My Utile Center

Most people interested in hoodia today are primarily interested in the potential of pure hoodia gordonii products as appetite suppressants. People ask, “What is hoodia?”, because, until recently, it was commonly used by only a small group of South African natives. The San or Bushmen, commonly referred to as San Bushmen, are believed to have lived in southern Africa for at least 20,000 years. Living in areas surrounding the Kalahari Desert, the Bushmen are familiar with the hoodia gordonii and have used it to suppress appetite and hunger during long hunts. This practice inspired the modern use of pure hoodia gordonii products by dieters.

If a tourist asked, “What is hoodia?” The Bushmen might point out a plant with purple flowers and long spiky leaves that resembles a cactus, but is actually a succulent. There are many different species of hoodia, but only hoodia gordonii has been researched for its effectiveness as an appetite suppressant. There may be products on the market, claiming to contain hoodia and being sold as appetite suppressants, which contain some other species of hoodia. Dieters’ asking what is hoodia and searching for hoodia supplements would be wise to avoid these products, since they will probably not work. One way to find a product that is more likely to be an effective appetite suppressant is to look for one which contains pure hoodia gordonii from South Africa.

According to the American Obesity Association, there are approximately 127 million adults in the United States that are overweight and another 69 million that are obese. This may account for the large number of people asking; what is hoodia. People concerned about being overweight and the effects it may have on their health will try just about anything to lose those extra pounds. Pure hoodia gordonii products may help.

Which brings up another question; what is hoodia gordonii not going to do. Pure hoodia gordonii will not cause rapid overnight weight loss. It is not a miracle drug and manufacturers do not make outrageous claims about its effectiveness. Like so many products, pure hoodia gordonii works for some people and not for others. It does not, nor is it advertised to, take the place of reasonable diet and exercise programs. Pure hoodia gordonii is merely an aid. Some people have trouble sticking with a low calorie diet and low calorie diets often lead to decreased metabolism. Research of the active molecule in pure hoodia gordonii suggests that it may reduce appetite, without reducing metabolism.

For more information about pure hoodia visit the Hoodia Info Blog.

Patsy Hamilton is one of the editors at the Hoodia Info Blog.

The problem with dieting is that we really like to eat. We enjoy the wonderful tastes and odors that accompany our meals. Our modern society and global economy have afforded us the opportunity to enjoy the best flavors that the world has to offer, at just about any time of the year.

It is challenging (to say the least) to reduce our caloric intake because the majority of the calories in our diet come from the part of our meal that adds the taste and consistency that we enjoy.

It is this very quandary that inspired Chef David Burke to head off to the laboratory for a little research and development. The result of his endeavors is a wonderful line of new products called the Flavor Spray Diet. These Flavor Sprays are sure to revolutionize the food industry.

Chef Burke’s Flavor Spray Diet is helping people who fight the Battle of the Bulge to level the playing field. Flavor Sprays are a cleaver mixture of FDA-approved natural and artificial flavorings that can be sprayed onto fairly plain and healthy foods, transforming them into delectable delights.

The kicker is this — the flavors do not increase the caloric content of the meal by one single iota! That’s right, these little beauties provide a wallop of taste, without even a dollop of calories! In fact, Flavor Sprays contain:

* no calories

* no fat

* no cholesterol

* no sugar

* no carbohydrates

With the Flavor Spray Diet, you can successfully eliminate your sauces, dressings, gravies and toppings without feeling as though you are eating warm cardboard. The flavors of the foods you are able to eat are easily enhanced without adding any calories or fat.

Flavor Sprays work well with low fat diets, low carb diets, points diets, calorie counting diets or any other diets. Because Flavor Sprays have no sugar, they are a great way for diabetics to enjoy the tastes that a dietetic diet won’t allow. Flavor Sprays come in over twenty different flavors:

- Flavor Spray Classic Flavors include flavors such as Buttery Spray, Parmesan Cheese Spray, Smoked Bacon Spray, Tomato Basil Spray, and Ranch Spray.

- Flavor Spray Exotic Flavors include flavors such as Memphis BBQ Spray, Teriyaki Spray, Ice Blue Salt Spray, and Hot and Sour Spray.

- Flavor Spray Sweet Flavors include flavors such as Banana Split Spray, Chocolate Fudge Spray, Marshmallow Spray, and Cheesecake Spray.

- Flavor Spray Fruit Flavors include flavors such as Mango Spray, Pineapple Spray, Kiwi Spray, and Blueberry Spray.

Some suggested uses include spraying:

* Teriyaki Flavor Spray on steamed vegetables

* Pesto Flavor Spray on low carb pasta

* Ranch Flavor Spray on salad and raw vegetables

* Memphis BBQ Flavor Spray on plain cooked chicken

* Parmesan Flavor Spray on popcorn and rice cakes

* Chocolate Flavor Spray on strawberries or pineapple

* Pepper City Flavor Spray on grilled steak

* Smoked Bacon Flavor Spray on scrambled eggs

* Ice Blue Salt Flavor Spray on celery and carrots

* Parmesan Flavor Spray on steamed broccoli

* Mochaccino Flavor Spray in coffee

* Root Beer Flavor Spray in whipped topping

* Hot and Sour Spray on peanuts

* Marshmallow Flavor Spray on popcorn

* Tomato Basil Flavor Spray on crackers

* Cookies and Cream Flavor Spray on rice cakes

Flavor Sprays are not only effective, they are a great value at under US$6 per bottle. One or two sprays are usually all it takes to transform your low fat, low carb, low calorie meal into a culinary delight!

Michael Callen is the author of the Weekly Weightloss Tips Newsletter (http://www.weeklyweightlosstips.com) and the Chief Technology Officer for WellnessPartners.com (http://www.WellnessPartners.com), an online retailer of dozens of health and wellness products such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), r+ alpha lipoic acid (R+ ALA), and green tea extract.

Flavor Sprays are 100% guaranteed and are available online at http://www.sprayflavor.com.

The fact is that women are predisposed to have higher body fat than men, but that doesn’t mean women have a harder time losing weight than men. Women generally have ~5% more body fat than men, but this should not discourage them from being as fit as they possibly can.

As a trainer, I come in contact with several female clients who are discouraged about certain part of their body. Often times, these clients are resigned to the fact that their hips, legs, belly, or booty will always be a problem because they are women. I have to remind them that like women, men also have their trouble areas (belly, love handles, etc.), but we don’t have to let these trouble areas rule our workouts.

If I could give only one piece of advice about nutrition and exercise, it would be that we need to take control of the way we eat. Our diet ultimately dictates how lean we will be. Our trouble areas are completely dependant on our diets. The term, “Garbage in - Garbage out” applies directly to how we nourish our bodies. You can work out 2 hours a day, every day, but if you are not feeding your body with healthy foods, then you are not going to see any real results. Any Fat Loss Diet should include not only rigorous exercise, but a well balanced diet plan that anybody can follow.

A well designed Fat Loss Diet should include:

• Fat loss motivational techniques
• Fat loss information and facts
• Healthy fat free recipes
• Nutrition and diet information
• Helpful exercise and diet charts

A woman who eats smarter will always be more fit than a woman who works out harder. Ladies, take the time to fuel your bodies with healthy foods and follow an honest Fat Loss Diet. You will be amazed with the results once you put this powerful combination to work. Good luck with the new you!

Mike Walker is a personal trainer, nationally competing bodybuilder and contributing editor for Fat Loss Diet. For more information, visit Fat Loss Diet

Copyright 2005, M. Walker

Massage feels sinfully good, doesn’t it? The truth is, massage is one of the best things you can do for yourself; especially during times of change such as menopause.

This soothing therapy has been shown to lower blood press, reduce muscle pain, improve joint flexibility and alleviate headaches, just to name a few of its healing powers.

Most people think of massage in terms of muscle aches, but it’s much more than that. It increases blood flow to your muscles, tissue and every cell in your body which brings oxygen and nutrients to these critical areas. It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and the immune system.

Here are some of the different strokes you have to choose from:

Acupressure
An ancient Chinese technique involves the therapist using his fingers to press key points on the skin to release muscle tension and promote circulation and energy flow. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture involves needles. The pressure restores balance to the body and treats ailments such as headaches, menstrual cramps and constipation.

Swedish Massage
This is probably the most common form of massage in the US. Its main goal is relaxation and improved circulation. The therapist applies oil to the skin and uses flowing strokes and kneading movements to relieve tension from the muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage is more vigorous and uses various styles to loosen the muscles. It helps break patterns of tension, relieves chronic pain, including inflammation-related pain such as tendonitis and improves range of motion.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is Japanese for “finger pressure.” This technique is similar to acupressure where the practitioner uses their finger, thumb, palm, elbow, knee (and sometimes even walk on you) to put pressure on acupuncture healing points. This unblocks the flow of energy and encourages blood and lymphatic flow. It also promotes relaxation and strengthens the body against disease and restores balance.

Sports Massage
This treatment incorporates several massage techniques which is great for athletes. It keeps the body flexible, increases performance and assists in rehabilitation from an injury.

Hot Stone Therapy
During this therapy, heated stones are placed strategically on the body which dilates blood vessels and gets blood and oxygen flowing into tense areas. It can feel like a body “rush.” The soothing heat can also prepare the body for deep-tissue work as well as alleviate PMS symptoms.

Aromatherapy Massage
The therapist incorporates essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers and roots into the massage. They select the proper oils based on a particular physical condition and blend them into a massage oil or lotion. The end result is a relaxing massage tailored to your individual needs.

Reiki
This therapy is an Eastern method meaning “universal life energy.” It brings healing energy to the organs and glands in order to bring the body back into balance and help prevent disease. The massage practitioner places their hands on or just above the body to realign chakras and dissolve toxic substances from your physical and emotional being. People often feel warmth or tingling sensations during Reiki.

Pregnancy Massage
This massage focuses on a pregnant woman’s needs including swollen hands and feet, stress on weight-bearing joints, exhaustion and lower back pain. And of course the practitioner positions you to accommodate your baby bump.

Craniosacral Therapy
This therapy involves the Craniosacral system which extends from the skull to the bottom of the spine and consists of the brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and surrounding membranes. The practitioner uses a light touch to restore cerebrospinal fluid movement. This can help treat such conditions as headaches, eye and ear problems as well as whiplash and back pain.

Cathy writes frequently on mid-life issues for women and men particularly menopause, and a copy of her book can be found at www.howtoconquermenopause.com
To read a sample of this book go to www.everythingmenopause.com/currentissue.htm

Weight loss
hypnosis here means Intensive Success Visualization.

In weight loss hypnosis, distractions - mental associations that
compete for your attention - are minimized, in part because you
close off input from your external senses during this time. The
InnerSkills.net weight loss hypnosis recording will enable you
to focus your attention very cleanly on what you really want for
yourself and what you really are capable of. Think of a laser
light.

Hypnosis is capable of liberating your feelings for things that
matter to you in a rather singular way. Properly directed,
weight loss hypnosis can activate your latent aspirations,
ideals and hopes for yourself. Your weight loss recording is
framed so as to help you fill your mind with experiences,
examples and images of personal success.

While listening to your weight loss hypnosis recording, you are
focusing your awareness on things that really matter to you.
Naturally, then, you will experience feelings about your desires
for yourself and your vision of a desired future. And these
feelings - because they arise from your vision of what you
really want for yourself - are likely to be more than ordinarily
moving to you.

And that is the key. Since our feelings have such a power to
move us, they literally “mobilize” us, pouring energy into our
motivation so that competing notions about ourselves and little
wants of ours simply fall behind.

Winston Churchill mobilized a nation’s spirit to triumph over
formidable obstacles by his “inspirational realism.” That is a
perfect term for what you will be mobilizing in yourself as you
enter into your weight loss hypnosis reveries. Inspirational
realism. Immerse yourself in weight loss hypnosis and find yours.

For more about Weight
Loss Hypnosis

When people think of hypnosis, they usually think of someone waving a pocket watch in front of your face and then being able to get you to believe anything they want you to. Actually, this is not what hypnosis is like at all!

Television has made hypnosis seem like just some kind of entertainment, like a magic trick. When people are really hypnotized, they don’t do whatever they are told; they have free will. They are also not in a sleep state either. They are in a state called hyperattentive.

Science has yet to explain how hypnosis actually happens even though it has been practiced for over two hundred years. Hypnosis will probably never be completely understood until science can discover how the human mind really works. However, psychiatrists do understand the characteristics of hypnosis and have come up with a model for how it works.

Hypnosis is a trancelike state that is characterized by relaxation, excessive suggestibility and heightened imagination. It is not like sleep though because the person is alert the entire time. Some people compare being hypnotized to daydreaming. You are totally conscious, but tune out most of the things going on around you.

There are many things that we do in everyday life in which we tend to tune out what’s going on around us and go into a daze. Some examples of these activities include driving, reading, watching movies and mowing the lawn. Also, when you daydream imaginary events can cause real emotions. These are all forms of self-hypnosis.

When you are hypnotized, the hypnotist gives you suggestions that you view as reality. If the hypnotist suggests that you are scared, you will actually start to feel panicky and might even start to sweat. If the hypnotist suggests that you are drinking a milkshake, you will really taste the milkshake and feel it in your mouth. However, you know the whole time that it’s imaginary. You are aware of what’s going on.

When the hypnotist puts you into this mental state, you will feel totally relaxed and carefree. People don’t worry about things that they normally do because they tune out all other thoughts. All you think about is what the hypnotist is telling you.

Also, when you are in this state, you are extremely suggestible. If the hypnotist tells you to do something, you will probably do it. You are aware of what you are doing though. A hypnotist cannot get a person to do something that they don’t want to. People do things they normally wouldn’t because worries such as embarrassment are gone.

Most people seem to think that hypnosis is a way to access the subconscious mind. When you are in a normal state, you are only aware of what’s going on in your conscious mind. Your subconscious mind takes care of everything you do automatically, like breathing and other actions that you don’t really think about. Your subconscious mind actually does most of your activities, such as opening a door. You don’t really think about opening doors. Psychiatrists think that extreme relaxation can cause the conscious mind to take a back-seat to the subconscious mind.

While your subconscious mind is in control, you feel much more impulsive, carefree, imaginative and creative. Your subconscious mind is the part of your brain that regulates things such as touch, taste, sight and emotions. This is why you can actually taste and feel a milkshake if the hypnotist tells you that you are drinking one. You can actually experience your imaginations.

In order to be hypnotized, you must want to be hypnotized and believe that you can be hypnotized. You also must be completely relaxed and comfortable. Hypnotism can take just a few minutes or even more than a half hour, depending on the person.

Hypnotism is often used for fun and entertainment, but it also has other uses. It can be a form of therapy for people with personal problems or can even be used to cure illnesses. Sometimes hypnosis is also used to help a person remember repressed memories. There have been cases of hypnosis curing illnesses or relieving pain, but this is very controversial. Many scientists don’t want to study hypnosis because they don’t think it’s real, but it should be studied because it really does help a lot of people.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Hypnosis