With the increasing focus on weight loss and healthy eating, we are subjected on a daily basis to an overwhelming amount of information. It seems that every day brings the advent of some new weight loss product that promises to help us shed pounds and get healthy in one fell swoop. It’s no wonder that we’re all so confused. But those who understand the components of healthy weight loss know that a focus on natural, whole foods can increase your body’s health and bring you to a weight that’s appropriate for you. Many natural food enthusiasts continue to tout the benefits of the green tea diet – using the natural characteristics of green tea to speed the metabolism and achieve optimal health.

It seems that each study yields more benefits of the green tea diet. For instance, green tea – a natural and aggressive antioxidant – will cleanse your body of impurities and help keep your system balanced. The benefits of this are increased immunity against a variety of viruses and bacteria. In fact, some recent studies have shown the promise of a green tea diet in warding off such conditions as Alzheimer’s because of the tea’s ability to fight off certain chemicals that cause plaque build-up on the brain.

Additionally, a green tea diet will afford you a speedier metabolism as green tea has been shown to effectively raise metabolic levels. And if that weren’t enough, it has also been shown that a green tea diet will help your body burn fat, as the properties of green tea efficiently break down fat deposits.

However, for those who must stay away from caffeine, the green tea diet is not for you. Green tea does contain caffeine but is certainly a superlative choice to coffee in addressing your body’s overall health.

Participants in a green tea diet can sip the beverage after meals to help aid digestion and keep metabolic rates increased. Or try substituting your morning coffee with a cup of green tea.

The green diet is in no way a substitute for overall healthy eating and plenty of physical activity. But it can be a component of your new lifestyle of healthy living.

By: Michelle Bery

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Most studies show that by Feb 15th nearly 66% of those who started a fitness program at the beginning of the year have quit and about 5% of those who begin a fitness program will still be exercising by the end of their first year. If you are determined to make THIS the last time you resolve to lose weight - read on ...

The following are 10 simple tips to get you started in making the transition from fitness drop - out to a person who will get fit, feel fabulous, never have to diet again and have fun in the process.

1. Don't work out too hard, too fast; you will end up sore and uninspired. Better to work out 2-3 days a week for life than to work out 6-7 days a week for a couple of weeks, every now and again. Consistency is key.

2. Schedule your workouts on your calendar as if they were any other important appointment. This way, you will be able to balance your exercise program with family, work and social activities. Again, you will be more successful if you fit fitness into your current lifestyle. A little is always better than NONE. 3. If possible, workout in the morning. You will get it done, feel energized all day and will avoid "life" getting in the way of achieving your fitness goals.

4. Stay off the scales. As you get fit, lose fat and gain muscle, you will actually drop inches and dress sizes and not move the scales all that much.

5.Choose a role model. Ask an instructor or fitness professional for suggestions and advice on how you can most effectively reach your goals. There are also a variety of other resources on health and fitness available.

6.Keep a fitness journal. Chart your progress and accomplishments.

7.Give yourself a little leeway - if you miss a workout or an entire week, get back on track as quickly as possible. Setbacks and challenges are normal. The quicker you get back on track, the quicker you will reach your goals. Remember - fitness is not about being perfect, but about a series of healthy choices that you make consistently. It is not an all or nothing proposition.

8. Evaluate your Progress every 6 - 8 weeks and increase the intensity of your workouts to stay challenged and inspired.

9.Feel like skipping a workout? Get yourself to do something for at least 10 - 15 minutes. Most likely, once you start you will complete your entire planned workout (If not, don't fret, 15 minutes is better than nothing)

10.Bored? Unfocused? Change your routine a bit. Add a Yoga, Aerobics or Pilates class. If you don't care to join a gym, there are many wonderful classes at the local rec centers. Try a new exercise video or machine. Or, try an out door activity such as bicycling or a beach walk.

Copyright © Custom Bodies, Inc. 2005

By: Dianne Villano
Article written by Dianne Villano, President of Custom Bodies in Tampa Bay, Fl.Dianne is a personal fitness instructor certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a frequent speaker on health and fitness related topics with articles published in over 20 media outlets. Grab Your Free Copy Of Her Special Report "22 Big Fat Lies That Are Keeping You From The Body You Want" here: www.mypersonalfitnesscoach.com/22bigfatlies.htm.

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Aerobic exercise is definitely one of the best ways of keeping fit and healthy. There are so many different forms, the majority of which are free! Have you tried water aerobics exercise or aqua aerobics exercise? Maybe you prefer a more traditional aerobic exercise like step aerobic exercise or dance aerobics. Don't forget any kind of exercises which increases the heartbeat is an aerobic exercise, even fast walking but obviously some are more effective at increasing your aerobic fitness than others. Why not rent aerobic exercise videos and see if you can find an aerobic exercise you like?

The benefits of aerobic exercise are numerous and is one of the most important ingredients to a healthy body and your over all aerobic fitness. While weight training is beneficial in sculpting a fantastic figure, aerobic exercise is the most important to any workout and it is the basis for a healthy lifestyle and aerobic fitness. Not only can aerobic activity help you stay in shape, these exercises can also help your physical well being.

People who have diabetes get a lot from the benefits of aerobic exercise. The workout improves blood sugar levels on target. Simply taking a brisk walk three times each week will decrease your blood sugar levels significantly. This will help you avoid complications caused by diabetes over the years. Such complications include heart disease and kidney failure. Your heart will thank you, too and your aerobic fitness benefits too. If you are looking for less strenuous aerobic activity then try water aerobics exercise.

Healthy aerobic exercise improves your heart muscle and this helps the muscle to pump increased blood with each heartbeat. The benefit of this is your heart does not have to work as hard to get the identical amount of blood through your system. The less blood that flows with each pump, the more beats per minute needed to get the job done. This improved blood flow benefits all areas of your body as well as your fitness.

Good circulation is a boon to all parts of your body, providing oxygen and nutrients to the cells. A strong heart provides the blood flow necessary to keep the body well-fed. It also insures that the body gets enough oxygen to help it function to its greatest capacity.

Your mood also improves if you engage in consistent aerobic exercise. This type of exercise helps improve your mood and it helps give your body the energy it needs to complete everyday activities with ease. Aerobic activity is also a fabulous way to relieve stress and anxiety and it improves aerobic fitness.

Many women worry about osteoporosis as they get older. The signs of osteoporosis can become visible in the early 30s in many women. Adding weight bearing aerobic activity into your weekly routine can help your body build strong bones. One of the most popular weight carrying work outs around today is walking. Individuals who suffer from conditions like arthritis will benefit from low impact or no impact aerobic work outs like water aerobics and aqua aerobics. Again you can find aerobic exercise videos which will show you how to do this and also what kind of aerobic exercise equipment might be useful. Obviously you won't need an aerobic exercise mat !

These kinds of workouts are very good for your joints. Many believe that these aerobic activities actually improve their mobility in the long run. Of course, all of these benefits of aerobic exercise are of great interest to all of us. However, many of us like to engage in aerobic exercise because we want to manage our weight. Combining a healthy, well-balanced diet with aerobic activity can lead to the most popular benefit of all a beautifully healthy body.

By: Cazza Bourke
Cazza Bourke works for a prominent health club company. She also works as a private fitness instructor in San Diego, California. Visit her website which is full of Aerobic Exercise ideas.

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