Do a Google for “Christian Weight Loss” and a number of sites pop up. Ranging from the evangelical “doctor” who says gluttony (one of the seven deadly sins) is the cause of all the obesity in the world, to the site promoting faith-based weight loss without dieting. “God means us to be slim!” heralds one enthusiastic Christian weight loss proponent. There is surely truth in what each one of these websites says.

Overeating, or gluttony is certainly part of the equation, but an even greater part is the relative physical inactivity in the daily life of most people. Many overweight people are not over-eaters, but under-exercisers. Also, because of the convenience offered by prepared foods, the American diet is heavily into these convenience items, most of which are laden with high fructose corn syrup as both a sweetener and a preservative. This one product is a major contributor the obesity epidemic in the world, particularly the USA.

Faith-based weight loss is a positive factor in any weight control program. Regardless of ones religious convictions, faith and the power of the mind are indisputable principles. Jon Gabriel discovered how to harness the power of the mind to promote healthy weight loss without a strenuous diet program (www.gabrielmethod.com) and personally lost more than 200 pounds. He spends his time helping others to achieve their natural weight by teaching his program to individuals and in group seminars all over the world. Jon is a considered a marvel by the medical community because his body shows no signs of having been morbidly obese.

Christian weight loss may not be as fast as a crash-diet, but it is certainly much healthier, both physically and spiritually. Programs based upon faith and mind control will more than likely produce long-lasting results.

How does a guy who is morbidly obese at 410 pounds drop more than 220 pounds and show no signs of having ever been overweight?  This man, a former medical researcher and financial analyst, put together a program that lead to his own amazing transformation and the life-changing transformation of many other.  It all began in 2001 when he awakened to the idea that his body just wanted to be fat and as long as it wanted to be fat, no amount of dieting or exercise was going to change that.

Jon Gabriel was a successful financial guy in the New York City area.  In a former life, he had studied biochemistry, organic chemistry and biology, even performed research for the acclaimed biochemist, Dr. Jose Rabinowitz.  Jon was also fat.  Over a twelve year period he had gained more than 200 pounds and nothing he did seemed to help.  Jon had spent time at Dr. Nathan Pritikin’s Institute and with the late Dr. Robert Atkins.  Their efforts resulted in some initial weight loss, but while still dieting, his body put the weight back on.  Discouraged, he gave up trying to lose weight.  It was about this time he had his revelation.

Jon set out to determine why his body wanted to be fat and this journey of discovery unlocked the secret of weight loss, a secret that he has taught to many other in the intervening years.  Over a period of two years, applying the principles he discovered, Jon Gabriel lost more than 220 pounds and has kept it off without any astringent dieting.  His body discovered its natural weight, fell to that point and maintained for years now.  What is even more amazing is that doctors have examined his body and find little or no evidence of him being morbidly obese.

Jon’s revelation is that the mind controls the body and the mind must understand that there is no reason to be fat.  Using a series of thought control exercises he developed, Mr. Gabriel has put together a repeatable program that he teaches to others in seminars and one-on-one meetings with people all over the world.  When Jon discovered how to remove the causes of obesity, one of which is emotional stress, he recorded it all to share with anyone wanting to lose weight.  His book and insights are available online at www.gabrielmethod.com both as a hard copy and download.  His website also has pictures of his own transformation as well as testimonies of many people from around the world.

In the late 1970s, a group of extreme athletes participated in the ultimate test of fitness and endurance, The IRONMAN Triathlon Competition. From inauspicious beginnings, The IRONMAN is recognized worldwide today as the most extreme form of endurance competition.  The event is held annually on the island of Hawaii and consists of three phases run sequentially:  A 2.4 mile swim in open water; a 112 mile bike race; and a run of 26.2 miles (the marathon distance).  There are a number of classes of competition by sex, age groups, professional and amateur.  Just finishing The IRONMAN gives significant bragging rights and hero-points enough to last a lifetime.

The promoters and developers of IRONMAN produce IRONMAN Fitness Equipment for the North and South American markets and they have licensed the manufacture outside of the Western Hemisphere.  The three primary products are; treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical exercise machines.

• Treadmills – Two models, 1911 and 1921, with respectively; 2.5 and 3 HP continuous electric motors, 10 and 12 mph top speeds.  Each has 13 exercise programs and handlebar controls for ease of operation.
• Exercise bikes – Eight models, 3 upright and 5 recumbent, all with a wide variety of resistance and features.
• Elliptical Exercise Machines – Five models, 1 with eight levels of resistance, 4 with sixteen levels.  The base model has 1 heart-rate control and 1 program, the other four have 4 HR controls and up to 12 custom programs

Though IRONMAN Fitness Equipment was developed for home use, they are of commercial quality with sturdy frames, decks, motors, controls and features.  Independent reviewers rate all IRONMAN equipment very highly.  Further information is available on their webpage or through any of a number of equipment distributors found online.

Green Tea may contribute to weight loss programs.  There are a lot of claims being made, both in sales letters on the internet and in junk snail-mail, that green tea is the answer to weight loss.  These claims are made to promote the sale of green tea extract or concentrate or some other weight loss program using green tea as the main constituent.  Think about this:  One pound of fat is equal to approximately 3,500 calories.  In order to lose one pound, a diet must be cut by that many calories.  For the loss of one pound in one week, that is a reduction of 500 calories per day.  At a 70-80 calorie reduction from five cups per day, green tea alone may not contribute much to a shrinking waistline, but coupled with a reduced calorie diet, it can increase the efficacy of a weight loss program.

According to research by the Japanese, if an average person were to drink five cups of green tea per day, they would burn an extra 70-80 calories per day from thermogenesis, the process by which heat is generated in organisms.  If nothing else in a diet changed, a person might lose one pound every 43 days and eight pounds in one year.  This is a far cry from the 500 calorie reduction required to shed one pound of fat per week from our overfed and overweight bodies.

Most of the thermogenesis attributed to green tea comes from caffeine, but the studies in Japan suggested that some calorie burning also comes from other elements present in this aromatic brew, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). According to herbalists, green tea has other benefits, something to do with its antioxidant properties, and they encourage its consumption.  So enjoy a brisk, delightful cup of green tea several times a day and know that you are contributing to your health.

From the novice to the intermediate to the dedicated fitness athlete, the fully equipped gyms at Fitness Works will provide the venue for conditioning at all levels.  Their staff of highly qualified personal trainers is available to develop and supervise a personalized program to suit any needs.  Fitness workouts with a personal trainer are fast and effective.  Nutritional assistance and recommendations are also available.

Good results are the norm, not the exception, at Fitness Works, according to the volume of testimonials from satisfied members shown on their webpage, www.fitnessworks.com.

Most of their members reported great gains in muscle tone and development while losing their body fat.  Some of the results are spectacular.  Even more important is the social environment in the health clubs that is so conducive to fitness and fellowship, like a big, happy family exercising together.

In addition to individual and family membership programs, Fitness Works also offers corporate and group memberships.  Most companies today recognize that fit employees are more productive employees, so they encourage enrollment in the special group plans available.  Fitness is an investment in individuals and the companies for whom they work, an investment that pays huge dividends in more productivity, less absenteeism and healthier, happier employees.

Fitness Works makes the decision easier by offering a trial membership for those know they need to workout, but haven’t quite decided how and where.  Trial membership applications are available online or at any of the clubs where a professional counselor is available to assist in selecting the correct program for any needs.

Exercise gyms are the preferred venue by nearly everyone whose goal is fitness and exercise, because the atmosphere in a fitness center is more conducive to sticking with the program.  When surrounded by other people committed to fitness, the whole process is much easier to maintain.  Friendships established at the exercise gym often develop into long term relationships away from the fitness club.  Another consideration is that the purchase of the exercise equipment necessary to achieve fitness goals; free weights, weight-loaded equipment, treadmills, elliptical machines and the like, amortized over many years will still be more than the cost of an annual family membership at the local exercise gym.

Interest in fitness and health has been growing in the USA over the recent years.  Fueled by concerns about the epidemic of obesity and diabetes caused by lack of exercise, poor nutrition and the prevalence of harmful components in most processed foods, more people are turning to the professional staff at the local health club for programs of exercise and recommended nutrition.  The quality of these services has risen dramatically, too.  Years ago, most of the exercise gyms were owned and operated by bodybuilders, iron-pumpers and other gym-rats whose sum total of knowledge about fitness and nutrition came from personal experience and what they read in muscle magazines.  Today, there are many personal trainers with degrees in sports physiology, nutrition and exercise technology.  The advice and training available is much better today than in yesteryear.

Many people are concerned with weight loss these days.  The news is filled with articles and television reports on the “obesity epidemic” that is prevalent in the USA and has now spread (pun intended) to the rest of the developed world, most notably Europe.  In a report in Natural News, an e-newsletter on natural health (www.naturalnews.com), a staff writer citing two unimpeachable sources said that it is estimated that obesity will cost the USA $344 billions a year in healthcare costs.  Obese people incur about 42% more healthcare costs per year than do healthy adults.  Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the USA and accounts for the majority of healthcare costs, but obesity shares the second spot in healthcare costs nationally.

A large portion of the blame for American obesity is attributed to “The Western Diet” of bad fats, refined sugars, and genetically modified ingredients in prepared foods, high-fructose corn syrup and other demons in our food supply.  Everyone knows that a large (another pun intended) portion of our population needs to lose weight, but what is the best way to do this?  Also, we are a people who want to see fast results, so what is the best way to lose weight rapidly?  Atkins?  Pritikin?  South Beach?  Low Fat?  Low Carb?  Jenny Craig?  Weight-Watchers?  Slim Fast?  Herbalife? All of them reportedly work, some of them quickly and sustainably.  Ask the medical community, however, and you will hear that rapid weight loss may not be good for your health.  Also, there is the problem of tightening up all of that loose, hanging flesh left after all the fat under it is melted away.

It should also be noted that every weight loss program includes exercise in some form.

Old-time bodybuilders used to resort to a quick weight loss diet for about six weeks before contests; a carbohydrate free four days, followed by a free day, then four more carbo-free days and a following free day.  This cycle went on for about nine or ten times.  Their nutritional needs were met by high protein meals and dietary supplements; Lipo-3, kelp tablets, wheat germ oil (cold pressed) and protein powder.  The free day meals were protein supplemented by natural carbohydrates, no processed sugars or starches.  This program may not be healthy for the long haul, but it did melt off any subcutaneous fat leaving them highly “cut-up” for their posing routines.

The best weight loss programs are those that promote a healthy, balanced diet of protein, natural, high-fiber carbohydrates, lots of water and no caffeine, alcohol, soda of any kind (even diet drinks are a no-no).  A good exercise program is needed to tighten up the flesh and provide the shape desired.  This may not be a very fast way to lose weight, though the excess flesh will melt off quite rapidly as the program progresses, but it is healthy and a long-term fix.

The obesity epidemic, as perceived by the manufacturers of the multitude of dietary supplements on the market, is a goldmine.  All they need to dig for their share of the billions of dollars being spent on quick-fixes is a means to reach their target audience.  Enter the internet.  Anyone with an e-mail address who has ever done a search for diet information is flooded with sales letters from every imaginable maker, broker or associate marketer of weight loss aids, all claiming stupendous results.  According to the Mayo Clinic newsletter and site(www.mayoclinic.com/health/weightloss/HQ01160/METHOD),  most of these claims are bogus.  In fact, due to the lack of research and statistical data, many of these “cures” for fat bodies may actually be quite harmful.

In a study of weight loss products and programs published by the Colorado State University (www.ext.colostate.edu, no. 9.363) an evaluation of the claims of most supplements and programs proved to be inconclusive and some products may actually be quite harmful.  Most of the programs require a low-fat, reduced calorie diet to produce the results claimed.  The diet by itself would probably produce the same results.  Many of the supplements cause bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and other unpleasantness.  Few of them are found to produce any lasting results.

A popular weight loss drink has been shown to be effective at weight loss, but the users report feeling hungry much of the time and they regained any weight immediately after stopping the use of the shakes.  The diet shakes are not nutritionally complete and may cause other problems related to dietary deficiencies.  Prescription and over-the-counter pills may have side effects that are bothersome or downright bad for the user.

Probably the only weight loss program that has much scientific study and support is that of Jon Gabriel. The Gabriel Method a book he wrote about his personal path to weight loss and fitness, describes in detail how Jon discovered the fix for his obesity (www.gabrielmethod.com). Gabriel personally lost more than 200 pounds by using his subconscious mind to change the way his body reacted to food and fat.  Gabriel has astounded doctors who have examined him in that he has no signs of having been morbidly obese (over 400 pounds).  A one-time medical researcher, Jon examined why his body wanted to be fat and then developed a program to make it want to be thin.  He has maintained his weight loss for years without problems.  Much of his time is spent working with the obese to address the causes of their problems.

Probably the best weight loss results come from supplements intended to assist with the development and growth of muscle tissue.  Muscle tissue requires more energy expenditure than fatty tissue, so the more muscular bodies burn more calories.  Coupled with a good exercise program and a properly balanced diet of healthy carbohydrates, fiber and protein, the protein bodybuilding supplements may help burn off that excess fat.

What exactly are fat burning exercises? They are the type of exercises that use the major body groups for a long period of time. To make the most out of this type of exercise, it is important to exercise at a moderate pace for a long duration. The end result is a higher percentage of calories from fat being burned with lower intensity cardio exercises.

In order to guarantee that you will not get bored with your exercise routine, it is good to look at the different options you have at your disposal. Following is a list of exercises that can not only be fun, but also will not take a chunk out of your wallet.

• Walking: It is the most basic and economical way to burn the extra pesky fat. All you have to do is take out a little extra time in your day and take a brisk walk around your neighborhood. Not only does it help burn fat, but it also can many other positive health benefits.
• Biking: Do you happen to have a decent bike in the shed that rarely gets used? Why not take it out for a spin. Biking is a great way to burn stored fat and to strengthen your thigh muscles. Biking is also great for maintaining a healthy level of blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Aerobic Dance: It is exactly as fun as it sounds. When combined with a controlled diet, you can easily burn over 300 calories in an hour. You get to burn calories, work on your dance moves, and have fun at the same time. It really is an excellent way to spice up your exercise routine.
• Cardio Exercises: Cardio can be extremely beneficial for burning fat. It can even help you to improve your overall health.
• Water Aerobics: This is an excellent way to improve your strength in your lower and upper body muscles.

With a well planned out routine, you can improve your health and become an overall happier person. Fat burning exercises is an excellent way to change your life for the better. Exercise matched with a well balanced diet is the most effective way to burn calories. It does not have to be boring. Making your routine fun with encourage you to exercise more and give you more motivation you need to start exercising right away.

Clinical weight loss can be very fast and safe.

This approach is normally reserved for those who are in dire need of taking off fast weight to lose a significant amount of pounds. Because the cost of doctor visits is cost-prohibitive for most casual dieters, clinical weight loss programs are hardly ever a consideration. Still, for those who can afford it, this is a safe way to lose weight because of the constant medical supervision. Often, the clinical approach utilizes low-calorie diets, sensible exercise and sometimes pharmaceuticals. Prescription diet pills can work quickly, but many weight-loss medications are addictive and not safe to use over long periods of time.

Nutritional supplements can help you lose weight quicker.

Nutritional supplements like the acai berry are all the rage, but it is hard to find substantial and objective proof that any supplement actually works. Still, such programs are not without merit and it is an undeniable fact that nutritional supplements can produce changes in a person’s metabolism. Many diets that primarily utilize such supplements produce short-term results and weight can fall off quickly. Even if much of this has to do with the placebo-effect, any sort of weight loss is a good thing as far as dieters are concerned.

The counseling approach is more for long term weight loss.

Diet programs that rely on counseling are perfect for people that like to be encouraged and motivated by others who have successfully seen results, but such diet plans are often not the most expedient way to lose weight. This is because dropping pounds quickly can be unhealthy, so very few professional services are going to endorse anything that can put someone’s health at risk. The counseling approach is more for realizing long-term results.

There is no arguing that making healthy changes in one’s diet coupled with sensible exercise is the most healthy and effective way to lose weight. By simply stepping up one’s efforts in both of these areas, it is possible to drop pounds fast. Losing weight quickly and maintaining a specific weight are two different tasks that require two separate approaches. Fast weight loss can be unhealthy, but through careful research and significant discipline, it is possible to expeditiously drop a few pounds.