7 Most Astonishing Weight Loss Stories To Motivate Yourself Right Now

If you think that losing a few pounds over a period of several months is an achievement then you will probably be very surprised to hear stories of people who managed to lose even upto hundreds of pounds. Yes, people across the world have made world records and made astonishing achievements as far as weight loss is concerned. These stories are highly inspiring and motivate us to work harder towards our own weight loss goals. If you have been feeling any less motivated to work hard in the gym or follow your diet seriously, then you can go through the following given 7 most astonishing weight loss stories from around the world.

1) Manuel Uribe-lost almost 1000 pounds: Manuel Uribe was once considered the heaviest man on the planet and reached the peak weight of 597 kg.  Due to his weight, he was unable to leave his bed but with the help of doctors and nutritionists, he managed to lose a whopping 1000 pounds in total. He turned down offers of gastric surgery and lost all the weight through his own weight loss efforts. He also features in a documentary about his bedridden life and his attempts to lose weight.

2) David Smith-lost 400 pounds: This is an amazing story of a man called David Smith who was once 630 pounds in weight but lost 400 pounds and became a personal trainer! Not only did he follow a strict exercising and carb cycling routine but also underwent a lot of surgeries to remove the excess fat.  Now he looks just like any normal guy and continues to remain fit.

3) Rosalie Braford-Guinness book record holder: Rosalie Bradford holds a Guinness Book world record for most weight lost by a woman. She was a binge eater in 1987 and weighed 1199 lb. She spent 8 years in bed but with the interventions and efforts of her weight loss trainer and her friends, she managed to slim down to 200 lb. But unfortunately, in one of the five sessions of surgery, she experienced some complications which resulted in her death.

4) John Stone-became a bodybuilder from an overweight: John stone is very popular all across the internet and is a motivation for many.  He was a highly athletic and fit man at one point in life but gradually gave in and developed a beer belly.  But in 2003 he decided to lose his beer belly and started going to gym. Five years later, he became a body builder and it was hard even for his family and friends to recognize him after his transformation. He sure is an inspiration and his story is often used for motivation by many.

5) Rob Cooper-shed 300 pounds in 2 years: Also known previously as the fat guy, Rob Cooper once weighed 475 pounds.  By following a system of whole foods, natural health and through a basic walking program of 20 minutes every day, he managed to lose 300 pounds in about 2 years.  After losing all that weight, he also began weight training and put on muscle of over 50 pounds. He is now a very fit, muscular and healthy guy who people turn to for inspiration.

6) Jon Brower Minnoch-lost 22 kg per month: Jon Brower Minnoch was born in the year 1941 and had the record of being the largest man in the world.  He reached a peak weight of 635 kg and due to this; he even had to be hospitalized.  By following a very strict diet plan, he came down to 216 kg and lost 419 kg in a span of just 16 months which is 22 kg in a month! His story truly shows that with hardwork and determination, no goal is too big.

7) Michael Hebranko-former heaviest man came down to 90 kg: Michael Hebranko was once known to be among the heaviest people on the planet and suffered from morbid obesity.  He had to be hospitalized in New York and after coming out of the hospital, he was determined to lose weight.  He dropped down his weight from a whopping 411 kg to 90 kg and his size of the waist from 290 cm to 91 cm in just a small time period of 19 months.  He did so with the help of is exercise and dieting coach Richard Simmons and also holds a Guinness Book record for the highest recorded weight loss in the year 1990.

10 Ingredients For Perfect Skin

The way in which the skin looks is directly connected to the ingredients used for daily meals. Processed foods high in sugar and fats are one of the main reasons for acne skin, increased sebum production and dull complexion. On the other hand, veggies, fruits and nuts contribute to a clean, bright and healthy skin. A handful of ingredients ingested daily benefit your skin more than any expensive cream or treatment. Here are the 10 most effective ingredients for a perfect skin.

Avocado

Avocado is a girl’s best friend in diets as well as in beauty routines. Used on the skin, improves hydration and brightens up the complexion, if eaten it brings a lot of Vitamin E to your body. Vitamin E helps the skin retain moisture and maintain hydrated for a longer period of time. In order for the Vitamin E to be absorbed better, it is advisable to combine avocados with ingredients that contain Vitamin C. Also, avocados (and other Vitamin E containing products) should be consumed moderately to avoid an increase in the triglycerides.

Alternatives: olive oil.

Bananas

Bananas are tasty fruits which are available on the market all year round. They are rich in potassium (good for skin hydration), Vitamin B complex (removes oxidative stress and fights premature gaining) and zinc (fights the germs responsible for acne). To make the most of the banana’s nutrients, eat one and apply another one on your skin. The skin will be pampered from the exterior and the interior for a smooth texture and a natural glow.

Alternatives: spinach and beef (for zinc), dark leafy greens, avocado, yogurt and fish (for potassium), eggs and dairy products (for vitamin B12).

Berries

Tasty and packed with antioxidants, berries represent one of life’s pleasures. Apart from their delicious taste, they are also high in Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Consume them every day for a brighter and more even skin.

Alternatives: citrus fruits.

Carrots

Carrots are high in beta-carotene, an ingredient which acts as an antioxidant. When ingested in combination with Vitamin E and Vitamin C, beta-carotene provides protection from sunburns. Complementary, it helps to achieve a nice tan and prolongs the tan aspect of the skin by stimulating melatonin production.

Alternatives: sweet potatoes, pumpkin, dark leafyvegetables, melon and sweet red peppers.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, grapefruit, limes, tangerines, and pomelo, are delicious treats with an incredibly positive impact on the body. High in Vitamin C, citruses stimulate the production of collagen, a protein which keeps the young aspect of the skin.

Alternatives: kiwis are also high in Vitamin C.

Eggs

Poached, boiled or sunny side up, eggs are a fast and filling breakfast for people of all ages. But apart from their great taste and appetite control properties, eggs are also great for the skin. Packed with Vitamin A, they help with skin rejuvenation and maintain the mucous membranes healthy. Choline, a type of Vitamin B found in eggs, ensures a good skin-cell functioning by providing a high level of fatty substance for the cell membranes.

Alternatives: Vitamin A is also present in dairy products, meat, fish, apples and sweet potatoes. Chlorine is also present in milk and peanuts.

Green tea

Green tea on the rocks cools you down in summer, while a hot green tea brings warmth and comfort in rainy or snowy days. Regardless of the season, this drink reduces fluid retention, detoxifies the body and improves the quality of the skin. Drank regularly, green tea prevents wrinkles, reduces the chances of acne eruptions and hydrates the skin. There is no better way to treat your body and mind than with a cup of green tea!

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are the go-to ingredients when you want a low-calorie, healthy meal. They are rich in anti-oxidants which reduce skin aging and brightens the complexion. In addition to that, they contain water, which keeps the skin moisturized and fibers which help you digestive system function properly. This means that the level of toxins eliminated through the skin lowers and the risk of acne decreases considerably.

Alternatives: dark colored grapes are also high in antioxidants.

Nuts

Another good source of Vitamin E, nuts can be served as in-between meals snack or sprinkled in salads for a tasty twist. Nuts help you have a healthy, elastic and luminous skin. In addition to that, they ensure a great functioning of the brain. There are two major drawbacks associated with nut consumption: the high content of calories and the increase of triglyceride level.

Water

Nothing compares to a glass of water! The human body needs at least 8 glasses of water per day to function normally. When the body is craving water, skin is one of the first organs affected. Dry, cracked and chipped skin is the result of a poorly hydrated body, so drink plenty of water to keep the body in good shape and the skin hydrated.

Alternatives: there are no alternatives for water, but you can replace some of the water intake with lemonade, flavored water and green tea to add diversity.

Perfect skin can be obtained through a healthy and balanced diet, which includes as many of the suggested ingredients as possible. Eat them raw, in salads and smoothies, or cook them mildly to preserve all the nutrients.

Meditation Guide for Beginners: 6 Tips to Quiet Your Mind

Are you craving for inner peace and stress free life? Or are there times when you wish to ask your mind to ‘Shut Up’ or ease up so that you can enjoy the present moment. Then meditation could exactly provide what you want. Meditation is the art of focusing and this art comes with practice. But sadly not all are able to do it as beginners find it difficult to get the thoughts out of mind. The drone of recurring thoughts and endless planning get in the way of meditating.

If you are also not able to focus your attention, here are some techniques that you can use to calm the chattering mind.

1.  Practice Makes Perfect: When you decide to practice meditation, don’t give it up. Don’t take it lightly just as another New Year resolution. With time and practice it will become easier for you to quiet the mind and enter into the state of relaxation. Start for five minutes a day and this will assure you stay on the right track.

2.  Focus On The Breath: Close your eyes and feel the breathing going in and out of the nostrils or feel your belly or chest raising and falling. Place your hand on the belly and focus and once you feel that you can feel the breath, remove your hands from the body. Just let your breath flow naturally and with time it will deepen or slow down. This in turn reduces the heart rate and relaxes the muscles.

3.  Choose a Comfortable Posture: The sitting posture also makes a difference while meditating. Ensure that you are comfortable, relaxed and steady so that your mind doesn't wander. It is best to sit straight with the spine erect and keep the neck and shoulders relaxed. It is important to keep the eyes closed throughout the meditation process.

4.  Know Your Purpose: Beginners need to understand that meditation is an Active process and is an art to focus on a single point to ensure that you are purposefully engaged. This is because not everyone has the same reason to meditate. You might meditate to visualize the goals, to improve creativity, to quiet the mind, to reach the real self or get rid of negative approaches. Having the clearer goals helps you engage purposefully.

5.  A Cozy Meditation Space: It is very important to have a quiet and peaceful place when you begin to meditate. Make the area pleasant by adding a scented candle, flowers or incense sticks, put you at ease instantly. Also, try and meditate in a dim lit room as it is easy to quiet the mind in dim light.

6.  No Disturbances: Most beginners ignore the fact that it is important to create a perfect peaceful condition. If you have it in the back of your mind that phone might ring, baby will get up or pressure cooker might whistle then you will not be able to enter the state of deep relaxation. So, ensure that the phone is on silent mode and there is no urgent task to handle. The best time is to meditate early morning when the mind is not cluttered with the usual stuff and the chances of being disturbed are also less.

Beginners must remember that focusing initially is very hard so don’t berate yourself. All beginners experience the inner chatter. But with the above practices you will slowly be able to focus.

Sulphur Dioxide: The Silent Disease

Our eating habits have taken a huge beating from increased stress levels, hectic lifestyles, and reduced me-time. Prepackaged foods are a boon when you get home and want to simply crash on the sofa, but relying on them too often can be detrimental to your health. It is absolutely crucial to eat a healthy mix of foods, and be aware of what is being consumed, after you are what you eat! Many prepackaged and processed foods contain chemical constituents and additives to increase their longevity and taste. Over time, as these accumulate in your body, it can severely impact your health. This is why you should always read the ingredient listing on the back of the product, before consuming it.

Sulphur dioxide is one chemical agent that is frequently ingested into the body. Many research studies have demonstrated that over time, it can lead to many health problems.

Foods that may contain sulphur dioxide

Sulphur dioxide may be found in a wide variety of everyday fruits such as burger meats, dried fruits, sugar, and breakfast sausages. It is also commonly used to preserve food products, thereby extending shelf life, and preventing the growth of microorganisms. As a preservation agent, it prevents the browning reaction which occurs in certain foods.

Sulphur dioxide can be found in sugar and sugar-containing food products. Most loose sugar we purchase at the grocery store is refined using a process that requires sulphur dioxide.

Impact of sulphur on the body

Regular consumption of sulphur may cause bronchoconstriction, a medical condition where the airways constrict in the lungs. A thin mucus layer covers the passageway from the nose to terminal bronchioles, keeping it moist. Transporting this mucus from the lung is called mucociliary transport. Sulphur dioxide is implicated in many bronchial disorders such as cystic fibrosis, and bronchial asthma. Excess levels of sulphur dioxide from regular consumption of foods which contain the chemical, leads to an impairment in clearing mucus, and therefore leads to a persistent cough. The presence of sulphur dioxide forms acid, which will increase the cough’s viscosity. This makes it difficult for asthmatics to expel cough which is produced in the airways.

The airflow in your air passages may become restricted from excessive mucus production or inflammation, which leads to an allergic reaction. The irritation caused from the mechanical friction in the air is another factor. Sulphur dioxide is an allergen, and is known to cause allergic reactions in many individuals, especially those with asthma.

How to avoid intake of Sulphur dioxide

To lead a long and healthy lifestyle, avoid foods that contain sulphur. Try to purchase sugar that was refined using a sulphur-free method. Be sure to carefully check all food labels before consuming them. It is understandable that with a hectic lifestyle, convenience takes precedence. Also, the quantity of sulphur dioxide in dried fruits, beer and wine is quite high, so it is best to reduce their intake. If you cannot do without dried fruits then it is suggested to pick organic fruits where sulphur dioxide is not used as a preservative. But, remember these fruits will not last for long. Therefore, you need to freeze them to extend their shelf life.

Also, when buying food and beverage from the market, make sure you buy that are completely natural and contain no sulphur dioxide preservatives. Leading a healthy lifestyle may also require you to prioritize your time better, so that you are giving healthy eating its much deserved attention.

Eat Your Way to Flat Abs with These Foods

Getting rid of that stubborn tummy flab has always been so difficult, and even if I managed getting flat abs courtesy the crunches and exercises, it is almost tough maintaining it with all the food hogging. But do you know there are certain food items which when combined with the exercises can help you fight the tummy fat and maintain your flat abs. These are familiar and everyday foods in the list, so you need not worry about running around the supermarket to find them:

1. Apples: Yes, probably this benefit of apples just adds to popular saying -“Eat an apple a day and keep the doctor away”. Apples are not very high in fiber but 85 percent of them is water, which helps you feel full. Try and include one or two apples in your diet or mid-day munching to keep fat at bay.

2. Yogurt: The pro-biotic bacteria rich yoghurt, keeps your digestive system healthy and eliminates chances of gas, bloating and constipation, which make your tummy look flat.

3. Almonds: These wonder nuts are stores of fiber and filling protein, vitamin E and act as a powerful antioxidant. Almonds also help in blood sugar regulation and a low blood sugar would mean you fewer tendencies to overeat and therefore less weight gain. Above all this, the most relevant property of almonds here is their ability to block calories.

4. Eggs: This protein rich food is a very complete diet and keeps you satiated throughout the day, if you have eggs in breakfast. They not only provide the building blocks for your body, but also keep you satisfied, to avoid munching.

5. Berries: Yummy tangy berries are full of fiber. The more fiber you eat, the fewer calories you absorb from all the other stuff you eat, because fiber traps food particles and shuttles them out of your system before they're fully digested, thus you absorb lesser calories from food.

6. Leafy Greens: Green leafy veggies have carotenoids and are very low in calorie and high in fiber. Their low calorie content helps keep fat in control and provide calcium to fuel your muscle power.

  

7. Soy:  These are great packets of fiber, protein, antioxidants and can be used in multiple forms. Low calories soy milk helps in weight loss than regular dairy products.

8. Veggie Soup: Soup is as it is very healthy for your digestive system, it fills you up and hence you eat less of other fatty foods. Soup lovers get their veggies in a wonderful tasty form and also lose more weight as compared to people who don't like soups. Keep your soup fat free and have light soups for maximum benefit.

By merely including these items in your daily diet plan you will be able to get flat abs and fit in your favorite dress at the next party.         

How To Get Rid of Side Fats?

Most women laugh off their side fats by calling them ‘love handles’ but deep inside they are as much annoyed by those love handles as their men. Even though they are extremely tough to get rid of, there is no reason you can’t lose them if you follow a correct exercise regimen. In fact most of the fat on the sides can be eliminated by targeting the oblique muscles. These are the muscles that are found on either side of your torso. A workout that involves these muscles will help in toning them. Read on to know some of the most effective exercises to get rid of side fats:

Oblique twists: This set of exercise involves twisting and turning of oblique muscles. Lie down on back and rest your feet straight on a chair. Ensure that your lower legs are exactly perpendicular to the floor while the knees are raised above your hips. Bring your hands gently behind your head and hold the position. Now start exhaling and lift your right elbow towards your left knee. Stretch yourself unless you start feeling the pressure in your side abs and the right hip area. Lower down your leg and repeat this with your left elbow and right knee before returning to your original position. Five sets in the beginning are more than enough and you can continue increasing the sets as your stamina builds up. 

  Side bends: Side bends work on your waist muscles and tone them. This exercise works well with almost 5 to 10 pounds of weight in your hands. Open your legs in shoulder’s width and stand straight. Keep your back straight and start bending towards your right while holding the weight. Try not to lose your balance and hold on to this position for more than two seconds. Repeat in the same way by bending towards your left. Remember to keep your knees straight while you bend. Avoid bending forward or backward as this won’t help your cause. Repeat in sets of five and go on increasing the number of sets as you get comfortable. 

  Side-lying oblique: This is a time and tested exercise and known to offer visible results. Lie on one of the sides on the floor. Line the legs on each other. Extend the lower arm for balance. Carefully lift the top arm and place the hand gently on the head’s back. Now gently lift the top leg and simultaneously try touching the elbow behind your head to the lift the knee. It is rather very difficult to touch the two but what really matters is the effort behind it. You can feel the mush at the waist while doing this exercise to kill the side fats. Concentrate to pull the abdominal muscles above the hips contracting thee left leg up. Repeat this set for five or seven times and then continue with the other side.

It is essential to start this workout under the guidance of a professional trainer or you might end up stretching up yourself. Then you can continue doing them on your own.