Discussions about how the Atkins diet works have been going on for decades, ever since Dr. Atkins published his first book in 1972. Debates about how well it really works and whether it is healthy or not continue to rage today. The main reason there is so much controversy over how the Atkins diet works is because it runs counter to all of the diet advice that most of us had been following for generations before Atkins came along.

The Atkins Approach Focuses on the Foods You Eat ? NOT Calories

Traditional diets focus on calorie intake ? the fewer calories you take in, the more weight you will lose. The Atkins approach focuses on what kind of foods you eat instead of the number of calories. It means no more counting calories. Instead, you need to watch your carbohydrate intake because Dr. Atkins felt that carbohydrates were what lead to weight gain. In other words, if you limit your carbs, you?ll lose weight because you will burn stored body fat in the absence of carbs for fuel.

Carbohydrates

It sounds simple, but there are a variety of factors involved. How does the Atkins diet work to get you to burn off the fat? Carbohydrates are the basic fuel for energy in the human body, and the first fuel the body will naturally turn to. So if you?re eating a lot of pastas, breads, rice, and snack foods like crackers, you will naturally burn these first. Anything extra will be stored as fat.

Proteins and Fats

Proteins and fats, on the other hand, are fuels that the body processes differently. They can also be used as fuel, but they break down into energy more slowly and aren?t as readily stored as fat in the body.

What is ?Ketosis??

Naturally, if you eat more fats and proteins your body will be working harder to convert it to energy and relying as well on some of the fat already stored in your body ? it?s a sort of ?double whammy? ? you are working harder to convert foods into energy and you are using more of your extra body fat. ?Ketosis? is the term for the body?s converting stored fat into energy when there is not a sufficient source from carbohydrates, and it is the basis for how the Atkins diet works.

Stabilize Insulin Production

The Atkins Diet also works by slowing the production of insulin in the body. Insulin is the chemical that converts sugars and carbohydrates into fuel. The more carbs you take in, the more insulin your body will produce in order to keep your blood sugar from getting too high. If you don?t use the sugars as fuel, the insulin will convert it to ?storage mode? ? it becomes body fat to be saved for use later when you may need it.

Today most of us have plenty of food and don?t really need to be storing away fat for use as an energy source ? we probably won?t ever be lacking food. So the Atkins diet works to suppress and stabilize insulin production and allow you to burn more of your stored fat as energy. Interestingly, once you start using the Atkins plan, your cravings for sweets and carbohydrates usually decrease as your blood sugar and insulin levels stabilize.

You Won?t Have to Avoid Carbohydrates Forever

Remember, you won?t always have to avoid carbohydrates completely. There are four phases to the Atkins Diet. Each one allows more carbohydrates in your daily diet so that you won?t get bored and you will get some of the energy and fuel you need from this traditional source. If you choose to stay on the maintenance program after losing the weight you want, you will be able to eat carbs in moderation so that you don?t gain back what you lost, but you don?t continue dropping weight, either.

At first most doctors were skeptical about a diet that didn?t count calories, but today the medical community is split. Many still have reservations about how the Atkins diet works, but just as many feel the Atkins approach is sound because it takes the worry out of counting calories and has lots of protein, an important resource for muscle development and overall health.

About the Author:

Kevin Urban is the editor at Atkins-Diet-Advisor.com, an easy-to-use resource on Atkins low carb diet foods. Get your copy of dr. atkins diet and design your free atkins diet meal plan.

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Okay, so far Parts 1 through 3 do not sound so much like scams but in all reality anything that is sold purely to generate profit even if it is only slightly ?misleading? is in some way shape or form scamming the consumer.

Here goes Part 4 of the Top Weight Loss Scams of 2006.

4. The Supplement Labels That Say ?Proprietary Blend.?

The supplement companies get you to believe their product is superior by using fancy marketing hooks that sound medical in nature like for instance, ?clinically proven? or ?doctor recommended.? In addition they might say ?scientifically formulated? and of course ?research has proven? but the one that is really misleading is the term that sits on the ingredient label and that is ?Proprietary Blend.? The term ?proprietary blend? not only occurs with weight loss supplements but supplements in general and they might say something like ?myometaprohydroxyburnthefat? or something like that.

Now why do companies do this? For one, so they can prevent the competition from knowing exactly what specific amounts of ingredients they are putting in the ?proprietary blend.? This prevents ?knock offs.? If you notice on the Supplement facts label it will say proprietary whatever and then beside it the TOTAL amount of the proprietary blend in either mg or grams. Underneath that is all of the ingredients in that blend but to the side of them there is only an asterisk; not a specific amount in mg or grams. A company with a valuable and legitimate product will do this as a means to prevent knock offs of these products which is smart.

The second reason companies (the not so legitimate ones) do this is so they can hide the fact that more times than not there is very little of each of the active ingredients in that ?proprietary blend? to actually do anything substantial. Believe it or not, this happens quite often

Does this mean that ?proprietary blends? are scamming the consumer? Not always but truth be told there?s really no way to know how much of ?what? is really in the blend unless a lab assay of the product is done. Sorry, but I don?t even have the answers and some of the top guys in the nutrition and supplementation field don?t even have the answers.

One way you could ?guess? if the ?proprietary blend? contains at least enough ?stuff? to have an impact is to look at the total amount (in mg or grams) of the blend and then see how many ingredients are in the blend. The math is simple if you divide the total number of grams by the number of ingredients but that can be misleading because that will only provide you with an average amount of each of the ingredients. If a blend has a minimal total number of grams i.e. 500 mg and a whole slew of ingredients then you can make a halfway ?decent? guess as to whether the ?proprietary blend? has value or not. Many ingredients will have a minimal effect if any in small doses. Either way, it?s still hard to decipher.

This is probably one of the trickiest ?scams? out there and the reason that word is in quotes is because no, it?s not always a scam but being that the supplement industry is so loosely regulated it?s darn near impossible to really know what you?re getting.

Here?s what you should take away from this whole segment of articles. Don?t blame yourself if you fail while using any of the diets, pills, powders or devices that promised ?great results? because if you do choose to use them; fine, just understand that they are flawed approaches that have left millions of Americans frustrated in their fitness and weight loss pursuits. But if you had the solution to losing weight, getting into the body you?ve always, looking and feeling your best and became empowered to change the way you look and feel forever then making another New Years weight loss resolution would be a thing of the past. Wouldn?t that be nice! Best of luck in your New Years fitness and weight loss endeavors!

? David Otto *All Rights Reserved

David Otto is a Personal Trainer in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. To receive David Otto?s e-newsletter ?The Otto Report: Getting Real With Fitness,? simply send an email to celebpt@yahoo.com and request your copy.

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This article first appeared in the September 2005 issue of the Zone Net Newsletter which discusses Zone Diet and other weight loss issues.

As many people know, our expanding waistlines are at epidemic proportions here in America. For those who are dubious, epidemic, according to the Webster-Merriam online dictionary means, affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community or region at the same time.

Overweight or More?

When a person is in excess of twenty percent above their normal weight in terms of fat mass, then that individual is considered obese. Morbid obesity is when a person is fifty to a hundred percent above normal weight, more than one hundred lbs above normal weight, or so overweight that the extra baggage substantially interferes with the health of normal daily functions.

Extra Baggage?

Many of us have been carrying around extra weight for so long and have become so desensitized to our gradually increasing dress sizes, and have become so used to referring to ourselves as healthy and voluptuous that we may not be fully aware that there may be a body fat issue.

Body Mass Index

The Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment can be very helpful. This is used by health professionals to ascertain if an individual is underweight, overweight or within the healthy weight range.

BMI measures your weight in relation to your height.

A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and a BMI of thirty or more is considered obese. The higher weights in the healthy range apply to people with more muscle and bone.

BMI does not distinguish the difference between the weight of fat and the weight of muscle, which is exponentially more. Because of this, it is not always entirely accurate as far as the prediction of health concerns. For example, a bodybuilder or someone with a lot's muscles may have a BMI that is numerically in the unhealthy range, despite that the fact they may be healthy as an ox.

BMI may also fall short of accurately reflecting body fat in individuals who are quite short (less than 5 ft) and in older individuals who tend to lose muscle mass as they age. It can also be inaccurate for some racial and ethnic groups like African-American and Latino American females, who often have different body types than Caucasian and Asian females, for instance.

The location of fat on your body is also quite important. Those who carry fat primarily around their waists might be more likely to develop health problems than those who carry their extra baggage in their hips and thighs. Even if your BMI falls within the normal range, this is still true. To measure your waist circumference, place a tape measure around your naked abdomen just above your hip bone. The tape should be snug, parallel to the floor and should not compress your skin. Relax and exhale as you measure your waist.

More info can be found at Zone Diet Plan as well as several weight loss and zone diet products.

Ryan Joseph is awriter/researcher. More info can be obtained at http://www.loseweightez.net

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Ah summer time, it's one of my favorite seasons and it has everything to do with free time, sun and surf. Activities like volleyball, tennis, soccer, swimming, surfing, sprinting after curious children, playing frisbee with the dog, walking a mile to get a frozen yogurt or to find that lost flipper on the beach take precedence. All the ingredients that make exercise happen because, it's summer and it?s fun.

I'd like to keep that spirit of summer alive through out the year. By finding a greater reason to stay cardio fit, besides the fact that it keeps you young, vibrant and healthy forever. Everyone does their strength training with me and they do fine, with good results. But I?m no longer satisfied with good results! The cardio component is still missing for some, inspite of my stressing its importance. So I?ve come up with a solution.

I propose that we get involved in training for a charitable events that involves either a 5K or 10K run (you can walk if that?s what you can do, unless you?ve joined a team sport, then your time is a factor). If everyone chooses an event that will be a motivational challenge you may end up making these events a lifestyle, extending your life, expanding your heart and opening your mind. Other very real benefits include reaching goals with real results, a strong sense of purpose to your training, a chance to meet, share and socialize with other like minded souls. A chance to feel the benefits of team spirit and a huge sense of accomplishment that comes along with your lowered body fat levels.

It's time to get into the spirit of giving..?it?s guaranteed life promoting. All proceeds of your efforts go to the charitable cause sponsoring the run. This site has a current list of all upcoming events to choose from http://www.newyorkled.com/indexRaces009.htm#races. I will be keeping logs of everyone's progress, which will be documented and discussed in upcoming newsletters. Your story could be the next spot light article in this newsletter. Just think! Your chance to inspire others too!

Eventually if enough people are involved and motivated, I'd like to reach out and sponsor my own event for a good cause. Perhaps I?ll sponsor an ab fab marathon (Nicks suggestion), or body fat loss competition (over a month long period)I am open to suggestions, feedback and ideas. Most importantly, together, lets get involved! Improving ourselves as we help others!

DEBORAH is a highly respected authority in personal training for overall health and fitness, with more than 22 years of experience and success. Her credentials include...

Currently licensed Registered Nurse specializing in Rehabilitative Nursing Medical Exercise Therapist: certified by AAHFRP, an internationally recognized physical rehabilitation certification Maternity Specialist Pre & Post Natal certified by Maternal Fitness Personal Fitness Specialist: certified by NASM, an internationally recognized certification Yoga Teacher Professional Health Member, National Organization of Fitness Instructors (IDEA), a leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals Deborah Caruana RN, AAHRFP, NASM, ACE. http://www.vitalsignsfitness.com email deb@vitalsignsfitness.com call 212-677-3185 Get Free Fitness Tips, Strategies and Secrets from a recognized expert at my web site: http://www.Vitalsignsfitness.com

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The holidays are now officially over and it?s time to get back on track! January 1st is the day we all get to start over. A time to make the changes in our lives that we?ve wanted to make but got sidetracked along the way. So, you've had your fill of tempting treats. The holidays are always exciting and indulgent. Now that they're over, hopefully you'll never want to look at another piece of pumpkin pie or vat of mashed potatoes. Starting a healthy eating program will be a pleasure instead of a chore.

Maybe emotionally, you're ready for a change. For most Americans, New Year's is a time of new beginning and emotional rebirth. You may feel the desire to alter your way of life or spend more time focusing on yourself. There's no better time to improve your health.

Also, there's plenty of time to prepare for the next holiday season. You've got a whole year to adapt to a healthy lifestyle. The next time the holidays hit, you'll be better prepared to enjoy yourself without overindulging.

Approximately 90 percent of Americans make at least one New Year's resolution each year. Unfortunately, no matter how well intentioned they are, most people fail to keep their resolutions.

Here are a few ways you can ensure your success:

1. SET OBTAINABLE GOALS. It's reasonable to lose 10 percent of your starting weight within 3 months. The goal of the EVERY BODY LOSES plan is to help you learn how to make healthy eating choices that you can carry with you for life. Rather than focusing on losing as much weight as you can as quickly as you can, realize that, if you follow the plan correctly, this could be the last program you?ll ever need.

2. SET SMALL GOALS AND REWARD YOURSELF OCCASIONALLY. With the EVERY BODY LOSES plan, you may choose to set mini-goals. Once you reach your mini-goal, you can reward yourself and move on to the next mini-goal. Do not always give yourself food as a reward. Instead, treat yourself to new clothes that flatter your new body or a DVD of a favorite movie.

3. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE. You'll be more likely to succeed if you have friends or family offering you encouragement and praise.

TOP 10 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Here is an interesting list of most common New Year?s Resolutions. Whether you're starting a new diet, committing to a regular exercise routine, or promising to spend more time at home, chances are there's someone else out there with the same idea. Does yours make this list?

1. Lose weight

2. Exercise more

3. Spend more time with family

4. Get out of debt

5. Work less

6. Quit smoking or drinking

7. Get involved in community service

8. Read more

9. Get organized

10. Live life to the fullest

Be well & stay fit!

Aimee Deak

Aimee Deak is a certified personal trainer, nutrition analyst and author of the book, Every Body Loses, an easy-to follow, step-by-step guide to fat loss.

You can find more information about fat loss and exercise on her website http://www.aim4nutrition.com

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As we all know by now, Weight Watchers is based on a points system and that point system basically runs the diet and everything in the diet is based on this point system. There are a few variations of the POINTS system but there isn?t much of a difference at all. The main differences are based on how the dieter looks at fiber and how much fiber they want to eat. If the dieter uses fiber as a ?point enhancer?(reducer) then they would substitute the 50 pt. value in the Weight Watchers Formula for a 70 pt. base value. Other variations are that the POINTSfinder manual calculator that is handed out in Weight Watcher meetings does not reach a points value of 2 until after 70 calories have been reached, rather than 50 as the formula states. This makes the point values 20 pts. higher than first thought.

As time has progressed, so has the Weight Watchers diet. Recently the diet has started to take into consideration how much people want to exercise and how that affects the point system in a whole new way. Certain exercises are given certain negative point values to offset eating some foods that might not have been allowed in earlier variations of the diet.

The Core Plan

When the Atkins Diet and the South Beach diet became more and more popular, Weight Watchers had to come up with a different variation to compete with these diets to be able to keep their dieters happy and feeling like they were still using a diet that was modern and up to day. So, the Core Plan was invented to mirror the Atkins and South Beach diets respectively. In essence, the Core Plan eliminates certain foods all together and focuses on ?core? foods that they should eat until satisfied but not full. These core foods are basically deemed healthy foods from all food groups. Still staying with the points system, dieters are allowed 35 pts. a week to eat non-core foods.

The Flex Plan

This is yet another variation that was touched on above that includes exercise into the Weight Watchers equation. A set number of points are given for a given day based on the dieters current weight. Then, the number of points could be increased when the dieter would exercise. This is a reference to the clever title ?flex? which allows the dieter more points that are not based on their weight that they could use each week, but are not required to use.

TurnAround

This program was adopted in late 2004 and incorporates all the above plans into one big plan, and was created to help a person maintain a healthy lifestyle beyond just eating foods with points assessed to them. The program includes healthy foods of course, but also 8 Good Healthy Guidelines, activities, and support of other Weight Watcher members. This well balanced plan is supposed to help a dieter maintain their weight through a lifetime maintenance plan.

Weight Watchers is a diet that is tried and proven by millions of people around the world. Find more info and blog entries about this time-tested diet and other great diets here at http://www.eweightlossblog.com, or you can find great health tips and diet tips here at http://www.ihealthblog.com

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To continue the educational series on your health and fitness lifestyle, this article is based on accredited college nutrition programs and literature based on proven science. My hope is to empower you to take responsibility for your nutrition plan. One does not have to become a fanatic and eat perfectly to be healthy!

How we think and feel about food is profoundly influenced by how food is used in our families as children. If food is used as entertainment a reward a bribe a punishment or stress relief, from sadness, anger, or other negative emotions, problems may ensue.

Often, people will eat when they are not hungry, only bored, sad, angry, upset, or lonely. When eating for these reasons, they usually eat foods high in fat, sugar, or both. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a meal, just be sure to get sufficient healthy food and limit your quantities of junk food.

People who eat for reasons other than hunger will sometimes feel guilty after they indulge. This will often lead to more overeating and more guilt. These people often become obsessed with food cookie monster syndrome. There are support groups and counseling for people who over-eat for emotional reasons.

The flip side of food obsession is anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Anorexia nervosa is a serious condition in which the person stops or severely curtails their food intake to induce weight loss. Approximately ten percent of people who are anorexic die of their disease. People with this condition see themselves as being fat, even when extremely emaciated.

Bulimia is a condition where the patient eats food (sometimes gorging) and then vomits or takes laxatives or diuretics to avoid weight gain or induce weight loss. This can result in the loss of electrolytes and minerals essential for proper heart function and pH balance in the blood. Both these conditions are serious and require medical assistance.

Success in weight control comes by understanding the cause of your individual problem and then developing a program accordingly. Some people, who were unaware of what good nutrition consists of, only need to learn the facts about nutrition and exercise to apply what they have learned without difficulty.

Others have unconscious eating patterns such as eating while doing other activities and not paying attention to what or how much they are eating. By being aware of the problem and using techniques such as behavior modification techniques, can help the person with problems such as these.

People who have trouble changing eating habits or extreme obesity may have deep-seated emotional or psychiatric problems and may be using food to help alleviate the symptoms. Consuming large quantities of high-sugar or high-starch foods releases serotonin in the brain, which imparts a feeling of wellbeing. This can be an attempt to relieve undiagnosed clinical depression or anxiety.

Once you apply the principles of weight control for a while, it becomes part of your life style, like taking a shower or making the bed. You lose your taste for high-fat, high-sugar food and eat healthier food out of choice even when weight control isn't an issue. A blended approach including education, healthy eating habits, and exercise, along with counseling if needed, will produce permanent fat loss and weight control. A step forward in your Fitness Lifestyle.

DEBORAH is a highly respected authority in personal training for overall health and fitness, with more than 22 years of experience and success. Her credentials include...

Currently licensed Registered Nurse specializing in Rehabilitative Nursing Medical Exercise Therapist: certified by AAHFRP, an internationally recognized physical rehabilitation certification Maternity Specialist Pre & Post Natal certified by Maternal Fitness Personal Fitness Specialist: certified by NASM, an internationally recognized certification Yoga Teacher Professional Health Member, National Organization of Fitness Instructors (IDEA), a leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals Deborah Caruana RN, AAHRFP, NASM, ACE. http://www.vitalsignsfitness.com email deb@vitalsignsfitness.com call 212-677-3185 Get Free Fitness Tips, Strategies and Secrets from a recognized expert at my web site: http://www.Vitalsignsfitness.com

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