Toning shoes claim to firm up and shape your legs and butt better than regular sneakers.
Toning shoe companies say that they work by supposedly activating more muscle fibers than standard running shoes.That means they should be more effective at toning your thighs and hips.
The American Council on Exercise conducted a study to see whether the claims of these toning shoes live up to the hype. In the study, two groups of women went toe-to-toe on exercise with one group wearing standard athletic shoes while the other sported toning shoes. Researchers measured and compared the activity of the muscles during exercise for the women in both groups.
The results? Turns out, toning shoes really are too good to be true. The women who worked out in the toning shoes didn't appear to get any more benefit or work their muscles any harder than those who wore standard athletic shoes.
Like most women, being able to tone and burn calories just by doing what you normally would do — run errands, go shopping, pick up kids — was very inviting, especially since ‘being too busy’ is one reason many women skip the gym or working out.
While toning shoes can't take the place of hitting the gym and sticking to a healthy diet helps.
Even if toning shoes can't give you the killer legs you crave just by walking around, that doesn't mean that they're a total wash. If lacing up those sneakers gets you off the couch and moving around, then it's money well spent.
You need to reassess if you're eating properly. Your diet may be a culprit, as fat tends to get stored in the midsection first. Best to consult a nutritionist. You should also check your exercise program. It probably needs to be adjusted to emphasize strength training or cardio that can help you lose that belly. Finally, check if you're able to manage stress well and are getting enough sleep. Believe it or not, your inability to manage stress also causes fat to be stored around the midsection. Strange, but true.
Young women tend to be oblivious to heart disease, but that attitude itself is a big risk. How you eat today helps predict how healthy your heart will be 30 years from now.
Cherries. According to researchers, anthocyanins in dark cherries reduce belly fat and lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
Dark chocolate. Rich in flavonoids, chocolate is believed to promote heart health by reducing platelet activation, affecting the relaxation capabilities of blood vessels. One ounce of dark chocolate has 5,900 ORAC points.
*ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity.
Carrying extra weight in your belly increases your risk of heart disease and cancer, but packing it in your hips may be a different kind of health trap. A study of nearly 9,000 overweight women found that those who were pear-shaped performed worse on memory tests than their apple-shaped counterparts.
Subcutaneous fat, the type that accumulates in the hips, produces high levels of hormones that may affect the brain.
Body shape is genetic, but keeping the pounds at bay can help. The study found no relationship between waist size and brainpower among healthy-weight women.
It's not just good to eat—it's good for you, too! Here are 10 different ways to enjoy creamy, healthy, and delicious yogurt.
1. PB&J yogurt parfaits Warm peanut butter in a microwave until spreadable. Swirl dollops of peanut butter and your choice of jam in plain or Greek yogurt. In a tall glass, add a layer of crushed graham crackers or granola. Add a layer of the peanut butter and jam-swirled yogurt. Repeat, alternating layers, until glass is full. Top with chopped nuts.
2. Peppery yogurt marinade Yogurt is great in marinades because the lactic acid helps tenderize meat. Chop up some garlic, add ground spices (try chili powder or cayenne pepper), some lemon juice, and mix with plain yogurt. Use with beef, chicken, or fish.
3. Breakfast-to-go Inspired by Ina Garten, we came up with this delicious recipe for a citrusy morning delight. Mix the zest of one orange with 1 (350-gram) tub Greek yogurt. Chill until ready to use. In a small saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups orange juice to a boil. Add 1 cup dried cranberries and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes; drain. In a large bowl, mix cranberries, 1 Granny Smith apple (grated with skin on), and 3/4 cup toasted walnuts together with orange-infused Greek yogurt. Add honey to taste. Serves 4.
4. Tzatziki To make this popular Greek appetizer and sauce, line a strainer or sieve with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and strain plain yogurt for 2 hours. In a food processor, combine strained yogurt with finely diced cucumbers, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and minced garlic. Chill and serve. Our favorite accompaniment? Pita chips!
5. Pancake play Using a pancake mix? Add yogurt instead of milk to make 'em light and oh so tasty. It'll also add a slight tang that'll complement sweet toppings or syrup.
6. Chicken and vegetable yogurt curry In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add 1 (50-gram) pack yellow curry paste; toast until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup coconut milk and stir, scraping up the brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Add 2 to 3 cups chopped vegetables (we used squash, potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower) and 1 cup water; cook for 5 minutes. Add 250 grams chicken fillets (chopped into bite-size pieces) and 1 cup plain yogurt; mix well. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked and vegetables are fork tender. Serves 3 to 4.
7. Fruit salad with minted yogurt dressing Mix chopped fruit of your choice and yogurt. Add chopped fresh mint or a tablespoon or two of light coconut milk for an interesting taste. Chill until ready to serve.
9. Bake a cake How do you make sure your baked goods come out moist? Sub yogurt for some of the milk! For a berry-banana bread, use mixed berry yogurt and add blueberries and mashed bananas to the batter.
10. Mango lassi The refreshing Indian concoction is so easy to make, there's no excuse not to try it. First, make buttermilk by combining 1 tablespoon vinegar and enough milk to make 1 cup; let stand for 5 minutes. In a blender, pour in buttermilk, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, and the flesh from 2 large, ripe mangoes (chopped). Add honey or sugar to taste, together with a dash for cinnamon. Blend until smooth. Makes 3 to 4 glasses.
Are you addicted to Bloody Mary, Long Island Iced Tea, or a Screwdriver? Believe it or not, these vodka based preferences are based on science. Essentially, vodka is 40 percent ethanol and 60 percent water, a combination that produces clusters of molecules called ethanol hydrates. Low structures of these can taste more watered-down which you like to swill.. Take note of these calorie counts:
Bloody Mary : 120 Long Island Iced Tea: 138 Screwdriver:181
That's huge, isn't it? The next time you hit the bar, be careful of what you order.
Skip the chocolate bars. Switch to chocolate-dipped strawberries for a taste that's just as sweet, not to mention healthy. Food with the plant compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanidins, lowered the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Strawberries, chocolate, and bran prevent CVD while grapefruit thwarts CHD. Red wine, apples, and pears reduce the chances of both,
An hour of intense exercise averages 1.5-liter loss of fluid due to sweating. If you aren't hydrated enough, that's when the problem set in, like major cramping.
One fitness fact that everyone can agree on is that exercise is key factor in losing weight. Working out is also good for your heart and your bones, and it gives you a mood boost. But some fitness facts that sound true may actually be myths or only partly true. If you want to be successful at slimming down and staying fit, it’s important to know the difference between fitness facts and fiction.
Stretch Before You Exercise Although fitness experts have debated about the best time to stretch, the consensus is that it’s better, safer, and more effective to stretch after you have warmed up your muscles. For example, if you are going on a run, kick things off by walking first, she suggests. Then you can stretch your already warmed-up muscles.
No Pain, No Gain Never exercise through pain unless you have a known injury, and it is part of a supervised rehabilitation program. In most cases, pain is a warning of an injury.” You don't need to go to extremes or be sweating profusely to get a great workout either. You can get plenty of gain from 30 minutes of brisk walking.
Running on a Treadmill Is Safer Than Outdoors Running on a treadmill at your gym may seem safer, but that’s not necessarily so; it depends on the treadmill, your condition, and your form. Running incorrectly on a treadmill can be just as stressful as running outside.If you’re not careful, using a treadmill can result in an injury or a fall. If you have knee problems, a treadmill may be just as stressful as a run outdoors. In either case, make sure you check with your doctor if you have any physical or medical issues before you start a running program.
Crunches Get Rid of Belly Fat Abdominal crunches alone won’t cut it if you’re trying to lose belly fat. Losing weight requires taking in fewer calories as well as burning more calories. One pound of belly fat equals about 3,500 calories. And not all of the fat "burned" by exercise will come from the belly. You can't have a six-pack abdominal region just by doing a lot of abdominal exercises. A great deal is controlled by diet and genetics.
Aerobic Exercise Boosts Your Metabolism This fitness fact is mostly true. The benefits of a regular aerobic exercise program for about 30 minutes four or five times per week includes long-lasting benefits for your metabolism and will help you maintain a healthy weight.Although you only burn calories for a limited time after aerobic exercise, the aerobic boost to your metabolism continues to help lower your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Remember that losing weight usually requires that you eat fewer calories, too.
Lifting Weights Will Make You Bulky Lifting weights could make you bulky if that's the look you’re going for, but you need to specifically train for that goal. Limited weight training a few times a week will increase bone strength and muscle mass without obvious bulk — and without a lot of heavy sweating. Women are afraid that if they lift weights they will bulk up.But the reality is that most women will simply look toned. It is difficult for a woman to bulk up because she lacks the amount of testosterone that a man has,” she adds.
If You're Not Sweating, You're Not Working How much you sweat depends on many factors, including your basic metabolism, how much you weigh, and where you're exercising. You can get plenty of exercise benefits, including weight loss, without sweating heavily, although sweat does help to cool the body. Too much sweating can also be dangerous.Sweating can cause dehydration, dizziness, and blood pressure problems, especially for the elderly or for pregnant women.
Sports Bras Just Prevent Painful Bounce Sports bras help prevent pain brought on by bouncing during running or other aerobic activities, but they also provide protection and muscle support — and help with posture. Fitness fact: A good sports bra should be properly fitted and allow enough ventilation to prevent sweating and chafing. Psychology also plays a role in why many women prefer to wear a sports bra while working out — you may feel less self-conscious wearing a bra that banishes the bounce.
At Some Point You're Too Old to Exercise You are never too old to benefit from exercise. In fact, there are many upsides to staying fit as you get older. Studies show that elderly people can reduce their risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and mental decline with a prescribed exercise program. For the most benefits, your overall routine should include aerobics, strength training, balance, and flexibility, but remember that high intensity activities aren’t necessary.
More Is Always Better For most people, 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days per week can help maintain good health, improve fitness and energy levels, and can help you drop a few pounds. With the exception of athletes, exercising for 90 minutes or more is overdoing it and can be damaging to the body, causing erosion of the muscles and joints. Muscles grow when they recover during rest."
One fitness fact that everyone can agree on is that exercise is key factor in losing weight. Working out is also good for your heart and your bones, and it gives you a mood boost. But some fitness facts that sound true may actually be myths or only partly true. If you want to be successful at slimming down and staying fit, it’s important to know the difference between fitness facts and fiction.
Stretch Before You Exercise Although fitness experts have debated about the best time to stretch, the consensus is that it’s better, safer, and more effective to stretch after you have warmed up your muscles. For example, if you are going on a run, kick things off by walking first, she suggests. Then you can stretch your already warmed-up muscles.
No Pain, No Gain Never exercise through pain unless you have a known injury, and it is part of a supervised rehabilitation program. In most cases, pain is a warning of an injury.” You don't need to go to extremes or be sweating profusely to get a great workout either. You can get plenty of gain from 30 minutes of brisk walking.
Running on a Treadmill Is Safer Than Outdoors Running on a treadmill at your gym may seem safer, but that’s not necessarily so; it depends on the treadmill, your condition, and your form. Running incorrectly on a treadmill can be just as stressful as running outside.If you’re not careful, using a treadmill can result in an injury or a fall. If you have knee problems, a treadmill may be just as stressful as a run outdoors. In either case, make sure you check with your doctor if you have any physical or medical issues before you start a running program.
Crunches Get Rid of Belly Fat Abdominal crunches alone won’t cut it if you’re trying to lose belly fat. Losing weight requires taking in fewer calories as well as burning more calories. One pound of belly fat equals about 3,500 calories. And not all of the fat "burned" by exercise will come from the belly. You can't have a six-pack abdominal region just by doing a lot of abdominal exercises. A great deal is controlled by diet and genetics.
Aerobic Exercise Boosts Your Metabolism This fitness fact is mostly true. The benefits of a regular aerobic exercise program for about 30 minutes four or five times per week includes long-lasting benefits for your metabolism and will help you maintain a healthy weight.Although you only burn calories for a limited time after aerobic exercise, the aerobic boost to your metabolism continues to help lower your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Remember that losing weight usually requires that you eat fewer calories, too.
Lifting Weights Will Make You Bulky Lifting weights could make you bulky if that's the look you’re going for, but you need to specifically train for that goal. Limited weight training a few times a week will increase bone strength and muscle mass without obvious bulk — and without a lot of heavy sweating. Women are afraid that if they lift weights they will bulk up.But the reality is that most women will simply look toned. It is difficult for a woman to bulk up because she lacks the amount of testosterone that a man has,” she adds.
If You're Not Sweating, You're Not Working How much you sweat depends on many factors, including your basic metabolism, how much you weigh, and where you're exercising. You can get plenty of exercise benefits, including weight loss, without sweating heavily, although sweat does help to cool the body. Too much sweating can also be dangerous.Sweating can cause dehydration, dizziness, and blood pressure problems, especially for the elderly or for pregnant women.
Sports Bras Just Prevent Painful Bounce Sports bras help prevent pain brought on by bouncing during running or other aerobic activities, but they also provide protection and muscle support — and help with posture. Fitness fact: A good sports bra should be properly fitted and allow enough ventilation to prevent sweating and chafing. Psychology also plays a role in why many women prefer to wear a sports bra while working out — you may feel less self-conscious wearing a bra that banishes the bounce.
At Some Point You're Too Old to Exercise You are never too old to benefit from exercise. In fact, there are many upsides to staying fit as you get older. Studies show that elderly people can reduce their risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and mental decline with a prescribed exercise program. For the most benefits, your overall routine should include aerobics, strength training, balance, and flexibility, but remember that high intensity activities aren’t necessary.
More Is Always Better For most people, 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days per week can help maintain good health, improve fitness and energy levels, and can help you drop a few pounds. With the exception of athletes, exercising for 90 minutes or more is overdoing it and can be damaging to the body, causing erosion of the muscles and joints. Muscles grow when they recover during rest.
Crossing your legs may be the most popular way of developing varicose veins (those purplish knotted veins found at the skin's surface, usually behind your calves). Veins become varicose when their valves (the tiny flaps which help bring the blood up to the heart) malfunction. When this happens, gravity takes its toll, and the blood fails to get pushed up. Your blood is somewhat trapped and remains stagnant, thus distending the veins.
Here are 5 ways to improve your blood circulation and lessen your chance of developing varicose veins:
1. WORK OUT. Whether it's running, aerobics, pole dancing, or yoga, pick way to be active and do it regularly. Physical activity helps the blood on your legs flow, so get a move on.
2. CHOOSE YOUR SHOES. Avoid your heels when you can. Low-heeled shoes don't strain your calf muscles as much, which is better for your veins.
3. TAKE A BREAK. Too much of anything is bad for you. Food, a sedentary lifestyle, and in this case, standing up or sitting down. Be mindful. If you've been standing too long, sit down. Or vice versa.
4. LOSE WEIGHT. Being overweight puts pressure on your legs, causing a strain or circulation. Excessive weight can deform and weaken veins. This compromises blood circulation and leads to the formation of varicose veins.
5. UNCROSS YOUR LEGS. Crossing your legs for prolonged periods of time distends the veins of your calves. Uncrossing them relieves pressure and reduces the risk of varicose veins.
The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. The farming practices employed in producing organic food are directed towards reduced pollution, water and soil conservation, and traditional fertilization and pest control methods. It eschews the use of chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and growth hormones.
However, you don’t need to buy strictly organic foods so your family can eat healthy. By buying and consuming food that is traditionally produced (not genetically-engineered), whole (preservative and additive-free, antibiotic-free), and locally grown in season could already greatly improve your family’s health.
1. IT'S BETTER FOR YOUR HEALTH Read labels and understand how food is prepared. You research and you learn that there are many things that are not in line with natural health. We have to be wise when we choose foods, (and choose) what is nutrient-dense.” Nutrient dense food is food that is closest to its natural state, usually raw, and not genetically modified by the use of hormones.
2. IT'S BETTER FOR YOUR KIDS' HEALTH Eating organic, whole and natural foods is beneficial for children, whose immature and developing organs and immune systems make them more susceptible to toxins than adults.
3. YOU GET MORE OUT OF YOUR FOOD Whole fruits and vegetables—whether grown using organic methods or not—are rich in phytonutrients, a majority of which are antioxidants which come from a plant’s defense system. These nutrient levels are naturally higher in organic produce, simply because the crops are not assisted by chemical pesticides.
Eating is one of the greatest pleasures in life. It is through food that we reconnect with friends, bond with family, and create new memories. If you were to think about some of the best moments in your life, it wouldn’t be too farfetched to say that food played a big part in making them extra special.
1. GO ON A LIQUID BREAK.
We know that we’ve told you that you shouldn’t drink your calories, but as a meal replacement or substitute, smoothies that use fruit and yogurt pack a lot of vitamins and calcium. If you’re too busy to sit down and eat, preparing a quick one for breakfast is a great way to start the day.
2. GO FREE-RANGE AND NATURAL.
If you love chicken, try to see if you can source out the free-range type from your butcher or favorite supermarkets. When eggs or chicken are labeled “free-range,” this means that the birds were raised without being fed chemicals and hormones, so they grew up healthier and without the added complications associated with using artificial feeds.
3. GATHER STEAM.
The most we know of steaming is that it’s perfect for cooking dimsum. But applying this cooking method for chicken or fish is excellent as well; steaming locks in the flavor and natural juices of food without sacrificing its taste. And since all you to cook with is water, it also means that less oil goes into your body.
4. SAUCE UP YOUR LIFE.
If you’re just love tasting the sauces that come with your favorite dish, why don’t you try making your own? Although a wide variety of bottled and pre-packaged sauce mixes is available, a look at the labels will reveal that they’re full of preservatives and salt—not good at all. Try and mix up a simple sauce using ingredients available in your pantry. You never know, your concoction may beat out even a champion chef’s effort! That’s because the only person you're trying to impress with your cooking is yourself, so you can tailor your recipe to your tastes.
5. BE ADVENTUROUS.
Limiting yourself to the offerings of your neighborhood supermarket or grocery is a sure way to tire out your taste buds. Why not go out and see what ingredients and produce are available at the weekend markets that are scattered throughout your part of the city? Better yet, take a few friends on a culinary road trip and see what local delights you can source from nearby provinces. You just might find that previously unavailable ingredient you need to whip up the perfect dish.
6. COOK, DON’T OVERCOOK.
Never overcook your food. You lose nutrients and flavor when food spends too long on the burner. On top of that, overcooked food is harder to digest—in cases where food is cooked on a grill, it can even become a cancer risk.
7. SKIP THE SALT AND USE HERBS.
Salt is a primary culprit for high blood pressure and also contributes to water retention, hastens bone thinning, and can lead to kidney disease. Using too much of it to flavor food is a bad idea. Substitute salt in your recipes for herbs and spices that compliment the flavors of your ingredients.
8. EAT DESSERT.
Nothing complements a great meal better than a scrumptious dessert. But indulging in sugar-rich, high-calorie treats every day is not a good idea. If skipping dessert is not an option for you, you can choose to make it healthier by eating fruit accompanied by low-fat cream. It’s just as delicious, but contains much less fat.
9. EXPERIMENT.
As the old saying goes, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” If you can’t find a restaurant that can satisfy your cravings, whip up your own culinary masterpieces! There’s a different kind of pleasure to be had from putting together a delicious meal, then sitting down to enjoy it. And since you know exactly what goes into your dishes, portion control and keeping tabs on your diet will be that much easier!
10. LEARN, LIVE, LOVE, COOK!
The best chefs in the world earn their reputations because they are passionate about their craft. They’re artists; they see cooking as a way of expressing what they feel and as a way to appreciate the world they live in. If you employ the same mindset, your may just be on your way to becoming the next culinary superstar!
You should train each body part at least once a week to get some exercise benefits, twice a week if you want to get exercise benefits without the soreness and thrice a week if you want to get results. So no, it is not true that you should only you should only train each body part once a week. However, be careful not to over-exert yourself. Training a body part more than thrice a week should be reserved for sports-specific goals and done with caution to avoid overtraining.
Overtraining is not allowing the body to recover from the stress that exercise puts in it. Overtraining lowers the body's immune system, making you susceptible to disease and increasing the risks for injuries which are counterproductive to improving health.
Andy is a fitness professional who designs effective fat loss programs for time-crunched individuals. He also runs his own successful Weight Loss BootCamp on the Isle of Man.
Toning shoes claim to firm up and shape your legs and butt better than regular sneakers.
