“Too poor, too busy, too sad, too happy… We come up with all sorts of reasons for ditching our diets, or for not even getting started in the first place. However, most of our excuses don’t really cut it. Here are the top 10 worst diet excuses, and reasons why they should be dismissed.

It’s too expensive

Many people claim that they can’t afford to eat more healthily. However, healthy eating can be just as budget-friendly as splurging on junk food if you know what to look out for. In fact, swapping your chocolate bar or packet of crisps for an apple can actually save you money. To lose weight on the cheap, start by reducing your portion sizes and swapping unhealthy snacks for fresh fruit or veg. Stocking up on dried legumes for protein, buying in bulk and freezing leftovers are also good steps for keeping costs down.

I’m too busy

Most of us lead busy lifestyles, juggling work and family commitments alongside hectic social lives. However, this is no excuse for ditching the diet. Remember, fruit and nuts are just as easy to eat on the go as a packet of crisps, and a healthy salad can be whipped up in the same time it takes to peruse a takeaway menu and place your order. Furthermore, so long as you are following a healthy, balanced eating plan – rather than an overly restrictive, faddy diet – your diet should help to keep you energised and fuelled to successfully tackle your busy day.

I’ve had a bad day

Your boss is piling on the workload, you’ve had a bust-up with your best friend and you missed the bus home… But that bar of chocolate would surely make it all feel better? Sadly not. While you may think that giving into the temptation for a tasty treat will compensate for a bad day, it will most likely only make you feel guilty and bloated as well as stressed out. If you know you’re an emotional eater, it’s important to find a healthier way to deal with your feelings – such as exercising, chatting with a friend, or watching your favourite movie – to help you resist those unhealthy cravings next time you’re feeling down or stressed.”

Read further the next 7 worse diet excuses here: Full news story

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“If you can’t see your toes because your muffin top is in the way, it’s time to take action.

Not just so you can squeeze in to your jeans — but because burning off belly fat could save your life.

According to The American Cancer Society, having too much belly fat — regardless of body weight — is linked with an increased risk of several types of cancer.

Earlier this year Professor Jane Wardle from University College London said: “What many people don’t realise is that extra fat around the middle is surprisingly ‘active’. It releases hormones and other chemicals that can make cells in the body divide far more often than usual, which can increase the risk of cancer.”

Overweight or obese people who intentionally lose weight have reduced levels of certain hormones related to cancer risk, such as insulin, oestrogens and androgens.

Having a proportionally large middle also means that you are likely to be carrying quite a bit of deep “visceral” fat that pads itself around internal organs.

Here the Sun’s fitness expert NICKI WATERMAN and nutritionist AMANDA URSELL show you how to burn that belly fat to help you feel good and boost your health…”

Check out full story with top belly busting diet tips here: Full news story

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“Jordin Sparks looked red hot on the red carpet at the premiere of her new movie Sparkle on Tuesday night, and she proudly showed off her 50-pound weight loss in a sexy siren number.

The singer/actress wore a red peplum dress with matching heels to the premiere, where her slender curves were fully on display. It’s hard to remember that it was only last spring that the star went on her mission to slim down.

She told reporters she just decided to commit to working out and the results have been awesome. She said of her new habits: “My mom’s best friend is a Zumba instructor and I loved it. I started with walking then went to jogging and then Zumba.” Plus, “I started [working with a trainer] and we did 30 minutes of circuit training,” Sparks said. “So I didn’t feel like I needed to be in the gym for two hours.”

Sparks is looking great and feeling it too, especially after …”

See  Jordin Sparks amazing before and after pictures here and full story: Full news story

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If you are a die hard fan of cheese you need to review cheese calories for different types of cheese when considering calorie consumption.

Serving Size - Fat (g) – Calories

Blue cheese: 1 oz  – 8 (g) – 100 calories

Brick cheese: 1 oz  – 8  (g) – 105  calories

Brie cheese: 1 oz  – 7 (g) – 94 calories

Cheddar cheese: 1 oz  – 9 (g) - 114 calories

Cheddar (low fat) cheese: 1 oz  - 2 (g) - 49 calories

Colby cheese: 1 oz  - 9  (g) – 111 calories

Cottage cheese (regular) : 4 oz  - 5 (g) - 116 calories

Cottage cheese (2% lowfat) : 4 oz  - 2 (g) – 101 calories

Cottage cheese (1 % lowfat) : 4 oz  – 1 (g) - 81 calories

Cream cheese: 1 oz  - 9 (g) – 99 calories

Feta cheese: 1 oz  - 7  (g) - 75 calories

Limburger cheese: 1 oz  - 7 (g) – 92 calories

Monterey cheese: 1 oz  - 8 (g) - 105 calories

Monterey (low fat) cheese: 1 oz  - 6 (g) - 87 calories

Mozzarella cheese (whole milk) : 1 oz  - 6 (g) – 85 calories

Mozzarella cheese (whole milk, low moisture) : 1 oz  - 4 (g) – 57 calories

Mozzarella cheese (part skim milk) : 1 oz  - 4 (g) - 72 calories

Mozzarella cheese (part skim milk, low moisture) : 1 oz  - 5 (g) – 85 calories

Muenster cheese: 1 oz  - 8 (g) - 104 calories

Parmesan grated cheese : 1 oz  - 8 (g) - 122 calories

Parmesan (shredded) cheese: 1 TB – 1 (g) – 20 calories

Provolone cheese : 1 oz  - 7 (g) - 99 calories

Ricotta (whole milk) cheese : 1/2 cup  - 16 (g) - 215 calories

Ricotta (part skim milk) cheese : 1/2 cup  - 9 (g) – 171 calories

Romano cheese : 1 oz  - 7  (g) – 109 calories

Swiss cheese : 1 oz  - 7 (g) – 107 calories

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While consuming wine the suitable portion size is 5 ounce.

When you go out socially always request a 4 to 5 ounce glass of wine.

The calories in wine vary, whether it is red or white. Some red wines contain up to 20% alcohol, while others are 12.5% ​​or less.

Review chart below to find out how many calories are in your favorite wine.

Red or white wine, which is the best choice?

The calories in wine are almost equal between red and white wines. Some white wines have a slightly lower calorie count. The calories in champagne or sparkling wine have fewer calories.

See below tips on how to reduce calories in wine.

Sparkling water: Add two or three oz. of sparkling water to 4 z. of wine to reduce calories.

Fruit Puree: A tablespoon of fruit puree has 10 calories. Add 1 TB of fruit puree to a 4 oz. glass of wine and not worry much about the calories.

Keep your red wine or white wine calorie consumption to a minimum.  Choose a diet plan, keep active and you will still shed the weight.

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In addition to calorie intake, alcohol increases appetite and speeds up digestion, making us feel hungry faster. Furthermore, alcohol interferes with the body’s metabolism to reduce the amount of fat the body burns.

Studies have shown that consumption of alcohol can reduce the metabolism of fat up to 73%. Therefore, consumption of alcoholic beverages high in fat increases storage of fat in your body.

One gram of alcohol contains 7 calories. Beer has the highest alcohol therefore the most calories.

Table of calories of beer

Go for light beer, 12 oz around 95 calories.

Table of calories in wine

Stick to 4 to 5 oz servings to keep your wine calories low.

Table cocktails and mixed drinks calories

For the mixed drink category you will have to be smart with what you mix your drink with. Substitute high calorie soda for diet soda or diet tonic water at zero calories. Use freshly squeezed juice versus can juice to reduce the calories. Avoid consuming more than 1 alcohol type in a drink and keep liqueurs and syrups to a minimum.

Consuming the lowest calorie alcohol will save you hundreds if not thousands in calories depending upon how much alcohol you consume.

The most important fact to remember is that alcohol is simply sugar. To ensure you have the best chance to lose weight you should eliminate alcohol from your diet or occasionally choose the lowest calorie alcohol.

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Quila’s Basic Green Smoothie

2C orange juice (or try tangerine juice for a tangy treat)

1C pineapple

1C peaches

1C mangos

1C raspberries (or strawberries or blueberries)

1-2 bananas

2 handfuls of spinach

4 leaves green leaf or romaine lettuce (or red or green chard)

Blend well. Makes 2 quarts.

We drink this every day with a few variations here and there with the greens, berries and fruits in season. Also, add a bit of mint for a treat.

Source: Health and Nature Shop

Grapes and Orange Green Smoothie

1C green grapes

1 pear

1 orange

1 banana

4 leaves of organic spinach

4 leaves of organic kale

1/2 C organic apple juice

2C Ice

Blend well.

Spinach Mango Green Smoothie

4 leaves of  organic spinach

1  large mango

1/2 C Ice

Blend well and enjoy all options for a healthy yet delicious green smoothie.

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The principle is that fruit contains more water as a result it can retain more water-soluble enzymes. Research School of Medicine, Stanford University suggest that theses enzymes, over 1200, preserved in certain fruits, promote the proper functioning of the liver to convert, boost metabolism and eliminate toxins and fat cells of the body.

First lets discuss how much fruit to consume.

Most people are convinced that fruit in any amount is ok without risk of gaining weight. The reality is fruits contain a lot of fruit sugar, which, although less harmful than binge eating, it’s still quite high in sugar. It’s best to consume fruit low in sugar, so say British researchers who recently conducted a number of interesting studies in the field of weight loss.

British researchers found that diabetics and people who are likely to be overweight, have higher levels of cholesterol in their blood. After all, fruits contain large amounts of fruit sugar, and it does not suppress hunger. Because fruit do not suppress appetite, people do not notice how much he or she eats and lose control of the calories consumed.

People who are not diabetics or have high cholesterol, can eat up to five fruits a day safely.

Next losing weight on exotic fruits is easier many believe. In particular, we are talking about our cravings for exotic fruits, which seem to taste better than “local” fruit.  Many people trying to lose weight tend to select exotic fruits. Nutritionists state that a few apples, oranges, or pears, because of their enzymes is better suited for our digestive system.

Pineapple – speaking of exotic fruit, there is a common myth about the properties of pineapple.  Through the action of its enzyme bromelain, pineapple supposedly contributes to a better breakdown of fat. The truth is that bromelain does not break down fats. In reality, bromelain enzyme simply improves your digestion. Due to the action of bromelain fats are split into glycerol and fatty acids, which allows the latter to freely enter the blood stream. Fatty acids are actively involved in the synthesis of body fat. Specifically, the more animal fat bromelain breaks down, the more the body creates fatty acids, which produce more fat! It turns out that bromelain does not contribute to weight loss, but rather helps us to gain extra fat reserves.

To accelerate weight loss the best fruits for weight loss are the following:

1. tomatoes
2. apricots
3. watermelon
4. cantaloupe
5. apples
6. zucchini
7. cucumber
8. hot peppers
9. grapefruit
10. berries
11. oranges
12. tangerines
13. bananas

These fruits not only burn more calories then they contain they also clean out your digestion which raises your metabolism. Include fruits in your diet on a daily basis and watch the weight come off.

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