Hot Tips to Maximize Your Ab Exercises

Writen by Mike Corrado

When looking at the types of abdominal exercises, it is best to divide the exercises into upper and lower ab exercises. Because there aren’t two separate muscles that you can isolate, the abdominal exercises we discuss here will work the entire abdominal wall.

There are different clusters of muscle that are separated by tissue in the abdominal muscles and these clusters make up the “washboard” or the “six-pack” effect in a persons abdominals. You can focus on the upper clusters by moving the torso and focus on the lower clusters by moving the pelvis.

For the lower abdominals, lying leg raises and reverse crunches are great abdominal exercises. Reverse crunches can be done on the ground or on an incline sit-up board. All you need is something behind your head to hold. If you use the incline board, use it with your feet lower than your head. For lying leg raises, lie on your back with your hands, palms down under your buttocks.

Raise your legs about 12″ off the floor and hold them there. If you’re big or have long legs, you should probably avoid this exercise. If you have this problem you can either try bending your knees slightly or just try some other abdominal exercises.

For the upper abs, ab crunches and quarter crunches are excellent abdominal exercises. Lying on your back, put your knees up in the air so that your thighs are at a right angle to your torso, with your knees bent. You can rest your feet on something, like a chair. Slowly raise your shoulders off the ground and try to touch your breastbone to your pelvis. Although the actual movement will be very small, you should try to go as high as possible. Only your spine should bend, your hips should not move.

Do these abdominal exercises fairly slowly to avoid using momentum to help. You can increase the difficulty of the exercise by extending your hands out behind your head instead of keeping them at the side. Make sure you don’t jerk your hands forward to help with the crunch, keep them still. If you follow these tips, your abdominal exercises should help you to get the great six pack you’ve always wanted.

Mike Corrado brings you smoking ab exercises at http://www.quickandeasyabexercises.com

Hair Removal by Waxing – Hot and Cold Waxes

Writen by Bridget Mwape

Waxing is an effective method of removing large amounts of hair at one time. With hot waxing, a thin layer of heated wax is applied to the skin in the direction of the hair growth. The hair becomes embedded in the wax as it cools and hardens. The wax is then pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth, taking the uprooted hair with it. Cold waxes work similarly. Strips precoated with wax are pressed on the skin in the direction of the hair growth and pulled off in the opposite direction. The strips come in different sizes for use on the eyebrows, upper lip, chin, and bikini area.

Waxing is a temporary method of hair removal which removes the hair at the root. New hairs do not grow back in the waxed area for three to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet’. But don’t be fooled into thinking that waxing is for women only. Today’s fashion trends have men waxing their bodies for cosmetic reasons, and many athletes such as bodybuilders and swimmers have been waxing for years.

The concept of waxing to remove bodily hair can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt where the wives of Royalty and the well-to-do looked at hair removal as a way to remain young and forever beautiful. That concept continued throughout the world with the Greeks and Turks as well.

Most waxes are comprised of some proportional mixture of paraffin or beeswax, natural oils or fats, and a specially designed resin to help the wax adhere to the skin. Some brands of wax add Vitamin E or other supplements. If you think that you might want to try waxing, the first step, whether you are a male or female, is to decide if you want to use the ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ wax technique.

The hot wax method involves heating the wax to a comfortable temperature. A thin layer of wax is spread onto the area to be treated in the direction of the hair growth. Once the wax is cooled it is quickly torn off, in the opposite direction of the hair growth, and the hair is removed with it. With the cold wax process, strips of cloth are pre-coated with wax. You apply the strips to the area to be treated, rub the strips in the direction of hair growth, and then pull the strips off quickly in the opposite direction. Although hot waxing techniques are a bit more messy than cold wax ones, many people find that the hot wax gives better results.

Post Waxing Skin Treatment

You can apply a non-perfumed moisturizer to the treated area if you want to. Moisturizers that are fortified with Vitamin B and/or Aloe vera are also good. Avoid the following activities for at least 24 hours after waxing:

- Swimming

- Using a Spa or Hot Tub

- Sunbathing

- Applying perfume, aftershave or deodorant to the treated area

Always check to make sure that the hot wax is below scalding or burning temperature before applying. People with diabetes should consult a doctor before waxing. Never wax over sunburned skin or peeling skin, lesions or infections, moles, warts, skin abrasions, rashes, or varicose veins. Never wax the eyelashes, nose or ear hairs, nipple hair, or hair which is growing directly on the genitals (bikini area is okay). Waxing is a great solution for the temporary removal of unwanted hair if you’re tough enough to stand a little pain. Some hair removal experts recommend professional waxing for the best results.

Copyright 2005. Bridget Mwape writes for the Chemist’s UK Website at: http://www.chemist-uk.org.uk/ and she’s also a regular contributor to the Discount Pharmacy Website at http://www.discount-pharmacy-online.org.uk

5 Tips For A Complete Physique Transformation

Writen by Russ Yeager

I’m sure you have seen the numerous ‘Before and After’ physique transformation pictures in the bodybuilding and fitness magazines and on the internet. They seem to be everywhere, right? You have probably even wondered if it is really possible to make such a dramatic change in only a few short months. I had my doubts as well; that is until I became one of those people in the magazines! That’s right, I was named 18-35 year old class champion in the AST Sports Science World Championships physique transformation contest, allowing me to gain exposure in many of the fitness and bodybuilding magazines and all over the internet. How did I do it? Let me tell you first that it took much more than a “magic supplement” and a good photographer. It was the most dedicated and disciplined 13 weeks of my life, but it was all well worth it when I was able to finally succeed in building the type of body I have always dreamed of! Would you like to do the same? With the right tools, information, motivation, and dedication, you absolutely can! Now, let me tell you right from the start that making this kind of dramatic transformation (especially in a 3-4 month time frame) is not easy at all! It takes a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication and commitment on your part. I can’t emphasize that enough so if you are not willing to put in the type of commitment necessary then it is probably not a good idea to embark on a transformation journey at this time. However, if you are fed up with mediocre or no results and ready to get into the best shape of your life then read on, soak in the information, get motivated, get to work, and in as little as 12 weeks you can be a completely different you!

1) Have a Reason Why

Before you embark on something as dramatic as a total physique transformation you have to have a very good reason “why” you are doing this. If not, there is simply NO WAY you will stick you your plans and reach your goal. Period! The reason can be to win a physique transformation contest, a bodybuilding contest, or to make your ex’s head spin when you see him or her at your reunion. It does not matter what that reason is, only that it is important to YOU. Make sure you take the time to ask yourself exactly why you are doing this, and be sure to remind yourself of this reason(s) throughout your transformation journey.

2) Motivation

Motivation and your reason why work together synergistically. Its great to have a reason why, but its important that you generate the type of motivation necessary to make sure you follow through by doing what you are suppose to do. Motivation is the reason that we get out of bed in the morning and start our days. It is what drives us to get to the gym and work harder than the day before. Motivation is the reason that great ideas are turned into great accomplishments. Motivation is what drives us to get things done!

3) Have a Deadline

In order to make a significant physique transformation you MUST have a clear starting date and end date. Trust me on this one! You don’t necessarily have to compete in a contest, but without a clear deadline it is way to easy to get off track. Without a deadline it becomes much easier to have the piece of pizza or cheesecake at dinner. Why not? You can finish your transformation goal “a little later” than planned. You see where this is going? A firm deadline creates focus and purpose. Focus and purpose produces results!

4) Keep a Training Journal

A training journal is a very valuable tool during any health and fitness program. It allows you to accurately track your progress, but more importantly holds you personally accountable for everything you do or don’t do. If you want to make a truly outstanding physique transformation then keeping a training journal is ABSOLUTELY ESSENITAL! If you can’t discipline yourself enough to keep track of your workouts and nutrition then you can forget about making the kind of transformation that has friends and family shocked and amazed at how incredible you look. Review (or have your fitness coach or personal trainer review) your training journal on at least a weekly basis as well. This will literally force you to do what you are suppose to do because who wants to let their fitness coach read that they are not staying on track? Once you get the hang of keeping a journal it actually becomes quite enjoyable. You don’t have to stick to strictly sets, reps, and calories. Write about how you felt that day or a particular challenge you overcame. A training journal kept during a physique transformation can serve as an excellent resource for future fitness endeavors, and can also be used to motivate others to make their own transformation.

5) Controlling Calories

To make a truly amazing physique transformation you need to be very lean so that the body you have sculpted with all your hard work is not camouflaged by body fat. There are 101 different diets that will allow you to lose body fat and reach your goals, but the bottom line is that in order to lose fat you absolutely must consume less calories than you burn on average every day, every week, and every month. Carefully and honestly assessing your calorie intake, expenditure, and progress will allow you to make sure you are staying in a slight calorie deficit so that your body burns body fat as fuel.

These five tips offer a great start for your own physique transformation. There is no way I can include everything in this one article, but you can get all 27 of my best tips in my new E-Book “27 Must-Have Tips For A Complete Physique Transformation.” You can get your FREE copy by visiting http://www.completephysiquetransformation.com

© Russ Yeager’s Health and Fitness 2006 All rights reserved. Use of this article is permitted for your newsletter, website, or other publication as long as the content is not altered including all active links.

Be Informed About The Medications You Take

Writen by Charles Essmeier

The recent withdrawal of the prescription drugs Vioxx and Bextra have arthritis patients concerned about their health, lawyers busy with lawsuits, and Congress poring over thousands of pages of documents obtained from the manufacturer. The drugs, part of a family of medications known as COX-2 inhibitors, have recently been shown to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes among users who take the drugs for long periods of time. These findings have more and more people starting to pay more attention to the drugs that are prescribed for them.

Many people, when ill, see their doctor and ask them to prescribe something that will make them feel better. When appropriate, their physicians will do so, and the patients typically run down to their pharmacy to get that prescription filled. They then take their medication as prescribed, usually without giving it much thought. This is probably not wise, especially in view of the recent findings with Bextra and Vioxx. Patients would be well advised to become more informed about the medications prescribed for them. Here are some things you can do to be more informed about the medicines you take:

The Food and Drug Administration has some fairly strict standards regarding prescription medications that are brought to market. It is unlikely that any medications currently offered for sale are patently unsafe. Still, one can always benefit from staying informed. The more you know, the safer you are. If your doctor prescribes a medication for you, learn about it. It can only help.

©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including Bextra-Info.net, a site devoted to the withdrawn drug Bextra and StructuredSettlementHelp.com, a site devoted to structured settlements.

Indoor Trampolines And Mini Trampolines

Writen by Carl Walker

Indoor trampolines, also known as mini-trampolines, are small trampoline kits designed for children between 3 to 7 years old. They are available in many sizes but most of them are portable and smaller than regular trampolines. Average height is about 9 -11 inches off the ground and may be circular, rectangular or square in shape.

Since many emergency room-treated injuries are related to trampoline jumping, before letting kids use indoor trampolines (though smaller and look more harmless), all safety precautions should be taken. Adequate adult supervision is also imperative for all types of trampolines if it involves kids in the trampoline activity.

Indoor trampolines may also be used as a bouncing device by gymnasts or stuntmen to be catapulted into the air. Professional indoor, or Olympic style trampolines, have a webbed surface and are generally much more expensive. They also need folding down and are not suitable for outdoors. Other indoor trampolines may also be used as fitness and weight loss tools.

Popular Indoor Trampoline Models:

Nursery Trampoline: This indoor trampoline has a grip handle, and is designed to encourage children to exercise and keep fit. The model is suitable for outdoor use too. It is also equipped with a weatherproof mat and tubular steel frame with a durable coated finish. The padded cover around the mat cushions the frame and prevents children from stepping through the bungee cord for extra safety. Costs around $100 to $135.

Joey Trampoline: is designed to help kids learn balance and coordination with the assistance of a handlebar, which can be removed as the child gets older and bigger. It features 6 steel feet, anti-slip rubber pads, a powder-coated steel frame, heavy-duty jumping mat, and strong padded foam cushion frame cover for extra safety. Approximate cost – $60 to $70.

Child Sport Fit Trainer: Manufactured by Texas Trampoline, the jumping surface of this indoor trampoline is woven Permatron material, and has extra wide, deluxe safety pads that cover the frame and the springs. It’s an 8-foot square and 24 inches high trampoline which can also be used by adults who want to stay in shape. No additional tools are required for assembly. It costs around $600, and is one of the most expensive indoor trampolines.

Soft-Bounce Rebounder: A product from Needak, it has a surface diameter of 28.5 inches and a Permatron mat rebounding surface, with protective, spring cover padding, and is intended for indoor, aerobic use by adults. The rebounder comes in a folding or non-folding model. Purchase also includes a video, book, article, and a carrying bag. Costs around $120 to $180.

TP Medium Junior Trampoline: Features a detachable handle which can be used when the trampoline is used by more than one child. Designed to improve co-ordination, balance skills and spatial awareness of the child through play. Made from galvanized steel frame and tough mesh mat that allows rain to fall through. Costs around $60 to $70.

Bounce around Inflatable Trampoline: This is an inflatable bouncing trampoline constructed out of heavy-duty vinyl, which can be conveniently deflated after use. Great for kids who love to jump on beds. Approximately costs around $35 to $45.

Trampolines HQ http://trampolineshq.com/ offers articles and tips about trampolines and trampolining.

Health Effects of Snoring

Writen by Michael Russell

To determine what causes the problem of snoring, you should first be aware of what it is and what the effects are. Snoring is a loud noise of breathing through the mouth or nose that occurs during sleep. Almost everyone snores on occasion. One main reason snoring occurs is because of congestion, but even a baby or pet can snore. It can become a problem if you stop breathing during sleep and have to wake up to catch your breath, if you’re disturbing someone you’re sleeping with, or if you’re not getting enough sleep because of it.

Usually snoring does not only cause problems for the snorer, it causes problem for the sleep partner. The snorer often wakes up from the snoring or from trying to stop snoring. The sleep partner can have trouble sleeping because of the noise, or the anxiety about their partner’s health and well-being. Lack of sleep can have many consequences through out the day such as lack of productivity, irritability and sleepiness.

A fact about snoring that most people don’t know is that it can cause serious health problems. It has been linked to increased risk of diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease. Sleep apnea can also be a result of snoring.

Snoring can be classified into two ratings, mild and severe. It can be classified as mild if the snoring stops when the snorer wakes up and turns over. Severe snoring is continual snoring no matter what the sleep position is. If you sleep alone, you will find it more difficult to tell whether you snore or not. Some snorers awaken themselves by the noise and are aware that they snore. If you wake in the morning and feel drowsy after a reasonable number of hours of sleep, you may consider seeing a doctor and get tested at a sleep clinic for snoring.

One question you may find asking yourself is how can you tell the difference between snoring and sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a breathing problem, which requires the sleeper to awake to begin breathing again. A person with this condition wakes up many times in a night to start breathing again, but usually remembers nothing about waking up. A sleep partner is usually the one that remembers the person with sleep apnea waking up and is a good witness of this illness.

It is apparent that snoring can be a problem to your health, but it can also cause social problems. Sleep partners of heavy snorers often wake up over 20 times per hour, which drastically cuts into their sleep time. The partner either tries to stop the other person’s snoring, or lies awake hoping that they can go back to sleep. Many partners of snorers decide to sleep in separate rooms and that causes the loss of quality talking and physical intimacy that can only leave a strain on your relationship. The snorer often becomes frustrated about the problem they seemingly have no control over.

Now that you’re aware of the problems snoring causes, you can learn what causes it. The muscles in the body relax during sleep; also the muscles in the throat relax so the airway partly closes. However, this is normal in people that snore and those that do not. If the airflow in the nose and throat becomes blocked in this air passage, it causes snoring. What you can do to prevent snoring is find over-the-counter products that open up the air passage or try some of the following tips: lose weight, sleep on your side, sleep without a pillow, avoid antihistamines and avoid sleeping pills and other sedatives. If none of these options work for you, consult a doctor about your snoring.

Boost your Natural Beauty

Writen by Srivathshan Nagarajan

Make your hair shine and your skin glow with these all-natural Skin and Hair Nourishing masks & recipes, that you can whip up with just a few simple, easy-to-find ingredients.

Egg yolks are widely acknowledged as one of nature’s best moisturizers. Here are a couple ultra-rich masks to “deep condition” hair and skin.

1.Egg Yolk & Honey Facial Mask

(Best for dry skin types)

Mix Together in equal proportion

Honey

Egg yolk

Almond oil

Yogurt.

Honey stimulates and smoothes, egg and almond oil penetrate and moisturize, and yogurt refines and tightens pores.

2.Egg Yolk, Avocado & Mud Facial Mask

(Best for oily skin types)

Clay or fuller’s earth mud is available in powder form at any Health food store or Nutrition outlets.

Mix Together in equal proportion

Dry clay

Egg yolk

Mashed Avocado, with

Witch hazel

Mud dries excess sebum while the egg yolk and avocado

replenish lost moisture. Witch hazel acts as a toner.

3.Fruitamins Hair Mask

In a blender mix

1/2 Banana,

1/4 Avocado,

1/4 Cantaloupe,

1 tablespoon Wheat germ oil

1 tablespoon Yogurt.

For extra conditioning, squeeze in the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Leave in hair for 15 – 20 minutes.

4.Fruitamins Face Mask

In a blender mix

Strawberries

Pineapple

Banana

Apply to the face and leave it for 15 – 20 minutes, Wash off to find a glowing face.

Well, this is one of the best solutions for females going on a date Believe it!!

N.SRIVATHSHAN MBA(PHARMA MARKETING),BA SALES,PRODUCT, ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT,PHARMACY,NUTRITION&DIETETICS. PRODUCT MANAGER NANDAN BIOMATRIX srivathshan@yahoo.com http://www.geocities.com/srivathshan

For Fitness And So Much More – Sign Up To An Aerobics Center

Writen by Mike F. Prince

I do not know how to tell you just exactly how much I love working out at my aerobics center. Without some kind of fitness center, I think the stress of my job would not have allowed me to see my fiftieth birthday, but I am fifty-two and still going strong!

You see, I am a top-level executive, working in a fortune 500 company in one of the most powerful senior management positions. Many people believe that executives don’t do any work, but just sit on their can and get rich off of other people’s sweat. What an unfounded assumption! For the very top few fat old bald men, this might be true, but for those of us one step down, it is not the case at all. Contrary to popular belief (and popular myth), we scurry about frantically and get very rich off our own sweat.

It is this scurrying that makes the aerobic center absolutely indispensable. An aerobic center like mine is something that you might not be familiar with, as it is a very exclusive exercise destination. The aerobic center is not just another simple gym or health club where you come to take aerobic exercise classes. Sure, it does offer classes, but there is just so much more.

The aerobic center is basically the ultimate gym of your dream. Not only does it have 24 hour facilities, but they are the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art facilities imaginable. There are classes going on at all times of day and night, with some of the world’s best trainers. You can choose what best fits your schedule, with the best equipment and attended to only by the best.

And that is just the beginning of the numerous benefits I get at my aerobic center. What if somebody does not primarily want exercise, but some peace of mind? This is the perfect place, too. The aerobic center offers all types of luxury and relaxation, complete with health drinks and light refreshment. If I want to complete my aerobic exercises and relax in a Jacuzzi, I am virtually guaranteed a privately reserved facility in which to unwind. There are masseuses available at your service at all times of day and night, as well as a personal trainer who will meet with you up to three times a week, if you so desire.

If you are into more exotic forms of health therapy at the aerobic center, such as acupuncture, fasting and cleansing diets, and meditation, the good news is that they are offered on the menu too. And just because it is an aerobic center, that does not mean that it is not equipped for anaerobic exercises. There are an abundance of weight lifting and strength training facilities on top of the regular cardiovascular stuff. And then there are, of course, the recreational sports at the aerobic center. From racquetball to tennis, it is all there for the taking. You know you’ll be spoilt for choice. I already am.

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss

Writen by Tami Close

Discover secrets to overcome food addictions by releasing negative thoughts and reframing with powerful affirmations, and manifest all that is yours by Divine right.

My name is Tami Close and my intention is to empower women to realize they are responsible for their own health and well-being.

Why am I doing this? Years ago I became very ill and wrote down the foregoing statement while reading a book by Mark Victor Hanson entitled Dare to Win. I knew that I went through the illness for reason and now am manifesting my purpose. Through this illness I was led on a journey to discover Me!the Me! who was hidden beneath all the childhood trauma of not feeling loved. With the help of an energy practitioner, I finally released the childhood stuff and it was life-changing.

You, too, can release your childhood issues and have a miraculous discovery of self. Many women suffer needlessly with unwanted pounds and I was told I am to work with women to help them love themselves unconditionally. As an integrative body therapist using Rapid Eye Therapy and Emotional Freedom techniques, I help women release their stuff so they make new, healthy choices in their weight loss goals. These healing modalities are quick and easy to use and get results. Once you’re able to see yourself as pure love, the results will be astounding! You’ll attract those things that keep you focused on a positive lifestyle and the pounds will begin to shed. Watch the miracles that show up for you as a result! No more thong envy here!

Many women showed up for me to help me and I, in turn, will show up for you to hold your hand and guide you through your transformation. It’s no accident you’re reading this. Know that my intentions are to help you take control of your health.

Look what has manifested in my life as a result of peeling back my own layers. I became a co-author in a book with Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer and several others. The book, Wake Up.Life the Life You Love Finding Personal Freedom, was just published in March and can be purchased at Barnes and Noble. On April 1, 2005 (No April Fools joke) I met Mark Victor Hansen and he signed my Dare to Win book. I would not have manifested these amazing things if I didn’t release my pain which was keeping me stuck. I am on purpose!! I am living my dream of helping women and loving every minute of it.

Check out www.tamiclose.com.

Tami Close is certified in Rapid Eye Therapy (RET) and has her own successful practice. She is a Reiki Master and also has completed the Basic and Advanced courses in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). She received a grant from the Sumasil Foundation for her work with RET and EFT. She has a B.S. in Training CUM LAUDE from Southern Illinois University. She has done extensive training and coaching in health, sales and management areas. She was asked to speak at a national convention on the FISH! Philosophy, choosing your attitude and having fun in the work place. She is a co-author in a book with Mark Victor Hansen, Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer and many others. The book, Wake Up…Live the Life You Love Finding Personal Freedom, just hit the #1 bestseller list in several categories.

3 Surprising Statistics About Our Weight

Writen by Emily Clark

To say that Americans are obsessed with dieting is an understatement! Pick up any magazine, tune-in or turn-on any source of advertising and you’re bombarded with the latest diet schemes and food fads. More often than not, they are endorsed by some familiar Hollywood celebrity, or promoted using some other cleaver technique.

It’s no mystery that the weight-loss industry has built a thriving empire. In America, for example, we spend about 35 billion dollars every year on an assortment of weight loss products and plans. In addition, we spend another 79 billion dollars for medication, hospitalization, and doctors to treat obesity-related problems. Even with this, the obesity epidemic continues to spread. Sadly, we have become the heaviest generation in our Nation’s history.

The National Center for Health Statistics reports that we have some very good reasons to be concerned about our weight-gain. Americans, for example are packing-on the pounds faster than ever before and weight-related medical problems are taking center stage. Diseases like heart disease, diabetes and yes…even certain forms of cancer have all been linked to obesity.

Here are a few of the surprising statistics about our weight:

- A whopping 64 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese. That’s up approximately 8 percent from overweight estimates obtained in a 1988 report.

- The percent of children who are overweight is also continuing to increase. Among children and teens ages 6-19, 15 percent or almost 9 million are overweight. That’s triple what the rate was in 1980!

- Nearly one-third of all adults are now classified as obese. At present, 31 percent of adults 20 years of age and over or nearly 59 million people have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, compared with 23 percent in 1994.

(The BMI is a number that shows body weight adjusted for height. For adults, a BMI of 18.5 – 24.9 is considered normal. A BMI of 25.0 – 29.9 is overweight and 30.0 or above, is considered obese.)

Modern life both at home and at work has come to revolve around moving from one “seated” position to another: whether it’s television, computers, remote controls, or automobiles, we seem to be broadening the scope of our inactive endeavors.

At times, life seems to have gotten almost too easy! For entertainment, we can now just sit-down, dial-up our favorite TV program or DVD movie and enjoy hours of uninterrupted entertainment…

And all those simple calorie burning activities that were once a normal part of our daily routine not so long ago? Long gone! You know the ones I’m talking about…activities like climbing stairs instead of using escalators and elevators. Or, pushing a lawn mower instead of riding around on a garden tractor. And what about that daily walk to school? Now, our kids complain when the school bus happens to be a few minutes late getting to the bus stop!

Along with the convenience of our affluent lifestyle and reduction in energy expenditure, have come changes in our diet. We are now consuming more calorie rich and nutrient deficient foods than ever before.

Here are a few examples of what we were eating in the 1970’s compared to our diet today (information is taken from a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture survey):

- We are currently eating more grain products, but almost all of them are refined grains (white bread, etc.). Grain consumption has jumped 45 percent since the 1970s, from 138 pounds of grains per person per year to 200 pounds! Only 2 percent of the wheat flour is consumed as whole wheat.

- Our consumption of fruits and vegetables has increased, but only because the U.S.D.A. includes French fries and potato chips as a vegetable. Potato products account for almost a third of our “produce” choices.

- We’re drinking less milk, but we’ve more than doubled our cheese intake. Cheese now outranks meat as the number one source of saturated fat in our diets.

- We’ve cut back on red meat, but have more than made up for the loss by increasing our intake of chicken (battered and fried), so that overall, we’re eating 13 pounds more meat today than we did back in the 1970s.

- We’re drinking three times more carbonated soft drinks than milk, compared to the 1970’s, when milk consumption was twice that of pop.

- We use 25 percent less butter, but pour twice as much vegetable oil on our food and salads, so our total added fat intake has increased 32 percent.

- Sugar consumption has been another cause of our expanding waistlines. Sugar intake is simply off the charts. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, people are consuming roughly twice the amount of sugar they need each day, about 20 teaspoons on a 2000 calorie/day diet. The added sugar is found mostly in junk foods, such as pop, cake, and cookies.

- In 1978, the government found that sugars constituted only 11 percent of the average person’s calories. Now, this number has ballooned to 16 percent for the average American adult and as much as 20 percent for American teenagers.

The days of the wholesome family dinners so near and dear to our hearts, where we all sat around the kitchen table to discuss events of the day, are now a part of our sentimental past. They have been replaced by our cravings for take-out and fast-food. We have gradually come to accept that it’s “OK” to sacrifice healthy foods for the sake of convenience and that larger serving portions mean better value.

And, since I have been throwing-out statistics, here’s one more: Americans are consuming about 300 more calories each day than we did twenty years ago. We should actually be eating less because of our decreased activity level, but instead are doing the opposite!

Decide TODAY that healthy eating and exercise habits will become a permanent part of your life!

Begin to explore your values and thoughts and other areas of your life where change may be required, and then take action. Begin slowly, but deliberately to make improvements in the areas you identify. And remember, it has taken a very long time to develop your habits, and it will take some time to undo themso be patient!

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.