Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Weight Control

Olives are very rich in oil, and this fact has made them one of the best sources of healthy oil for centuries. The three most common types of olive oil are pure, virgin and extra virgin. Olive oil is created by crushing and pressing olives, and people have been making and using olive oil to promote good health and stay fit for about five thousand years. Extra virgin olive oil and weight control, not to mention many other health benefits, go hand in hand.

Extra virgin olive oil is cold pressed and is a result of the first crushing or pressing of the olives. Cold pressing is done without chemicals or heat. Extra virgin olive oil processed in this fashion only makes up approximately 10% of all olive oil produced, and it is by far the best olive oil to use. Virgin olive oil is usually from the second pressing of the olives and does not have the same quality as extra virgin olive oil. Pure olive oil is a blend of virgin and refined oils and is not recommended.

There are an incredible number of benefits associated with extra virgin olive oil and weight control is just one of them. People from the Mediterranean countries will quickly tell you about the healthy benefits, and the great flavor that comes from adding olive oil to salads, pasta, and many other foods.

The importance of extra virgin olive oil and weight control is often missed by many. It has unique properties that assist in losing weight and promoting better health. Extra virgin olive oil increases fat oxidation, so when you increase your intake of extra virgin olive oil your body burns fat faster. Extra virgin olive should be looked upon as a necessary part of any weight loss plan.

One of the most beneficial properties of olive oil is that it can be used and consumed in its natural state without being refined. When used in this fashion all the nutrients, fatty acids, vitamins, and anti-oxidants are preserved. Being very rich in antioxidants, it can effectively reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which prevents heart disease. The high volume of anti-oxidants makes it more stable, adding to the flavor and also the shelf life of the oil.

Anti-oxidants are an important factor when dealing with blood sugar, lowering inflammation and other potential health issues. Because it contains vitamin E, polyphenals and natural anti-oxidants, extra virgin olive oil protects the body from free radical damage. Nutritional research has shown that inflammation of certain cells in our arteries can be a hidden cause of weight gain. This inflammation weakens blood sugar metabolism and increases fat storage. The anti-oxidant properties help lower this inflammation. Studies have also shown that olive oil will lower blood pressure, and reduce the occurrences of breast cancer.

Mediterranean diets, which are not really diets at all, are becoming quite popular with people who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The interest in Mediterranean diets and meal plans began when medical researchers discovered that people from the Greek islands had a lower rate of heart disease and a longer lifespan than many other cultures. The Mediterranean diet is a great example of combining extra virgin olive oil and weight control. This very healthy approach to eating will introduce you to some very delicious and healthy foods and change your life forever.

Eat Nuts For Weight Loss

Are you trying to lose weight, but just can't seem to get those junk-food cravings under control? Do you find yourself eating, or snacking on something when you really are not that hungry? If so, you are not alone, and there is a way to to overcome these cravings, and it may be easier than you might think.

But in order to overcome these cravings you need the right foods to help you do so. This is where nuts come in. They are high in vitamins, minerals, protein, and fat, and contain lots of nutritious calories.

High in fat and calories?! That's right, but these are the good fats which are essential to your body. Believe it or not, you need fat; and these raw, unprocessed fats are the fats which you body is actually craving when you think you're craving for that bag of potato chips.

All the vitamins, minerals, proteins, and calories help to fill you up, and reduce the food cravings. They also give you lots of energy to exercise more, which helps to tone the muscles.

Studies have also shown that those who consume lots of nuts, tend to eat more fruits and leaf vegetables, which are also good for weight loss, and increase the levels of energy.

Because of all the proteins found in nuts, it makes them a great substitute for meat; which is one of the culprits which put the weight on in the first place.

Rule of thumb is to never, ever allow yourself to go hungry when trying to lose weight; this is when the nasty cravings begin, and your mind goes into a careless trance and you give in to temptation.

So by snacking on raw nuts like walnuts, almonds, pecans, pine nuts and peanuts before meals, and before you feel that craving coming on, you will slowly nourish the body back to health, and eventually the cravings will go away...and then...you will begin to lose those extra pounds, and inches.