The Best 2 or 3 Day Detox to Lose Weight

Do you need to lose a few pounds for an upcoming event, such as a dance or a wedding, but only have 2 to 3 days to do it? Consider a detox. Detoxes can be used for many different reasons, although many people use them to lose weight. When strictly followed, a 2 to 3 day detox can help you shed at least a few pounds quickly and easily.

Choosing your Foods
The best detox diet plan relies on organic produce for vitamins and nutrients. Since many green vegetables and various fruits contain fiber, which helps flush out the digestive tract, produce is important to a detox. Most any fruit or vegetable can be eaten, but it's important to buy fresh, organic produce for a detox. Since the point of a detox is to get rid of toxins in the body, you don't want produce that has been grown using chemicals and pesticides. To make it easier, consider using a juicer to make juice smoothies throughout the day.

Choose whatever fruit or vegetable you like, but some choices are: apples, oranges, cantaloupe, watermelon, broccoli, carrots, celery, and spinach. Eat these raw or juiced for each meal for 2 to 3 days, or cook them up for a satisfying soup. Just remember, no other seasonings, butters, or flavorings are permitted.

Choosing What to Drink
For the best 2 to 3 day detox, the lemonade detox drink should be your main drink. This popular detox drink is prepared by using organic, Grade B maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and water. Simply mix 1 teaspoon each of the lemon juice and maple syrup into 8 ounces of water, add a few dashes of the cayenne pepper, shake well, and drink 6 to 8 times per day. The lemons will help cleanse the toxins out of the body, and you will begin to have easier, healthier bowel movements which will help weight loss.

Sea Salt Water Flush
For a fast flush of the system, a sea salt water flush is recommended every morning of a detox. Sea salt water flushes are a natural remedy to taking a harsh laxative that can lead to cramps and abdominal pain. Sea salt water works for cleansing, as it helps to draw the impurities out of the digestive tract quickly, and can also provide necessary electrolytes to the body. To use a sea salt water flush, combine 2 teaspoons of sea salt and 2 quarts of lukewarm water, and drink when you awaken. Adding lemon to the water may help those who find the taste unpleasant.

Additional Instructions
It's always best to talk to a doctor before performing a detox. However, a 2 to 3 day detox is helpful when you need to lose a few pounds fast. Pregnant women, women who are nursing, those with an eating disorder, and persons who are sick should not attempt a detox.

Lose Weight Using Cinnamon (Easy Steps)

Cinnamon has many health benefits including antibacterial properties, enhancement of brain functions, and can even lower LDL cholesterol. Recent studies also show that cinnamon can aid in stabilizing insulin levels in diabetics and help aid in weight loss. Learn how to incorporate cinnamon into your diet to lose weight.

Use high quality cinnamon that is fresh. The best tasting cinnamon is Vietnamese cinnamon which can be found at natural food stores. Fresh, high quality spices taste much better than those that have been sitting on a grocery store shelf for months, and they also contain more nutrients.

Recent medical studies show that incorporating 2 teaspoons of cinnamon into your diet each day will provide health benefits and aid in weight loss.

There are many delicious ways to add cinnamon to your diet. Add it to your tea, sprinkle it on applesauce or fresh chopped apples, add it to oatmeal, sprinkle it on toast, or use cinnamon in baked goods.

Some people prefer to take a cinnamon supplement so they do not have to worry about adding the cinnamon to their diet, or if they do not care for the taste of cinnamon. You can find cinnamon supplements where ever vitamins are sold.

How to Measure Your Body for Inches Lost in Weight

Standing on the scale is not always a good indication of weight loss. If you incorporate strength training into your exercise routine, there is a chance you may gain weight. Strength training helps burn fat by raising your resting metabolic rate and it builds muscle tissue. Muscle tissue takes up less space than fat, but weighs more so your body will appear slimmer. You can keep track of inches lost by taking your body measurements.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• String
• Paper
• Pencil

Measuring Your Body

1. Strip down to your underwear before taking your measurements. To get an accurate indication of inches lost, you must wear the same clothes each time you take your measurements or wear just underwear. Use the same measuring tape each time you measure yourself.

2. Find your natural waistline. To find your natural waistline, breathe normally and tie a piece of string around your waist so that there is no space between the string and your skin. Bend your body to the left and right side. The location where the string ends up is your natural waistline and the point where you should measure.

3. Place the measuring tape over the string and follow it around your waist. Record the date, time and inches on a piece of paper.

4. Take your hip measurement. Set the measuring tape above your pubic bone and take it from the widest part of your left hip over the middle part of your buttocks to the widest part of your right hip. Record the inches.

5. Record your thigh measurement. Place the measuring tape around the circumference of the largest part of your thigh and record the inches.

6. Take your chest measurement. Wrap the measuring tape as high as possible around your chest. Go underneath your armpits and over the fullest part of your breasts. Record the inches. Women that lose fat may shrink in breast size because breast tissue consists of fat. Men that weight train may see an increase in chest size.

7. Wait two weeks, then take your measurements again. Subtract the new measurements from the old measurements to get your inches lost per area. Add these inches together to get your total inches lost. Wait one month for a more drastic difference in inches.

How to Lose 90 Pounds in 90 Days

According to the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General, two-thirds of the adult population in the U.S. is either overweight or obese. There are several fad diets that promise immediate weight loss without exercise or healthy eating, but even if they do work temporarily, without a healthy lifestyle change the results will not stick and you will find yourself right back where you started or even less healthy. To lose 90 pounds in 90 days, a strict healthy diet, an intense exercise regimen, supervision from a physician and even surgery may be required.

Things You'll Need

• Food journal
• Exercise journal
• Physician

Healthy Lifestyle Options

1. Plan a diet for the next 90 days. One of the most effective methods to weight loss and detoxifying your body is to eat raw foods. Consume only raw vegetable and raw fruits. "Raw" means uncooked, unseasoned and fresh. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and low in calories. The fiber will help you remain full and keep hunger pangs away while your body is only taking in a small amount of calories. For the first three to five weeks, consume more vegetables than fruit as fruit can be high in sugar and will hinder your weight-loss efforts.

2. Exercise every day. Once you begin consuming raw fruits and vegetables, your body will begin to detoxify itself and you may have a lull in energy initially. Be prepared for a feeling of fullness and finding yourself using the restroom more than often. Drink 10 or more glasses of water each day and do not consume sodas or other high-calorie drinks. In the beginning, aim for 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. Try to go for a brisk walk, jog, bike ride, swim or other aerobic activity that appeals to you.

3. Lift weights two to three times per week, alternating different muscle groups. For example, on Monday perform three sets of 12 repetitions on your biceps, back and legs. On Wednesday perform three sets of 12 repetitions on your triceps, abs and chest. Gradually increase your weight limit to build muscle. Muscle burns several calories when you are sitting still, whereas fat burns only a few. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be and the faster you will lose weight.

4. Take a multivitamin supplement every day. It is important that your body does not go into starvation mode and you do not end up with a vitamin or mineral deficiency. If you feel that you need additional energy, visit a local vitamin or health food store and look for workout supplements that will aid with your energy levels. Ask a sales associate for assistance and additional information on supplements.

5. Keep a journal of both your food and fluid intake and your exercise. If you log what you are eating you will be able to keep track of how many calories you are taking into your body and know what caloric intake amount results in the greatest amount of weight loss. When you keep track of how much water you are consuming you will be able to ensure that you are getting at least 10 glasses per day.

6. The same goes for your exercise: by writing down the amount of exercise you do and the calories you burn, you will be able to compare your weekly exercise to your weekly weight loss and determine which exercises work best for you.

Low-Income Health Insurance for Women

According to WomensHealth.gov, almost one in every five adult women under age 65 is uninsured in America. Because of the high cost of uninsured health care, these women are less likely to seek preventive care or treat a health problem, making them more vulnerable to the development of major health conditions than insured individuals of the same gender. Low-income women who cannot pay for the high cost of comprehensive private health coverage can look to both government and private options for affordable health insurance.

Medicaid
Medicaid is a government-subsidized health insurance program that pays the medical expenses of qualifying low-income individuals and families. The federal government requires that certain categories of the population receive mandatory eligibility in every state that participates in the Medicaid program, but unfortunately, the government does not recognize a woman's gender as a qualifying factor. Instead, Medicaid accepts pregnant women, disabled individuals, the blind and the parents of children enrolled in Medicaid. A woman who falls into one of these categories automatically qualifies for Medicaid if her household income is within the Medicaid income guidelines determined by her state.

Cost
Medicaid is not always free, but it is always low-cost. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 allows states to charge monthly Medicaid premiums, as well as implement other cost-sharing requirements on Medicaid recipients. The federal government limits how much a state can charge Medicaid patients, but premiums are always nominal, and charges never exceed 10 to 20 percent of the total expense of an patient's medical claims.

Optional Eligibility Groups
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services publishes a list of optional Medicaid eligibility groups in addition to the mandatory categories. The list includes uninsured low-income women with breast or cervical cancer, and states that provide Medicaid to this optional eligibility group pay benefits for the treatment costs for women diagnosed with one or both diseases.

Private Coverage
Low-income women who do not qualify for free or low-cost government health insurance can look to a high-deductible private health insurance plan for the lowest health insurance premiums. With the passage of The Affordable Care Act in 2010, women who enroll in even the most basic health plans after Sept. 23, 2010, will receive free preventive care, such as mammograms for women over age 40 and regular pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. According to CostHelper.com, the average cost of a mammogram for an uninsured woman is $80 to $120, and the average cost of a pap smear is $25 to $75.

How to Eat a Healthy Balanced Diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for sustained energy and illness prevention. Eating healthy is not about cutting calories or strict dieting; it's about ensuring your body gets the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Tips

1. Avoid cutting calories, but do not consume too much. Healthy and active adults need approximately 2,000 calories a day. The more exercise you do, the more calories you need. Use a daily calorie calculator (see Resources section below) to determine how many calories you need each day.

2. Add fruits and vegetables to every meal, and even to snacks. For example, add bananas to your cereal at breakfast, eat a salad and an apple with lunch and have tomatoes and canned peaches with your dinner. This can help you get the recommended three to five (or more) servings of fruits and vegetables.

3. Try new foods. Make an effort to pick out something new at the grocery store every week. Browse the produce section and choose a fruit you have never had before. This can help give you a healthier, more balanced diet so you're not eating the same things all the time.

4. Check your portions. More appropriate portions can make a huge difference. One way to check portions is to read the nutrition label and see the recommended serving size. (See the link in the Resources section below for appropriate portions.)

5. Cut out excess sugars, salts, caffeine and alcohol. These (in excess) are toxic to the body and will deplete nutrients. Eat a healthy well balanced diet and enjoy your foods and drinks containing these toxins in moderation only, or cut them out altogether.

6. Clean your home of junk food. If it isn't there you are less likely to eat it, especially at nighttime. When you are able to cut out junk foods (sugary, salty snacks) you will eat what is available in your home, which should be healthy choices such as fruits, vegetables, pretzels, and crackers.

7. Balance your diet with proteins and carbohydrates. Include meats, beans and fish for protein. Avoid cutting out carbohydrates, as you need these for energy. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and pasta contain needed carbohydrates.

How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle in College

College is a time known for young adults spreading their wings and developing their minds. Unfortunately, many often develop unhealthy habits that can last much longer than the four years of college. Pay attention to the following tips to live a healthy college lifestyle.

Tips

1. Get plenty of rest. With studying and social obligations, college students pull all-nighters and still make it to early class. To function properly, your body and mind need at least eight hours of sleep each night. Go to sleep early enough to get your full requirement, and encourage your roommate to respect your need for adequate sleep.

2. Watch out for the freshman 15. Eat a well balanced diet. College students are notorious for living on a diet of junk food and beer. Drink plenty of water and eat whole grains and vegetables daily. If you have the benefit of a meal plan in the college cafeteria, make good use of the salad bar and watch out for huge portions and treats such as soft serve ice cream. The occasional indulgence won't affect your weight and health if you eat healthy most of the time.

3. Limit alcohol intake. College students often spend more hours devoted to keg parties than to studying. Over indulging in alcohol is dangerous, unhealthy and possibly illegal. It can lead to other dangerous choices such as smoking, drug use and questionable sexual activity. Know your limits and stick to them.

4. Exercise regularly. Physical activity helps build a strong body and mind. College students who exercise regularly benefit from a healthy physique and a mind that is more at ease with less stress. Make use of the college gym or pool, which are typically available to students free of charge.

5. Manage your stress level. College can bring on a myriad of stressful situations. Aim for balance in your life between your social and academic activities. Only take as many classes as you can handle successfully and lean on your support system of friends and family when stress arises.

The Advantages of Eating Healthy Food

The benefits to eating a healthy diet are varied and many. If you seek to live a long life while keeping your waistline trim, eat healthy foods every day. Eat richly colored fruit, dark green vegetables, lean meats and whole grains to give your body optimum energy.

Low Blood Pressure
People who eat healthy foods tend to have lower blood pressure than their counterparts who eat overly processed foods. If you eat whole and fresh foods and keep your sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day, you have a better chance of maintaining healthy blood flow in your arteries.

Low Cholesterol
A diet of healthy foods contains lean cuts of meat and poultry instead of large potions of fattier cuts of meat. The benefit of this is lower levels of bad cholesterol.

Maintain Healthy Weight
People who eat a balanced, varied, low-calorie diet have an easier time preventing weight gain and maintaining a healthy weight.

Regularity
Healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains are filled with fiber. If you eat 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day, you will rarely suffer from constipation.

Live Longer
When you choose healthy foods that are low in fat, sodium and cholesterol and are nutrient dense with essential vitamins, you are doing your best to keep your body working efficiently. People who eat healthy and are not overweight have a lower risk of cancer, diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

10 Things Needed for a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle allows you to feel good, look good and maintain a naturally high level of energy. It is never too late to change your diet or habits around so that you can incorporate more positive choices into your lifestyle to improve your health. An important thing to remember is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is different than participating in a temporary diet fad or workout program. Rather, a healthy lifestyle can be accomplished by evaluating various aspects of your life and making changes where necessary.

Sleep
Sleep is a necessary part of living a healthy lifestyle. Your body depends on sleep to rest, gain strength and get you ready to carry out more tasks the next day. Many people have overly busy lives and lose a couple of hours of sleep in the evening or mornings as a result. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008 11.1 percent of adult Americans reported that they had insufficient sleep for 30 consecutive nights. Insufficient sleep can cause you, and your immune system, to be run down.

Water
Water is the life source of all living things. Your body is made up of water, and it needs replenishing. To live a healthy lifestyle, make sure you drink enough water during the day to stay hydrated. Water also helps to flush out toxins from your body, so you can actually feel healthier by drinking it.

The Right Diet
A healthy diet is an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and whole grains are foods that can help you get all the vitamins and nutrients you need. Avoid greasy, high-fat and high-sodium foods. Substitute soda with unsweetened iced tea or lemon-flavored water.

Physical Exercise
Regular exercise keeps your body and heart in fit shape. You can prevent or reverse certain health issues by incorporating a regular exercise regimen into your day, such as lowering your blood pressure. According to "Duke Today," adults should be getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day for a healthy lifestyle.

Positive Relationships
Having positive relationships and friendships in your life will keep you living a healthy lifestyle. Many people do not realize that negative relationships and friendships can be unhealthy, and that the body can react through various symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, backaches, loss of appetite or sleep deprivation. Try to fill your life with friends and relationship partners who bring you laughter, smiles and happiness to help balance out your healthy lifestyle.

Breaks
Everybody needs breaks in the day to sit back and take a breather. Make sure that you are not neglecting yourself of valuable time away from the grind, which can help you regroup and reenergize.

Mental Health
Maintaining good mental health can help you keep an overall healthy lifestyle, and even help you avoid physical pains that come from things such as stress. Learn how to manage and reduce your stress through yoga, meditation, relaxation exercises or simply reading an enjoyable book.

Fresh Air and Sunshine
Try to break away from your office, home and gym to get some fresh air and sunshine. Incorporate more outdoor activities into your daily structure if you can, such as going on walks instead of using the treadmill, or taking your lunch outside with you instead of eating indoors.

Wellness Exams
Wellness exams are valuable because they allow you to practice preventative care so that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keep a regular schedule of wellness exams so that you can stay on top of your health.

Hobbies
Find hobbies that you enjoy, and work them into your weekly routine. It is important to spend time doing something that you enjoy, as opposed to only fulfilling your scheduled obligations with work, the gym and household chores.