In today's world of highly advertised fad diets, it is very difficult for us to know which foods are actually healthy and which foods are not. This program says not to eat an apple, while this other program tells us it keeps the doctor away. Once and for all, we need to know which foods are nutritious so we can all jump off the weight loss roller coaster.

Before I get into the details, it is important to stress that weight loss without proper nutrition is not the road you want to take. No magic pill will ever give you the benefits of eating properly. Stop looking for short cuts and get serious about your health. It is the only way to live a lifestyle that is free of the threats of disease, poor health and obesity.

Healthy Foods Tip #1: Green Vegetables

Vegetables such as spinach and cabbage are very significant in maintaining a healthy body. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. How do they help accelerate weight loss? They are water-rich, which means you are actually filling yourself up with liquids instead of fatty calories.

Healthy Foods Tip #2: Fatty Fish

Did you read that right? Yes, it says fatty! Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines have omega-3 fats. Despite all the hoopla surrounding the fat-free weight loss craze, your body does in fact need good fat for optimal weight loss performance. Omega-3 fats also takes care of our heart. It prevents stroke and lowers bad cholesterol in our body.

Healthy Foods Tip #3: Green Tea

Anti-oxidants rid our bodies of free radials that can cause damage to our cells and slow the process of healthy weight loss. Green tea offers such a powerful supply of anti-oxidants and vitamins that it has been known to accelerate metabolism by drinking only one cup per day. Tomatoes, red grapes and blueberries are also beneficial for the same reasons, but on a smaller scale.

Healthy Foods Tip #4: Citrus fruits

Oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits are all high in Vitamin C. That helps to prevents colds, asthma and arthritis. What happens when your body is functioning without illness? It performs better! When your body gets the right nutrition, it can perform its own miracles...like giving you more energy and burning off extra weight.

Healthy Foods Tip #5: Carrots

Have you ever heard someone say carrots were unhealthy? I guess they would be if you ate tons of them every day, just like anything else that is abused. The reality is that carrots are good source of Vitamin A and promotes better eyesight. It only takes a half cup worth to work like magic to accelerate healthy weight loss.

Healthy Foods Tip #6. Bananas

This fruit is so nutrition that even monkeys know it is good for them. It can help cure ulcers, diarrhea and stomach cramps because it is high in potassium. If you sweat a lot and need energy, grab a banana. Many athletes consume bananas for energy and alertness. Have you ever seen an overweight monkey or athlete?

Healthy Foods Tip #7: Soy

The soybean is as close to a magic weight loss pill as you will ever find. No, you can not pop them into your mouth and watch the pounds melt away, but when you add soy into your daily diet, you will be amazed to see how quickly your health and weight loss improve at the same time. Soy-based protein smoothies helped me to lose 70 pounds in 4 months 15 years ago. And yes, I still have the weight off!

Healthy Foods Tip #8 Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It has vitamin C and pectin that flushes out toxins in our body. Toxins are probably the number one reason why people can not lose weight quickly when they eat healthy foods. Apples only work to your advantage when they are eaten raw, so dipping them into caramel sauce or cooking them into a pie will not keep the doctor away.

Healthy Foods Tip #9. Water

It may not be food but it is the most important part of your daily diet. Your body can not function properly if it is dehydrated, and most people do not drink as much as they should. Water also makes you feel full without any calories. Many times people reach for a snack when all they really need is a glass of water.

Along with a daily diet of the foods listed above, you need discipline and a willingness to reach your healthy weight loss goals। Most people get discouraged with losing weight when they fail to grasp the concept of living a healthy lifestyle. Once you develop this mindset, eating healthy will be part of your daily routine...and battling weight gain will be a thing of the past.

Author: William Winch

Source:Isnare.com

As women get older, it can be harder to keep your figure in trim. The metabolism slows down which makes it harder to lose any extra weight. Fat cells also produce estrogen, and as this hormone begins to decrease in the menopause, your body may well try and compensate by producing extra fat cells!

Add to that the increased levels of stress hormones cortisol that often accompany the menopause causing the body to block insulin, which in turn leads to excess sugar being stored in the body as fat, no wonder many women of a certain age complain of an increase in their waist and midriff!

There are no quick fix short cuts to regaining your waistline at this time of life, but with some consistent hard work, and sensible eating, it is possible not only to regain your waistline, but also to keep the weight off.

First and foremost you need to up your exercise. Walking is an excellent exercise for menopausal women. Not only will it burn the calories, and trim the waistline, but it also has a therapeutic effect as well. Most of us feel better after a good brisk walk in the open air!

When you are walking briskly without feeling breathless, introduce some hand held weights and swing your arms as you walk. This will increase the aerobic quality of your exercise, as well as help to tone up your arms.

Walk like this at least three times a week. Purchase a pedometer to monitor how much walking you do each day in the course of your daily life, and try and increase this. Maybe you can take the stairs rather than the elevator and walk sometimes rather than driving or taking the bus.

However, exercise is only part of the solution. Most women of menopausal age need to watch what they eat. As well as eating healthy food, keep an eye on the portion sizes, as this is often the most common downfall of those looking to lose weight.

Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast every day. The key here is 'healthy'. Try and limit your coffee intake and up your slow energy releasing foods such as oats and nuts.

Try and watch the amount of carbohydrates you eat. To help stop excess weight settling on your midriff switch from white carbohydrates, such as white bread etc., to brown. Try not to have any carbohydrates after 6 pm, instead load up your plate with extra vegetables.

Make protein more of a priority. This slows down the speed that your stomach empties, and when added to a brown carbohydrate can help you to feel full for longer. Doing this does not have to be complicated, try sprinkling some nuts over your breakfast, or adding them to a salad. Protein also stimulates the production of glucagons, a fat burning hormone. But again, although protein is good, always watch your portions!

Introduce some small, low fat snacks into your day, in-between your three basic meals. This will keep your metabolism running smoothly and help with weight control.

Ensure that you still eat 'good' fats. These are not the kind found in chocolate! These are 'EFAs that are found in seed, nuts and oily fish.

Always sit down and eat your meals properly. Do no eat on the run if you can help it, and try to eat earlier in the evening rather than later. If you are eating out, try having a small portion of nuts or seeds before you leave, and this will help you order more sensibly.

Keep an eye on the amount of caffeine you have during the day. Caffeine causes corisol to be released into the body, and this in turn leads to excess sugars being stored as fat, as they are not carried away by insulin.

Alcohol is negative calories, that is, there is no nutritional value in alcohol. If you are piling the pounds on around your waist and midriff then try and cut this out totally. Otherwise, try and limit your intake to special occasions.

Don't give up! You do not have to resign yourself to carrying excess weight around your middle just because you are of a 'certain age'. Be committed and you will soon see the results, and banish midriff and waistline weight gain forever!

Author: Bruno
Source:Isnare.com