How Good Are Low Calorie Diets?

The thought of food is usually a great comfort to most of us while the idea of dieting to lose weight is somewhat of a drag. Yet we know that bodies that build up fat around the vital organs are a disaster. Fatty livers, for instance, can lead to cancer while other organs, such as the heart, may suddenly fail. Recently tests confirmed that my pancreas has fat induction and that frightens me as my sister died recently of pancreatic cancer.

Despite that the thought of dieting is still appalling. The thought that so many who are carrying excess weight must face the same dilemma does not help. It's a matter of will power and health related self-discipline and yet something makes me want to rebel against it.

Low calorie food is always in my freezer to avoid having to prepare such meals myself. This helps as they are generally delicious and take very little preparation. The question is how good are they in the long run.

On the advice of others cutting out sugar from my diet has seen some kilograms drop off. Salt is another non-essential when preparing my own meals. Living, however, in a cold climate is part of my problem along with the fact that sitting for long hours at the computer writing is extremely weight inducing.

In the last few months a gym has provided a healthy alternative and disciplining myself to go every day when possible is producing some results. Only through dieting, however, can I ever hope to get the fat off and an understanding of low-calorie food intake is the only way to do it. My research shows that on the whole they are pretty good value and sticking to them is a good alternative.

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The Lost Secret of Abdominal Training!

Today it seems everybody focus on the 6 packs abs!

Of course it is healthy to rip off the fat around the mid section, but I am not sure health is the main reason for most people: it's more for cosmetic appearance. 

The results depend on a well balanced program: abs exercises, cardio and diet. But we have to be aware that genetics is also a part of the game, so results may differ, 

results may be easy or more difficult according to people. 

We forget the most important functions of good and strong abs: posture and breathing. 

Abdominal training has to focus on strength because strong abs are the key for stabilizing the pelvis and low back. They maintain and compress vital organs.

The other important function is their role in deep breathing: an effective deep breath have to be done with the abdominals. It's means more oxygen to the entire body: muscles, brain, all vital organs. 

You have to train the deep abdominal muscles: transverse and internal obliques. Here two great exercises which will have a big physiological impact if done regularly:

- Deep abdominal breathing: can be done in sitting or standing position. Breath deeply and slowly, let expand the stomach when you inhale. Exhale and pull inside the stomach activating the abdominal muscles. Repeat 10 times. This exercise brings more oxygen and relax body and mind.

- The vacuum: take a deep breath and exhale. When you have exhaled all your air, lift your diaphragm and pull in your stomach. Hold for a few seconds. Release the tension, exhaling the little remaining air and inhale deeply. This 

exercise, if done regularly, is very effective to reduce the waistline and, most importantly, is very healthy for the internal organs of the abdomen: digestive and elimination system (bowel).

These two exercises can be done anywhere, anytime. It can take just one or two minutes. And do not forget: deep abdominal breathing boost your health and reinforce your 

vital organs.

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