When it comes to fitness, you might be your own worst enemy. If it feels like you’re doing everything right, but still not getting the results you want, why are you still sticking to the same routine? There are many ways you might be getting in your own way and getting to the bottom of it starts with honesty. Are you really being honest with yourself when it comes to diet and exercise? Are you diligently tracking these figures—or are you over-obsessing? Too much in either direction can be dangerous.
Here are five ways you might be inhibiting your own fitness and what to do about it:
Not counting every bite if you’re looking to reduce fat. It’s not as simple as calories in, calories out, but sometimes it is. If you’re sticking to a certain caloric intake every day, make sure you count every single bite—and beverage. Alcohol is packed with calories and lowers our inhibitions, which is all part of alcohol’s lethality when it comes to diet goals. Count those calories, but keep in mind that there is an emerging eating disorder in which people “save” calories for alcoholic beverages. It’s been dubbed “drunkorexia”, and can lead to even more dangerous eating disorders.
Getting too obsessed with the scale. Unfortunately, the scale can lie. Like a watched pot, it’s not going to give you what you want if you’re checking it daily—or multiple times per day. Doing so is a slippery slope and can lead to dangerous habits. The scale can only tell you weight, which doesn’t account for muscle or water retention. If you really want some numbers to help guide you on your fitness journey, use a tape measure. Measure the biggest part of your upper arms, the largest part of your chest, the smallest part of your waist, widest part of your hips, and largest part of your thighs and calves. All of these areas, especially the belly, can also fluctuate throughout the day. However, it’s a much safer (and saner) number system than the scale.
You don’t push yourself at your workouts. Many people aren’t honest with themselves when it comes to their workouts. Could you be doing a harder level on the cross ramp? When the spin instructor tells you to empty the engine on a power interval, are you? If you’re working on muscle mass, do you really tap out between eight and twelve reps or could you do more (and increase the weight)? Working with a personal trainer can help you avoid cheats, as can working out in a group setting. It can be too easy to compromise when you always workout solo. Plus, group settings or a personal trainer can bring out your competitive spirit.
Not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain. Since most Americans are chronically fatigued (and overweight) there’s a clear correlation here. One of the best things you can do is get enough rest. This will depend on you and your body, but ideally, you’ll be able to wake up without an alarm. If that isn’t doable, see about squeezing in a power nap mid-day. It’s seemingly one of the easiest ways to keep your weight in check. It also helps you get the most out of your workouts. You can’t give your all when you’re exhausted.
Be realistic with rest days and cheat days. These days don’t mean you can go all-out on a binge. Some people find a cheat meal is safer. Others re-learn how to gauge their fullness. Cheat days can be helpful because they give your body what it’s craving, but it still needs to be in moderation. A rest day doesn’t need to be a complete rest, either. You can go on a walk or take a gentle yoga class. Again, honesty with yourself is key.
If you’re getting in your own way, you’re also the one who can stop it. Pinpoint your biggest struggles and see what you can do to put yourself first.
I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.
As anabolic steroids are highly effective, yet when overused, they can be detrimental to health. The most critical of all is liver damage or toxicity. However, there are reports and instances that claim there are various dangerous side effects of the overuse of anabolic steroids that is rampant now. These are known as “doping” drugs used to enhance performance. Many bodybuilders and athletes use these drugs causing serious health problems. Precisely, anabolic steroids are testosterone offshoots used to increase muscle size and strength. Without a prescription, it is illegal to use steroids in the U.S. these are to be only used in certain cases with a doctor’s prescription. It stimulates muscle mass and bone strength useful from a health point of view. It is mainly prescribed in case of testosterone deficiency, delayed puberty, along disorders such as AIDS.
Exposure to such anabolic steroids for a longer time poses a threat to the liver and might advance as liver cancer. Regular consumption of such steroids can make you addicted and crave for it, affecting the liver adversely.
Besides, severe problems are witnessed in the body due to anabolic steroids and it mostly affects the liver causing complications. When enzymes named aminotransferases to leak out of liver cells in the bloodstream, it indicates liver damage. It may lead to liver damage condition known as cholestasis, which takes place because of anabolic steroids. It is a condition, in which digestive fluid bile, leaks out of the liver into the blood and causes symptoms like loss of appetite, itching, nausea, jaundice, and dark color urine, etcetera.
Do not take alkylated steroids:
Steroids like alkylated steroids harm life and have an adverse effect on liver function. These are oral steroids that are:
Unable to remove toxins in the liver without letting them get in the blood
Stop breakdown of toxins into the liver
impedes the excretory liver function
Oral steroids (C17-Alpha Alkylated (C17-aa)) are responsible for the structural change in the hormone at the 17th carbon position. The purpose of such alteration is to enable the drugs to endure the first pass in the liver, where they can get into your system to benefit you. the bottom line is that C17-aa modification turns oral steroids toxic to the liver and it is unable to remove toxins. Hence, limit oral steroid use to 8 weeks considering the fact, the liver toxicity. However, the liver can rejuvenate, but this does not mean you can consume anything.
The side effects of oral steroids might increase the risk of hepatotoxic and might cause hepatic tumors, acute cholestatic syndrome, fatty liver disease, and chronic vascular injury. These changes can turn out to be fatal or recoverable.
The occurrence of chemical substitutions that take place in the testosterone in the body in two forms are:
17-alpha-alkylation, and
17-beta-esterification
Where metabolization of testosterone in the body takes place rapidly. The esterification of the 17-beta-hydroxyl group let molecules to be hydrophobic. On the other hand, 17-alpha- alkylation triggers inhibition with oxidation of metabolic deactivation of the 17-beta hydroxy group in the liver. Therefore, effectively administering the 17alpha-alkylated androgens orally. Mostly used anabolic oral steroids are stanozolol, methandienone, methandrostenolone, mesterolone, methenolone, oxandrolone, methyltestosterone. The oral forms do not cause instantaneous hepatotoxic and dilapidation.
Medical use of 17alpha-alkylated steroids for various purposes like muscle growth, weight gain in catabolic states, treating aplastic anemia, bone-marrow failure along with off-label doping purposes. These steroids were reported with the case of liver damage like nodular regeneration, cholestatic jaundice, hepatic adenoma, peliosis hepatis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Take non-alkylated steroids:
To be free from the liver adversities, using non-alkylated injectable steroid in the injectable forms undergoes the process of esterification 17-beta-hydroxy group making it soluble in lipids. This enables the slow release of steroids in circulation. Testosterone esters namely testosterone cypionate, enanthate, and decorate managed in oily suspension tend to release slowly in the aqueous plasma due to hydrophobicity. Extending its active duration. Whereas, a crucial metabolic path of testosterone and its artificial derivate is the oxidation of the 17-beta-hydroxy group forming 17-keto metabolites. Polar metabolites are inactive biologically in the body. The steroids that are injectable are stanozolol nandrolone decanoate, nandrolone undecanoate, testosterone enanthate, trenbolone acetate, trenbolone.
Using oral steroid alone is harmful as it put high pressure on the liver. So, to keep your liver healthy, use an attack of injectable steroids along with oral. It is great for cutting as well as bulking. Do not take more than 350-750mg per week of stack beyond six weeks of cycle duration.
Rely on supplements to protect the liver:
Be a smart steroid user and supplement your liver that restores and repair liver from any damages. N2Guardis highly popular among bodybuilders using oral steroids and do not in taking oral cycle without supplementing with it. Additionally, avoid alcohol consumption to avoid stress from the liver.
Aid offered by of N2Guard During And post Steroid Cycle:
Regulates blood pressure
Protects the liver from harm because of oral steroids
It minimizes water retention
Balances cholesterol levels
Purifies the kidneys of steroid metabolites and excess protein feasting
Purifies the blood from toxins and injurious metabolites
Dissipates androgen receptors, make your next cycle more effective
Maintains healthy, skeletal, reproductive, and digestive systems
By responsibly using the N2Guard, you can prevent your liver from any side effects of the steroid. N2Guard is used to enhance athletes throughout the world. It will keep you healthy during and beyond the cycle. It is the best support supplement and protects from any harm.
Benefits of using short steroid cycles:
Instead of long cycles, opt for short steroid cycles. As it keeps the liver activity in a normal condition without harming the liver. Exposure to high steroid use is dangerous. Besides, replace oral doses with injectable cycles to avoid severe health risks.
Take breaks during steroid cycling:
Regular use of steroids is not productive, instead, it can cause liver damage. More intake of steroids enables your body to resist it. Hence, making it inefficient after some time. Therefore, it is important to take breaks and enable your body to disengage from toxins. Let your body get back to normal function. Allow your liver to regenerate.
Liver function and ways to keeps it healthy:
The liver is a prime fat-burning organ. It also regulates the sex hormones testosterone. Therefore, the healthy liver function will enable the fat loss process smooth and easy. Keep your liver healthy by avoiding excess use of alcohol, do regular exercise, follow a healthy diet, avoid unnecessary medication. Ensure normal liver function before starting the steroid cycle. Avoid oral steroid cycle if facing liver issues.
Cleanses blood
Controls the amount of glucose supply
Controls body cholesterol
Regulate essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and copper
Oxidizes stored adipose tissue (fat) into energy by transporting it to mitochondria
Produces vital body proteins indulged in transporting substances in the blood, providing resistance to infection, and clotting the blood
Regulates sex hormones, thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, and cortisone
Produce bile salt, to immobilize fatty acids and eradicates toxic substances from the body
Read Also:
5 Tips To Kick Start Your Fitness Routine
Love Who You Are: How To Prevent Eating Disorders
Some Supplements You Need To Know Right Now
What Is Garcinia Cambogia And How It Can Help Your Health?
The media has created a lot of awareness regarding addiction treatment. People who engage in such activities can find a way out from addictions. Every country has a lot of recovery centers that offer proper treatment. The experiences of individuals vary but mainly people go through four phases in every treatment center. The phases are:
Admission with a complete care plan
Detoxification
Rehab Center
Aftercare plan
Every individual who gets admitted to the center goes through these four phases. These phases have many activities and treatments designed for addicts. Every phase is like a domain that covers series of activities and plans within it. The treatment journey aims to bring a clear-headed life. It takes time and is not a one-day process. It demands devotion, motivation, and assurance. Nothing can be achieved without hard work. The journey of sobriety is tough to some extent but the professional assistance has helped a lot of people to work on their goals. A comprehensive evaluation takes place which is used for designing a customized plan. The decision of choosing and deciding on a rehab often causes stress. If you need some understanding about what is involved in the treatment of rehab then you’re in right place. Here we have a brief guide for you.
Understanding of Phases:
Let’s start with the first phase which involves the creation of an individually customized plan for treatment. When the intake process takes place, the person goes through series of assessments which help in making a tailor-made plan for the addict. In this phase, the addict and his family meet the team and discuss all the options for the treatment. The objective of this segment is to advance a plan which caters to social, physical, and emotional functioning. The medical team assesses the condition from a mental and physical aspect. This step decides the functioning of treatment, finance, and all the facilities decided for the entire cure journey.
In the second phase, the team seeks to remove the effects of addictive substances from the body of an addict. The removal of the substance is carried out through the detox program. It has some dangerous and uncomfortable symptoms but the assistance of professionals ensures that the patient will remain safe and comfortable throughout the detox period. They know how to take care of unpleasant symptoms. In some cases, medication is added to the detox process to bring ease to the withdrawal symptoms. Medication depends on the type of drug used. Some people fear detox but without it, it is impossible to get rid of drug use.
In the third phase, comes admission to a rehab center. At this point, the addiction of a person is over and he just needs counseling to stay stable in his upcoming life. After a successful detox, the patient is moved to rehab. This phase includes intensive sessions and therapies where one understands the underlying problems that lead him to the drug journey. For rehab, we have inpatient and outpatient or partial hospitalized treatment. This phase includes various therapies like behavioral, individual, group, and family therapy. Patients are given a lot of amenities like a private room, a comfortable place to live, a personalized chef, delicious meals, etc. For more info, visit Recovery Corps Los Angeles.
The last and final phase is the aftercare plan which allows the person to continue the healing journey so he stays sober for a longer time. Aftercare is very important because it is a solid plan which guides the person his entire life. Off and on sessions and discussion with the team keeps the individual on the path of sobriety.
Read Also:
Cannabis can Help in the Fight Against Drug Addiction
Marijuana Addiction Treatment: 5 Steps to Avoid Relapse
6 Healthy Habits That Will Change Your Life
Are you aware of Belviq – a Weight-Loss Drug?
4 Tips to Find an Effective Drug Therapy
Even if you never thought you actually would, quitting smoking probably does occasionally cross your mind every now and then, right? The whys, of course, stem from both personal and social demands… It is a health risk, that girl you were dating didn’t like the smell, etc. But what else would you do while standing around the bar? And could you even break a habit that you have been accustomed to for so long?
E-cigarettes are the millennial approach to either lessening or saying no to cigs once and for all. They bring all of the satisfying attributes of smoking without the adverse health effects, smell, or social trade-offs. And better yet, it can actually be cheaper as well as better for the environment. But the question remains: Can vaping really help you kick your smoking cigarette?
No-Pressure Approach:
Simply the thought of quitting smoking comes with a lot of anxiety. It’s hard, and we completely understand. Dropping it cold-turkey can leave you really sick, depressed, or in a cycle of emotional turmoil. But it doesn’t have to be that way at all.
Making a trade-off with e-cigarettes, even if you just start off slow, can turn your habit around in a way that won’t feel completely forced. Most people who have used this method to quit have found that the pressure to quit is inherently gone and they feel like the transition is basically non-existent. Doesn’t that sound great?
A Trade-Off:
Some of us know that half of the habit is psychological, meaning that you really just need to have something in your hand that you can take a puff on. This aspect is another reason why e-cigs are an easy solution to the problem.
Not only do we use cigarettes to carry our own personal habits, but we enjoy having them there during the conversation. It can seem like every social setting, especially bars, call for a cigarette. With social settings especially, it can be compelling to join the smoking crowd or step outside and even strike up a conversation with strangers while smoking. With e-cigs you will still be able to participate and not feel left out or awkward.
As for culture, there really is nothing like smoking a rolled-up cig, but the e-cig generation is building, and most of us can say that it in itself is becoming closely connected to our culture. Once you get in the vape scene, you will fall in love with all of the different aspects, styles, vape flavors, and best of all, the friends that you can enjoy it with.
Reduced Risks and Your Health:
The bottom line for most of us is that we know smoking is very unhealthy for us. Our lungs, heart, mouth, all of it is affected by tobacco, and every day it persists is fewer days that we will see in the end.
E-cigs have not rightly been proven to be healthy but they have shown results that make them much less toxic to our bodies than actual cigarettes. Most research has shown that a reduced risk of heart attack occurs when you drop smoking.
Furthermore, most e-cig users agree that since making the switch, their lungs have been in better shape, which in turn helps them exercise more effectively. The overall trend moves toward feeling better each day, and that’s the part we like to hear.
Attraction Is Real:
We have all been on that date with that one person and had it all go down under because of the lingering, musky cigarette smell. It sticks to everything! The car, the bed, your clothes, hair, mouth. You name it. Smokers stink, and that can’t be changed.
With e-cigarettes, the scent hardly lingers at all one the vapor is dissipated. Which means that your belongings are not ruined, and neither are your dating expenditures.
All in all, e-cig users who have made the transition have been more satisfied than ever. Without fully submitting your lifestyle to the non-smoking cause, this is the best way to transition quickly and still remain happy. None of us are expected to change our ways overnight, but it sure does make it a lot easier when it still feels good.
Read Also:
Vaping In The Workplace: Legal Considerations
Benefits Of E-Cigarettes Over Traditional Smoking
