Monthly Archives: January, 2014

The HCG Diet Protocol – The Modern OWL vs. Original

As we have discussed over and over, with our exercise methods as well as diet programs, there are many ways to lose weight naturally. Exercise and dieting are definitely two that can be of great benefit to people, but they’re not the only options. New research has been examining the benefits of organic and natural aids which can help people shed pounds and stay in shape.  There are few that fit the bill, as we’ve discussed, but one of the main ones that has been shown to work in research is the HCG diet.  This method uses a natural hormoen produced by women, called HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in order to produce weight loss.  It does this by increasing metabolism and decreasing the appetite of users naturally.

HCG molecule close up

The HCG Molecule Close-up with Alpha and Beta Chains

There is a long history of use of HCG to help people lose weight. In the 1950s, Dr. Simeons found that users on HCG lost 400% or more total fat than did their non-HCG counterparts going on a reduced calorie diet. He wasn’t sure why this occurred, but it was clear that it worked. After decades of research, it was found that HCG sent biochemical signals to the brain to burn calories and increase metabolism. The hypothalamus gland is actually responsible for this metabolism boos, and users quickly see results with drops in appetite.  Dr. Simeons originally recommended a 500 calorie a day diet, which is sufficient given the hunger reducing effects of the hormone.  The beta-chain of the molecule itself is actually what attaches to the brain’s neurotransmitters and allows for this to occur.  Weight loss seen is both rapid and sustained.

In the modern program, many people stopped doing 500 calories per day as the results would sometimes halt for short periods as the body adjusted.  This was bad and discouraging for users, so what was recommended was a modern method that allowed for up to 700 calories per day.  The introduction of real and pure HCG diet drops as well has led many to this protocol in order to become successful in their weight loss goals.  However, the modern approach is a lot easier to stick to, and most people do not experience any difficulties in keeping a steady weight loss throughout phase two of the program.

How the OWL HCG Diet Differs

The OWL diet protocol is significantly different from Dr. Simeons original method for HCG use.  It involves taking in 700 calories per day rather than the more traditional 500 with limited food selections allowed.  However, this is not the only change.  There are numerous foods which are not permitted on the original protocol but which are allowed on the modern approach.  For example, Dr. Simeons limited vegetable choices to a dozen or so vegetables, and users were only to eat one serving with each meal (no mixing of vegetables).  On the modern OWL approach, dieters can mix vegetables as well as eat almost all vegetables.  The limitation is only that the vegetables should be low in carbohydrates (so no rice, potatoes, corn, etc.).  Additionally fruits on the original protocol were limited to a smattering of possible choices, mostly things like grapefruits or apples.  However, this is not the case either on the modern method.  Most fruits are allowed as long as they have low carbs just like with vegetables.  Fruits like berries, mangos and other sugar rich fruits are not permitted, but the rest are allowed to be eaten in phase 2.

How the Fruit of the African Mango Tree Prevents Weight Gain

Fruit of African MangoIt’s no easy task to lose weight, this is no secret at all. Millions of people struggle with weight loss in the US every single year, and it’s rarely the case that they will succeed in shedding pounds. What people need is a rapid weight loss method that doesn’t depend on cutting calories or exercising, and is easy to stick to. A simple pill or something that steps in and takes over the body’s metabolism and boosts it, burning more fat, is the ultimate goal or researchers and physicians alike. However, little progress has been made in recent years on this subject.  If a product is found, it often carries with it some severe side effects even if prescription based.  That’s why proven methods which can offer weight loss naturally are so in demand.

It’s true that there are few natural ways to lose weight without diet or exercise, but there are indeed some ways to do so.  For example, Garcinia Cambogia, as we’ve discussed, is a natural fruit extract which can help reduce weight.  Other such treatments include things like African Mango or Green Coffee bean extracts which can boost metabolism naturally.  Usually the weight loss ranges from 5-20 pounds per month when using these products, depending on the potency of the ingredient.  African mango is one of the more potent and we’ll examine the research, how it works, and the benefits of its use against tradition prescription treatments or other natural methods.

African Mango Extract Results

African mango is a natural plant of the Irvingia species which has been shown to help people lose weight.  Studies have been conducted for several years now examining its effects on patients who are seeking to lose weight, but do so safely and organically.  A recent university study of several hundred people and a placebo group found that African Mango extract not only produced greater weight loss, but around 5 times the levels of the placebo group.  This equated to a weight loss on the order of 20 to 30 pounds per 2 month period of time.  These results are truly awesome, as this level is more than is seen with dieting as well or most exercise programs.

The precise mechanism through which African Mango works is somewhat of a mystery.  However, what is clear is that for most users it does generate results.  It’s thought to be caused by the metabolic boosting properties of the extract, which increase neurotransmitter levels and inform the brain to burn more fat.  However, there are also some other theories.  One theory indicates that users lose so much weight because African Mango acts in the same manner as cardiovascular exercise.  Unlike some exercises, such as weight lifting or other “bulking up” activities, running or jogging enable the bottle to burn fat as it cuts down on the user’s appetite.  African mango may have a chemical which sends the same signals to the brain, decreasing hypothalamus production and the hormones that cause appetite.  It’s clear that more studying is needed to find the solution, but for now, this method is one of the most potent natural ingredients known to exist.

Importance of Exercise for Fitness Success – Methodology

Losing weight is difficult, it takes a lot of effort, time and struggle to achieve results. However, there are some methods that make it easier and even more enjoyable that traditional weight loss techniques such as going on diets. Firstly, weight loss through exercise has a much higher chance of long term success. Recent studies have clearly shown that exercise generates rapid weight loss, high levels of energy, and longer weight reduction after reaching a person’s ideal goals. Typically with dieting users will have gained back all of the weight they lost within 8 months of completing the diet, however, with exercise this is usually several years later. Secondly, exercise programs do not often rely on people reducing their caloric intake to unnatural levels, making it much easier to achieve results so long as people stay motivated with their work outs.

importance of exercise Where do people go to find good weight loss and exercise methods? It’s difficult to find perfect sources, but an excellent resource is from sources like fitness member which has a lot of information on weight loss techniques.  There are a lot of methods that people employ, but one of the best is getting a gym membership and weight training.  Cardiovascular exercises, such as running or elliptical training can also be done with this resource.

 

Three Popular Exercises To Burn Fat

Besides the typical running on an elliptical machine for 30 minutes, there are specific exercises that help cut fat to certain areas of the body.

  1. Belly Fat - Beginning with an oldie, but a goodie is the abdominal crunch.  This method requires no special equipment to achieve results.   This is one of the best ways to cut belly fat or fat stored on the midriff of the person.  Begin by laying back down flat on the floor, while bending the keens up and keeping the bottoms of your feet flat on the ground.  You then crunch your abs together, lifting your head towards your knees.  It’s important to not do this motion from your neck, but instead make your core crunch and pull your head and shoulders up on its own.
  2. Hip Fat - To remove pesky hip fat, there are really only a handful of exercises.  Certainly one of the most effective is running or cardio exercise, like training on rowing machines, biking and ellipticals.  However, there are also some direct ways to boost fat burning to this area through specific weight exercises.  Crunch twists are one of the most effective.  Crunch twists involve much of the same form as in normal crunchs, however, when coming up with your core you lean to one side and attempt to touch your elbow to the opposite knee.  For example, you would twist forward and touch your right elbow to your left knee, generating the power from your core and not your arms/neck or shoulders.
  3. Thigh Fat - Just like with the hip exercises, cardio is one of the better ways to get rid of stored thigh fat.  However, there are also some specific toning exercises that can be done.  Stationary lunges is one of the most effective.  These require individuals to stand up straight and then bend your knees, step and lean forward onto that leg.  The other leg has no weight on it, only the forward leg.  Lean forward over top the extended leg.  Hold this position for at least 8 seconds and then switch legs.  Doing at least 3 sets of this (a set being one rotation) can significantly help tone thigh muscles.

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