the foot to a container of hot water of a tolerable temperature. The temperature of the water should not be cool or even lukewarm

3.Soak the foot in the hot water for 5 minutes

4.Return to the cold water

Repeat the procedure until the pain is gone. This process has a massaging effect that revitalizes feet by opening and closing blood vessels.

It is also a great idea to rub moisturizing lotion into your feet before getting into bed. The lotion makes feet easier to massage and therefore bring relief faster.

2. Put some heat on your feet

Using ointments enriched with capsaicin, an active natural ingredient in hot peppers also helps in relieving foot pain.

These products are excellent in cooling the pain caused by burning feet particularly for diabetes patients. Initial application of the ointment may cause some burning sensation for many people, but when used regularly, the burning effect is likely to lessen.

Moreover, people who been using the capsaicin in treating their burning feet have experienced great improvement and were able to walk more easily compared to those using other types of creams. Best of all, since these are topical medicine, patients tend to avoid a lot of side effects that usually happen when taking pills.

Most ointments are available over the counter, however it is important to talk with your doctor before you begin, as this type of therapy is not right for everyone.

3. Avoid high-heeled shoes

For recreational walkers and runners it is important to temporarily lower how much you?re walking or running when you?re about to use brand new shoes. This will help you to eliminate many of the break-in pains. Advances in shoe development have made modern athletic footwear much less likely to cause a problem than ever before.

4. Stretch out your calf

Stretching the heel cord at the back of the foot can relieve heel pain.

Start by:

1.Standing three feet away from a wall, place your hand on the wall.

2.Lean in to the wall, bringing one leg forward and bending at the elbows.

3.Keep your back leg straight with the heel on the floor and then gently stretch the calf muscle.

4.Repeat for the other foot.

5. Buy shoes that fit the shape of your feet.

Shoe size is considered to be the most important aspect in buying shoes ? but the shoe shape is equally important. You read it right; the shape of the shoe is also an important factor to consider.

There three basic foot shapes ? curved, slightly curved and straight. Although, there may be some variations, generally those individuals with high arches need a curved shoe; those with flat feet need a straight shoe and those who have neither flat or high arches need a slight curve.

When buying running or walking shoes it is best to select shapes that fit the curve of the arch on the inner side of the foot. Before you try any of the remedies discussed here, consult your own doctor for the treatments that will be best for your unique situation.

By Dave Wilson. For more information and to sign up for a Free Foot Pain Relief Newsletter please visit Foot Pain Relief or for more articles click here Foot Pain Relief Articles.

Just Say NO to an 1800 Diabetic Diet

It?s been a year, and 85 blubbery pounds less, since I was diagnosed with diabetes Type2. The news was especially scary because my mother died of diabetic complications 3 years after diagnosis- the SAME AGE AS ME! EEEK!

The day I was diagnosed, my doctor handed me a glucometer, an 1800-calorie diabetic diet and a handful of prescriptions, mumbling something about being sorry and I should watch after my health better. WHAT!!! I had been on every low-fat diet and was down to eating like an anorexic bird. The injustice of the whole thing was just WRONG.

Over the years, as other fatties joined food addiction support groups, shamefully admitting to secret outings to fast food drive-up windows in the middle of the night and weekends spent with cartons of Haggendaz, I was frigging STARVING!!!

The 1800 calorie diet was AWFUL. I was constantly hungry. The medicine made me run to the bathroom every hour, leaving me even hungrier. I was dizzy from the blood pressure medicine and the tips of my fingers were bruised and tender from blood sugar checks. This was not the way I wanted to live. I now understood why my mother seemed so resigned in the end to inevitable death. Having diabetes was no fun.

I knew the low fat thing didn?t work. A few people at work had some success with Atkins, so I tried it. Although I lost weight, my blood sugar plummeted, leaving me light-headed and spacey. So I decided to modify it. I started with 50 carbs, same problem. 100 carbs a day still resulted in occasional low blood sugars, depending on the day. It seemed related to the type of carb, how much stress and sleep I?d had and how much physical exercise. It was a high-wire act everyday, but I finally found the carb intake that was right for me (100-160).

It?s been a year now and I?ve lost 85 lbs and feel GREAT! No more diabetic or blood pressure meds either! And my blood sugars are PERFECT! My cholesterol and blood pressure are all completely normal. My lab works show absolutely no abnormalities. A farrrr cry from where I was a year ago- elevated liver function tests and all.

I?d like to share with you some new research cited in the Online Nutrition Journal (2004). Have you ever wondered if all calories are the same? How do people on low-carb diets lose weight despite what looks like an increase in calorie consumption? In fact, 10 studies HAVE shown low carb diets can lead to greater weight loss than low calorie/ low-fat diets. This violates everything we now know about how calories are burned, also known as the LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS. This law basically says a calorie is a calorie. If you eat too many you?ll get fat and if you eat fewer than you burn, you?ll lose weight.

Studies show dieters on a low-carb diet have a metabolic advantage and actually LOSE MORE WEIGHT! Scientists are still studying this phenomenon, but speculate it may be due to the heat generated in processing certain foods. Of the 3 groups studied, the low-carb dieters lost more weight than the low-fat dieters. Even when they deliberately ate 300 extra calories, the low-carbers lost more than the low-fatters. The researchers suggest our bodies may be like cars that burn more efficiently on high-octane gas than low-grade gas.

The low-carb way of eating is not just a fad diet. People wouldn't keep doing it if it didn't work. It worked for me, it has worked for others and it can work for you.

About The Author

(c) 2004, Meladam Publishing House. All rights in all media reserved. Permission for reprint granted to all venues so long as they are opt-in and include byline attached.

Fast becoming one of the most talked about and gifted storytellers on the net, Fire Foxx has taken the vast world of the net by storm with her quick witted prose, unforgettable characters, and clever story line featured in the provocative book, THE BRONZE GOD. Paired with one of the most innovative marketing strategies we?ve ever seen- FREE. Unprecedented in the get-rich-quick world of the web, Fire Foxx has freely and generously shared one her most popular and most recommended books.

With a literary style that is refreshing and energizing, this entertaining book is just what the doctor ordered for an uproarious and memorable evening. Fire Foxx?s charitable decision to offer a free fiction ebook to frame her notable works will undoubtedly leave her one of the most recognized authors in modern times.

Described as passionate and tastefully sensual, THE BRONZE GOD is both amusing and moving, a combination of perfect symmetry and an exceptional marriage of remarkably skillful elements that will leave you a Fire Foxx junkie. This extraordinarily successful novelist will long be celebrated as one of the most talented and imaginative entertainers of visitors to the world wide web.

I deliver you to her most capable hands and invite you to accept a free PDF copy of THE BRONZE GOD. Find out for yourself why The Bronze God has become one of the most downloaded novels on the web. Feel free to re-distribute to friends, family and colleagues in an email or offer as a nice gift to your website visitors.

Free download in PDF and HTML available at this site: http://uniquegiftbasketsovernight.com/

wanageshik@yahoo.com

Pyelonephritis 10 Things you Should Know

Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of one or both kidneys, usually due to a bacterial infection. Follow these steps to avoid, spot and treat Pyelonephritis to avoid long term damage to your kidneys.

1.Pyelonephritis is thought to be caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra. These bacteria may cause bladder and urinary infections. Pyelonephritis is more commonly found in women simply because of the physiological construction of the female genito-urinary system. Good toilet hygiene minimises the risk of bacteria entering the urethra and going on to cause problems

2.People with Diabetes are more prone to urinary infections, probably because the higher glucose levels in the urine encourage the growth of bacteria. Sufferers therefore need to be particularly vigilant for any sign of infection.

3.Partial blockages of the urinary system encourage infection and such infections will readily migrate to the kidneys if ignored. Such blockages may be caused by an enlarged prostate gland in men or pregnancy in women.

4.Kidney stones may also lead to Pyelonephritis as they harbour bacteria. Bladder tumours may also cause obstruction.

5.It is possible that bacteria entering the bloodstream in any part of the body may be deposited in the kidneys leading to Pyelonephritis.

6.If undergoing any form of catheterisation or investigation through the urethra a genito-urinary specific antibiotic should be taken as a precaution.

7.Pyelonephritis manifests as intense pain that begins in the back, just above the waist and then moves down to the groin.

8.A high temperature, shivering, headache and the frequent painful passing of cloudy blood stained urine are other symptoms for which to watch.

9.A Doctor must be consulted. This is not something you can treat yourself. As well as treating the infection and inflammation the Doctor will want to run tests to establish the underlying cause of the problem.

10.Pyelonephritis is treated by a short course of oral anti-biotics. However, sufferers of repeated bouts of Pyelonephritis may be treated with antibiotics for longer periods and may need to undergo further tests as, although it is rare, it may lead to scarring and damage to the kidneys.

Do not hesitate, at the first sign of blood in the urine go to see your Dr and remember, the symptoms of pyelonephritis are less obvious in children and as a result the problem may go undiagnosed until permanent damage has been done to the kidneys. Parents and Primary Caretakers must be vigilant and seek treatment at the first sign of any problems.

Donetta Harrison is building http://www.wellnessforlife.info, an information resource covering all aspects of wellness in all domains of life aimed at encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing in order that they may live life to the full. To receive Vivendi, the free monthly newsletter send an email to wellnessforlife@btinternet.com. To follow the progress of the Wellness for Life project check out the blogspot here http://wellnessforlifeinfo.blogspot.com/

Nail Fungus This Can Even Kill Your Nail

A fungus or a type of yeast causes nails fungal infection. This infection makes the nail thick and crumbly. Nail fungus normally affects the toenails. It can even disfigure the nails and discolor them. If left uncontrolled nail fungus can make the nail die. Let us see what it is and how to stop it.

Nail Fungus- What causes it and how it spreads?

Nail fungus is caused by a fungus that is found in common places such as locker rooms, pool side etc. If you walk barefoot in such places you can contact the infection. Any place that is frequented by many people and where many people walk barefoot is the place from where you can get nail fungal infection. Cleanliness has no role in causing nail fungus.

Nail Fungus- Symptoms- In fungal infection of the nail, nail gets discolored. Debris begins forming below the nail and nail becomes thick. This is the sign that your nail is affected. To learn more, please click here- Nail Fungus

Nail Fungus- Prevention-

Prevent nail fungus by wearing footwear in common places. If you frequently catch fungal infections, you should apply anti fungal powder after you visit any common place to prevent the infection. Keep your toes dry and wash them regularly.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

C.D.Mohatta writes articles on skin problems, skin treatments and skin care. For more information about how to have good skin that looks young and blemish free, please visit- http://www.doctorgoodskin.com/. You will also find solutions to wrinkles, scars, facial rejuvenation, latest laser treatments, skin blemishes and spots, hair care and hair loss and about keeping healthy nails. This site is dedicated to keep you healthy and make you look good. For keeping yourself young and healthy at all the ages find out more about the skin problems and how to cure them.

Some Facts About Sunscreen

When many of us were growing up, it was common practice to lay out in the sun for an entire afternoon in an attempt to get as brown as possible. Aiding in this task were sun lotions and oils. Beaches and backyards were filled with bronzed people unwilling to go through life with pale skin hidden from the sun. Even though that wasn?t so long ago, times have certainly changed. Now that melanoma is a big issue, we?re lectured about safeguarding our skin against the sun?s rays by wearing protective clothing, hats and sunscreen.

Sunscreen is an important staple and should be implemented into a person?s daily regimen. If applied on a daily basis before you leave the house, even during the winter, your skin will look much younger and your chances of contracting skin cancer will lower dramatically.

In order to work properly, it should be applied liberally to all exposed parts of the body. Studies have shown that most people don?t apply an adequate amount of sunscreen, so don?t be afraid to slather it on.

When shopping for sunscreen, be sure to choose the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) that is right for you. It all depends on your skin type and how quickly you burn. For instance with an SPF 20, you can stay out in the sun twenty times longer than you would if your skin wasn?t protected. SPF 2 through 12 offers the minimum protection available, SPF 12 through 30 offers moderate protection and SPF 30 is the maximum protection offered.

If you?re going spend the day in the sun, a sunscreen with the maximum SPF your skin can tolerate should be liberally applied about 30 minutes prior to exposure. It should also be periodically re-applied as the day progresses, at least every hour or so or after swimming.

Sunscreens do lose their ability to protect. If you have sunscreen in your cabinet more than three years old, you should throw it away. Hopefully it?s not sitting around that long unused. Make sunscreen a part of your daily grooming routine. Your skin will thank you.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at http://www.best-sunscreen.info