Why Is Zinc Good for Your Body?

With all the various zinc supplements at your local health store you may be wondering, "Why is zinc good for your body?" Aren't you getting enough through your diet as-is? Will taking extra zinc in addition to your regular multivitamin have potential downsides? These are good questions worth exploring.

Why is Zinc Good for Your Body

Zinc is among the most important

minerals in the body, right up there with calcium and magnesium, since it plays an important role in many cellular functions. It is also important for hair and skin health, eyesight, cognitive functions, and even taste and smell.

However, the most immediately observable effect is the impact on your immune system. Research has shown that zinc has a proven ability to fight colds and possibly shave days off the illness. Needless to say, this effect is good news all around, providing benefits and promoting good health across the board.

For men, zinc is particularly interesting since it has a direct link to the body's natural testosterone production. This hormone is what makes a man a man in everything from musculature and facial hair to performance in the bedroom. Zinc is also important for the prevention of estrogen production, which not only counteracts the natural testosterone but also increases the risk of heart problems and obesity.For women, research suggests sufficient zinc intake may take the edge off PMS symptoms. Pregnant women should also check their zinc intake, since lack of zinc almost doubles the risk of low birth weight. Lactating women transfer zinc to their babies; lack of zinc has been shown to make babies grow slower.

Lack of zinc has also been shown to have a clear link to anorexia and bulimia. Zinc has a big impact on how hunger is perceived; remove zinc and appetite dips. Remove the appetite, and skipping or purging meals on a regular basis--that would have provided the much-needed zinc--becomes that much easier. Thus the vicious circle feeds itself.

Why You Might Not Get Enough

Some medical conditions inhibit zinc absorption, notably chronic liver disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, chronic renal disease, and various types of absorption-related maladies of the gut. Vegetarians and those with sensitive digestive systems resulting in frequent diarrhea should also be careful. If you suspect you might be deficient, talk to your doctor about getting a blood test.
Where To Find Zinc

If you're a meat-eater, zinc usually isn't a big problem, but there are plenty of decent vegetarian sources too. Here are some foods rich in zinc:
Beef
Oysters
Chicken
Turkey
Shrimp
Yogurt
Pumpkin seeds
Almonds
Peanuts
Sunflower seeds

For best absorption, spread the intake over the day. Why is zinc good for your body in smaller doses? Studies are inconclusive, but it seems the body is simply better equipped to handle small, bite-size chunks than the full daily dose in one sitting.

How Much Is Too Much

The RDI for zinc is 11 mg per day for adult men and 9 mg per day for adult women (except pregnant/lactating women, in which case it's 11 and 12 mg per day, respectively). The upper limit for adult men and women is 40 mg/day before it becomes toxic (including pregnant/lactating women).


By Matt Danielsson


www.TrainEverhard.com

Why Should You Not Use Diet Pills?

There are two reasons The first is they just don't work.
Think about it. If any of this garbage worked, why would 2/3 of the adults in the US be overweight, obese, or morbidly obese? We would be lined up without having to spend a dime advertising if someone had the magic formula.
Alli is the only over the counter weight loss pill approved by the FDA. There are only three prescription weight loss medications approved.
Do you think that if any of them REALLY worked we would have a $60 billion a year industry in "weight loss" supplements? The big three pharmaceuticals would dominate the market.

Approved or otherwise, none of these weight loss supplements guarantee anything unless you establish a healthy diet and exercise program.
So why not just establish a healthy diet and exercise program and keep your money?
You will be spending somewhere between $2 and $10 per day on a product that is not approved or guaranteed to do anything!
The only weight loss supplement I recommend is a basic multivitamin.

And they are dangerous. Heart, liver, kidney, intestinal, and neurological damage and death have all been the result of diet pills. That is why the FDA hasn't approved any new ones for 14 years.
These supplement manufacturers are using human guinea pigs (you) for these products. As long as no one gets sick or dies, and they don't get fined or shut down they will keep making and selling this junk. Whether it works or not.

I say it over and over and over. "If any one of these products really worked, why are there so many?"

The other reason is because these products are not FDA approved, you can never know exactly what is in them. The "diet supplement " law of 1994 allows for the sale of unapproved supplements.
A very powerful lobby.

Kind of like buying a lottery ticket isn't it?

Source(s): EddySays

www.TrainEverhard.com

6 Important Reasons To Use A Weight Gainer!

Here are some important things to know about weight gainers and why you should consider using one.

There Are Some Important Things To Consider So

You Can Benefit From Taking A Weight Gainer.

1. Meeting Extreme Calorie Requirements

• The first really great thing about weight gainers is that they make meeting your calorie requirements much easier. If you're what's considered a 'hardgainer', someone who feels as though they have to eat and eat and eat in order to put on any muscle mass whatsoever, there's also a high chance that you're someone who feels as though if they have to look at another plate of food, you may just be viewing your last one shortly thereafter.
  Meeting the extreme calorie requirements that many men have proves to be incredibly trying and a weight gainer makes this far easier. If you consider the fact that there are weight gainers available that pack in over a thousand calories per shake you can quickly see how much more effectively you could reach your 4000+ calorie needs per day. 

It Can Be Hard To Getting In Your Daily Calorie

Requirements. A Weight Gainer Could Help.

2. Specially Formulated Fats Help You Stay Leaner

• A second big benefit to using a weight gainer is that many come with a particular type of dietary fat that helps to keep you leaner while you go about the muscle-building process. Dietary fat is perhaps the greatest variable macronutrient in terms of what the implications are of the type you take in on the body, therefore it's critical that you're being sure to take in the correct from as often as possible.
  You should always keep your eye out for a weight gainer that contains medium chain triglycerides and as little saturated fat as possible. 

3. Post-Workout And Daily Varieties Available

• Another great thing about weight gainers is you can find ones that are more formulated for using closer to your workout and others that are designed to be taken either as meal replacements or as an addition to the meals you're already eating to boost calorie levels up higher. 

• If you're hoping to use the weight gainer immediately before or after the workout period, look for one that contains as little fat as possible and that has a higher carbohydrate content. This is the prime time to feed your muscles fast acting carbohydrates so they can drive the insulin cycle and get the amino acids into the muscle cells quickly.
  Don't fear taking in more calories during this time of the day because it's at this point your body will make best use of them. If you are going to add a higher calorie weight gainer shake, this is the time to do it, provided you are keeping fat intake lower.
  Weider's Super Mega Mass 2000 is the perfect example of this containing 530 calories, 103 grams of carbohydrates, 25 grams of protein, and only 2 grams of fat. Taking this after a workout is a sure-fire strategy to get some serious growth happening. 

4. Differing Calorie Levels

• Again going back to the factor that you do only require so many calories to build muscle effectively, weight gainers come in a variety of different calorie levels, so be sure to match an appropriate one to your needs.
  There is a big difference between a four hundred calorie weight gainer and a nine hundred calorie weight gainer when taken on a daily basis over the course of a week. If you overshoot the calorie intake of the weight gainer you may find that you do start putting on fat mass, which is something most guys do aim to limit.
  Most guys should find they do well with a four hundred to six hundred calorie variety, and then those who really struggle to build mass can venture into the higher calorie formulas. Always error on the conservative side when first start out with a weight gainer as well so that you can be sure it reacts positively with your system.
  Those who are quite susceptible to indigestion or taking in larger volumes of calories at once may struggle with the higher calorie powders so work your way up to the larger calorie levels. 

Most Guys Should Do Well With A Four Hundred

To Six Hundred Calorie Weight Gainer.

5. Meet Your Creatine Needs More Effectively

• Another great reason to consider adding a weight gainer to your supplement program is because it'll kill a few birds with one stone. Not only will you no longer need a straight protein powder (unless you also plan on using lower calorie protein shakes as well), but many weight gainers come complete with creatine as well, eliminating the need to buy this product separately.
  Creatine is the perfect addition to most weight gainers because in order for creatine to work as effectively as possible, it's vital to take in a higher amount of quick acting carbs, which is what many weight gainers are made out of.
  If you do notice some initial water weight gain when first starting a weight gainer, keep in mind this is from the high influx of carbohydrates (which carry extra water molecules into the body) as well as the creatine. Give it a week or two and you should see this water retention leave the body. 

Creatine Is Vital To Take In A
Higher Amount Of Quick Acting Carbs.

6. Recover Faster With L-Glutamine

• Finally, the last reason why you should consider adding a weight gainer to your supplement mix is because of the enhanced recovery rates you'll have with it.
  Being able to recover from workout to workout is just as important, if not more important, than what you're doing in the gym, so if you aren't taking in an optimal amount of calories, you won't be guaranteeing your recovery rates.
  Further, like creatine, most weight gainers do double-duty and also pack in some l-glutamine, which is a particular amino acid that really plays a large role in a speedy recovery.
  L-Glutamine will also work to support a healthy immune system, decreasing the risk that you have to miss out on your training sessions because of illness. 

Conclusion

So be sure you keep these points in mind. When used properly weight gainers can give you the 'edge' you need to take your muscle building to a whole new level.

www.TrainEverHard.com

Top 20 Proven Health Benefits of Fish Oil

#1 – EasesDepression  

As far back as the early 1990s, researchers started seriously looking at fish oil as an antidepressant – or, even better, a depression prevention supplement.

While researching other benefits of fish oil, scientists began to notice a repeating trend: people in countries where cold-water, fatty fish are a staple of a regular diet had lower instances of depression.

This trend was repeated so regularly that scientists had no choice but to explore these unexpected benefits of fish oil and how they were connected to depression–alleviating and preventing it.

Andrew Stoll, M.D., suggests that since cell membranes are partially comprised of omega-3s, increasing the levels of omega-3 in the blood allows serotonin, an antidepressant chemical produced by the body, to more easily transport between cells, thus explaining the benefits of fish oil, higher levels of omega-3s and connection to lower rates of depression.

#2 – Lowers Cholesterol

The Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association both recommend fish oil supplements to help reduce cholesterol. Through research, the American Heart Association has seen benefits of fish oil in subjects with and without coronary disease and cholesterol issues.

They recommend different levels of fish oil supplements for different conditions, but indicate that fish oil is beneficial to individuals no matter what their current heart health.

#3 – Lowers Triglyceride Levels

The Mayo Clinic as well as several other researchers have found that the benefits of fish oil include lowered triglyceride levels in the blood.

This is particularly significant for those with HIV and AIDS, as antiretroviral medications have been shown to increase triglycerides thus making coronary disease and blockages much more common.

Reduced triglycerides mean reduced risk of coronary disease for those taking antiretrovirals. Fish oil supplements also benefit other systems of the body, so patients with lowered immunity and other symptoms caused by HIV or AIDS may see additional benefits as well.

#4 – Reduces Inflammation In The Body

One of the many benefits of properly purified fish oil supplements is reduced inflammation in the body. Inflammation can present itself in many ways, from lupus to thyroid inflammatory disease to psoriasis.

As little as three grams of fish oil supplements per day is enough to reduce inflammation in many forms.

#5 – Eliminates Joint Pain

While the benefits of fish oil include relief from chronic inflammation, they also help those who suffer from other types of joint pain including osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

The Albany Medical College conducted a research study that confirms fish oil may be used in place of pharmaceuticals for pain relief from Rheumatoid arthritis.

The researchers also specifically suggested those seeking relief from Rheumatoid arthritis should seek pure, non-synthetic fish oil supplements to experience the greatest relief.

#6 – Improves Your Skin

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are two of the essential fatty acids (EFA) provided by fish oil supplements, and EPA is directly related to skin health.

The Journal of Lipid Research announced in 2005 that a few benefits of fish oil regarding skin condition are oil production regulation, increased hydration, reduced acne and fewer wrinkles.

EPA has also been proven to help protect our skin from UVA sun damage, which causes wrinkles, lines and permanent skin damage.

And there are probably many more reasons why omega-3 fatty acids help your skin look great that scientists haven’t even discovered yet.

#7 – Promotes Weight Loss

Moss Greene, editor of women’s online health website Bella Online, reports that fish oil promotes weight loss and fat burning better than diet and exercise alone.

The University of Georgia reported in the Journal of Nutrition that one of the benefits of fish oil is its ability to prevent pre-fat cells from converting to fat cells in the body by effectively causing them to die, thus reducing overall accumulation of fat.

Additionally, scientists in Australia discovered that fat loss benefits of fish oil combined with diet and exercise were significantly greater than diet and exercise alone.

A recent study in Japan demonstrated that mice who experienced the benefits of fish oil had faster metabolisms and gained less weight in the first place than mice who did not experience the benefits of fish oil (these researchers believe the same benefits of fish oil should hold true for humans, too).

#8 – May Prevent Schizophrenia

Yes, you read that correctly. Fish oil may prevent schizophrenia. Several studies have been conducted on this theory, and a recent study conducted by Dr. Patrick McGorry in Australia showed a statistically significant correlation between fish oil supplements and the prevention of schizophrenia.

The study was comprised of 81 teens and young adults who had shown early signs of schizophrenia.

Research indicates that if young people who show early indications and have a relative with schizophrenia are not treated, approximately one-third will develop the disease.

The study demonstrated that only three percent of those treated with fish oil developed schizophrenia, while 28 percent of those taking placebo developed the illness.

This is incredibly important to the medical community and those suffering with mental illness, because the benefits of fish oil are numerous and the side effects are minimal, especially when compared to traditional antipsychotic medications.

#9 – Improves Brain Function In Babies

Studies have shown that the benefits of fish oil are numerous for infants when taken by a pregnant woman.

Not only do fish oil supplements promote brain development and macular health, the specific benefits observed through research are quite astonishing.

Pregnant women who took a high-quality fish oil supplement had babies with higher IQs and fewer learning disorders, and were less likely to develop mental retardation or cognitive delays.

Additionally, the Associated Press reports that some nutritionists believe that omega-3s are the primary building block for human intelligence, so babies who receive omega-3s through fish oil supplements when mom is pregnant and nursing are statistically likely to be more intelligent children and adults.

#10 – Increases Your Focus

Edward Hallowell, M.D., founder of the Hallowell Center for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in Massachusetts, recommends omega-3s in the form of fish oil supplements for patients with trouble focusing.

He notes that the benefits of fish oil are most noticeable for mental focus, not as much with hyperactivity. Dr. Hallowell indicates that it may take up to six weeks for patients to notice a difference, but that the improvement may be quite substantial.

Two separate small studies revealed that children with ADHD are likely to have lower levels of omega-3 in their blood than children with no ADHD symptoms, and that omega-3s tended to break down easier in children who suffer from ADHD.

This could explain why the benefits of fish oil are so noticeable in children with ADHD, and could also stand to reason that adults with ADHD might see similar benefits of fish oil.

#11 – Reduces Post-Partum Depression

The benefits of fish oil are not only for babies when a pregnant or nursing mom takes the supplements.

While noted above that fish oil eases the symptoms of depression, post-partum depression deserves a category all its own because past treatments have either been ineffective, complicated or have required moms to stop nursing their newborns.

Fish oil is in a class of its own, since it not only reduces and helps prevent post-partum depression (if taken throughout pregnancy), but it allows moms to continue nursing, which is discouraged because antidepressants are not healthy for babies to ingest (via breast milk).

The Associated Press reports that this may open a new door for physicians struggling to help mothers eliminate post-partum depression and still breastfeed and bond with their babies.

#12 – Improves Vision

Several independent studies in the US and Australia indicate that not only are there benefits of fish oil when eyes are developing in babies in utero, but that adults taking fish oil are less prone to macular degeneration as they age.

#13 – Reduces Soreness From Weight Training

Bodybuilders have recently discovered that due to the benefits of fish oil concerning inflammation, fish oil can dramatically reduce soreness from strength training.

Not only is this beneficial for bodybuilders, but to anyone incorporating strength training in their lives.

The reduced soreness will allow more enjoyable exercise, and more frequent exercise due to less recovery time.

#14 – Reduces Risk Of Heart Disease

As stated previously, the benefits of fish oil extend to the blood and circulatory system by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

This in turn helps protect your heart and you, more importantly, from heart disease and other cardiovascular problems, as stated by the American Heart Association.

Some say that taking a fish oil pill a day may even be better than taking pharmaceutical drugs, but no one can say that, because then the big companies would come after them, wouldn’t they? 

#15 – May Slow Breast Tumor Growth

Omega-3 essential fatty acids have been proven by research to slow cancer growth, as stated by the American Association for Cancer Research at its 2009 annual meeting.

Further studies have been conducted specifically regarding breast cancer and fish oil, and while the results have varied, there are positive indicators that the benefits of fish oil include slowing of cancerous cell growth, particularly in breast cancer.

#16 – Provides Relief From Crohn’s Disease And Colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two digestive diseases that cause much suffering for those they afflict.

Often, the treatments are extremely expensive and can include surgery to remove sections of the intestines and colon, which is painful and life-altering.

Benefits of fish oil when taken to treat Crohn’s disease and colitis have been found in that the fish oil actually heals the ulcers in the colon and intestines. This is a huge leap in the search for a cure for these terrible diseases.

#17 – Eases The Effects Of Alzheimer’s Disease

The brain of a person with Alzheimer’s disease benefits from fish oil supplementation in that the EFAs in fish oil help fight the plaque in the brain that causes Alzheimer’s disease in the first place.

UCLA researchers also discovered that not only do the benefits of fish oil include prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, they may include helping to manage and reduce symptoms in those already afflicted with the memory disease.

#18 – Helps Treat Ulcers

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends the benefits of fish oil to individuals suffering from peptic ulcers, as the fish oil reduces inflammation and boosts immunity to prevent recurrence of the ulcers.

Fish oil may also reduce depression, anxiety and stress, which are sometimes contributing factors for peptic ulcer development.

#19 – Stabilizes Mood

The benefits of fish oil regarding bipolar disorder are significant in that those with milder forms of bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed with depression, and prescribed antidepressants, which not only have unpleasant side effects but can actually worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Additionally, those with milder forms of bipolar disorder that are properly diagnosed have limited treatment options available, and many have different yet still unpleasant side effects.

Jim Phelps, M.D., a leading mental illness researcher and respected psychiatrist, observed these benefits of fish oil in his bipolar patients and noted that their manic and depressive symptoms were greatly improved.

#20 – Even Helps Man’s Best Friend

Iams, a respected international dog food manufacturer, has conducted conclusive research that puppies experience benefits of fish oil when supplemented during their first months of life.

Fish oil has been shown to improve puppies’ brain function, vision and trainability, which leads to happier, more well-behaved and good-tempered dogs.

www.TrainEverHard.com

TRAIN EVERHARD 5K SATURDAYS!!!!

IM AN AVID RUNNER, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER, OR  FACE BOOK, YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNOW THIS.. IVE BEEN RUNNING ALL MY LIFE,  AND IT'S ONE OF THE REASONS I STAY SO LEAN. I DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL THIS FALL FOR THOSE WILLING TO PARTICIPATE, COME JOIN ME EVERY SATURDAY AT PIEDMONT PARK FOR A 5K RUN! 

JUST BECAUSE SUMMER IS OVER, DON'T MEAN FITNESS IS OVER!!! DON'T HIBERNATE ALL FALL, AND WINTER LONG, THEN WAIT UNTILL SPRING TO SET UNREALISTIC GOALS!!! START NOW!!! MAKE A HABIT OF IT! THIS IS THE RIGHT TIME TO START WORKING TOWARDS THAT BODY YOU ALWAYS WANTED!! THIS FALL COME OUT, MEET ME, AND LETS MAKE IT A GROUP EFFORT, EVERY SATURDAY AT 9AM.

SOMETIMES RUNNING INDOORS ON A TREADMILL CAN BECOME A BORE,  REDUNDANT, AND UN-MOTIVATING. SOMETIMES A CHANGE OF SCENERY IS ALL YOU NEED, RUNNING IS GREAT WAY TO SHEAD THOSE UNWANTED POUNDS, BURN PLENTY OF CALORIES, BUILD ENDURANCE, INCREASE ENERGY LEVELS, AND OVERALL HEALTH

OTHER GREAT REASONS TO RUN

RUN FOR YOU FOR YOUR LIFE! 13 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD RUN!

DONT BE SCARED! WE WILL BE RUNNING AT A COMFORTABLE PACE

(5K= 3.11 MILES)

WE WILL BE MEETING: 12TH STREET NORTHEAST/ PIEDMONT AVENUE NORTHEAST

AT THE ENTRANCE NEAR WILLY'S MEXICAN GRILL 

SIGN UP FOR FREE!!!!!! CLICK HERE OR EMAIL ME AT LORENZO@TRAINEVERHARD.COM 

Common Diet Mistakes While Trying To Lose Belly Fat

Losing unwanted belly fat (and keeping it off) means that not only do you need to use up more calories than you consume in a day, but it is essential that you also eat the right foods. Don’t be fooled into thinking some foods are harmless no matter how much you eat. Identifying these “bad foods in disguise” is not always easy, but there are basic guidelines you can follow. If you are aware of one food that does not help when trying to lose belly fat, you can easily link it to and identify it with other foods in the same categories. Another mistake people make when trying to lose belly fat is ruling out a food group entirely. Your body needs carbohydrates, fats and proteins, otherwise it stores what it does not get (your body automatically thinks there is a shortage) and you do not lose that weight.

Some proteins you would not expect to make you gain instead of lose weight are pork in all forms (sausages, ham, bacon), organ meat (for example, kidneys) and peanuts, as well as peanut butter. Even cheese, surimi fish, lentils, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, lamb and beef can make you gain serious weight if not eaten in low quantities.

When it comes to carbohydrates, there are “good” examples, but the carbs that are ultimately the greatest cause of belly fat gain are the ones that no one really expects. Melons and couscous are both great examples. Typically, these foods are considered healthy, but if consumed in high amounts, can cause unwanted weight gain. More carbohydrates that are promoted as “good”, but are actually more villains in the belly fat world are “whole wheat” foods. These do have good nutritional values and low glycemic indexes, but for exactly this reason, people believe they can eat as much cereals, bread, muffins, pasta and crackers as they want as long as its “whole wheat” and they will not gain any weight. This is a big mistake. Eating small portions every now and again, however, is no problem! When we consider the fats that are belly fatteners, we see that even though animal fats and animal skins are bad, hydrogenated vegetable oils are the worst options. This means that those proverbial “diet ideal” avocados you eat can do you more harm than good if you consume too much.

When trying to lose belly fat or any excess weight, stay away from sweeteners at all costs. Artificial sweeteners are exactly what the name suggests: artificial, fake and can thus not be digested as successfully as normal sugar. Dextrose, glucose, lactose, xylitol, caster sugar, saccharine, cyclamate and sorbitol (found in all sorts of gum and breath fresheners on the market) are taboos. Sorbitol is also known to make you feel bloated for a long period of time. Another unexpected cause of weight gain are diet sodas. They may have little to no calories, but they all contain aspartame – an artificial sweetener that not only causes weight gain, but has been proven to have adverse effects on the growing processes of young bodies. Diet sodas actually make you hungrier faster because of their low nutritional values and thus you eat more without realizing.

A grave mistake that people often make is falling for the “low fat” label. Yes, it does seem like a way to your perfect belly and a weight loss path, but they do not consider amounts of calories when they determine how much “fat” there is in a food. These foods, like low fat yogurt or cheese can actually make you gain weight if you do not burn the calories you took in. Eating high fat yogurt or cheese, but in small quantities, is ultimately a better way to lose belly fat, because they make you feel fuller for longer and thus you do not eat as much.

The last food (or drink) you should steer clear of over-consuming is fruit juice. Fruit juice is healthier than sodas or even caffeine drinks, but they spike your blood glucose levels and send you into a sugar crash. You feel hungrier faster and eat more. Rather stick to whole fruits (to consume fiber) and to achieve a slower energy release.

Ultimately, it looks as if all foods will make you gain more weight than lose. This is true! Too much of anything is bad. This is why it is important to know what the best or ideal options are and then to make sure you do not eat too much of it. You can eat a waffle, but do not eat five and do not eat other “high glycemic index” foods for the rest of the day. Weight is a scale: if you eat more than you burn, you will gain weight and if you burn more than you eat, you will lose it. So: “why is it so hard to lose belly fat?” People do not monitor themselves well enough and they fall for lies about certain foods. Knowing when and when not to trust a strategy, be aware of the sources you are obtaining your information from, and be continually conscientious of everything you digest.

www.TrainEverHard.com

I DO A 1000 CRUNCHES A DAY!!! Why Fat On The Stomach So Hard To Lose?

When you look at the reasons why people, especially women, struggle immensely to lose weight and belly fat, you will find that many could trace it back to physiology. If you tend to gain weight in certain areas, more than likely you inherited that gene from your parents.

It will be hard to get rid of it, but that does not mean there is not a way. Men typically gain weight around their abdomens (which should be prevented, because this can lead to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other illnesses), while women will more likely gain their weight around their hips and thighs. This is due to different hormones in the body, because the brain tells the body to store protective tissue around reproductive organs. Even though many people are opting to blame their weight and their struggle to lose belly fat on genetics, the biggest reason for weight gain today, is that people do not know that the foods they are consuming are creating havoc to their bodies. They believe all marketing strategies and product information given about foods and what to eat to lose belly fat, but most of this information is completely misleading and can, in fact, cause the opposite effect. There are certain foods that most “diets” recommend, but you will be surprised to find that many of them actually make you gain weight even further. This is the main reason why it is so hard to lose belly fat.

“When people realize what actually is preventing them from losing weight it becomes a turning point in their weight loss plans, and they start seeing weight come off at a much faster pace than ever seen before, and they are actually able to keep it off,” says Rob Hilton of Lose Fat Belly Guide.

Losing unwanted belly fat (and keeping it off) means that not only do you need to use up more calories than you consume in a day, but it is essential that you also eat the right foods. Don’t be fooled into thinking some foods are harmless no matter how much you eat. Identifying these “bad foods in disguise” is not always easy, but there are basic guidelines you can follow. CLICK HERE If you are aware of one food that does not help when trying to lose belly fat, you can easily link it to and identify it with other foods in the same categories. Another mistake people make when trying to lose belly fat is ruling out a food group entirely. Your body needs carbohydrates, fats and proteins, otherwise it stores what it does not get (your body automatically thinks there is a shortage) and you do not lose that weight.

Now, I am going to tell you why crunches suck, WHY they don’t work, and even better – what exercises DO work to get you those rock solid abs that you want!

• The single most important factor in seeing your abdominal muscles is low body fat. If you want those really, really great abs, you’re body fat needs to be at about 10% or lower… and I promise you’re not going to decrease your body fat through crunches. Crunches burn little to no calories (especially if you’ve been doing them a while… your body adapts, remember!?) and actually work very few muscles — mostly neck and back, (and arms, if you put your hands behind your head).

• Crunches can hurt your back. The actual “crunched up” part of the crunch exercise puts an extremely awkward and unhealthy strain on the weakest part of your back. Basically, the part of your back that bends and strains while doing sit-ups and crunches is actually the same part with the most potential for nerve damage. EEK!  Even if crunches DID work your abs (they don’t), the back damage you could someday suffer definitely wouldn’t be worth it.

• You cannot “spot treat” your abs. Despite what you’ve been led to believe, your body doesn’t burn fat in isolation.  Think about it for a minute: if people could “spot treat” their bodies, then you would see guys walking around with ripped abs and flabby arms… or women with fat butts but super-toned thighs!  It just doesn’t happen that way naturally. So, what does this mean? Well, in other words, doing abdominal exercises will not burn lots of fat from your abdominals… it will burn a little bit of fat everywhere. So, to burn fat from your abs you’re actually much better off doing intense exercises that trigger your body to burn a TON of fat – and strength exercises that involve lots of different muscle groups (like squats and dead lifts) are the best way to do this!

• Multi-muscle strength exercises will get you 6-pack abs fast. Think about the bench press… or even the push-up. Although these are not normally considered great “ab exercises”, most people don’t realize that these exercises force you to work many muscle groups all at once… and hence are truly the BEST “ab exercises”. Don’t understand what I mean? Drop right now and do a “man’s” pushup. If you can’t, chances are your abs (not your arms) aren’t strong enough.  That’s because exercises like the bench press and pushup actually force you to stabilize your core muscles while your arms work to push weight. If your abs are too weak, you won’t be able to maintain the proper pushup position (hence the “female version”).

• About 10 percent of good abs is exercise. The rest is all nutrition. Because having great abs is mostly about having a low body fat percentage, if you want to burn your fat mass you have to eat right. Again, this does not entail starving yourself. Actually, quite the opposite! You need to feed your body with a lot of nutritious, simple, whole foods frequently in order to keep your fat-burning muscles fueled and your metabolism on fire.

www.TrainEverHard.com