How to LOSE FAT in the shower!

I have a lot of favourite things, but 2 of my most favourite are:

Showers

and fat loss.

Usually, one proceeds the other, but can you really do both at the same time? 

Apparently so.......

(The article that follows was taken from link at the bottom of this post.)

''HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH COLD SHOWERS

Losing weight with cold showers is possible, according to the 2008 study, "Human Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Uncoupling Is Associated With Cold Induced Adaptive Thermogenesis." 

This means that human brown fat tissue can increase fat burning in response to cold temperatures. One simple way to do this is to take cold showers. 

The confirmation of human brown fat is official, but the science of enacting it is still theoretical. 

Researchers do not know how much weight you can lose with this technique, but it may accelerate metabolism more than diet and exercise alone. 

Follow a few simple steps to lose weight with cold showers.

Step 1

Get into the shower and turn on the water to your preferred temperature. Start with warm or hot water if you like and complete your activities including washing, shampooing and conditioning.

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Step 2

Turn the shower knob to the half way point between the coldest water and your preferred showering temperature. The water will be cool, but refreshing at this temperature. Let your body adjust slowly as the water runs.

Step 3

Adjust the water temperature again, turning the knob half the distance to the coldest setting. This water will be much more brisk and maybe a little shocking, but stick with it. Let the water run over your body for 30 to 60 seconds until you adjust to the temperature. Your body will already have started using brown fat tissue to generate heat.

Step 4

Brace yourself and turn the shower knob all the way to the coldest setting. For a short time this water will be shockingly cold, but that is the point of the cold water. Staying under the cold water, let it run over your shoulders, neck and back. These are the areas where the majority of human brown fat is found, according to the May 2010 "TIME” magazine article by Alice Park, "Study: Scientists Find a Way to Trigger Fat-Burning Fat."

Step 5

Remain under the cold water for at least 30 seconds, says "Sneaky Weight Loss Tricks" author Jeff Anderson. By this time your body will have adapted somewhat and it will not feel as cold. You may find it refreshing. Stay under the cold water as long as you like, but make sure you do so for at least 30 seconds.

Step 6

Repeat these cold showers two to three times per day to further activate brown fat cells. While humans do not have extensive amounts of brown fat, according to German scientist Stephan Herzig in the "TIME" article, you would need to activate only a small portion of brown fat to make a meaningful impact on your overall metabolism.''

(----Matt here----)

So there you have it guys and girls, another way to burn fat.

For more advice on fat loss, check out my Facebook page by clicking here.

Matt 'Off to shrivel up in the shower' Smith

Source:http://www.livestrong.com/article/154168-how-to-lose-weight-with-cold-showers/ 

How to CURE your sugar addiction (WARNING: Some sex involved)

I recently came across an article by a Dr Mark Hayman, MD (http://drhyman.com/) on ways to cure/prevent your sugar cravings.

I have taken what I consider to be the 'best bits' from his lengthy article, which can be found by clicking here, and have posted them below.

You won't believe the simple tips he gives to stop your sugar cravings....

''We are all programmed to like sugar. New research shows some are genetically much more prone to sugar and food addiction than others.

Binging and addictive behaviors are eerily similar in alcoholics and sugar addicts. In fact, most recovering alcoholics often switch to another easily available drug: sugar.

Some of us need a lot more stimulation to feel pleasure driving us to a range of addictive pleasures that stimulate our reward center in the brain - drug and alcohol addictions, compulsive gambling, sex addiction(told you there was sex involved) and, of course, sugar, food addiction and compulsive eating.

In our brain, a little receptor, the dopamine receptor D2 or DRD2 for short, must be activated or switched on for us to feel pleasure. The amino acid dopamine triggers this response. Sugar and other stimulating addictions increase dopamine in the short term.

Some studies have pointed to drugs or nutrients that can modulate this defective dopamine reward response.

Overcoming Your Addiction to Sugar

Despite being stuck with the sugar addiction low pleasure gene, you may be able to modify its activity by modulating your brain chemistry and receptor function with the use of specific nutrients that either improve gene expression, or modify the activity, the enzymes, or the receptors, even if they are somewhat impaired.

For those with personal struggles with food addiction, remember it is not a moral failing or lack of willpower. Here are a five suggestions I offer my patients to help them break their food addictions.

1. Balance your blood sugar: Research studies say that low blood sugar levels are associated with LOWER overall blood flow to the brain, which means more BAD decisions. To keep your blood sugar stable:

• Eat a nutritious breakfast with some protein like eggs, protein shakes or nut butters. Studies repeatedly show that eating a healthy breakfast helps people maintain weight loss.

• Also, have smaller meals throughout the day. Eat every 3-4 hours and have some protein with each snack or meal (lean animal protein, nuts, seeds, beans).

2. Eliminate sugar and artificial sweeteners and your cravings will go away: Go cold turkey. If you are addicted to narcotics or alcohol you can't simply just cut down. You have to stop for you brain to reset. Eliminate refined sugars, sodas, fruit juices, and artificial sweeteners from your diet. These are all drugs that will fuel cravings. ''

(---MATT HERE----- Do you want to know how much sugar is in what? Take a look at this>>>)

''3. Determine if hidden food allergies are triggering your cravings. We often crave the very foods that we have a hidden allergy to. For a simple allergy elimination program, consider trying an Elimination Diet

4. Get 7-8 hours of sleep. Research shows that lack of sleep increases cravings.

5. Optimize your nutrient status with craving cutting supplements:

• Optimize your vitamin D level: According to one study, when Vitamin D levels are low, the hormone that helps turn off your appetite doesn't work and people feel hungry all the time, no matter how much they eat.

• Optimize omega 3s: Low levels of omega 3 fatty acids are involved in normal brain cell function, insulin control and inflammation.

• Consider taking natural supplements for cravings control. Glutamine, tyrosine, 5-HTP are amino acids that help reduce cravings. Stress reducing herbs such as Rhodiola can help. Chromium balances blood sugar and can help take the edge off cravings. Glucomannan fiber is very helpful to reduce the spikes in sugar and insulin that drive cravings and hunger.''

So there you have it, to curb your sugar cravings simply increase your Vitamin D levels (get in the sun,  take a supplement, eat lots of fish and eggs), get more sleep, eliminate refined foods and start the day with protein!

Enjoy your summery weekend!

Matt 'helping you get toned and tanned' Smith

PS I'm now taking bookings for the August 'Drop a Dress Size Program', details can be found HERE, but hurry as there are limited spaces available.