Lose Weight and Live Healthy

But how am I suppose to lose weight? I don't want to feel hungry all the time, and healthy food is bland! Dieting is sooo hard. Blah, blah, blah, I know. Boring diets can make weight loss seem impossible. But, if you feel that dieting is difficult or that you are restricting yourself too much, you may be relieved to know that there are ZERO calorie foods, beverages and condiments you can add to your meals to help spice up your menu without bursting your belt. Each of these items either have no calories, or so few calories that your body burns more calories digesting them than it gains from eating them. Choosing these items can help you lose weight, since they can fill you up while helping keep your calories low. Food: Lettuce A cup of lettuce will only add a few calories to your meal, but it's full of nutrients. It contains a tiny amount of fat but loads of vitamin A and vitamin C. Beef up a sandwich by adding lettuce or make a hefty salad. But remember that salad...

Give yourself more in 2018 by committing to a fit and healthy lifestyle.  You only get one life, and it is what you make of it.  Set new goals, dedicate the time necessary to achieve them, don't give up on yourself and never stop striving to be better.  It is a new year full of potential, what will you do to take advantage of this potential?  Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, gain strength, improve your health or stay active, it is never to late to reach your aspirations.  And we are here to support you on your journey!  Share your experiences with us in the comments section, we would love to hear your stories, goals and steps you have taken to accomplish them.  Don't forget to check back with us often to stay motivated. Get Tips! Get Inspired! Get Healthy! Related Articles:  Get Fit With HIIT What is CrossFit? Muscle Failure How Do You Do One More Set? I Eat Fruit...Part 2

Garlic doesn't just ward off vampires, it also protects against bacteria and the germs that cause the flu and colds. It's true! Garlic contains a powerful chemical called allicin. It is the juicy stuff produced from garlic when it is crushed, chopped or chewed. That awesome juicy stuff is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics, 15 times stronger than penicillin. And because of its unique properties, bacteria can not develop a resistance to it, so you can keep using it over and over. I addition to fighting against bacteria, garlic can also be used as an anti fungal and anti-inflammatory treatment. What's more, it prevents cancer, heart disease and bad cholesterol. So cut up some garlic and add it to your favorite foods, you're body will love you forever! Related Articles: The Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate The Benefits of Juicing How to Improve Heart Health Prevent Cancer By Eating Fruit Speed Up Your Metabolism and Regulate Blood Pressure Ph...

Eating the right amount of protein is key to building, and keeping, lean muscle mass.  However, protein needs for each individual are different, and are based on your size and activity level. Use the protein calculator to find out how much protein you should be consuming per day. Did you know that you don't always have to eat meat to get protein? There are many veggies that are packed with protein and are perfect for vegatarians, vegans, or those who simply wish to diversify their protein content. You can also find protein in a variety of nuts! So where can you get the most protein? Check out this chart to find a variety of protein-rich foods.                                                          Whether you are trying to lose, gain or maintain weight, you need to know how many calories you are eating.  Us...

To lose weight you need to create a calorie deficit by eating fewer calories.  First, you need to know your basal metabolic rate (BMR), or the amount of calories you need for your body to perform normal functions like breathing and digesting food.   Use the BMR calculator to determine how many calories your body needs at rest.  This number will go up once you start to do physical activities, but this is a good starting point to determine how many calories you should be eating, and how many you need to cut to lose weight.  By eating fewer calories than your body needs for its basic functions, your body will be forced to burn fat as fuel to provide the energy to perform these functions.  This will help you lose weight. Once you have determined your target caloric intake, you are set to start adjusting the amount of calories you consume each day.  Using the calorie counter can help you keep track of the amount of calories you eat each day to ensure y...

Fish oil is known for its health benefits as it is packed with Omega 3 fatty acids that help promote heart and joint health. But is fish oil the best source of Omega 3s? Omegas 3s are commonly found in marine animals, such as fish, and also in plants. One plant based source of these essential fatty acids is flaxseed. So which is better? Fish oil is harvested from the liver of fish, that's why the oil from cod fish is called cod liver oil. Since the liver filters the body's toxins, it is possible that taking fish oil can have a toxic effect. Although fish oil is supposed to be purified during the refining process, in rare cases metals such as mercury and PCBs can contaminate the product and make you sick. In addition, fish oil contains cholesterol and can negatively impact your bad cholesterol known as LDL. For individuals looking to improve their LDL, fish oil may not be the best option. So how can you get those essential fatty acids that your body needs? Try flax see...

Having a baby comes with infinite joy...and twice as many things to do. This can make losing that pregnancy weight a challenge, especially when you barely have time to eat or sleep, much less exercise. However, it can be done in small steps by eating a proper diet and doing light exercise once your body is ready. By following these tips, you can make progress towards regaining your pre-pregnancy body and becoming a fit and healthy mama. Diet -Keep taking your prenatals, you will need the extra vitamins to help your body heal and to keep you energized enough to take care of yourself and your baby. -Don't forget breakfast. You need nutrients first thing in the morning to keep your metabolism going as well as your energy. -Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. They are a quick and nutritious snack that you can munch on while you feed your baby or eat if you are short food-prep time. Quick and Delicious Veggie Snack -Keep a bottle of water handy at all times. It will help you st...

Want to find out how many calories are in the foods you are eating?  Enter your food into the calorie counter to get calorie information as well as nutrition facts. Knowing how many calories you eat can help you reach your weight loss goals.  One pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories.  By eating fewer calories, you can burn body fat and lose weight.  Choosing the right foods will help your eat fewer calories, but this doesn't have to make your diet miserable. Try these delicious zero-calorie food options that will make you look forward to your diet. So how much do you need to cut calories to lose weight?  This number is different for everyone and is based on body size.  Everyone needs to eat a different number of calories when at rest.  You can find out how many calories you need at rest by using the basal metabolic rate calculator .  Once you determine how many calories you need at rest, you'll know how many calories to eat to create...

In order to lose weight you have to create a calorie deficit.  This means you have to burn more calories than you eat.  This can be done by eating fewer calories or by exercising to burn calories. The best way to lose weight is to do a combination of both to create a bigger deficit.  Use the weight loss calculator to find out how many calories you need to burn each day to meet your weight loss goals. Enter the amount of weight you want to lose and the amount of calories you plan to cut each day to find out how long it will take to lose that weight.  If you want to lose weight faster, cut and burn more calories.  But do not eat fewer than 1,200 a day, since eating less than this amount can cause you to be malnourished and lose weight too quickly.  Safe, healthy weight loss is sustainable, restricting calories too much can lead to health problems in addition to being difficult to keep up over time.   (Need...

Want a low fat snack that will keep you full and healthy? Try a smoothie. There are unlimited combinations of fruits and natural fruit juices you can blend together for a good drink that's good for you. Also discover  The Benefits of Juicing... Every sweet chilled sip is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that work hard to keep your immune system at the top of its game and running strong. Add some low-fat yogurt or a scoop of low-fat sherbet to this blended beverage for a creamier treat. Check out our Healthy Recipes section to get smoothie ideas you'll love!!! Related Articles:  Prevent Cancer By Eating Fruit Get Better Sleep By Eating Fruit Boost Your Breakfast With Fruit The Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate Is Flax Seed Oil Better Than Fish Oil?

Why Do You Eat Fruit? Tell us why you eat fruit and share your favorite ways to enjoy it in the comments section! Related Articles:  I Eat Fruit The Best Smoothies Ever Zero Calorie Foods to Make Your Diet More Fun Calorie Counter Weight Loss Calculator  

Why Do You Eat Fruit? Share your favorite healthy food ideas in the comments section! Related Articles:  I Eat Fruit...Part 2 Boost Your Breakfast With Fruit Prevent Cancer By Eating Fruit Get Better Sleep By Eating Fruit Quick and Delicious Veggie Snack

Love chocolate and your figure?  Who says you can't eat chocolate and still look great? Dark chocolate is a healthier alternative to its more sugary cousin, milk chocolate.  It contains fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, zinc, phosphorous, and selenium.  It's like a multivitamin that tastes awesome.  Okay, not quite, but it is clearly packed with many essential nutrients. It also contains powerful antioxidants. According to fitness author Kris Gunnars, "dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants.  These include polyphenols, flavanols, catechins, among others." What's more, it can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, increase blood flow and even reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease! As if you needed any more reasons to pop a piece of delicious dark chocolate in your mouth.  But it does have sugar, so enjoy in moderation. What's your favorite health snac...

I found this great infographic from strongfigure.com.  It speaks to our unfounded obsession with "perfection".  Work hard to achieve your fitness goals, but always love yourself for who you are.  Define YOUR idea of beauty and be the best version of yourself.  Most of all, always set healthy weight loss goals and practice safe fitness habits. Check out their website: http://strongfigure.com/2013/12/want-thigh-gap/ Have a cool infographic or picture you want to share? Post below in the comments section! Related Articles: Managing Stress and Weight Loss 8 Steps to Better Health and More Energy Post Pregnancy Diet and Exercise Tips Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator Should I Do Squats?

Losing weight can help you look sexy, but it can also reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart attack and stroke -- talk about a win-win. Gaining upper-body strength can help you knockout everyday tasks and make you more confident in your favorite tank tops. You can shed those extra pounds by cutting down calories with diet and exercise; and you can take on the straight bar by gradually increasing your upper-body strength. Lose Weight Step 1 Eat a healthy diet that focuses on plant-based foods and limits extra fats, carbohydrates and sugars like fried foods, pastries and sweets. Step 2 Create a calorie deficit by eliminating your intake of high calorie items with low nutritional value such as coffee during breakfast, soda at lunch or ice cream after dinner. Refrain from adding extra items to your meals like sour cream, dressings and mayo; 3,500 calories equals one pound of fat, so limiting empty calories like these can decrease your caloric intake and help you cut down your...

Did you know that grapes and strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, phytonutrients and antioxidants? Well it's true. Eating strawberries and grapes regularly will help boost your immune system and can even help prevent cancer. So load up on these delicious fruit; they're not just sweet, they're awesome! Related Articles: Get Better Sleep By Eating Fruit How to Improve Heart Health 8 Steps to Better Health and More Energy Why Should I Drink Water? Boost Your Breakfast With Fruit References: http://cancer.stanford.edu/information/nutritionAndCancer/reduceRisk/ Photo credit:  Tomwsulcer