Saturday, December 4, 2010
Ever wanted to know the techniques and tricks used by those who successfully lost weight, and kept it off?
Thanks to a scintillating survey conducted by popular weight loss site SparkPeople - we've now got some road-tested tips to give you the best chance at managing weight.
As part of an updated paperback version of the bestselling book The Spark, (new edition here), the authors at Sparkpeople undertook a comprehensive survey of over 2,000 members. Why do 50% of people report losing momentum within 2 weeks of starting a diet? And why do 18% fizz out within just 3 days?
The answer is the 'strong start'. These strong starters lost twice as much weight in the first two weeks, and were five times more likely to reach goals than the false starters.
Secrets of the Strong Start
1. Track Food and Calories
Both strong and false starters ranked "food tracking" as the one action that made the biggest difference in their programs. 82% of strong starters tracked food every day vs. 65% of false starters, and strong starters were twice as likely to track their calories.
2. Don't put certain foods off limits
Strong starters were less likely to label foods "good" or "bad" and forsake certain foods, and were three times more likely to use portion control techniques that supported consumption of unhealthier foods in moderation.
3. Spend LESS time exercising
On average, strong starters exercised for 30 minutes during the first two weeks; false starters for 60 minutes, suggesting that false starters burned themselves out.
4. Focus on both diet and exercise
74 percent of false starters made both fitness and dietary changes from the outset, compared to 50 percent offalse starters.
5. Engage more with others/have a support network
Strong starters were more than twice as likely to communicate with other members online.
6. Weigh yourself weekly, not daily
Most strong starters weighed themselves weekly, while the majority of false starters did so daily.
7. Focus first and foremost on developing healthy habits, not losing weight
Most strong starters viewed their #1 goal as "building a strong foundation of healthy habits." A majority of false starters made losing 3-4 pounds in their first two weeks their #1 goal, which backfired.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Real Madrid did not only lose El Clasico to Barcelona. They lost their self-respect, their greatness, and their first place in La Liga standings to their archrivals. 5-0 was the final shameful result.
In truth, who would have imagined such a score line after 90 minutes of proceedings at the Camp Nou? The public was rather expecting a hot and balanced encounter, due to both sides’ forces and advantages. Jose Mourinho is normally known for his diverse and effective strategies in big games, but on the night of November 29, he wasn’t given any chance to perform his wonders.
As for Cristiano Ronaldo, his fans were hoping he would break his goalless curse against the former treble winners. That was not the case though, and in addition to the already-disgraceful result of El Clasico, his immature behavior made his troubles’ load on his shoulders even heavier.
Barcelona first took the lead through Xavi, on 10 minutes. A wonderful pass, followed by a decent ball control and a nice finish allowed the hosts to establish themselves in the game, while it gave their visitors a hard early cuff. Looking at the replay, there were no doubts that Mourinho had not organized his offside trap ideally, and this was a negative sign for the rest of the game.
Indeed, Pedro’s name sneaked on the scoring sheet 8 minutes later with a strike inside the 6-yard box. The connection between the ball provider David Villa and the eventual goalscorer was faultless; but speaking of Real Madrid, their defense was decomposed and awkward. By then, Jose Mourinho knew that his men were in the hands of their enemies; he was simply helpless.
His front looked lethargic and his midfield was subjugated. There was nothing left to do. Cristiano Ronaldo however made the situation worst on 32 minutes when he refused to keep his calm and pushed Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola near the touch line to get the ball back in play with impatience. This caused Victor Valdes and Andres Iniesta to race toward the winger in anger along with other players on the field; but the referee stopped the row and booked the Portuguese forward, as well as the home side’s goalie.
In front of 98,255 spectators, the humiliated Real Madrid players had to go for a break at half-time, with the task of overturning a 2-0 score line afterward. The Camp Nou kept hunting Los Blancos in the second half with loud screams and taunts, and being powered to maximum by their home fans, Barcelona came back stronger to sink their rivals even deeper.
David Villa finally clarified his image with a quick-fire double before the hour mark thanks to excellent contributions from Lionel Messi. The current league leaders played the rest of the match relentlessly, and they were rewarded with a late 5th goal—this time—from substitute Jeffren.
The Galacticos just could not handle the pressure and disgrace; but as opposed to the rest of his teammates, defender Sergio Ramos refused to contain himself, and lashed at Puyol and Xavi after horribly tackling Messi. He was sent off for his dreadful act; and obviously, it was a cheap red card.
Barcelona now top La Liga table with 34 points—either 2 points ahead of Real Madrid who occupy the second place still with 32 points. Several questions now arise concerning the future of Los Blancos’ biggest personalities: Does Mourinho still deserve to be called the Special One? Should Ronaldo expect to be a nominee for next years’ individual awards despite his infantilism and lack of influence in tough times?
More importantly, the club’s chances of holding La Liga title this season have become slighter. If ever they fail to become champions again, then it will be hard to know what and who Madrid really need to become a true kingdom. In the meantime, it would advisable for them to think of developing themselves—both tactically and mentally.
Time: 15:00 ( US/Eastern )
Competition: Spain La Liga
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona (Barcelona)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Yamaha working hard to promote both bike with heavy-disguised picture showing the parts of both motorcycles and a new silhouette that shows Super Tenere Yamaha R1-style headlight.
Yamaha officially launched the headlights of the FZ8 a few weeks ago but no further information came from Yamaha officially.
A Yamaha insider said: "FZ8 will appear at the end of this year together with Super Tenere that would be a good thing to boost interest in the new bike and the bike is expected to generate some significant sales in 2010."
No official estimated FZ8 has a smaller capacity four-cylinder version of the 998cc motor FZ1 - itself based on the five-valve Yamaha R1 engine from the year 2005.
FZ8 will replace the smaller capacity as a sporty model FZ6 naked middleweight, leaving the XJ6, XJ6 Diversion, and the new-for-2010 F XJ6 Diversion to satisfy beginners and versatile market.
This is the main rival will F800R BMW, Honda Hornet 600, Triumph Street Triple R and Aprilia shiver 750.
Super Tenere boxy silhouette shows off-road-style panniers, reinforcing evidence that the Yamaha bike will go head-to-head with BMW for the R1200GS, it does not involve more road-biased Ducati new Multistrada 1200.
Super Tenere technical highlights we already know about are:
- 3-mode ABS
- Shaft drive
- Associated brake
- Switchable engine maps
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Traction control
- Side-mounted radiators
