The never ending task of losing weight is daunting to so many people. You can feel as though, in spite of your best efforts, you can’t seem to shed the unwanted pounds.

One key to losing weight is to boost your metabolism.

People search for ways to boost their metabolism and some of them are rather unnatural or undesired, so it’s important to focus on the healthiest ways to do so. In order to boost your metabolism, you need to focus on a few important factors.

1. Weight Training: We all know that exercise is an important way to lose weight. However if you are looking to boost your metabolism for a longer term method to lose weight, you need to focus on weight training. Lifting weights helps to boost your muscle mass and this in turn burns more calories. The more muscle that you product, the higher your metabolism will get and the more weight you can drop. It’s that simple!

2. Eat More Protein: Yet again we see how focusing on building up your lean muscle helps to increase your metabolism. This time it has everything to do with eating the right foods, this time in the form of lean proteins. Eating protein will help your body to burn calories faster, keep you full longer, and ultimately increase your metabolism overall.

3. Drinking Lots of Ice Cold Water: As your body temperature tries to accommodate the ice cold water, it is burning calories in the process. This helps to burn calories and ultimately will increase your metabolism. Not only is water good for your health and your weight loss efforts, but it can play an important role in boosting your metabolism.

4. Fluctuate Your Calorie Intake: Rather than sticking with a set or limited number of calories each and every day, fluctuate the levels a bit. If you eat more calories one day and less the next, your body has to work to adjust. You don’t want to go for dramatic differences, but this minor modification can help to boost your metabolism.

5. Eat More Often: Rather than sitting down to three square meals a day, space out your eating. Eating smaller meals more frequently helps to boost your metabolism in the most natural way possible. This also keeps your blood sugar level up and helps your body to operate more efficiently.

6. Eating After a Workout: Your body is still working and burning calories even after you finish a grueling workout. This means that your metabolism is rather high and therefore makes an excellent time to eat. This means that your body will still be burning calories and help to boost your metabolism, even as you eat.

7. Eat a Well Balanced Diet: Try not to ignore any one food group as a well balanced diet will help to boost your metabolism. It’s important to include food choices from each food group such as lean protein, low fat dairy, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables to properly boost your metabolism.

Boosting your metabolism is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. By doing that in a healthy way—ways that are relatively painless, as the above all are—you also set the stage for not only increased metabolism and higher rates of calorie burn, but also for a lasting, well-managed diet and nutrition routine that will continue to do you good.

Mary Ward writes about various health care career topics, including how to choose among surgical technician courses.

As I consider all the workout routines available, it is difficult to decide which is best for me. I am sure you have the same problem. So, I decided to compare two different programs – ChaLEAN Extreme vs. Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Trainer. Both programs are created by Beachbody.

ChaLEAN Extreme uses circuit training techniques and shifts the workout’s focus from cardio to weight training – lifting heavy weights in 3 phases. Tony Horton’s program is a super stacking technique using resistance bands. Stacking is combining fat-burning cardio, total-body toning/sculpting, and ab workouts into the same movements.

The main difference is obvious from the name: Tony Horton 10 Minute Trainer. It consists of 4 workouts – total body, lower body, cardio, and yoga flex. Each lasts 10 minutes. Plus you get a bonus abs routine as a free gift. Chalene extreme comes with 15 workouts on 6 DVD’s, including 2 starter workouts to teach you form, 3 burn circuit workouts, 3 push circuit workouts, 3 lean circuit workouts, and 2 ab routines. Each workout is 30-45 minutes in length.

Both programs come with tools and Beachbody offers 24hr/7day a week support. ChaLEAN Extreme includes a guide book, body fat tester, and thigh toner band. Weights and additional resistance bands need to be purchase separately. Tony Horton’s program includes a resistance band kit, customized workout calendar, guidebook and Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Meals.

Each program offer a 30 day money back guarantee, plus free gifts you keep even if you return the program. The gifts with Tony Horton’s program are a bonus abs routine, On-the-Go Workout cards, and the 10-day lean jean plan. With ChaLEAN Extreme, the gifts are Fat-Burning Food Guide, Extreme Motivation Audio CD, “Healthy Eats”, and a Kitchen Makeover DVD.

Customer reviews and success stories revealed more differences. Customers liked Chalene’s personality and appreciated reminders to keep proper form and to work at your own pace. They loved her encouragement and felt she made working out fun. One customer completed the workouts despite his arthritis because of the tips provided to protect your knees and back. No particular comments were given on Tony Horton’s personality.

Fit people and out of shape people found both programs challenging and experience success when they consistently worked out. In ChaLEAN Extreme, people generally noticed a difference in 2-3 weeks as they lost weight and increased their strength. On Tony Horton’s program, customers reported significant weight loss and a decrease pant size in just over a month.

One customer owns over 300 workout programs and declared ChaLEAN the best program. Never boring was another reoccurring comment regarding ChaLEAN Extreme. People felt they could stick with the program.

Customers of the 10 Minute Trainer were pleasantly surprised to be sweating by the end of the workout. One customer commented they were done with the workout before they could talk themselves out of it. Even fit users felt the burn and were sore in the beginning. Several customers felt they pushed themselves too hard or hurt themselves trying to stretch the resistance bands as far as the girl in the video. They cautioned others to build up to that level.

ChaLEAN Extreme’s price is 3 payments of $39.95 plus $19.95 in shipping for a total of $139.80. Tony Horton’s program is 2 payments of $39.95 plus $9.95 shipping for a total of $89.85.

AND THE WINNER IS … well, that depends on your goals and personality. The success pictures for ChaLEAN Extreme show more muscles and definition, but the workouts are longer and you provide your own weights. In my opinion, this program is better for people serious about weight loss and fitness. For people ready to put in time and money to achieve more muscular results. Tony Horton’s program is ideal for people with limited time, those unwilling to invest money into a program, or those wishing to lose weight without caring about muscle definition.

No matter which workout routine you choose, the most important step is taking action. Both programs will get you results if you follow them. So, choose one and get started!

Written by Healthy New Age, the natural health blog and website.

This is a guest post by Barbara Cronin of www.HealthyNewAge.com

You want to lose weight fast? You’re not alone. More than 50 million Americans go on diets every year and according to the American Obesity Association 127 million adults in America are overweight.

Many times motivated by an upcoming event, people look for rapid weight loss. Turning to products and diets that not only don’t work but are actually harmful to your health has become commonplace. In fact, according to Lisa Coles’ book, Fat: Exploding the Myths, Americans alone spend between $30 to $50 billion a year on weight loss products, with $6 billion wasted on fraudulent or ineffective products.

Many of these products claim you’ll lose weight fast and keep it off. These claims are made by marketers only looking to increase profits. Oversight by the FDA, FTC, and other government regulatory bodies is often lax, so diet products commonly make astounding claims with no research or proof to back them up.

If you’re sincere about losing weight, you can do it. You first must realize is that weight loss is a lifetime commitment. Rapid weight loss usually only lasts for as long as you’re on a given diet and then eventually leads to rapid weight gain, which can endanger your health.

When you decide to lose weight, it’s vital to avoid the common fast weight loss mistakes that plague our society. The following is discussion of the Top 4 Rapid Weight Loss Mistakes.

1.) Dangerous Diets

Diets have been around for ages. Horace Fletcher of San Francisco published the first diet book on record in 1898. Horace’s dieting advice? Chew each mouthful of food 32 to 100 times and you’ll lose weight! (The New York Times, 1919)

Fad Diets:
Everywhere you look and every time you turn on the television or radio there’s a new diet out there, a diet that promises to get you slim in no time at all. There are the fad diets like the Lemonade Diet, the Hollywood 48 Hour Diet, The Grapefruit Diet, and hundreds more. These diets just don’t work, at least not for the long term. Not only will you put the weight back on after stopping the diet, you’re depriving your body of essential vitamins and nutrients during the diet. Don’t fall for fad diet claims.

Starvation Diets:
Then there are the starvation diets. The basis of these diets is to deprive your body of calories in hopes of dropping as many pounds as you can as quickly as possible. Sure, you may drop impressive pounds initially, but then watch out. If you’re consuming less than 1,200 calories a day you begin to lose muscle mass. Loss of muscle mass actually hinders weight loss. You need muscle to keep your basal metabolic rate, or resting metabolism, high. With more muscle mass you’ll burn more calories while your body is at rest.

Another problem with starvation diets is that consuming too few calories actually sends your body into “famine mode.” In this starvation mode, your body conserves all its energy and significantly slows fat burning. In addition, resting metabolism drops. This state not only prevents weight loss, but it also compromises the body’s natural metabolic functions.

Eating a Healthy Diet:
“Diets” are not the way to lose weight; however, eating a healthy diet is. Cutting out fast foods, fatty and fried foods, and sodas is a must. Eating at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and veggies will fill you up and you’ll be using your calories wisely. Don’t skimp on protein, either. Protein rich foods like lean meats, beans, yogurts, cheese, and nuts will make you feel full, and that full feeling will last. Even more important, proteins preserve muscle mass and encourage fat burning.

Be sure to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water everyday. Sixty-four ounces is a good baseline goal. And also consider colon cleanse weight loss since careful detoxing can be an effective and safe holistic approach to slimming down.

2.) Using Weight Loss Pills and Unnecessary Supplements

Sure the claims are attractive. Lose 14 pounds in just one week! But are they for real and just what will your body suffer in the process? This is a billion dollar industry today. If you want to use a weight loss pill or supplement, you would be wise to first research the product. Some may help a little, but for the most part their claims are only hype and can even be dangerous.

Weight loss pills are often loaded with stimulants that suppress the appetite. You feel less hungry and eat less. That sounds great but the problem is this approach slows your metabolism. As your metabolism slows, so does your weight loss.

Many of the ingredients in these pills are very strong and can be habit forming. This isn’t a healthy way to lose weight. Not only are most pills ineffective, you’re seriously putting your health at risk when you go this route. Side effects from diet pills include nervousness, tremor, diarrhea, bulging eyes, racing heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, heart failure, chest pain, fever, hair loss, depression, heart damage, impotence, and more.

Not the exactly the picture of health.

Stronger ingredients are being used in these pills and with little or no research to test the products. The unknown side effects can be dangerous, even potentially deadly.

Even diet pills that claim to be all natural or herbal can be useless and risky. Remember: diet pills are loosely regulated at best since they’re classified as food supplements, not drugs. Is it really worth the risk?

3. Setting Unrealistic Goals

Many times people set weight loss goals that aren’t realistic. While goals are good to have, it’s essential to make them sensible. Striving to lose ten pounds for a wedding or reunion in a month may be too much. If you look at weight loss as lifetime commitment and a way of life, then you won’t be disappointed or discouraged.

Don’t try to lose more than 1-2 pounds of fat a week. When you do, your body starts to burn off muscle mass for energy supplies. Remember, you want muscle mass not only does it keep you toned, fit, and active, the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you’ll burn around the clock.

If you set unrealistic goals, it’s easier to get discouraged and even give up when you don’t meet these goals. Keep it real!

4.) Ignoring the Need for Behavioral Changes

It seems everyone is looking for a quick fix. Go on diet or take a pill for a few weeks and lose all the weight you want. It doesn’t really work that way. In order to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, it’s vital to adopt an overall healthy lifestyle.

If you set out to lose weight but don’t look at your eating and lifestyle habits, you’re setting yourself up to gain back any weight you may lose. Living a healthful life, at an optimal weight, involves a balance between nutrition, exercise, and other self-care habits, like getting enough sleep and time for relaxation.

You can’t stop for fast food 5 times a week and then take a diet pill to lose that weight. You must make a disciplined and consistent effort to live a healthy life.

Honestly evaluate your current habits; replace poor, unhealthy habits with new, healthy ones.

First, look at your eating habits. Do you overeat? Eat late at night? Eat many of the “wrong” or “bad” foods while avoiding healthy foods you know are good for you? Answer honestly and get real with yourself about your eating habits. Be positive and make the needed changes.

A vital part of living a healthy, active life is exercise. If you don’t exercise now, you must start. That doesn’t mean that you have to begin jogging, if this is an exercise you absolutely hate. But it does mean that leading a sedentary lifestyle won’t help you achieve your weight loss or overall health goals. Make exercise a part of your everyday life, and the rewards will astound you. Walk, swim, run, hike, join a gym, get some exercise DVD’s the choices are endless just get started!

When you change your behavioral habits that aren’t working, you can replace them with new healthy ones that will help you lose weight, get healthy, and stay that way for life.

Know the Dangers of Rapid Weight Loss

There are many mistakes people make when trying to lose weight quickly. These are a few of the most common. When you lose weight too quickly, you put excessive physical demands on your body. The risks are serious and shouldn’t be ignored. Some common rapid weight loss side effects are:

* Gallstones
* Dehydration
* Malnutrition
* Headaches
* Irritability
* Fatigue
* Dizziness
* Constipation
* Poor complexion
* Muscle cramping

Rapid weight loss is a dangerous undertaking. Looking good, being a healthy weight, and feeling good are lifetime journeys. Take the time to do it the right way and you will find yourself fulfilled and happy in your life and with how you look.

By Barbara Cronin, writer for HealthyNewAge.com, the alternative health web site and blog.

This is a guest post by Barbara Cronin of www.HealthyNewAge.com

Known to many as “The Godfather” of extreme workouts, Tony Horton is a personal trainer and the creator of numerous outstanding exercise programs. His innovative exercises promise to get you fit and take you to the next level of fitness and beyond.

Tony has trained major movie celebrities, rock stars, CEO’s, and the everyday person looking to improve their health and wellbeing. With a unique mix of encouragement, humor, and discipline, Tony makes working out fun and fast with results that will astound you. Using Tony’s programs, people get in the best shape of their lives in record time.

Tony has been training countless individuals across the country since the late 1980’s, but he wasn’t always in such amazing shape.

A Humble Start

Born in Westley, Rhode Island and raised in Trumbull, Connecticut, Tony was a self-described “quintessential 98 pound weakling” for most of his early life.

Hating exercise and sports, and then developing a love for fast foods instead of his mother’s healthy home cooking, Tony didn’t have a fit, ripped body in those days.

That was soon to change. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Tony headed off to Hollywood to pursue his acting dreams. Feeling exhausted and overworked in Hollywood, Tony convinced himself that he didn’t have time to eat right or exercise.

The Transformation Begins

Although Tony’s ambition and dreams were strong, he was at an all time physical low in his life. Discouraged with his health and prospects in Hollywood, he realized (with the help of his talent agent) that it was time to turn his life around. Getting fit was the first step.

From that day on, Tony’s life would drastically change for the better.

Joining the famed World Gym in Venice, California, Tony began the journey of a lifetime. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno both worked out regularly at the World Gym and captured Tony’s attention. He watched closely, asked questions, and read every book related to health and fitness he could get his hands on.

His evolving knowledge, coupled with cardiovascular training from world-class triathlete Mark Sisson, gave birth to Tony’s unique fitness program. Focusing on exercises for speed, flexibility, and balance, Tony developed a fit, streamlined appearance not the bulky and stiff look many body builders had.

As Tony continued his workout programs and got in better shape, he began to notice other remarkable changes in his life. He started to feel better than ever before, his mind was clear and sharp, and he became more productive in his daily life. Tony felt amazing and his world expanded. He started rock climbing, in-line skating, yoga, Pilates, and plyometrics. As he learned more and applied himself, his overall wellbeing improved. He felt better and looked better.

The changes in Tony were unmistakable. Friends and acquaintances started asking questions. They wanted to know what he was doing to transform his body and life. Word spread fast everyone wanted to do what Tony Horton was doing. Whatever his methods, he was sure doing it right!

Tony Captures Hollywood’s Attention

Before long, word found its way to legendary rock musician Tom Petty. Tony helped Tom get into the best shape of his life. Other rock stars started training with Tony, too. This was the launch of his incredible career as one of the most sought after fitness trainers in Hollywood and across the country.

Continuing to build his career, Tony began his own fitness center, ASH Fitness in Santa Monica, California, and became the spokesperson for NordicTrack. His acclaimed techniques and videos have appeared in dozens of magazines including the prestigious Men’s Fitness.

In the late 1990’s Tony was hired by a major Hollywood studio to condition the entire cast of the motion picture The 13th Warrior.

Tony Horton and Beachbody: A Groundbreaking Fitness Partnership

In 1996, Tony met Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler. Hitting it off immediately, the two became friends and soon after Tony became Carl’s personal trainer. After 90 days of training with Tony, Carl was awed by the results. He couldn’t believe the changes that he saw in his body, changes he never imagined could happen, and all in just 90 days.

In 1998, Tony and Beachbody collaborated and created the Great Body Guaranteed! Workout series. However, the launch of the Power 90 In-home Boot Camp is what propelled Tony to Beachbody celebrity status.

What’s emerged from the pairing of Tony Horton and Beachbody are exercise programs that have forever changed the way people achieve fast weight loss and enjoy getting fit.

Tony has continued to develop motivating, results producing fitness programs since the Power 90 In-home Boot Camp first debuted. Many of the programs are available at Beachbody.com, which promotes many fitness superstars, including Chalene Johnson and her ChaLEAN Extreme workout DVDs. The Power 90 series is referred to as P90.

The P90 Series: A Breakthrough in Exercise

The Power 90 In-home Boot Camp utilizes Tony’s exclusive Sectional Progression training technique. Each movement targets a specific zone for maximum fat burning and toning results. If you train for just 30 minutes a day, you’re guaranteed a great body in only 90 days.

Expanding on the huge success of the Power 90 workouts, Tony has added three more P90 workout programs. These routines build on the original P90 program.

Power 90 Master Series offers advanced workouts targeting specific problem areas for maximum body sculpting and muscle definition. Plyo Legs, Core Cardio, and UML (upper, middle, lower) are just a few of the specialized routines.

There’s P90X, a leading system of 12 sweat inducing, muscle pumping workouts. The exercises target muscle groups like legs and back, and chest and arms. They include yoga, plyometrics, and many other methods. Also built-in is a 3-phase total nutrition plan, special nutritional supplement options, a detailed fitness guide, a tracking calendar, online peer support, and more. This program offers 100% satisfaction guarantee to transform your body from ordinary to extraordinary in just 90 days.

Once you’ve mastered P90X and are ready to step it up, Tony has created the P90X Plus Series. This workout cycle offers brand new moves and never-before-seen routines. You’ll get improved results and break through fitness plateaus with these intense workouts. Jason Scheff, the lead singer of the band Chicago, created music exclusively for the P90X Plus Series. (Jason also uses P90X programs.) This advanced series is recommended only for individuals who have successfully completed P90X.

That’s Not A Program for Everyone

Too busy to work out? Think again. With Tony Horton’s 10-Minute Trainer you can workout no matter how busy your schedule. With breakthrough exercises and a specialized eating plan, you’ll be more fit than ever before. The secret is Tony’s Super Stacking Technique using resistance bands. Tony “stacks” the workout by doing cardio, toning, sculpting, and abs at the same time. It’s exercise multi-tasking! The program offers four 10-minute workouts: Total Body, Lower Body, Cardio, and Yoga Flex.

10-Minute Trainer Deluxe offers 3 new workouts: Total Body 2, Core Cardio, and Upper Body. You also get 2 additional resistance bands and an accelerated results calendar.

Want to get “up close and personal” with Tony? One on One with Tony Horton puts you there. Subscribing to this program gets you the latest workouts from Tony’s gym every month. “No set, no cast, NO MERCY” is the battle cry for this program. With workouts like Just Arms, Killer Abs, and Power 90 Road Warrior, this program will bring the latest workouts directly to you.

Looking for fast results? With Tony Horton’s Power Half Hour you’ll see results in as little as 6 workouts. What you get is a complete workout in just 30 minutes with this fast, versatile total-body program. You’ll get 5 fat burning, muscle toning videos that focus on abs, thighs, buns, arms, chest, and shoulders. You also receive a nutrition guide, 30-day power tracker, and a tracking calendar.

It’s Never Too Late (or too soon) to Get Fit!

Tony’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people isn’t just for adults. Check out Tony and The Kids. Designed for children ages 5-12, Tony entertains kids as he takes them through fun and simple routines that almost anyone can do. He also has a special chat with the kids about eating right, staying active, and making healthy choices.

It doesn’t stop there. In Tony and The Folks, anyone over age 55 can get fit, after all it’s never too late! This fun half hour exercise program eases you into exercise. You’ll get your heart pumping and blood flowing with low-impact exercises. Benefits are increased energy, reduced joint stiffness, and improved flexibility, strength, and balance.

There are also supplements created by Tony. The P90X Peak Health Formula is a high quality multivitamin that helps your body get the vital nutrients it needs to perform at its best. P90X Peak Performance Protein Bars come in three flavors and are packed with 20 grams of protein to maximize your workout. P90X Results and Recovery Formula helps to refuel after intense workouts. With four part carbs to one part protein, muscles will repair faster.

Tony continues to work everyday in creating revolutionary exercise programs to get people healthy and fit. Continuing to excel as a personal trainer in Santa Monica, he is dedicated to helping people get into the best shape of their lives. Tony also lectures and participates in live online Beachbody chats.

By Barbara Cronin, writer for HealthyNewAge.com, the natural remedies web site and blog.

This is a guest post by Mario John Da Silva

Do you know why so many people aren’t able to lose weight? Do you know why they keep failing? Well, like most things, it’s all in the head. What I mean is that the battle to lose weight isn’t fought at the gym or at the kitchen.

These are simply mediums to lose weight. I’m not undermining the importance of working out or eating healthy. I’m simply saying that the real fight to lose weight is in the mind. What you need to do is change your mindset regarding weight loss.

You see, people want a quick fix because they are too darn lazy to work for what they want. So many overweight people out there think that there are diet pills which can magically help them melt the fat away. And that way, there would be no need for them to change their diet or exercise. Now these are huge misconceptions, and unless you get rid of such a mindset, the fat will never go.

Now, the first step to changing your mindset is by identifying the causes of your obesity. After that, you just have to take counteractive measures against these causes. It’s as simple as that! Now let me share with you the 3 biggest causes of obesity and how you can counter them effectively.

Reason #1- An inactive life

Counteractive Measure #1 – A little change in lifestyle here will help you.. For example, if you drive to your local market. Instead, you can walk there. You’d be doing some form of exercise, and trust me, you’ll feel a lot better.

In fact, I usually walk to places like the gym. And I always walk to the market or mall. Bottom line is, more active you become, the faster you’ll lose weight.

Reason #2 – Hereditary traits

Counteractive Measure #2 – If you notice that many of your family members are overweight, it might mean that your cause of obesity is that you have more fat cells because of hereditary traits. Now this in no way means that there is no way you can lose weight.

You just have to work harder to lose the weight. Write your goals down, and work towards achieving them. Don’t let “bad” genes deter you from your objectives.

Reason #3 – Emotional eating

Counteractive Measure #3 – Emotional eating. Do you think eating actually helps you get over pain? Seriously. I mean, emotional eating is a huge waste of money. You are wasting time and money eating for no reason. Naturally, you will get overweight!

Now whether you are into emotional eating or you are just eating for fun, there is a solution. What you need to do is get a hobby! For me, I enjoy working out and playing guitar. I taught myself how to play and my band plays fairly regularly. And because of this I frankly don’t have the time to indulge in food unnecessarily. See how easy it can be to overcome this problem?

As you can see, just about every problem relating to obesity has a simple solution. Now go

back and write down your causes obesity on paper. Then use the tips above to fight

against it!

__________

And now, I’d like to invite you to get your free report guaranteed to help you burn fat at http://secretstoburningthefat.blogspot.com

Mario John Da Silva is an avid gym-goer and is passionate about weight loss and fitness. He has written articles on these subjects. At his college, he is also regarded as the go-to guy when it comes to fitness, and he’s helped numerous friends get started on working out. http://secretstoburningthefat.blogspot.com