7 Diet Secrets of the Stars

Celebrities always look fabulous. Whether appearing in television or films or strutting down the red carpet during movie premiers and awards, they never cease to fascinate us with their larger than life presence. The truth is, it takes a lot of effort to look the way they do, and being the public figures that they are, they cannot afford to slack off when it comes to taking care of their physical appearances. Their livelihood largely depends on how they look. Aside from the clothes, the hair and the makeup, celebrities have to take good care of their bodies.

So it is no surprise that these stars have their own secrets when it comes to staying fit and gorgeous. Their health agenda can range from extreme workouts to well-planned meals. Who doesn't want to know their secrets in staying absolutely sexy? Here are some of the diet secrets of seven women celebrities.

1. Jennifer Aniston

 

The star of the phenomenal television show Friends not only mesmerized audiences with her adorable comic sense and her famous hairstyle, she was also known for having one of the sexiest bodies in Hollywood, as she appeared in countless magazine covers. To stay trim, Jennifer follows the 40:30:30 diet method. The diet consists of:

40% Low glycemic carbohydrates

-Foods such as beans, fruits and vegetables, legumes

30% lean proteins

-Tofu, fish, chicken, turkey, beef and low fat dairy products

30% essential fats

-nuts and seeds, fish and olive oils

It is essential that every meal should contain macronutrients to attain the balance of hormones and maximum weight loss.

2. Kate Hudson

The gorgeous daughter of actress Goldie Hawn gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy, which she needed to shed quickly before commencing on her next film. From her previous eating plan, she switched to a higher protein diet. She consumed high protein meals in smaller portions, and she combined this diet with an exercise program that includes weight training and cardiovascular workouts. After getting a lot of flak because of her post-pregnancy figure, Kate removed all that baby weight in only four months and has gained abdominal muscles that gained the envy of many in Hollywood.

3. Oprah Winfrey

As one of the most successful talk-show hosts in the world, there is no question that Oprah needs to maintain her physical appearance for her millions of audiences. Known as one of those celebrities who are constantly battling weight gain, she has recently toned up her figure and has never looked figure in age 50 by combining a regular exercise regime and diet plan. Oprah works out five days a week, spending 30 minutes on the threadmill and doing free weights. Her eating plan consists of legumes, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables, chicken and dairy products that are lowfat. She limits her consumption of white sugar and flour. Oprah also credits her trim figure to her habit of not eating anything after seven in the evening.

4. Gwyneth Paltrow

A lot of people may find it hard to believe that the perpetually slim Academy award-winning actress actually needs to diet. Gwyneth actually follows a healthy eating plan that resembles Oprah's, avoiding sugar and white flour. She usually follows a macrobiotic diet, eating foods like vegetables, brown rice, and lean meat. She also eliminated dairy from her diet, and does yoga everyday.

5. Madonna

The pop star known as the Material Girl has always flaunted a body that is to die for, and has become a true fitness paragon over the years. She keeps herself in tip-top shape by having Ashtanga Yoga, and follows a strict diet that mostly shuns junk foods. She adopted a macrobiotic eating plan that includes organic foods rich in lean protein.

6. Claudia Schiffer

The bodacious German supermodel eats salad and steamed vegetables for dinner and eats only fruits before the afternoon. While on locations, she prefers to eat black grapes and drinks tomato juice and herbal tea.

7. Christie Brinkley

Long-time supermodel maintains her all-American good looks by being a vegetarian. She does not keep junk foods of any kind inside her home to make sure that she does not eat them when cravings occur. She snacks on sweet potatoes in place of candy bars, and she adopts a liquid juice diet when she needs to slim down fast.

Celebrities are just like ordinary people. They need to maintain their figures just like anyone else, and there is more pressure on their part since they are constantly in the public eye. Ordinary folks can have celebrity-like bodies, too, and by following these diet and fitness plans, they can also look like red-carpet worthy. 

 

 

 



Free Weights VS Machine Exercise

Free Weights VS Machine Exercise

Something you need to keep in mind and never forget is that when you exercise, you are training for life.  You may spend an hour a day in the gym, although that will still leave another 23 hours or so for your muscles to function without using any fancy equipment.

Whenever you do any type of exercise, the movement of your body during the exercise is known as the range of motion.  The more difficult the range of motion is, the more effective the exercise will be, because your body has to work twice as hard to perform the movement.

For instance the classic dumbbell bicep curl.  If you aren't familiar with the exercise, it is performed by standing up straight with your palms facing forward, and a pair of dumbbells held down by your sides.  You'll contract your biceps to bring the dumbbells up to your shoulder height, then, repeat the exercise as many times as you wish.

Using that same movement for exercise on a bicep curl machine, you should sit down, brace your upper arms on a pad, grasp 2 handles that are in front of you, then, perform the same movement as above to move the handles in an upward motion.

Now, looking at the muscle contractions in this exercise, you are contracting essentially your biceps if you are using the curl machine, and that is pretty much all you are doing.  When you use the machine you are sitting down, which will limit just how much your shoulders give.  The machine has several muscles used in this exercise limited to the biceps, as well as the muscles in your forearms and fingers.

Most of the time, when using machine weights, you will always be limited as to what type of exercise you can perform.  You must always follow a strict procedure, which is pretty much the same with free weights.  Unlike free weights, machine weights offer a certain degree of resistance.

A lot of people argue in the fact that free weights are the best for your body.  While this is normally true, many people out there feel that machine weights are the best.  There are pros and cons with both machines, although free weights have been around a lot longer and have been proven time after time to achieve dramatic results.

Body builders for example, have used free weights over the years to build very impressive bodies.  If you ask most of them about machine weights, they would probably laugh at you and tell you that you need to quit joking around.

In a nutshell, free weights will use more of your muscles than the machines do, which makes them more effective overall.  This doesn't mean that the machines are a waste of time, as they offer some great advantages.  In some cases, it is best to stabilize the muscles that are being used in a movement, which is where machines are the best to use.

The decision on which to use for you should be based on what you hope to achieve with lifting weights and where you plan to use the equipment, such as home or at a gym.  Both systems are great for your body, although the free weights are best to use if you want the best possible workout, and always ensure that your muscles are getting the right workouts they need.

 

 

Exercising Properly

 There are two main types of exercise that you can do - aerobic and anaerobic.  The first one, aerobic, means with oxygen.  Aerobic type exercise has an important distinction, it burns fat as the main fuel. 

Anaerobic on the other hand, burns sugar as the main source of fuel.  Despite common myths, exercise doesn't have to be drastic in any way to provide massive benefits.  Even if you choose light exercise, you will still burn fat.

Light exercise will clear out lactic acid, which is a waste of the body, and stimulate your cells to regenerate.  To be sure that you are burning fat rather than sugar, it's very important to make sure that you are doing several things as you exercise.

The most important thing you can do as you exercise is breathe deep.  You should always breathe in deep into your stomach through your nose, hold it for a few seconds and then exhale hard through your mouth.

Second, you should make sure that you exercise at a comfortable level.  You should exercise at a level of 7 out of 10, and still be able to carry on a normal conversation while you exercise.  You should do this for 45 minutes or so each day, then you'll begin to notice just how much your energy will explode.

Even if you don't think you have the time to exercise, rest assured that there is always time. If you have to, use the time that you would normally spend sleeping.  With exercising, you'll actually need less sleep than before.

You can also use the time of your lunch break to exercise as well.  The increase in productivity will have you more on the ball, and you can save your time through the dramatic increase in your overall productivity. 

Cellularise, or rebounding, is one of the best forms of aerobic exercise there is.  If you have access to a rebounder, you shouldn't hesitate to use it.  Use any break you have at work to engage in some type of movement and deep breathing.

Any type of exercise you do will strongly benefit your heart.  It will make it a stronger and larger organ.  Deep breathing will help your lungs become stronger and larger as well.  There is research now that links exercise to helping benefit and almost prevent each and every type of disease or ailment.

Movement of the joints will promote proper blood flow and create energy, as sitting down all day will rob your body of much needed energy.  If you  sit down all day, it's very important that you promote blood flow, circulation, energy, brain flow, and the strength of your heart.  With just a little bit of your time devoted to exercise, you'll find yourself healthier than you have ever been in the past.

 

 

Exercising During Pregnancy

Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health.  During pregnancy, exercise can have many other benefits as well.  Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes.

Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, so most women that exercise on a regular basis should tone down their workout regimen during pregnancy.

Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant women.  There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it isn't too strenuous.  Most specialists recommend exercise 3 - 4 times a week, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it.  If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.

Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to why you should exercise during pregnancy.

            1.  Exercise can help to reduce the length of labour and recovery time.  The right exercise routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.

            2.  Improved mental health.  Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health, making it easier for you to get through the new experience of becoming a mother.

            3.  Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born.  A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy.  During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.

            4.  Exercise is very good for your unborn baby.  By keeping your body healthy, you are also looking out for your baby as well.

            5.  Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy.  Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women.  Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.

            6.  Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth.  Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%.

You should always make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion.  You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest.

If you exercise during your pregnancy, you'll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes. Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room.  Women who don't exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth.

Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby.   Always be safe when you exercise, and don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at all.  As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you'll do a world of good for  your pregnancy.

 

 

Exercise For Diabetics

 The most common types of diabetes are known as Type 1 and Type 2.  The Type 1 diabetes, which is also known as adolescent diabetes, differs from Type 2 in the sense that the body will stop producing insulin altogether.  Type 2 diabetes is normally diagnosed in older adults and occurs as the body stops producing enough insulin or the individual becomes resistant to their own body insulin.

 No matter what form of diabetes it is, you'll lose ability to adequately utilize sugar.  The blood sugar levels will increase due to the body's difficulty in transporting sugar into the cells and out of the blood stream.  There are several ways to lower your blood sugar levels, including diet, exercise, and medication.

 As a whole, exercise is a very important part of diabetic management for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.  Those that have Type 1 will find regular exercise helps to maintain insulin sensitivity, to prevent the accumulation of excess weight, and also increases the use of glucose by muscles. Although there is really no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, it is possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

 The things to consider when you attempt to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes are regular exercise supplementation with vitamins and herbs that will help to prevent insulin resistance and proper control of weight.

 Not only with exercise help directly with diabetic management by lowering blood sugar levels and maintaining insulin sensitivity, but it will also help minimize several of the complications that can occur in a diabetic individual.  Research has shown that walking 30 minutes each day can diminish the possibility of developing Type 2 diabetes.

 Almost all diabetics tend to develop circulatory problems and exercise can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation throughout the body.  Seeing as how people with diabetes tend to have poor blood flow to their lower areas and feet, better circulation is a great benefit.

 Even though there are risks associated with exercise, the potential benefits will outweigh the risks.  Exercise does indeed lower blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes should measure their blood sugar both before and after they exercise.  Since your body uses more sugar while you exercise and makes you more sensitive to insulin, there is a risk of blood sugar becoming too low and causing hypoglycemia as a result.

 Whenever you exercise, it is important to let others know that you are diabetic.  They should also be informed about what they should do in case of hypoglycemia.  To be on the safe side, you should always carry candy or fruit juice with you to treat low blood sugar when it occurs.

 During and after you have exercised, you should pay very close attention about how you feel, since rapid heart beat, increased sweating, feeling shaky, or hunger can signal that your blood sugar levels are getting too low.

 With diabetic management and treatment, exercise is very important.  Exercise will help with blood sugar control when the muscles use more glucose and the body becomes more sensitive to insulin.  Exercise will also help to prevent and minimize common diabetic complications which include heart problems, high blood pressure, and circulatory deficiencies. 

 If you are a diabetic, exercise should be part of your daily routine.  You should always exercise at a slow pace and never overdo it.  Also, you should be sure to exercise around people you know or at a gym, so there will always be people around you in case something goes wrong.  Being a diabetic doesn't have to hinder your life or your performance, as exercise can help you get your life back on track and heading in the right direction -the healthy direction.

 

 

Exercise Bikes

When you decide to purchase an exercise bike, you should first find a place in your home where you can place it.  Then, you'll need to think about whether or not you want an upright exercise bike, asemi recumbent bike, or a recumbent exercise bike.

Once you have made the decision of which type of bike you want, check out the reviews that are available in bike magazines and also on the internet. You can also take the advice of family and friends who are currently using the same as well as personal trainers who have experience.  The reviews on exercise bikes are normally rated in accordance to their performance, functions that they have, as well as the type of material that is used for  constructing the exercise bikes.

The exercise bike that you select should be very comfortable to sit on and the seat should be easy to adjust, as otherwise it would be really hard to cycle on.  If the height of the seat is wrong, it can put a lot of pressure in your lower area, specifically the groin.  To find out more about these types of features, it is very important that you read a review as the reviews can give you valuable information about the features of exercise bikes.

Reviews have other advantages as well.  A lot of times, websites on the internet will offer special discounts on the exercise bikes as well, which is just another benefit to reading the reviews.  After you have read the reviews, you'll be able to negotiate for a better price once you talk to the sales person.

No matter how you look at it, you really can't go wrong with reading a review on exercise bikes. You can find out anything you want to know, as well as get opinions from those who already own the equipment.  A majority of the time, you can find out flaws as well, which can save you a lot of time and effort.

Going to local gyms is also a great way to find out about exercise bikes.  If you don't want to buy one or if you don't have the space to keep one at home, you can always join a local gym and use one there.  There are several different types available at your local gym, with everything from standard exercise bikes to the newer electronic versions.

Whether you choose to buy one for home use or use one at the gym, an exercise bike can help you stay in shape.  All you need to do is ride it a few minutes a day, and you'll be amazed at just how much it helps you.  Considered to be a part of cardio, an exercise bike can help you lose weight and tone your body down like never before. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise Balls

Exercise balls are one of the most innovative ways to exercise.  These little balls will catch every one's fancy due to their shape and very attractive colours.  The real benefit of these balls, which were introduced by a group of Swiss medical therapists, is a substitute of support during exercise.
Working out with the exercise balls will strengthen and tone all of the major muscles of the body.  The soft texture of the balls make it an ideal choice for Yoga positions, using dumbbells for muscle toning, or working on heavy duty weight training equipment.

The advantage of exercise balls is that they are durable and maintain shape well under pressure.  The documentation with the balls will provide test load figures for how much weight the exercise balls will hold.  The advantage here is the fact that the balls provide soft yet firm support that doesn't harm your body.

You can find exercise balls in several different colours and finishes.  You can even get a ball that matches the texture of your room.  They are simple to store and you can even roll them under your bed or a table if you prefer.  When you aren't using them, you can let kids play with them.  These balls are very fun for kids, as they are very soft and won't cause them any harm.

Medical equipment:

Originally developed for use in medical therapy, the exercise ball is used to support the body during exercise.  These balls will provide support to the body when you do a specific exercise in a specific position and still need to maintain the balance.  Most exercise balls are made of burst proof latex or other material that is very safe to use.

There are many postures with yoga and muscle toning exercise that can only be done with the help of support.  For these postures, exercise balls are quite useful.  The exercise balls will introduce an element of stability to the exercise that you wouldn't normally get with the floor exercise.

Your body responds automatically to the instability to keep balanced on the exercise ball.  This will help in strengthening the muscles that aren't actively participating in exercise.

An exercise ball is also very useful for physiotherapy treatment.  Exercise balls will help to get rid of backache and spinal disorders.  The small range of movement and adjustment of balance of the spine that is induced by exercising with the exercise ball will help reduce back pain.

The Swiss ball exercise is for people with back pain to provide them with a simple way to restore movements after an episode of back pain.  It also results in improved muscle strength, greater flexibility, and a wide range of motion of the spine during treatment.