Weight Watchers Brockton

Weight Watchers Brockton

Verywell / Debbie Burkhoff

As one of the most popular diet plans over the last 50 years, Weight Watchers—or as it's currently named, WW—has certainly helped some people achieve weight loss success. On this plan, foods are assigned different SmartPoints values, and you're given a daily allowance of SmartPoints to eat. You'll need to track your food every day to ensure you stay within your target range to support your weight loss goals.

Weight Watchers has evolved many times since its inception, and the current plan does offer advantages compared to those of the past. Point values of foods are based on more than just calories, and the company has made a targeted effort to shift their focus from pounds shed to overall wellness. However, some people may still get caught up in focusing on numbers and restriction, rather than embracing healthy behaviors.

What Experts Say

"The WW diet assigns points to foods and exercise and requires a daily tally/balance of points. Many experts agree that this can lead to seeing exercise as a way to compensate for food and that tallying points, just like calories, could create a focus on numbers rather than health." – Willow Jarosh, MS, RD

Background

History of the Company

Weight Watchers started in the early 1960's. Founder Jean Nidetch invited a group of friends to her New York City home to discuss the best methods for losing weight. That small group meeting evolved into a core part of past and current Weight Watchers programs.

One of her early group participants, Al Lippert, encouraged Nidetch to incorporate Weight Watchers in 1963. Lippert helped Nidetch to do so, and the business expanded rapidly. They became quite wealthy when the company went public in 1968.

Weight Watchers was later sold to the H.J Heinz company – yes, the ketchup manufacturer – in 1978 for $71 million. Heinz later sold the business to a European investment firm in 1999, where it was put up again for public offering in 2001.

In 2018, the company shifted it's focus from weight to wellness, re-branding as WW International, Inc, with the tagline "Wellness that Works."

Evolution of the Diet Plan

While Weight Watchers is known for its point system today, the original 1960s program was a fairly simple list of restricted, limited, and unlimited foods. Most of the diet's principles were those Nidetch had picked up in a program at an obesity clinic at the NYC Department of Health.

The rules of the original program were far stricter than the current program. For example, if you were following Weight Watchers in the 1960s you'd need to...

• Eat fish at least five times per week
• Only eat eggs a few times a week, and only at breakfast
• Eat 3-5 servings of permitted fruit each day, but avoid "forbidden fruits" (like bananas, watermelon, and cherries)
• Keep some foods off-limits, like bacon, avocado, peanut butter, and yogurt

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, variations on this exchange style meal plan were adopted. It wasn't until 1997 that points were introduced, and that has evolved many times since. Here's a list of the different incarnations of points-based programs:

• 1997 – 1-2-3 Success Program, the first points system which assigned values to foods based primarily on their caloric value
• 2000 – Winning Points, a more individualized points system that did not have any food exclusions and included adjustments for physical activity
• 2004 – Turnaround Program, which gave participants a choice of either the Core Program (a non-points based plan with a list of compliant vs. non-compliant foods) or The Flex Plan (a points plan that allowed eating anything as long as it was within the daily points allowance)
• 2008 – Momentum Plan, a crossover between the Core and Flex plans that was point-based but emphasized a list of filling foods
• 2010 – PointsPlus Plan, an overhaul of all the previous plans. This attempted to address the fact that although an apple and a handful of potato chips may have the same calories, they are not nutritionally equal. The new points system took into account factors like fat, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
• 2015 – SmartPoints Plan, an update to PointsPlus that also emphasized exercise with FitPoints
• 2017 – WW Freestyle, a plan that expands SmartPoints zero point foods (which don't need to be tracked) to include things like lean proteins. This is the plan currently used today.

How It Works

The current WW Freestyle plan is based on their SmartPoints system. Every food has an assigned number of points, and you'll receive a daily budget of SmartPoints to use throughout the day.

There is also a weekly cushion of extra SmartPoints which can be used to eat a little extra each day or can be allocated towards a special event that week that's point-heavy (like a friend's BBQ or a wedding).

There are no off-limit foods on WW, but the plan does encourage participants to eat nutritious options by steering you towards zero point foods. There are more than 200 of these foods, meaning you can enjoy them without tracking or measuring. These include many fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Weight Watchers offers three different tiers of membership to help you assess and track your SmartPoints:

• Digital Plan – Includes use of the WW app to track food and activity, access to the community, and 24/7 online chat support
• Workshop Plan – Includes everything in the digital plan, plus weekly group workshops with guidance from wellness coaches
• Coaching Plan – Includes everything in the other two plans, plus access to one-on-one coaching support with unlimited phone calls

Pros and Cons

Weight Watchers is very appealing for many people looking to eat better since all foods can fit in the diet. It offers flexibility to enjoy meals at a special event or while eating out (provided it fits in your points allowance) and promotes many nutritious options in the zero points category. It's also been shown in research to support weight loss and tied to a reduction in diabetes risk among those with pre-diabetes.

However, there are also some downsides to the program. The focus on counting points can be cumbersome and feel restrictive for some people. It can also create an unhealthy mindset around food, encouraging people to skip meals so they can "save up" points for an unhealthy meal later. And though it's not expensive on a weekly basis, the cost can add up depending on how long you feel you need to stay on the program to reach your goals.

Common Myths and Questions

Even though Weight Watchers has been around many years, the continued evolution of the program has led to confusion about some parts of the diet.

Myth: Weight Watchers is a great way to lose weight quickly.

Fact: The goal of the program is slower, sustainable weight loss. It recommends losing no more than two pounds per week (after the first three weeks).

Myth: Once you hit your weight loss goal, you no longer need to follow the diet.

Fact: Many people fall into the cycle of losing weight on the program, then "going off" the program, and gaining it back. Unfortunately, this is very common with any diet plan.

This doesn't mean you have to pay for Weight Watchers (or any other diet program) for life. But if you have a certain weight that you are striving to maintain, you'll need to stick with the core tenants of healthy eating and caloric balance for life. On the flip side, you can choose to let go of the focus on weight and simply enjoy a healthy relationship with nutritious foods.

Myth: You have to go to group meetings to be part of Weight Watchers.

Fact: Weight Watchers offers several tiers of membership, and one is a digital-only option. With this plan, you participate in the program on your own from the comfort of your home.

Myth: At Weight Watchers meetings, you have to weigh in publicly.

Fact: You do not. The meetings are not designed as a method of public humiliation but rather for accountability. Your weigh-ins are done in private with only the group facilitator, and then you'll be able to discuss tips for sticking with your goals in the larger group setting.

Myth: You have to eat pre-packaged frozen meals.

Fact: While there are frozen meals that are branded with SmartPoints values, you do not have to eat these. You can eat any food from the grocery store, restaurant, farmers market, etc. You only have to worry about staying within your points range.

Myth: Weight Watchers is only for women.

Fact: Though Weight Watchers has traditionally attracted female participants, both men and women are welcome to use the program.

How It Compares

Though there are some slight differences, Weight Watchers is very similar to the USDA recommendations for a healthy balanced diet. For example, the program emphasizes fruits and vegetables as zero-point foods—in line with how the USDA recommendations encourage you to make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Or, consider that foods which are less nutritious (for example, those with lots of added sugars and unhealthy fats) tend to be very high in SmartPoints. This discourages users from eating them regularly, similar to how USDA recommendations advise against frequent consumption.

One slight difference though—while the USDA gives guidance based on calories or servings, Weight Watchers uses its proprietary points system.

Weight Watchers also has some similarities to other popular diets but varies in its effectiveness and sustainability. Here's a quick overview of how it compares:

• Jenny Craig – Some research has suggested Jenny Craig may lead to more weight loss than Weight Watchers. However, Jenny Craig relies on pre-packaged meals which may be unsustainable for long term compliance.
• Nutrisystem – Like Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem is another packaged meal company. While it may be convenient, it lacks the lifestyle and meal preparation skills that are encouraged within the Weight Watchers program.
• Low-Calorie Diet – Both Weight Watchers and a low-calorie diet require tracking food and can lead to weight loss. However, strict low-calorie diets tend to be far more restrictive than Weight Watchers.
• Optavia Diet – The Optavia Diet ranks as the number two best diet for fast weight loss (tied with Atkins, keto, and Weight Watchers) due to lower caloric intake.

A Word From Verywell

If you're trying to lose weight, Weight Watchers can offer the structured support you may need. By tracking your food daily and weighing in weekly, you're encouraged to self-monitor and become aware of your choices. These skills can help you recognize problem areas and make healthier choices, leading to weight loss.

The plan is not for everyone though. For some people, constant tracking can lead to an unhealthy obsession with numbers. For others, the freedom to eat anything can almost feel paralyzing in their weight loss journey.

No matter what course of action you choose, remember that the best diet is the one you enjoy and that you can stick to for life.

Weight Watchers Brockton

Source: https://www.verywellfit.com/weight-watchers-overview-4691074

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Fat Burner For Men In India

Fat Burner For Men In India

Losing weight or fat is not that easy as it sounds. It takes so much dedication, determination and patience. As we all know in order to get rid of fat we need to balance our diet and focus on weight training and cardio but sometimes these things are not gives you results alone, here natural Fat burner capsules come into play, don't assume fat burners will give you jaw-dropping results single-handedly. It just increases the fat loss process if you add this in your daily routine. so in this article, I will share Best Fat Burner 2020 and provide you all the information.

Table of Content

How Does Fat Burner work?
Best Fat Burner in India
Important Ingredients in Fat Burner
Fat Burner Side Effects
Conclusion
FAQ

How Does Fat Burner work?

Losing weight or cutting extra layer of fat is not so easy, your workout and diet has to be on point. When you are doing everything perfectly so fat burner will work as guaranteed weight loss pills and increase that process little fast. Now, many of you will confuse what is a fat burner and how it's work…….?

Fat Burner is a nutrition supplement that increases fat metabolism in your body which gives you more energy and maximize your strength and increase the quality of your workout. All fat burners have one important ingredient called caffeine and Green tea fat burner extracts, these are the main essence which helps you to focus during your workout session.

When you consume fat burner so it basically suppresses your appetite which minimizes your hunger, now when you eat less so you won't get much energy during the workout so the second thing fat burners do, it provides you energy. Now, during your workout, your body burns all the glycogen during the cardio session now in order to provide you energy during weight training Fat burner will convert your stored fat into energy so that you can burn those extra inches from your body.

Best Fat Burner in India

These are Best Fat Burner in India

• Nutrex Lipo 6 Fat Burner supplement
• Muscletech Hydroxycut Hardcore Next-Gen
• Muscleblaze Fat Burner
• Naturyz LEAN CUTZ Fat Burner
• MusclePharm CLA Core Fat Burner
• Being Nutritions-SHREX Fat Burner
• Universal NutritionAnimal Cuts
• BPI Sports B4-60 COUNT
• GNC Burn 60 Fat Cutter
• Sinew Nutrition Natural Fat Burner

Nutrex Lipo 6 Fat Burner supplement

Nutrex Lipo 6 Fat Burner supplement could be your best option to pick. It contains Advantra-Z which increases the metabolic rate and activate metabolism which burns extra calories and make your diet and weight loss goals become a success.

This product contains fast-absorbing liquid capsules which provides you instant energy. The company claims that this is by far one of the strongest Lipo 6 formula they have ever released. according to them, one capsule of this supplement gives you energy which is equal to 8 cups of coffee.

This product comes in a plastic bottle with 2 packaging contains 60 capsules and 120 capsules If you are a beginner and want to try 1st time so company highly recommend taking only 1 capsule in a day.

As per health experts, regular usage of fat burners may lead you into some health issue so you can use this product for 2 months and take a break for 2 weeks and repeat this cycle for better results.

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Muscletech Hydroxycut Hardcore Next Gen

Muscletech Hydroxycut Hardcore Next Gen is one of the best fat burner for men in the market which gives you massive results. It is specially designed for active men and women who are looking to lose weight and boost their energy.

This fat burner has amazing ingredients called canephora robusta which target your stored stubborn fat and convert into energy so that you can burn it through your workout.

It also contain green coffee for real weight loss results, it helps to enhance mental focus. This product produces a powerful state of thermogenesis in the body to help fire up the metabolic rate.

The new and unique combination of Red Sage extract, Blue Skullcap and Ginger along with other enhancing ingredients delivers a new sensory experience that is one of a kind.

Please be reminded that it's a non-vegetarian product. You can take 2 capsules in a day and do not exceed 4 capsules in a 24 hour period also avoid usage within 5 hours of bedtime.

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Muscleblaze Fat Burner

Muscleblaze Fat Burner is a revolutionary blend of green tea and grapefruit extract. it helps in keeping you full for a longer span of time, helping in lowering craving for unhealthy food. Also, helps to enhance the fat burn rate naturally.

Muscle-blaze is an emerging brand which is known for its quality products, worlds best testing medical company Labdoor proves that Muscle-blaze products are authentic which makes this product more buyer-friendly.

This health supplement contains Garcinia Cambogia that boost fat burn rate naturally. also, it does not contain any added caffeine so it is also a nature-friendly product without any side effect.

It also has Piper Nigrum Extract that works as an effective appetite suppressant to help manage an effective weight loss diet. We recommend you to consume 1 capsule thrice a day before meals or as recommended by your dietitian.

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Naturyz LEAN CUTZ Thermogenic Fat Burner

Naturyz LEAN CUTZ Thermogenic Fat Burner is the best fat burner for belly fat, it contains all the important natural ingredients with weight management properties in optimal doses for best results.

This health supplement contains 500mg Acetyl L Carnitine, Green tea, Garcinia Cambogia Extract, Green Coffee Bean Extract, Caffeine & Chromium. all these ingredients will drastically improve your metabolism and your fat-burning process.

This product also has Caffeine & Chromium that helps to build focus for a quality workout and endurance for a long workout session. it also kills obesity and promotes overall wellness.

This fat burner contains a high amount of hydroxycitric acid which increases fat metabolism as a result of burning more fat. you can consume 1 capsule in a day before meals or as recommended by your dietitian.

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MusclePharm CLA Core Fat Burner

If you are looking for a high-quality natural fat burner capsules so you can pick MusclePharm CLA Core Fat Burner without wavering your mind. this health supplement has all the important ingredients that your body needs.

Its a gluten-free fat burner and does not contain any artificial dye or colour. If you are looking for a lean and ripped physique so you can go for this product. it maintains your muscle mass while burning fat faster.

It helps boost the immune response to keep you free from common health issues. The anti-inflammatory function of this product increases the natural detoxification process and also enhance your overall liver health.

One of the primary benefits of CLA is that it maximizes your heart rate naturally which increases your metabolism. As a result, stored fats convert into energy that you need to support the increased metabolic activity.

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Being Nutritions-SHREX ADVANCE Fat Burner

Most of the fat burner in the market use a large amount of 'Caffeine Anhydrous' and high doses of this substance may harm your body but Being Nutritions-SHREX ADVANCE Fat Burner is a natural fat burner with no added caffeine. so you can go with this product it is 100% safe.

This health supplement is a pure vegetarian product which made using pure and natural plant-based ingredients that give you maximum results for a fat burn with zero side effects.

If you are looking for more strength, stamina and enthusiasm so this product can be your best pick and it is for both men and women. It is not only helps to reduce the extra body fat effectively but also promotes higher energy levels and mental focus throughout the day.

This product comes in a plastic bottle with packaging contains 90 capsules. you can take 1 capsule twice a day before a meal or as recommended by your dietitian.

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Universal Nutrition Animal Cuts

Universal Nutrition Animal Cuts is a Thermogenic best weight loss pills. It contains 8 powerful weight loss complexes which target your fat from every angle to maximize your fat loss and get you shredded results.

This health supplement will not only target your fat but also it will remove water weight from your body. sometimes you can lose your fat but Water sits on top of your muscles and make you feel bloated so this supplement will help you to get rid of water weight as well.

This product has Jojoba extract that cuts down your sugar and carb cravings and gives you energy for a quality workout session. It also has a Nootropic complex which supplies oxygen to your brain, making it calmer.

you can use this product for 3 weeks straight and take a break for 1 week and repeat this cycle for better results, take 2 caplets in a day or as directed by the dietician.

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BPI Sports B4-60 COUNT

BPI Sports B4-60 COUNT is an amazing fat burning diet pills. It is a vegetarian product and it's double duty sports performance supplement that keeps you focused and energized. It targets those areas where it's harder to lose fat.

This health supplement compounds can help to increase concentrations of both norepinephrine AND dopamine, By increasing neuro concentrations of these transmitters, you can experience extreme appetite suppression that improves mood, focus, and energy capacity.

This supplement has Caffeine Anhydrous which Considered a Purer Form of Caffeine and much more effective. It Provides You Long-Lasting, Extreme Energy Boost, as well as enhanced your focus.

This is perfect to take As a Pre-Workout, I wouldn't recommend taking them when you're not planning on going to the gym. You can take 1 capsule 30 minutes before workout or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

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GNC Burn 60 Fat Cutter

GNC Burn 60 Fat Cutter is a clinically proven thermogenic formula that helps to enhance metabolism, burn calories and boost energy levels. The company claims that this supplement burns 60% enhance metabolism.

It a cinnamon-flavoured based fat burner which comes into capsules form. It contains guarana seed extracts that enhance cellular metabolic activity.

GNC Burn 60 is an amazing dietary product that promises to help you burn more calories after each dose. this product targets those who are working on their diets but want to see results more quickly.

This health supplement comes into capsules from, You can take 1 capsule in a day before a meal or as recommended by your dietitian.

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Sinew Nutrition Natural Fat Burner

Sinew Nutrition Natural Fat Burner is specially formulated to help reduce body fat, increase energy and enhance metabolism which promotes weight loss and gives desired results in less time which makes it best fat burner for beginners.

This health supplement contains ingredients like Green Tea, L-Carnitine, CLA, Green Coffee & Garcinia Cambogia Extract which are known for breaking up the fat cells naturally.

This product is 100% vegetarian with no added binders and artificial colour. after using this product you can certainly feel full and after eating even a small meal gives you that extra boost you need to get your weight management into high gear.

This product has premium detox and contains potent antioxidants which protect the body from harmful toxins of the environment and help keep cells working optimally.

It comes in a plastic container with 60 capsules inside it. You need to consume 2 tablets daily before or after the workout or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

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Important Ingredients in Fat Burner

1. Green Tea Extracts

Green tea is one of the most commonly consumed teas in the world. It is very high in Antioxidant and promotes your heart health. It has catechins and a decent amount of Caffeine. Both of these ingredients regulate the hormones that can enhance thermogenesis. Green tea generates thermogenesis by which your body burns calories to digest food and produce heat.

2. Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia Cambogia is an amazing weight loss supplement. Basically it's a fruit which contains a high amount of hydroxycitric acid (HCA). It directly blocks Fat Production and Reduces Belly Fat. It is also very helpful in reducing inflammation and decreasing insulin level.

3. L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is an amino acid which helps to reduce weight and improve brain functioning. It produces energy by transporting fatty acids into your cells so that you can burn it through your workout and cut those extra inches from your body, You can get a small amount of this amino through meat and fish.

4. Caffeine

Caffeine is mostly used to make you feel more alert and less tired. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and increases your metabolic rate which maximizes your fat-burning process. It also controls the appetite which reduces your hunger.

5. CLA

CLA known as Conjugated Linoleic Acid especially found in meat and dairy product. This health supplement also used to cure cancer diseases It is a very popular weight loss supplement. It will help you to reduce food intake and it could also reduce body fat levels.

6. Yohimbine

Yohimbine is basically a compound from the plant Pausinystalia Yohimbe. It is mostly used to get rid of stubborn fat from your lower belly and love handles. This supplement works when insulin is low in your body so always use this in a fasted state for optimal results.

7.  Naringin

Naringin is again an amazing weight loss ingredients that are found in citrus fruits especially grapefruit. It will increase antioxidant in your body and maximize metabolic rate to provide you with more focus during your workout.

Fat Burner Side Effects

Before giving you information about how to use a fat burner, I would like to clear some doubt about this. The fat burners are totally natural, there are no harmful ingredients or steroids available in this so you can use any fat burner just make sure it should be authentic.

Now, let's talk about when to take fat burners or does fat burner can harm us..? so what most of the people do, they consume fat burner as pre-workout before 30 minutes of their exercise. The disadvantage of doing this is that they face problem while sleeping.

It is because all the fat burner contains caffeine and we all know caffeine is probably use to make you focused and alerts that is why people can't sleep properly so now I am telling you the best way to use a fat burner.

If you are a beginner so take only one pill in the morning empty stomach after 15 days you can consume 2 pills, 1st in the morning empty stomach and 2nd pill in the evening at around 5 PM-6 PM. it doesn't matter which time you working out.

Conclusion

I would like to inform you that all these fat burners are equally suitable for both men and women. I hope that you liked this article and you have found your ideal fat burner from our list.

If you want my recommendation so after comparing the price, authenticity, features and result, Universal Nutrition Animal Cuts is the clear winner. It's brand value and positive customer reviews made this product more buyer-friendly.

If you really want to cut some extra inches from your body and looking for best weight loss products so you can check out my Fat Loss Supplement Stack article.

FAQ

Q. Can women use these fat burners?
Yes, women can also use any of these fat burners, all these products are equally suitable for both men and women.

Q. Is there any side effects of fat burner?
No, there are no side effects but always use this product periodically. use fat burner pills for 2 months straight and take a break for 2 weeks and repeat this cycle for better results.

Q. How Much Weight Can I Lose?
Don't set any wrong expectation but if you make your diet and workout on point so you can easily cut off 1-3 Lbs per week.

Fat Burner For Men In India

Source: https://fitnesstrendz.in/archives/2766

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How Many Squats To Burn Fat

How Many Squats To Burn Fat

Don't Diet

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The Women's Health Diet isn't about eating less; it's about eating more—more nutrient-dense food, to crowd out the empty calories and keep you full all day. That's important, because restricting food will kill your metabolism. It sends a signal to your body that says, "I'm starving here!" And your body responds by slowing your metabolic rate to hold on to existing energy stores.

What's worse, if the food shortage (meaning, your crash diet) continues, you'll begin burning muscle tissue, which just gives your enemy, visceral fat, a greater advantage. Your metabolism slows further, and fat goes on to claim even more territory.

Send your Metabolism Sky-High and Drop 15 Pounds in Six Weeks!

Go to Bed Earlier

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A study in Finland looked at sets of identical twins and discovered that in each set of siblings, the twin who slept less and was under more stress had more visceral fat.

Eat More Protein

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Your body needs protein to maintain lean muscle. In a 2006 article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers argued that the current recommended daily intake for protein, 0.36 grams per pound of body weight, is woefully inadequate for anyone doing resistance training and recommend that women get between 0.54 and 1 gram per pound of body weight. (If you want to lose weight, use your goal body weight as your guide.)

Add a serving, like 3 ounces of lean meat, 2 tablespoons of nuts, or 8 ounces of low-fat yogurt, to every meal and snack. Plus, research shows that protein can up postmeal calorie burn by as much as 35 percent.

Go Organic When You Can

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Canadian researchers report that dieters with the most organochlorines (pollutants from pesticides, which are stored in fat cells) experience a greater-than-normal dip in metabolism as they lose weight, perhaps because the toxins interfere with the energy-burning process. In other words, pesticides make it harder to lose pounds.

Of course, it's not always easy to find—or afford—organic produce. But in general, conventionally grown items that you peel—avocado, grapefruit, bananas—are fine. But choose organic when buying celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach, kale and collard greens, cherries, potatoes, and imported grapes; they tend to have the highest levels of pesticides.

Get Up, Stand Up

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Whether you sit or stand at work may play as big a role in your waistline as your fitness routine. Missouri University researchers discovered that inactivity (4 hours or more) causes a near shut- down of an enzyme that controls fat and cholesterol metabolism. To keep this enzyme active and increase your fat-burning, break up long periods of downtime by standing up—for example, while talking on the phone.

Find out how bad sitting actually is for your health:

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Drink Cold Water

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German researchers found that drinking 6 cups of cold water a day (that's 48 ounces) can raise resting metabolism by about 50 calories daily—enough to shed 5 pounds in a year, with essentially zero additional effort. The increase may come from the work it takes to heat the water to body temperature.

Eat the Heat

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It turns out that capsaicin, the compound that gives chile peppers their heat, can also fire up your metabolism. Eating about 1 tablespoon of chopped peppers (red or green) boosts your sympathetic nervous system (responsible for your fight-or-flight response), according to a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. The result: a temporary metabolism spike of about 23 percent. Stock up on chile peppers to add to salsas, and keep a jar of red-pepper flakes on hand for topping pizzas, pastas, and stir-fries.

Rev Up in the Morning

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Eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism so it's no accident that those who skip this meal are 41⁄2 times as likely to be obese. The heartier your first meal is, the better. In one study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology, volunteers who got 22 to 55 percent of their total calories at breakfast gained only 1.7 pounds on average over 4 years. While those who got zero to 11 percent gained nearly 3 pounds.

Drink Coffee or Tea

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Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, so your daily java jolts can rev your metabolism by 5 to 8 percent—burning about 98 to 174 calories a day. A cup of brewed tea can raise your metabolism by 12 percent, according to one Japanese study. Researchers believe antioxidants called catechins in tea provide the boost.

Fight Fat with Fiber

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Research shows that some fiber can fire up your fat burn by as much as 30 percent. Studies find that those who eat the most fiber gain the least weight over time. Aim for about 25 grams a day—the amount in about three servings each of fruits and vegetables.

Eat Iron-Rich Foods

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Iron is essential for carrying the oxygen your muscles need to burn fat. Unless you restock your stores, you run the risk of low energy and a sagging metabolism. Shellfish, lean meats, beans, fortified cereals, and spinach are excellent sources.

Get More Vitamin D

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Vitamin D is essential for preserving muscle tissue. Get 90 percent of your recommended daily intake (400 IU) in a 3.5-ounce serving of salmon. Other good sources: tuna, fortified milk and cereal, and eggs.

Drink Milk

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There's some evidence that calcium deficiency, which is common in many women, may slow metabolism. Research shows that consuming calcium through dairy foods such as fat-free milk and low-fat yogurt may also reduce fat absorption from other foods.

Eat Watermelon

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The amino acid arginine, abundant in watermelon, might promote weight loss, according to the Journal of Nutrition. In a laboratory study, adding this amino acid to the diet of obese mice enhanced the oxidation of fat and glucose. Snack on watermelon and other arginine sources, such as seafood, nuts, and seeds, year-round.

Stay Hydrated

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All of your body's chemical reactions, including your metabolism, depend on water. If you are dehydrated, you may be burning up to 2 percent fewer calories, according to researchers at the University of Utah. Drink at least eight to twelve 8-ounce glasses a day.

Want more tips to boost your metabolism and burn fat? Send your Metabolism Sky-High and Drop 15 Pounds in Six Weeks with The Women's Health Diet!

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How Many Squats To Burn Fat

Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a19919229/boost-metabolism/

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2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 Horsepower

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 Horsepower

If you've been riding for more than a few years you know that the Kawasaki Concours has been around for what seems like an eternity.

Neither a cover model nor an athlete, the Connie was the studious one. With standard-setting ergos, a large windshield, plenty of practical storage space and a liter-size engine with plenty of performance, this bike quickly became a favorite, achieving cult status over its 21-year life span.

For Kawasaki, the year 2008 could be dubbed the "Year of Change." First, the King of Dualies, the KLR650, received some revisions earlier this year for the first time in about an eon. But even greater anticipation awaits the all-new Concours 14. The ZX-14-based hyper-tourer was unveiled in late 2006 as a '08 model that would be available mid-2007. For Connie loyalists, this bike was the stuff dreams are made of. One thing is for sure: The Concours as we knew it is no more.

In press materials Kawasaki is perfectly clear that they see the Concours 14 as a "top-of-the-line sportbike with touring capabilities." That's a bold statement to make in this day. And they've even gone so far as to rename the category from sport touring to "supersport touring" on their consumer website. Yamaha did the same thing back in '03 for the FJR1300.

The new Connie is, at the heart, a ZX-14. In a brief generalization, the Concours takes from the Ninja ram air, inverted forks, wave brake rotors, radial-mount calipers and master cylinder, aluminum monocoque frame and modified-for-a shaft-drive ZX-14 10-spoke wheels. But some obvious differences exist to make it the bike that it is.

Starting with the Ninja-derived 1,352cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve inline-Four powerhouse, we note an additional oil-pressure-controlled cam-chain tensioner that is said to keep tension optimal while reducing engine noise. But most impressive of all is variable valve timing, something Kawi claims as a first in the class. The intake cam is hydraulically advanced or retarded over a 23.8-degree range based on engine RPM and throttle position, with the goal being "high torque output" across the powerband. (It's a clever system that uses few moving parts and only low-pressure oil to govern the cam orientation. -Ed)

Fueling on the Connie is handled by 40mm throttle bodies (the ZX-14 has 44mm units) and new 12-hole injectors. The increased intake velocity and improved atomization is said to offer crisper low- and mid-range throttle response with better control.

Claiming another first-in-class, Kawasaki is proud to present a slipper clutch to the sport-touring market. In case you haven't read about these back-torque limiting wonders, the intended goal is to prevent the rear wheel from "driving" the engine when gear selection and engine speed aren't precisely matched to the bike's road speed. Heretofore, this type of clutch has only been found on high-performance sportbikes.

Transmission ratios were altered to suite the torque-biased motor. First through third are lower, fourth is the same as the ZX-14 while fifth is a touch higher and sixth gear has become a true overdrive.

The exhaust system changes from the one found on the biggest of the Ninjas. Instead of a twin-can unit, the Concours utilizes a 4-2-1 system sans exhaust valve. But it does have two catalytic converters; one can be found mid-pipe whilst the second is directly in the bazooka-size single can. It's worth noting the U.S. spec'd bikes will not have O2 sensors.

The next major functional change to take place was in the monocoque aluminum frame. As a direct result of the switch to shaft drive, the bulky hunchback-looking frame needed some redesign. The area around the countershaft was reinforced and altered to allow the shaft-drive system to fit, among several other structural modifications. Two pieces of the lower frame that are made of plastic on the ZX-14 have now been replaced with identical die-cast aluminum bits, and the very top portion of the frame that hunkers over the airbox has increased wall thickness. That's a whole lot of adding, moving and shaking just to bring in a shaft drive.

"Perhaps the boldest claim from Team Green is that this system will emulate a chain-smooth ride."

All this talk of shaft drive has got me itching to get to one of my favorite aspects of this land-rocket-cum-sport tourer. Calling it the Tetra-Lever Shaft Drive System, Kawi engineers have created a 4-link swingarm that they claim reduces all the bad things about a shafty, such as the seemingly ubiquitous shaft-jacking that occurs during large throttle inputs or during quick closing of the throttle.

Perhaps the boldest claim from Team Green is that this system will emulate a chain-smooth ride. Who the heck do they think they are? Normally I would wait to give my impression of things like drive-line lash in the, well, impressions area, but I can't wait. In my not-so-humble opinion, there is no better shaft-drive system available today. There, I said it. Try as I might I could not get the rear end to hop around like a bronco. I really couldn't even detect much lash or delay from throttle input to the rear wheel. The final drive on this motorcycle is exceptionally smooth and sets the bar very high for any company building a bike with a shaft-drive system. Very well done, Kawasaki.

Suspension is a little less trick but is good nonetheless. The 43mm inverted front fork is preload- and rebound-damping adjustable. The rear Uni-Track shock is a bottom-link design with stepless rebound adjustment and a handy hydraulic preload adjusting knob that sticks out unobtrusively behind the rider's left leg. Less is more with this adjustment, as I only needed a quarter turn toward "Hard" from where it was set to make a noticeable improvement in the handling. Please leave all innuendos about "hard" settings in your bedroom and out of my review. Thank you.

Braking on the new Concours 14 is partly the job of standard petal-shaped rotors. The twin floating 310mm set up front are mercilessly pinched by a pair of four-piston, four-pad radial-mount calipers when you apply pressure at the radial master cylinder. The 270mm rear single petal rotor is a full 20mm larger than that of the ZX-14.

As you might have guessed, ABS is an option. The non-linked independent system is purported to offer a "natural" feel to the braking experience. Unfortunately, the Connie's ABS is not switchable like on some BMW models.

As you might have guessed, ABS is an option. The non-linked independent system is purported to offer a "natural" feel to the braking experience.

Because it does have touring tendencies, this bike is dimensionally a bit more relaxed than a true sportbike. Steering angle is increased over the ZX from 23 degrees to 26.1 degrees (nearly identical to the Yamaha FJR1300.). The front axle moved forward 30mm while the rear axle moved back 30mm as a result of a longer swingarm for a sum total increase of 60mm for a wheelbase of 59.8-inches (an inch shorter than the FJR's. -Ed)

All told, Kawi says all the revisions to the chassis result in 20% more torsional rigidity, a narrow and compact riding position and improved stability and handling.

The ergos haven't been left out of the redesign, and most certainly favor a comfy environment for the rider. The handlebars are not only 5.9 inches taller, they've also moved 3.8 inches closer to the rider. The footpegs are placed further forward and are 1.2 inches lower. The 32.1-inch saddle is actually 0.6 inch taller than the Ninja.

So now that we've discussed all the things that make the Concours go, let's cover some things that make it want to tour. Let's kick it off with what is a must these days: an electrically adjustable windshield. A larger and higher windshield is optional. A standard rear rack is ready for an accessory rear trunk that will probably match just peachy with the standard quick-release and reasonably roomy hard saddlebags. If you're tired of mashing your insurance card and bike title in your wallet, you'll be relieved to know that on the fuel tank is a smartly-integrated, slick-looking storage compartment. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the power socket located on the right side of the cockpit.

A blending of traditional analog speedo and tach works well with an LCD info display. The multi-function meter provides a host of data for you while on the fly. All the usuals like fuel, odometer, dual tripmeters and a clock are present. Also on the menu is fuel range, fuel consumption (current and average), battery voltage and a gear-position indicator. But in what we can only assume is note-taking from a certain other sport touring manufacturer (okay, it's BMW), the Concours is also able to display tire pressure. I wasn't able to speak for accuracy, but I can say over the course of two days it read consistent. Through a sensor in each wheel pressure is transmitted to the KIPASS (more on that later) ECU and displayed on the LCD, and it will warn you if it's too low, but only after reaching 12.5 mph or higher.

So, about that crazy acronym above, KIPASS. It stands for Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System.

I can hear the Scooby-style grunt of confusion now, so I'll attempt an explanation in less than 900 words (but it's best to see it demonstrated in the accompanying video).

Claiming another first-in-class (even if a similar system is optional on most 2007-2008 H-Ds.), Kawasaki has graced the Concours 14 with a nifty anti-theft ignition disablement system. With a key that looks like it was designed by infants for ease of handling, the ignition can only be switched to On, Off, FSS (Fuel-Seat-Storage) and Steering lock when the matching key fob is no more than 5.25 feet from the bike. Without the money-clip-sized matching fob very near by, you simply cannot turn the ignition switch. Part of the beauty of this system is that you can leave the key in the ignition (though it looks a little big on top, the key is crafted from a traditional blank).

If your memory is working normally and you have the fob, the next step is to push the key straight down to get the system to recognize that you want to take some action. Once you hear a little click and see an icon on the LCD, you can turn the key to any of the positions listed above. Should you absent-mindedly leave the fob somewhere (say, the top of the gas pump) you may well get down the road, but not without an electronic scolding. After you reach 12.5 miles per hour, the KIPASS ECU (separate from the bike's main ECU) will recognize that the blessed fob is missing. At that point instead of seeing the normal tire pressure or mpg display on the LCD what you'll see is a red warning light and a flashing "NO TRANSPONDER." The bike will operate normally without the fob until you pull another bonehead move, like turning the bike off. Should you foolishly shut the bike down under these circumstances you'll have precisely 10 seconds to restart; otherwise, you're dead in the water. And so is any unsuspecting turd who tries to steal your bike without the fob aboard. Simply punching the ignition with a hammer and screwdriver won't cut it with this tech-laden bike.

Climbing aboard the beast, I couldn't help but think that someone at Kawi was really thinking about rider ergos.

The trick is to keep the fob on the SOB (I had to slip that joke in there somewhere) and all is well. Each bike comes with two transponders that have a unique ID registered to the KIPASS ECU. Should you want a few more, you're allowed up to six separate fobs. Lastly, tucked secretly in the bottom of each fob is a plain ol' spare key.

Kawasaki chose the areas surrounding Santa Rosa and points further west as the proving grounds for us to see if the Concours 14 was really the sport-touring machine it claims it is. With enough tight first-gear turns shrouded in shade to make you think you were aboard an Imperial speeder bike, the chosen roads ran the gamut and put virtually every performance aspect to the test.

Climbing aboard the beast, I couldn't help but think that someone at Kawi was really thinking about rider ergos. Like the '08 Z1000, the rider triangle is very upright without sacrificing your ability to manipulate steering. The instrument cluster is easy to scan at a glance, and the windshield did an excellent job of deflecting wind from my 5'8" torso with minimal buffeting. Some taller journos complained that with the screen in the highest position there was just enough buffeting across their helmet to be bothersome. Maybe that larger, optional windscreen would do the trick.

With two counter-balancers, the motor is very smooth and virtually vibe-free, regardless of engine speed. It's a great match to that ultra-smooth shaft drive. Fueling is trouble-free and precise, and there's bottomless power on tap from as low as what I estimated to be 2700 rpm (as evidenced by first gear power wheelies). Power builds swiftly and smoothly all the way to the 10,500-rpm redline.

Keeping all that power accessible is the job of the transparent transmission and clutch. Considering the claimed dry weight of 615-pounds and all the thrust that's propelling that heft, a back-torque limiting clutch makes a lot of sense and is appreciated.

The saddle has dual density foam. Firmer for the rider and slightly softer for the passenger. I wouldn't hesitate to ride from L.A. to San Fran on this bike, something I don't care to do too often these days.

When we weren't blitzing down the freeway in sixth gear overdrive, we were hustling this silver bullet through some pretty tight terrain. The weight of the bike prevents it from being classified as flickable, but transitional movements come with just a small amount of effort at the high bars. Mid-corner stability was never in question under any circumstance as the stout but light chassis was always composed.

Suspension, although not perfect upon receipt, was more than up to the task of handling the oft times decaying, uneven roads that are starting to suffer from the many large trees that have lined the roads in NorCal for nearly a century. A quick twist at the remote rear preload adjuster helped balance the chassis. All in all, the Connie's springy bits are plenty adequate.

Braking, on the other hand, wasn't quite what I had hoped for. The fact that it is a non-linked ABS system is a bonus, but there's something that needs to be sorted out. The sensation was that the ABS was, perhaps, a bit too eager to activate. The brakes themselves are outstanding, but on a least two occasions I had made a rapid lever input that was rewarded with a numb or wooden feeling that, although only lasting a fraction of a second in reality, was a bit disconcerting at speed. Within the blink of an eye a more natural feel came back and all was well. Were it only those two instances, I would've simply discounted the incident. But feel at the rear pedal wasn't much better. It often had a resistance to the initial application and then it would relent to the point of feeling a tad mushy. I must note that at no time did I ever feel in jeopardy. The brakes work very well and have good feel. It's just that I would choose the non-ABS model for myself.

The other nominal complaint I came up with was the rather annoying amount of engine heat that made its way out of the cowlings from behind twin fans. As with any bike that produces big power, including the Ninja ZX-14, the new Connie has a tough time shedding engine heat. The C14 is fitted with a rider-adjustable air management system in which removable fairing deflectors are designed to disperse high temperatures. Removing the deflectors allows more heat to reach the rider, so I can't imagine riding without them in any condition other than the coldest Midwestern nights.

With over 400 miles in two days we had plenty of opportunity to refill the 5.8-gallon fuel tank. The 26 mpg I calculated at the pump was a bit disappointing, but maybe that doesn't say as much about the bike's fuel efficiency as it does the ridiculous way I was riding. Others were reporting closer to 30 mpg.

Riding bikes like these are really starting to make my job easy... Or hard if you're a glass half-empty type. They do so much so well in their intended category that searching out flaws can be a great expenditure of time and energy. Is the new Connie without any real competitors as some Kawasaki staff implied? It's a damn fine bike, but I'm not sure I'm ready to discount the FJR1300 just yet.

Riding bikes like these are really starting to make my job easy... Or hard if you're a glass half-empty type.

And BMW's K1200GT is a formidable competitor, and who knows what Honda will do in the future along the lines of the ST1300. So, what's all this going to cost a prospective purchaser of a 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14? First of all you'll get one color, Neutron Silver, and like it. After that the only decision is to ABS or not to ABS. The former will set you back $13,799 (the same as the FJR1300 with its standard ABS), while the latter is $12,899. A 36-month warranty should allow some peace of mind on your interstate journeys. They're ready and waiting in dealers now.

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 Specifications
Engine Type	Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four with VVT
Displacement	1,352 cc
Bore and Stroke	84.0 x 61.0mm
Maximum Torque	100.3 LbFt @ 6,200 rpm
Compression Ratio	10.7:1
Fuel Ignition	Digital Fuel Injection
Ignition	TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission	6-Speed
Final Drive	Tetra-Lever shaft drive
Rake/Trail	26.1 degrees/4.4 in.
Front Tire Size	120/70 ZR-17
Rear Tire Size	190/50 ZR-17
Front Suspension / wheel travel	Inverted, telescopic fork / 4.4 in.
Rear Suspension / wheel travel	Tetra-Lever / 5.4 in.
Front Brake Type	Dual floating 310mm petal discs with four-piston calipers
Rear Brake Type	Single 270mm petal disc
Fuel Tank Capacity	5.8 gal.
Seat Height	32.1"
Dry Weight	606 lbs. 615 lbs. (ABS model)
Wheelbase	59.8
Overal Length	89.4 in.
Overall height windscreen min / windscreen max	50.8/55.3
Overall width at handlebars / at saddlebags	30.7 in. / 39.3 in.
Color	Neutron Silver

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 Horsepower

Source: https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2008-kawasaki-concours-14-60446.html

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