5 Easy Ways to Lose Weight This Summer!!

FG10 takes you through the top five ways to lose weight this summer include tips that can be easily added to anyone's lifestyle, with minimal effort.

1. Pick Up Your Pace

Walk, clean, dance, and get moving if you want to lose weight. Summer months are the perfect time pick up the pace and start to move around. The longer hours of daylight can encourage more physical activity that the darker winter days and evenings in front of the computer or televisions set. Thinking about losing weight, or even dieting while spending 8 hours a day sitting in a chair, will not work.

The best part about moving more is that there are so many easy ways to include more movement in your life. Turning on the radio and dancing a bit, while washing the dishes, or getting outside to mow the lawn will boost your metabolism. House cleaning becomes more interesting when calories can be burned on a three-our floor washing and closet cleaning adventure. It is easier to include short spurts of activity into the day for many people, rather than find the time for a scheduled aerobics class at the gym. Moving in some way, every hour for 10 minutes will add 80 minutes of physical movement and in a day. An after dinner walk for 30 minutes around the neighborhood can provide many health benefits, aside from weight loss.

2. Lose the Soda

Put down the soda, even the diet brands. Sometimes even the word "diet" written on a soda can, can be a reminder that a person is focused on weight issues. This may not be the case when health concerns require diet soda, but many people seem to struggle with the misconception that diet soda will somehow help with weight loss. Switching to water will help to rehydrate the body. Water is also a key component for weight loss. Drinking water with meals will help with digestion and add zero calories, caffeine, or artifical sweeteners to the body. There are also many new water based beverages on the market that may be helpful. FUZE Healthy Infuzions has a line of FUZE Slenderize beverages that contain between 5 and 10 calories, and multiple vitamins.

3. Be a Kid Again

Get outdoors, go camping, or go to an amusement park this summer to lose a few pounds. There is nothing better than burning up calories while having some good, old-fashioned fun. Instead of sitting on the deck watching the kids play in the yard, join in the outdoor games. Another option for some people who enjoy sports might be to join a summer volleyball league, or take up tennis.

Swimming is a great activity for nearly every level of fitness. Combining a walk with a swim afterwards will give a double boost to the metabolism. Most kids know how to enjoy the summer and stay active. Adults tend to forget how to "play," though the benefits can be both physical and psychological. Be a kid again this summer if you want to burn off some extra calories.

4. Load up on Fresh Summer Vegetables and Fruits

Fresh vegetables and fruits are some of summer's best healthy treasures. Adding more fruits and vegetables to the diet will add health benefits, while providing lower calorie nutrition. Most fruits and vegetables can be eaten without restriction, without worrying about adding too many extra calories.

Shop at the local farmers market or check the nearby grocery store to see if it sells locally grown fruits and vegetables. This not only helps with efforts to "go green," but the freshest fruits and vegetables will be those that are locally grown. Try adding meal cominations to your diet by doubling the fruit and vegetable portions and cutting the meat portion in half. Have two vegetables and a smaller portion of meat, with a fruit dessert to maximize the health benefits and weight loss efforts.

5. Clean out the Cupboards

Before starting any efforts to lose weight, clean out the cupboards. Donate extra snacks and junk foods to a local food pantry and get rid of high calorie midnight munchies. Make a pledge to keep the kitchen free of high calorie foods out of the kitchen for the summer. This will lower the temptation to grab a snack that works against losing weight. When the urge for a treat arises, go to the store to buy it, or grab an ice cream cone at your favorite ice cream shop.

The goal of losing weight by using these five suggestions is to develop a healthier lifestyle that will naturally promote weight loss, or weight maintenance. Gradual changes can have lasting effects that will win in the long run over the latest fad diet.

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A Cheesecake Factory Pasta Dish ... more than 3,000 calories!!

(Reuters) - A Cheesecake Factory pasta dish with more than 3,000 calories - or more than a day and a half of the recommended caloric intake for an average adult - is among the headliners on this year's Xtreme Eating list of the most unhealthy dishes at U.S. chain restaurants.

The Cheesecake Factory's Bistro Shrimp Pasta, made with a butter and cream sauce and topped with battered, fried shrimp, has 3,120 calories and 89 grams of saturated fat and 1,090 milligrams of sodium, said CSPI, which said it confirmed nutritional data with companies on the list.

Cheesecake Factory said that dish has 3,020 calories, 79 grams of saturated fat and 1,076 milligrams of sodium.

Typical adults are advised to consume no more than 20 grams of saturated fat and 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.

"It's like eating three orders of Olive Garden's Lasagna Classico plus an order of tiramisu for dinner," CSPI said. Some in the food and beverage industries have dubbed the Washington-based group the "food police."

More than one-third of Americans are obese, and about 10 percent of the nation's healthcare bill is tied to obesity-related diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The nation's food and beverage industries are under increasing pressure from consumer, health and parents' groups to offer more healthy alternatives.

Restaurant companies say it is their job to give consumers choices. Many, including Cheesecake Factory, have lower-calorie sections on their menus alongside the indulgent offerings.

Cheesecake Factory is known for its ample portions and wide array of cheesecakes - many of which weigh in at around 1,000 calories per slice.

"The Cheesecake Factory has always been about choices. Many of our guests come in and want to celebrate and not be concerned with calories," Donald Evans, the company's chief marketing officer, said in a statement.

Other Xtreme Eating winners for 2013 include:

- Johnny Rockets' Bacon Cheddar Double Hamburger with 1,770 calories, 50 grams of saturated fat and 2,380 milligrams of sodium. For comparison, three Quarter Pounders with Cheese from McDonald's have 1,570 calories.

- Cheesecake Factory's Crispy Chicken Costoletta with 2,610 calories, 89 grams of saturated fat and 2,720 milligrams of sodium. CSPI said an entire 12-piece bucket of KFC Original Recipe fried chicken has about the same number of calories but less than half the saturated fat. Cheesecake Factory told Reuters that dish has 2,560 calories, 86 grams of saturated fat and 2,767 milligrams of sodium.

Cheesecake Factory's Crispy Chicken Costoletta

- Smoothie King's Peanut Power Plus Grape Smoothie, which includes peanut butter, banana, sugar and grape juice. A 40-ounce, large size of that drink has 1,460 calories and 22 teaspoons of added sugar plus 29 teaspoons of naturally occurring sugar.

The U.S. government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that women consume no more than six teaspoons of added sugars per day and that men consume no more than nine.

- Chocolate Zuccotto Cake from Maggiano's Little Italy. One slice weighs nearly one pound and has 1,820 calories, 62 grams of saturated fat and 26 teaspoons of added sugar - or 15 Hostess Ho Hos, CSPI said.

20 Ways to Lose Weight After the Holidays!!

Guilty of overeating during the holidays? Here are 20 simple ways to beat weight gain.

1. Drink water. People often mistake thirst for hunger, so next time you feel like noshing, reach for water first. Drinking also helps you feel full. Some experts suggest sipping water (or iced tea) just before you sit down to a meal. Continue drinking as you eat to add volume and weight to your meal.

2. Set realistic goals. One or two pounds a week maximum is doable. Top weight-loss programs advocate stopping after the first 10 pounds and maintaining that loss for about six months before trying to lose any more.

3. Build in splurges. If you allow yourself to eat whatever you want for 2 meals out of every 21, you won’t inflict enough damage to subvert your weight loss. And you’ll feel less deprived.

4. Count to 10. Studies suggest that the average craving lasts only about 10 minutes. So before caving in to your urge, set your mental timer for a 10-minute time-out. Use the time to tackle an item on your to-do list; choose one that will give you a sense of accomplishment — and get you out of the kitchen.

5. Eat more often. People who have kept their weight off for more than a few years tend to eat an average of five times a day. Light, frequent meals curb your appetite, boost your energy, improve your mood and even speed your metabolism, since the process of digestion itself burns calories.

6. Make weekly resolutions. Don’t try to overhaul your diet overnight. If you make too many changes at once, chances are you’ll get frustrated and throw in the towel. Instead, make one change, such as eating at least one piece of fruit daily, every week.

7. Start with 10%. People who start by focusing on achieving just 10% of their long-range weight-loss goal may have the best chance of ultimate success.

Losing those first pounds yields the biggest health gains, too, since belly fat is usually the first to come off and is the most dangerous.

8. Spike your meals with salsa. This spicy condiment can stand in for mayo to deliver plenty of flavor without the fat. Mix it with a bit of low-fat yogurt to make tuna salad. Spread it on a veggie burger, or serve it with chicken or fish.

9. Take one-third off. When you eat dinner out, reduce the temptation to clean your plate by setting aside one-third of your meal. Ask the server for a doggie bag, and take it home for lunch the next day. Try serving yourself one-third less at home too. This simple tactic could subtract more than 500 calories a day.

10. Try eating IN. Yes, this comes in right in the middle to remind you that eating in, preparing your own food, is tons healthier than eating outside. Did you know that "butter" is added to almost everything in restaurants to give you a better taste?? Even french fries!!

11. Write notes to yourself. To help you stay on track, post notes to yourself on the fridge and the pantry. Put up a little stop sign or make tags with questions like “Do you want this food enough to wear it?” and “Are the calories worth the consequences?”

12. Stay away from sodas. Soft drinks are a major source of empty calories in the American diet. We drink twice as much soda as milk and nearly six times more soda than fruit juice. But fluids don’t satisfy your appetite as well as solids. A study at Purdue University found that when people were fed 450 calories daily as jelly beans or as soda, the soda drinkers gained a significant amount of weight, but the jelly-bean eaters compensated for the extra calories by cutting back on other food. So if you crave something sweet, you’re better off chewing it than gulping it. If you’re truly thirsty, reach for water or unsweetened iced tea instead of soda.

13. Don’t just eat — dine. Eating on the run or in front of the tube invites mindless munching. Instead, set the table every time you eat. Make a conscious choice to sit down and savor every bite. Placing a portion of chips on your best china helps focus your attention so you don’t eat the whole bag.

14. Up your protein (a little). Research suggests that protein prolongs the feeling of fullness better than carbohydrates or fats do. Studies in Scotland, Denmark, Sweden and England found that people who ate a high-protein breakfast or lunch were less hungry at their next meal. Protein also requires a few more calories to digest. Just don’t go overboard. Stick to low-fat protein sources like low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese, low-fat soy drinks or snacks, or thinly sliced turkey breast.

15. Learn how to measure. It’s easy to misjudge portion sizes. Pull out the measuring spoons and cups, especially for full-fat salad dressings, dairy foods and mayo.

16. Make smart substitutions. Look for nutritious low-calorie alternatives to sugary, high-fat treats. Try frozen grapes instead of candy. Use air-popped popcorn instead of oil-popped. Dip fresh strawberries in fat-free fudge sauce for a sensuous chocolaty treat.

17. Have a “party plan.” When attending a party, offer to bring a plate. Arriving armed with chopped fresh veggies and a low-fat dip — or any other low-calorie snack — ensures that you’ll have something to snack on without feeling guilty.

18. Think positively. Experts note that low self-esteem is a major cause of overeating. Train yourself to focus on your best points rather than your weak spots. Buy clothes that fit and flatter you at your current weight. Update your hairstyle and get a makeup consultation so you feel attractive today.

19. Give yourself a break. No one says you have to reach your goal without making mistakes along the way. Tell yourself you can succeed in losing weight by taking things one step at a time and starting fresh whenever you slip up. If you overeat one night, just get back on track in the morning by focusing on what’s worked for you in the past.

20. Relax! Some people binge when they’re stressed. A Yale University study found that women who secreted the most cortisol (a hormone released during stress) ate the most high-fat food after stress. The combination of cortisol and insulin prompts the body to store fat in preparation for possible starvation — just what you don’t need. If stress has a stronghold on your life, try learning yoga, meditation, or simple breathing exercises.

Happy New Year Lovers!! ;)

Men... Careful what Tight Jeans can do to you!!

The number of men suffering from painful testicular problems is on the rise - thanks to the current fashion for tight jeans, experts have claimed.

Medical experts, including Dr Hilary Jones, have reported an increase in injuries being caused by the jeans, which are favoured by celebs such as Russell Brand, Jude Law and Joey Essex.

The trendy denims are causing twisted testicles, bladder weakness and even urinary tract infections.

Low sperm count and fungal infections are also being put down to the tight-fitting jeans.

Yesterday Dr Jones, who is working with TENA on a project to highlight the dangers, said: ''I have seen several cases of men who have twisted their testicles due to wearing jeans that are far too tight.

''My advice would be to make sure you leave plenty of room around the groin area and that your pants and trousers feel comfortable so you're not being restricted in any way.

''Men who wear tight or ill-fitting trousers, or underwear which is restrictive around the groin area could be damaging their health.

''Wearing tight-fitting clothing over a prolonged period of time can lead to urinary tract infections leading to over-activity of the bladder - a type of bladder weakness as well as a low sperm count and fungal infections.

''Please don't put style before health.''

FG10: A Daily Eating Plans to Lose Weight this Ramadan

FG10 has decided to make this month of Holy Ramadan a month where you can also improve your health by eating well while losing weight at the same time. We have decided to commit to you our beloved readers for over a period of one month to provide you with a healthy plan of:

- What you can eat

- Timing of meals

- What to avoid

- Desserts

- After Ramadan Tips

Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to shed some extra pounds. You are already resetting your metabolism by the protracted, long overnight fast, as well as the daily fasting. Your metabolism resets and your body begins to change the way it does things.

Weight loss during the first few days is just dehydration. It may be exciting to see that you lost 2-3 pounds in the first day or two, but that's all water loss and dehydration. No human can lose 2 pounds of fat overnight. It's just water. But it's still exciting!

So how can we maximize weight loss during Ramadan?

The most important factor is to avoid gorging or "binge eating" at night. We have found that gorging once a day is the fastest way to gain weight. Your body thinks it's in a state of famine, and will store everything you eat as fat, because it is worried about food supply. Further, eating once a day scares your body and your body starts to shut down and slow down your metabolism. You don't want to slow down your metabolism or you will gain weight.

Eating small meals through out the evening and morning (after sunset) is the best way to maintain an adequate metabolism level and avoid the highs and lows of blood sugar associated with eating one massive meal. After eating a large meal, our blood sugar level increases. In response to this, our pancreas secretes a ton of insulin to bring the levels back down. That extra sugar is stored as fat. That is very bad. We want to eat small, well proportioned meals and snacks throughout the evening to avoid the sudden rise in blood sugar. We want to maintain an even and balanced level of blood sugar. Certain foods raise blood sugar levels more than others, and we will discuss that thoroughly.

FG10 keeps you FIT this Ramadan!!

"Fasting is good for one's health because it has spiritual, physical, psychological, and social benefits. However, man-made problems may occur if fasting is not properly practiced," says Priya Rao, Dietician, Al Rafa Poly Clinic.

She advises that the diet during Ramadan should not differ from the normal one. "There is no need to consume excess food at iftar or suhur," she says.

"Fasting also improves blood cholesterol profile, reduces gastric acidity, prevents constipation and other digestive problems,"

"Benefits of fasting appear only in those who maintain their diet, avoiding the high calorie and highly processed foods prepared during this time," explains adding that as fasting may last for as much as 18 hours, the best things to eat are those which release their energy slowly and are rich in fibre. "These foods can last for up to eight hours, while foods which release their energy quickly last for only three or four hours," she says. Priya says that slow energy releasing foods include grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, whole meal flour, unpolished rice.

"It is very important to have a pre-dawn meal. This helps reduce the time of food deprivation and prevent ketosis. Ketosis is a stage in metabolism occurring when the liver has been depleted of stored glycogen and switches to a chronic fasting mode during long periods of starvation. This is the same reason why breakfast is considered as an important meal of the day," they both advise.

Priya advises people to consume a light suhur. "Preferred foods to be taken at suhur are whole wheat bread, milk, vegetable salads, fruits, tea or coffee..." she adds.

"Dates, juices and soups are good sources of sugars and helps bring low blood glucose to normal levels.  They also help maintain water and mineral balance in the body..." she says while explaining the benefits.

"Have your meal at suhur at the proper hour before sunrise, not at midnight, as this will spread out your energy intake more evenly and result in more balanced blood glucose levels during fasting, She also says that one should drink as much water as possible between Iftar and bedtime, include fruits, vegetables, dal, and yoghurt in the meals at Iftar and at Suhur, limit the amount of sweet foods taken at Iftar, limit the intake of fried and fatty foods.

Here's a SAMPLE MEAL for you ;)

FOR Iftar, 2-3 dates, a serving (4 oz) of unsweetened juice, a cup of light vegetable soup with some pasta or Graham crackers would be ideal.

For dinner, consume foods from all the food groups,  including salads, chicken or fish or lean meat, some grain as rice or bread or pasta, a small tub of low-fat yogurt, and a serving of fruit. She also says that a light suhur should be consumed.

 Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coke, coffee or tea four to five days before Ramadan.

"Gradually reduce the intake of these drinks since a sudden decrease will result in headaches, mood swings and irritability. The dieticians say that constipation (too little fibre and water in the diet) is among the main complaints during Ramadan. Other problems include indigestion (from over-eating, especially of fried, fatty or spicy foods), muscle cramps (not enough vegetables, fruit, meat, or dairy products in the diet) and headaches (due to caffeine and tobacco withdrawal). 

"If you have diabetes the additional problems you may experience are a ‘hypo’ attack  (low blood sugar), dehydration, high blood glucose levels that can lead to ketoacidosis (‘diabetic coma’) if not treated," says Priya, adding that it is very important to break the fast at once if you are feeling unwell.

"Smoking is a health risk factor. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking negatively affects the utilisation of various vitamins in the body.." 

FG10 recommends Malek AlJamal's Blog "Feel healtier #BODYMIND" for tips and tricks on eating well.

Alanoud Badr aka Lady Fozaza: From Bold to Baby, with Evian

Following the remarkable success gained across the Internet with their baby viral video, Evian created a T-Shirt in honor of the popular campaign. It is so irresistibly cute  that it got sold out within minutes from selling it online. You could just not but fall in love with its "awesomeness"!! The tees allow just about anyone to unveil the cool hip-hoppin baby within. The idea behind the campaign is that youth is not a matter of age, but rather a mindset. It is never about age, but it's about the spirit and energy within that makes you connect to your youth, forever… Our Alanoud Badr has been selected as one of the faces to pause for the Evian Tees, and we cannot but salute Evian for their impeccable choice. The fearless bold Lady Fozaza goes "baby" with Evian! Keep coming because you never know when we'll post Alanoud's photoshoot!