Calories, Metabolism and Weight Loss Diets

Calories are units that measure the amount of energy in food and the amount of energy the human body expends. Metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy and refers to the speed at which you burn calories.

If you eat more calories than you burn off throughout the day the result will be that the calories are stored as fat.

Approximately 3,500 calories equals one pound of body fat. So, the general rule is that by reducing calorie intake or burning calories with exercise at 500 calories a day, one pound a week of body fat will be lost.

Recommended daily calorie intake can vary for different individuals depending on age, height, weight and metabolism.

A good estimate is to allow for around 15 calories per pound of body weight.

For example, a person who weighs 160 pounds may consume around 2,400 calories each day to maintain his or her weight (15 calories/pound x 160 pounds = 2,400 calories).

For long term weight loss, aim to lose one to two pounds a week.

A diet high in fibre can help to fill you without adding too many calories.

Eat slowly - it takes 20 minutes for the brain to start signalling feelings of fullness so the slower you eat, the fewer calories you consume.

Crash dieting can have a detrimental effect on your basic metabolic rate, your body will go into 'starvation mode' to protect its fat stores by using up muscle tissue.

Most dieters do not keep up the starvation routine for long. They return to their old eating habits and the weight eventually piles back on. Because they lost both fat and muscle during the diet, they now have a lot more fat and a lot less muscle than they did before the diet. The amount of calorie intake needed to maintain a loss in weight will have lessened because their metabolism has slowed down.

For any weight loss plan to work, it should include a well-balanced diet - a reduction of calorie intake - any type of physical activity to burn calories and some modification to existing lifestyles.


For more weight loss tips, please read my article at Ezine Articles.

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Which Hair Style Suits You? - Short, Long, Spiky, Sleek, The Bob, Straight, Curly?

Hair styles are like stars in the sky; no one knows exactly how many there are! It may sound funny, but it’s actually pretty true. There seems to be a hair style for every type, texture, and color of hair, for every occasion and for every personality including who opt for letting a professional work his/her magic and those who prefer to experiment in their own bathrooms. It’s amazing what can be done with hair. It is so versatile to work with and anything that is done to your hair in terms of styling can be undone and even if it may take a few months the significance here is that it is not permanent, which is probably the reason that people experiment so much. So what have some of these experiments yielded over the years? Incalculable different types of hair styles! And here are just a few of the many, many types.

For starters, going short is a hairstyle in itself, and if you wish to get a short hairstyle, you have a vast range of types of short hair styles to choose from. The Bob is probably the most sought after short hair style simply because it is both trendy and easy to manage. But the bob cut can be altered in a variety of ways to make it a completely new type of bob hairstyle. There are all-in-one length bobs, inverted bobs, layered bobs and bobs with long, short sweeping, fringed or choppy bangs among others. Color and highlights are also used to give bobs of any type depth and difference.

Apart from the bob hairstyle, which is fairly long compared to other types of short cuts, the variety of styles is just as vast. For those wanting to go really short, you have the option of choosing the ‘short and sleek’ style which is great for dead-straight, full hair, there is also the ‘short cropped’ and ‘short and spiky’ styles that are edgy and fresh and the ‘pixie cuts’ that are cute but sexy. Again, color and highlighting can make the difference between an ordinary short hairstyle and an extraordinary short hairstyle!

Like short hairstyles, long hairstyles come in an equally vast range of different types and variations. Long hair in general, is a style, but it does not work for everyone, especially those with fine or thin hair as the weight that comes with the length will make hair look stringy and even more flat. But for those who find that long hair works, there are numerous things you can do to add more life or appeal to your hair. Going curly, or straightening curly hair are great ways to change up your look for different occasions. Changing your hair color or adding highlights, are also great ways to change your look on a more seasonal level, for instance many people opt for highlight during summer.

But when it comes down to the actual cut of your long hair, that should be determined on various factors the major of which is the shape of your face. The shape of your face will lead you to choosing a haircut that will suit you best. Short bangs, or sweeping bangs, parting hair in different ways are also great ways to enhance a hair cut. Also it is a good idea to start collecting hair accessories to keep your long hair looking stylish, but tidy and out of the way when it's down. Headbands, lace, ribbon, barrettes, jeweled or beaded clips and pins are the daily staples of long hair devotees.

The vast and varied types of hairstyles can be easily seen on everyone walking around, but remember that everyone has different qualities, features, bone structures and personalities so what’s good for someone else may not necessarily be good for you. But the good news is that if you see a type of hairstyle style or cut that is appealing to you, you should get some professional advice on how it will look on you, and if you find that the particular style or cut will not do you justice you and your hairdresser can come up with a variation of the style that you like and that will look great on you, and this is the benefit of having so many styles, types and cuts to choose from when it comes to your hair.

by Sarah H


Discover more interesting tidbits on hair by visiting http://www.theworldofhair.net/ a website offering tips and resources on issues such as trendy hairstyles, causes of hair loss and even about hot wax hair removal techniques.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

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The Many Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea, which originates in China but is now consumed throughout the world, is made with pure leaves, and is the least processed of all tea types..

The plant species whose leaves are used to produce the famous green tea is called Camellia Sinensis.

EGCG, the most abundant of all the tea catechins, is just one of a variety of compounds and amino acids that are stored within the leaf itself. A powerful antioxidant, it is thought to assist the body in warding off the effects of premature ageing, maintaining the chemistry of the body, inhibiting certain bacteria that can cause food poisoning, alleviating certain allergies, balancing out cholesterol levels and promoting healthy teeth and gums.

Anti-Ageing

One of the most talked about property of green tea is its apparent ability to slow down the ageing process. Recent research shows that green tea extract is naturally rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals - naturally occurring particles in the body associated with accelerated ageing and an increased risk of major diseases. Exposure to pollution, smoking and excess sunlight increases the number of free radicals in the blood, but the potent antioxidants found in green tea add strong weight to the belief that green tea not only promotes good health but also makes you look younger.

Weight Loss

Green tea has recently become a firm favourite with many dieters as it is believed to increase the body's metabolic rate and fat burning ability. Green tea also appears to stimulate all internal organs and at the same time enhance the immune system encouraging it to work at optimum level. Known as thermogenesis, this boost to the metabolism is triggered after kick starting areas of dormant fat burning tissue. It is these benefits that we now see green tea gaining popularity as the ideal drink to have whilst dieting.

Health Benefits

For over 4,000 years Chinese Medicine has recommended the Camellia Sinensis plant as a preventative to headaches, body aches, pains, depression and to generally assist in detoxifying, energising and prolonging good health long into old age.

There are also several green tea research studies linking green tea to cancer prevention.

In addition to this wonderful benefit, green tea is also thought to promote an increase in metabolism that helps lower cholesterol in the body.

Further studies on catechins have shown they are also effective at reducing reactions to certain allergens. When the body is subjected to an allergen it triggers a natural defence mechanism by releasing histamine into the bloodstream. It is this histamine release that causes the various allergic reactions we commonly see in hayfever, asthma and eczema. Catechins are reputed to inhibit the release of histamine into the blood, therefore reducing the symptoms for those sufferers

Other studies based on the fluoride content of green tea have noted its ability to promote good dental health. Fluoride, which is naturally found in tea, is known to strengthen the teeth by reinforcing the enamel and therefore help retard the onset of cavities. Not only that, but the catechins present are thought to suppress plaque formation and also create an unhealthy environment for the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.

Although studies on green tea are still very much in progress, the many benefits green tea has to offer is still recognised by the Chinese to this day. It is only now that we in the western world are catching on, and before long we will not only regard green tea as a refreshing drink, but also fully understand how this remarkable leaf can assist the body in all manner of ways.

Jo at jolo's ebooks

Which Styling Products are Right for My Hair?

Knowing which styling products to use for a particular hair type can make a big difference in how hair looks and feels. Each person is different, and that means that their hair is also different. If a person can get a product that works well on their hair type they should stick with that product or some version thereof. In other words, if you cannot afford the most expensive hair product that you need, try getting a less expensive version of the same thing. Brand names are important, but there are also some less expensive brands that work very well for someone on a budget who still wants to take care of his or her hair. This is important to remember. It is better to buy the less expensive brand of the product that you really need than it is to buy a different type of product entirely. Just because mousse worked well on your hair does not mean that gel will. Just because your friend likes her leave-in conditioner does not mean that it is the right product for you. Taking the time to find out what you need can go a long way toward your hair care.

The texture of the hair that a person has makes a difference in what kind of styling products that person should use. If you have hair that is very fine and flies away easily, you will want to use different products than someone who has very thick, heavy hair. The same is true of someone with curly hair versus someone with straight hair. No matter what your needs are, though, there are options for you when it comes to styling products. There are also good products that you can afford, no matter what your budget is. Even people on fixed incomes can find items that are very inexpensive and that still work well for them. Individuals do not have to go broke to style their hair the way that they want to. In the past there were fewer options for women, and many years ago they washed their hair very infrequently and then forced it to stay in place with whatever would hold it. Now, of course, most people wash their hair once a week or more. A lot of them wash it once a day.

Styling products can include mousses and gels, but there are also hair sprays and many other items. Not everyone is sure what all of these products do. Some of these same individuals are also not sure which products they might need. Asking a hair stylist is a good way to get some answers. In addition, there are people who sell quality hair care products. These people can also help provide information that will help you make a choice as to what styling product you want to use. By asking around, reading labels, and paying attention to sales, you can get the styling products that you need at a price you can afford. This will help your hair improve if it is damaged and keep it strong and healthy if it is already in good condition.

Elizabeth Roth owns a hair care products site that offers free beauty tips. In addition to advice, the site offers shampoos, styling products, and flat irons. For more information, visit her site today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Roth

You will find ebooks on beauty plus free online beauty tips at Jolo's Ebooks

Eat Your Way To Healthy Hair

Your hair needs a balanced, nutritious diet to stay healthy. Hair revitalizing products won't help if you are not nourishing your body.

Your daily diet should include proteins, minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids and water.

One-fourth of the weight of a strand of hair, is made up of water. Water makes hair supple and helps to keep hair silky and shiny, therefore you should always try to drink at least eight glasses per day.
Protein strengthens hair to protect it from becoming dry and brittle. Protein rich foods can be found in fish, lean meats, eggs and dairy foods and cereals.

Minerals are important for healthy hair.

Iron carries oxygen to the hair. Insufficient iron will starve the hair follicles of oxygen. Include red meat and dark green vegetable in your diet.

Zinc prevents hair loss. Meat and seafood have a high content of zinc.

Copper is needed for hair structure and is involved in the pigmentation of hair. Fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds, meat and liver are high in copper.

Ensure your diet has all the necessary vitamins that help in the growth of healthy hair.

Vitamin A keeps your scalp healthy and is good for your skin also. It is found in carrots, sweet potatos, broccoli, cantaloupe and apricots. Lack of B vitamins can lead to oily hair conditions, sources are: green vegetables, beans, sunflower seeds, nuts and peas.

Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and assists in metabolizing B vitamins and amino acids into the body. Lack of vitamin C can cause dry hair. Excellent sources of Vitamin C are found in citrus fruits, berries, green vegetables and tomatoes.

Vitamin E provides lots of benefits for growing vibrant hair. Sources are avocado, rice bran, nuts, dark green vegetables and whole grains.

Healthy hair also needs two essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, that are not produced naturally by the human body.

Omega-3 fats sources: flax oil, algae, cold-water fish, dark-green vegetables, hemp oil and pumpkin seed oil

Omega-6 fats sources: borage, evening primrose oil, safflower oil, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, corn and pumpkin seeds.

Everything about hair - hairstyles to suit you, hair extensions, Up-dos, hair straightening, curls etc. All this information and much more is available in my new ebook. Go to http://www.jolo1.com/fabulous-hair.html

Choosing Hairstyles To Suit Your Hair Texture, Hair Type and Face Shape

Before deciding on a hairstyle you should take into consideration your hair texture and hair type and opt for a style you can manage easily. You should also consider whether a particular hairstyle will suit your face shape.

Fine Hair - There are various ways in which you can add body and volume to fine hair. These include correct cutting and shaping techniques, chemical wave or root lift applications. Choose styles with minimum graduation such as bob cuts and wedges. Layers will create an illusion of thickness. Keep hair short to shoulder length.

Coarse Hair - To help disguise an overall heavy look, cut is very important. Look for hairstyles that lessen the bulk and weight that coarse hair produces. Layer cuts or razor cuts will thin out the thickness of your hair, and in the process, give a sleeker finish.

Straight Hair - Simple, geometric haircuts like bobs are perfect for straight hair of any texture. If you prefer your hair long, tapered layers along the face will soften hard lines. For extra volume, add layers from the last three inches to the ends.

Curly Hair - Possibly the most versatile of all. You can use straightening products or let it go soft and curly on its own. Layered hair cuts reduce bulk and the curls are easier to maintain. If you wear your hair long, the curls tend to be slightly looser with the weight of your hair. Razor-cuts are not advised for hair that tends to be frizzy.

Your best cut is determined by your face, so strive for a hairstyle that works with your particular face shape. Using this strategy will help create a balance that can change the appearance of a face shape and also emphasize your best features.

Here are some guidelines:

Square Face - Choose a hairstyle that will create softness and detract from a square jaw line such as long layers with soft waves, curls or choppy ends. You can also get away with short, spiky cuts and long, sleek styles with layers that start at the jawline and continue downward. A centre parting or chin length bobs and square bangs (fringes) on the forehead will accentuate a square face, so avoid those geometric lines.

Round Face - Try cuts that fall just below the chin. Soft, graduated layers are ideal because they make your face appear slimmer and remove volume from the sides. Consider wispy and tapered ends. These de-emphasize the roundness of your face. Add some height to the top of the head to make your face look longer.

Long Face - Choose a style with layers or go for a chin length bob with a fringe which will create horizontal lines. Scrunch dried or curly bobs balance a long face. Brow-skimming bangs are also ideal because they create the illusion of width. Avoid short cuts or styles that add height on top.

Heart shaped Face - Opt for long sideswept bangs and a length that frames the jaw line. Keep top layers soft and long. Avoid short, blunt-cut bangs and harsh, choppy layers.

Oval Face - With this face shape, you have the advantage of being able to pull off any look. However, much depends on the quality of hair; thin, wavy, straight etc. Avoid short layers that add height on top of your head. This will make your face appear long. If your hair is thick or curly, avoid a blunt cut.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Rushworth

Get Those Smoky Eyes - How to Achieve the Smokey Eye Look

As well as selling ebooks on my website, I also have a free online beauty section and enjoy writing articles on the subject. Here is one I have recently had published on Ezine Articles.

The best way to achieve a sultry and smouldering smoky eye look is to make sure colours are blended together perfectly. Use a deep colour to add definition to your socket and a lighter colour, preferably cream or skin-tone for your base. Get those smoky eyes that can bring men to their knees, if done correctly. Read on for the best tips on how to achieve the ultimate smoky eye look.

As an alternative to the traditional dark brown or black, try deep purple, plum, dark blue, dark green or copper to soften the look and enhance your eye colour.

The first step is to prepare your lid. Dab on an eyeshadow primer as this will keep your eyelids oil free and prevent the eyeshadow melting into your eyelid crease.

Take the lighter base eyeshadow and sweep over your lids from your lash line to your browbone. Be quite generous with this as it will make it easier to add the darker colour.

Once the base has been applied, you are ready for the eyeliner.

Using black, charcoal or a dark colour eye pencil that complements your eyeshadow, draw a line above the upper lash line making the line thicker in the middle, then blend in gently to soften the edge of the line.

Use a liner brush and go over the liner with your darker eyeshadow, stretching across the lid just short of where your eyeliner ends. Soften, blend and smudge to eliminate harsh lines.

Now, gradually blend in a little of the darker colour into the lighter base, Starting from your lash line, brush upwards to just below the crease. For best results, build it up slowly rather than adding too much dark at once..

For the lower lash line you will need to use a lighter eyeliner. Apply a small amount of shadow to get the smudge effect.

Finish with two coats of volumizing mascara. Get the wand as close to the roots as possible, then gently blink as you draw it through your lashes. Use an eyelash curler for more dramatic results.

Remember to keep your lips neutral to give smoky eyes their real impact.

More Free Beauty Tips at http://www.jolo1.com/beauty.html

Take a tour around Jolo's Ebooks at http://www.jolo1.com to view a great selection of ebooks devoted to a variety of topics.

Also visit my other website at www.jayandel.co.uk for even more free beauty tips