Does The Zone Diet Work?

A lot of people would like to know does the Zone Diet work? Millions of people swear by it and the Zone Diet continues to remain a popular choice for many dieters.

Even celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, Demi Moore and Sarah Jessica Parker at one time followed the Zone Diet to help keep their famous figures. But celebrities are more motivated to stay trim. How does the Zone diet work for the average dieter?

Here are some Zone Diet basics to help you understand what the diet involves. Most carbohydrates like rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, pastries, chocolate, sweets and sugar are cut out of your meals. Every meal and every snack is designed to have the right combination of low-fat protein, favorable carbohydrates, like vegetables and fruit, and just a dash of "good" fat.

Dr. Barry Sears, who invented the diet, says that most carbohydrates have the greatest effect on blood sugar and insulin levels. He says the key is moderating insulin levels through a diet designed to keep them within a certain zone. As a result, you'll feel less hungry and more energized.

The Zone Diet allows you to eat most fruit and vegetables. Skinless chicken, turkey and fish are encouraged to be eaten at every meal. Foods that are high in monounsaturates, like olive oil, avocados and nuts, are also recommended.

So how much weight can you expect to lose if you decide to follow the Zone Diet? The Zone Diet facts on their website say you'll lose up to 10 pounds in five weeks. Many people who have followed the diet claim you can lose at least 5 pounds in the first two weeks. After that you can expect to lose around 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per week.

Millions of people today are following the Zone Diet making it a household name. The Zone Diet website offers daily meal planners, a shopping list generator and hundreds of quick and easy Zone recipes.

The website also offers Message Boards to post your questions, concerns, and triumphs. You can even consult with their online registered dietitians in the Ask the Nutritionist Message Board. This is a 24-hour-a-day resource to weight-loss tools, support, and advice that can help you reach your ultimate goals.

For people who don't have the time to prepare meals but want a way to achieve a weight loss goal, there is ZoneDietAtHome™. Zone Diet meal delivery is a convenient food delivery service that brings a convenient, gourmet eating experience directly to your doorstep. This is perfect for busy people who don't have the time to prepare properly balanced meals but still want to lose weight.

If you're still wondering about the Zone Diet, take the Free Zone Diet Profile. That will answer the question does the Zone diet work for you?


Copyright © 2005  1 Stop Shopping Online.com.  All Rights Reserved.


This article is supplied by 1 Stop Shopping Online.com - Healthy Weight Loss offering you sources to help you choose the healthy weight loss approach that fits you and your lifestyle best.


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How to Fight Spyware

If you are wondering how to fight spyware for safe web surfing, this Internet privacy article will answer some of your questions. You have probably heard about the dangers of spyware.

Spyware has become so common, it has now moved ahead of viruses as the number one danger facing computer users today. But with a few safe web surfing tips you can learn how to fight spyware.

Anything you download from the Internet is a potential threat but a few types of downloads are particularly notorious for infecting your computer with spyware and adware.

Music file-sharing programs used to trade music are major culprits. Other downloads like free games, screen savers, and even smiley face packages are usually loaded with adware.

Be aware of any product that claims to be free because it's very possible that the publisher generates revenue from sources like pop up ads while you surf. Just by clicking on pop up ads you could infect your computer.

Also quickly look at the end-user license agreement that comes with any download. During the installation process you're asked to check a box to indicate that you agree with the terms. Although very few people ever read these, you may get clues that spyware and adware are part of the download.

If you see third-party software, anything ad-supported or if you are asked to agree to multiple end-user license agreements, cancel the installation process. This is almost a sure sign that ads will begin to pop up and your safe web surfing will become a thing of the past.

There are a few other ways to learn how to fight spyware. Go into Microsoft's windowsupdate.com site at least once a month to make sure your system has the latest security patches. It just takes a few minutes and this alone can save your computer.

It's extemely important to run and keep your anti-virus programs up to date. But with spyware and adware as the number one danger facing computer users today, you need to arm yourself with spyware protection software and keep it updated.

Our site as well as many other spyware sites offer to kill spyware free to get rid of the spyware and adware that you have on your computer now. But if you don't install spyware protection software, a spyware program could reinstall automatically within minutes from being cleaned from your computer.

You and your family deserve to be able to surf the Internet without your privacy being at risk. If you really want to fight spyware, invest into quality spyware protection software and keep this dangerous threat away from your computer.

Copyright © 2005   Spyware Information.com   All Rights Reserved.

This article is provided by Spyware Information.com where you will find free spyware cleaners, downloads, removal software, valuable tips and updated articles about adware and spyware removal programs to protect your identity. For other informative spyware and adware articles go to Spyware Information Articles.

The Best Home Cardio Workouts

Home cardio workouts can relieve the stress of rush hour traffic and even your hectic day at work. Have you ever driven past the gym after a long day and decided to grab a quick dinner and workout early tomorrow morning?

Getting up early to go to the gym is great for some people, but how many times do you decide to give up your sleep time to go exercise? If you find yourself falling into these patterns of thinking and out of the habit of working out, then home cardio workouts are the perfect answer for you.

Here are a few cardio workouts you can do at home to successfully burn fat and keep you fit without losing any precious sleep time.

Stationary bikes are great for home cardio workouts. It is recommended that you workout at least thirty minutes for the best cardio results. The slow, aerobic, long duration types of exercise you get from stationary bikes also works good to burn fat.

If walking and running is the way you like to workout, there is nothing better than having a treadmill in your home. Treadmills offer you one of the best home cardio workouts. This is especially true if you walk or run on an incline. Walking or running on an incline gets your heart rate up quickly for maximum cardio benefits.

Elliptical exercise trainers offer you the very best home cardio workouts in the shortest amount of time. They give you a total body workout and are very effective fat burning exercises. They are becoming extemely popular with people who have limited time to workout.

To effectively burn body fat you want slow, aerobic, long duration types of exercise that involve most of the major muscle groups. Your body burns a higher percentage of calories from fat with lower intensity cardio exercises.

To get the most benefit from fat burning exercises, exercise at a moderate pace for a longer period of time. The residual effect of this type of aerobic exercise will keep fat burning long after your workouts.

Whether you like to run, walk, ride a bike or workout on an elliptical exercise trainer, thirty minutes of cardio workouts daily will keep you in great shape. Aerobic exercises increase endorphins, loosens muscles and joints, and release stress that can build up in your muscles throughout the day.

Working out from home allows you to decide when exercising is best for you. No matter what your situation is, if you want to find time for fitness, home cardio workouts are the perfect answer for you.

Copyright ©  2005  Treadmill Info.com  All Rights Reserved.

This article is supplied by Treadmill Info.com where you will find valuable information, ratings, reviews, articles and buying tips before you make the investment in quality fitness equipment.  For more fitness related articles go to: Fitness Articles

Credit Card Negotiation Settlement

A credit card negotiation settlement is when creditors agree to debt reductions when it will be in their best interest. In most cases they agree to this because a person has a serious card credit debt repayment problem and is likely to declare bankruptcy.

A creditor agrees to a credit card negotiation settlement because they would rather get something now than get nothing in a bankruptcy. It can offer you several advantages in addition to giving you hope for fixing debt problems. A settlement allows you to answer your phone again, and stops the calls from creditors as your debt gets deeper.

Most credit card companies settle somewhere in the range of 30% to 50% of your debt. But some credit card companies may want 75% to 80% of the debt. Most settlements want you to pay off each individual credit card debt in a lump sum. You pay the creditor the reduced debt settlement amount that they agreed to.

You can achieve a credit card negotiation settlement on your own. However, a debt management professional works with these creditors everyday and knows what most individual creditors standard acceptance offers will be. It's their busness to know how to negotiate debt settlements and they are very good at it.

It is very important to know the proper way to fill out financial forms, what to say, what not to say, what to ask for and what a realistic settlement will be. Your card credit debt repayment problems will never go away until you can negotiate a realistic settlement with your cerditors.

These companies want their money as much as you want to pay them, but they also make a lot of money in your interest and fees. The process is not easy, but the end result is worth it both for you and the people you owe money to.

Be prepared and committed to following through once a negotiated settlement is reached. A credit card negotiation settlement could be your key to paying off old debts and starting your new financial future that is debt free and secure.


Copyright ©  2005  Credit Repair Facts.com  All Rights Reserved.


This article is supplied by Credit Repair Facts.com where you will find credit information, debt elimination programs and informative facts that give you the knowledge to correct your own credit and credit report. For more credit related articles like these go to: Credit Related Articles

How To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

While nothing is ever foolproof you can learn how to protect yourself from identity theft. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America today with new victims reporting new cases to authorities at an alarming rate.

Last year alone in 2004, more than 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft scams, a crime that cost them nearly $5 billion. That number of victims and their losses are probably much higher. Several cases go unreported because people are either embarrassed that it happened to them or have no idea where to report it when it does happen.

First, here are a few ways to prevent identity theft so you have less of a chance of it happening to you. A very important step in learning how to avoid identity theft is to keep a close watch on all of your personal information and your credit report.

Check your credit reports from all three credit bureaus at least once a year to see that everything is accurate. If you find an error, dispute it immediately so you can protect yourself against fraud. Similar names and similar social security numbers often get mixed up, or even worse, someone could have stolen your identity.

Another way to prevent identity theft is not to carry your Social Security card or anything with your Social Security number on it in your wallet. Keep your social security number private because someone could easily steal your identity with your number.

The same goes for your bank card pin number because it makes it easy for a thief who has stolen your wallet to help themselves to your bank account at an A.T.M.

Other ways to prevent identity theft also need to be applied to the Internet. If you use the Internet, make sure all your security software like virus protection and spyware software is up to date. Be aware of Internet scams that ask for any personal or password information.

Legitimate businesses will never send you an e-mail asking you to confirm your personal identifying information. So never give out personal information unless you initiated the contact or you're absolutely sure who you're dealing with.

Also be especially careful about giving your credit card number over the phone to telemarketers. While most companies are legitimate this is a popular way for thieves to obtain your name, address and credit card number.

So what happens if you do become a victim and what is involved in reporting identity theft? Here is the information for the agencies you need to contact.

1.  Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.

Equifax:  800-525-6285

Experian:  888-397-3742

TransUnion:  800-680-7289

2.  Close all of the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use an ID Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts. The credit bureaus will help you with this step.

3.  File a police report. Get a copy of the police report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime. If you don't file the police report you may have trouble proving this actually happened.

4.  File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps them learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having.

Visit the Federal Trade Commission's Web site at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft . The FTC provides educational materials and self-help tools, as well as an online reporting form. The FTC also maintains a toll-free hotline at 1-877-ID-THEFT, with consumer counselors available to assist victims.

If you've had bank accounts set up fraudulently in your name, call these check guarantee companies: Telecheck at 800-366-2425; and the International Check Services Company at 800-526-5380. They can flag your file so that counterfeit checks will be refused.

If your crime was email related, the best place to report email scams is The Internet Fraud Complaint Center or (IFCC). They are a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). Their web address is: http://www1.ifccfbi.gov

The bottom line is keep any personal information about you private so you won't become a new victim of this terrible crime. Using these tips to learn how to protect yourself from identity theft and reporting it to the proper authorities will give you a better chance of avoiding this nightmare for you and everyone around you.


Copyright © 2005   Spyware Information.com   All Rights Reserved.

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Weight Loss Workout Routine

Is a weight loss workout routine right for you? Answer the following questions to find out. Do you feel sluggish at the end of the day? Do you feel tired and stiff after a long day at work? Are you stressed out most of the time?

Too many days without adequate exercise, rest and fresh air can leave you feeling as tired on the inside as weak muscles feel on the outside. If you suffer from this kind of fatigue, try a weight loss workout routine and increase your whole body's energy level.

If you want to shed extra pounds and tighten muscles, a weight loss workout routine, that combines a cardio workout routine and strength training, is perfect for you.

It could be just what the doctor ordered for extra energy, increased metabolism, and the feel good endorphins your body produces after exercise. Want to feel good all day? A weight loss workout routine is the way to do it.

It is easier than you think to achieve these extra benefits, and the best part is, you can do it at home. With a few pieces of quality home gym equipment, like a treadmill or an elliptical exerciser, you could soon be seeing your muscles tone, your energy level boost, and your moods get much better.

Studies show that working out regularly reduces stress and helps you to handle adversity better. You'll feel boosts in important neural chemicals all day long if you start a home workout like a treadmill workout program for increased energy.

As you add strength training to your routine, you will see fitter muscles and longer, leaner body lines. This part of the weight loss workout routine will speed up your metabolism and increase your body's ability to burn fat long after your workout.

A cardio workout routine followed by strength training helps your muscles metabolize the lactic acid that causes the burn and ache after a workout. These kinds of workouts are excellent for burning excess body fat. If you are looking for increased energy and decreased stress, a weight loss workout routine is the perfect choice for you.

Copyright ©  2005  Treadmill Info.com  All Rights Reserved.


This article is supplied by Treadmill Info.com where you will find valuable information, ratings, reviews, articles and buying tips before you make the investment in quality fitness equipment.  For more fitness related articles go to: Fitness Articles

Make Up Artist Tips

Elke Von Freudenberg is a top editorial makeup artist and hair stylist, based in New York and Los Angeles. Her article offers you unique tips for applying make up.

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• Have a too blue based lipstick? Mix a dot of yellow concealer into your lipstick, or apply a yellow-based loose powder on clean lips, and apply lipstick on top. There will be just enough warmth in the product to take the edge off a too cool/blue shade.



• Want to update your lipsticks to the new cool blue based tones? Apply a navy blue eye pencil, or eye shadow on lips and apply your lipstick on top....just a little will do and you'll have a new shade. A soft, brown eye shadow applied on lips first will darken any too light shade.



• Make your own deep lipstick color by mixing blue eye shadow and red blush on your lips. Apply a lip balm on top and you're set. The most fun part is that every time you try this, you can experiment and get a different version every time.



• Use your shimmer highlighter sticks from spring/summer to highlight lipsticks. Apply on a clean mouth first, and then your dull lipstick on top. An instant frosted shade.



• The color of the moment is the 'bitten' lip look. Just take your rosy blush and apply dry on lips. Apply your Vitamin E stick, or gloss on top with a lip blush. Gel cheek colors work great for this too.



• A quick dusting of shimmering body powder or an iridescent eye shadow over the high points of the face, (cheekbones, chin, top of nose, eyelids, across forehead..) a quick day to night look.



• A model told me this trick! She runs a Gold Shimmer stick through her blonde hair! Instant shimmer and highlights, especially around the face....



• Use a Concealer Pencil on your lips first, fill in, and then apply an old, dark lipstick. The concealer pencil lightens up the lipstick by about 3-4 shades....



• A warm brick eyeshadow is the perfect all over color for lips, cheeks, eyes and a little lip gloss on top and you're off!



• Find a blush brush that perfectly fits the size of the apple of your cheek when you smile. Anything bigger than that and you'll get blush where you don't want it. You really don't need a huge blush brush for color, those are meant for shimmery powders.........



• Pick up your blush by lightly tapping the blush with the tips of the bristles. If you are sweeping the brush across the color, you'll pick up about 10 x more color than you need, and you waste a lot of product. Just tap the ends of the bristles about 2-3 times onto the color. Shake off any excess. You should barely be able to see the color on the brush. Don't worry, you do have enough on!



• When applying blush, don't "sweep" or "stroke" the color across the cheeks. You'll usually end up streaking the color on, and then having to go back to 'correct' and 'blend'. Instead, smile, and tap on gently going across your cheeks. By tapping the color onto the brush, and then tapping in onto the cheeks........ you'll avoid excess color, streaking and more. Tapping on blends the color for you and you can always add more if you want.



• Always swipe your blush brush across a Kleenex to clean off any excess, or pick up your powder brush (with no extra powder on) and sweep over and blend your blush into your skin. You'll get a softer, more 'real' look to your blush.



• OOPS! Okay, you look like a clown, wrong color, too much........now what?
  Easy! With a clean dry beauty sponge, pick up a light layer of loose powder and 'erase' as much off as possible. Too bright or too dark? Take a slightly dampened sponge and clean off as much as you can. The water will pick upand 'dilute'
  the color.........it just may be enough to fix it and look ok! "Blush!"--

If you are looking for more ways to learn how to apply make up you'll love the professional tips and a wide range of top brands and cosmetics at CosmeticMall.com.

Article by: Elke Von Freudenberg a top editorial makeup artist and hair stylist, based in New York and Los Angeles. Her clients include Calvin Klein, Paul Mitchell Hair Systems, Aveda, Rolling Stone Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Allure, Neue Magazine.


COPYRIGHT 2001 by http://www.beautynewsletter.gq.nu. All rights reserved.

COPYRIGHT 2001 by CosmeticMall.com All rights reserved.


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Debt Consolidation Versus Debt Negotiation

Debt consolidation versus debt negotiation are two options that are available to you if you need debt assistance. When your monthly bills become too much for you to handle, it makes sense to use debt consolidation or debt negotiation for solving debt and credit problems.

Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation services have prearranged debt repayment plans with most credit card and collection companies. When you sign up with a debt consolidation company you are offered a lower overall monthly payment based on a lower interest rate they have arranged with the creditor.

This payment is lower than what the credit card companies offer you, saves you money every month and is often the best way to consolidate debt.

One benefit of a debt consolidation repayment plan is it will stop you from getting harassed by your creditors as long as you make the new, lower monthly payments.

The downside of the debt consolidation repayment plan is that you have to cancel all credit cards that you include in the plan. You are also charged your first payment you make toward the program and an additional monthly administration fee. This administration fee ranges from flat fees of $10-$50, while others charge a $5 fee for each creditor. That means you'll pay about $30 a month that doesn't go to paying off your debts.

The debt consolidation program benefits you if you have high interest rates or have higher credit card bills than you can manage. Some people like to make only one payment to one company for all of their debts.

Debt Negotiation

Debt negotiation is sometimes referred to as debt settlement. This is often offered to people who can't handle a debt consolidation program. If you can't make the minimum payments of a debt consolidation repayment plan or haven't made payments in the past 3 months, a debt negotiation program is the next step for solving debt and credit problems.

One benefit of a debt negotiation program is you stop making payments to your creditors. The debt negotiation company either takes monthly payments from you and keeps it in an account, or lets you keep the money in your own account.

While you are making these monthly payments to the debt negotiation company, they negotiate with your creditors for a lower payoff of around 40-50% of your total amount of debt. Once the negotiated settlement is agreed upon with your creditors, the debt negotiation company makes a one time payment to them.

A downside of the debt negotiation program is it lowers your credit score for as long as you are in the program. However, most debt negotiation companies require the creditor make the credit report show paid in full so it doesn't show up as a negative on your report once your account is settled.

Some debt negotiation companies include a credit repair service that will remove the negative items caused by the debt negotiation program. You pay for this service as part of their program.

Now that you have an idea what debt consolidation versus debt negotiation is choose which one will work best for solving debt and credit problems for you.

Copyright ©  2005  Credit Repair Facts.com  All Rights Reserved.

This article is supplied by Credit Repair Facts.com where you will find credit information, debt elimination programs and informative facts that give you the knowledge to correct your own credit and credit report.  For more credit related articles go to: Credit Related Articles

Home Interior Design and Decorating Tips

If you are ready for a room redo or want a few home interior decorating tips these home interior design and decorating ideas from Better Homes and Gardens are a good guide.

• Balance Is Everything.
  A good home interior decorating tip is use a mix of light and dark, big and small, patterned and plan for decorative harmony. Often even small changes will make big differences in the balance of a room.
  
  
• Shop at Home.
  Gather up the things that you love now in your home and use them to create a favorite new space. Try many different combinations until you create something special.
  
  
• Do a Quick Change.
  If redoing a room seems overwhelming, start with a quick project. If you like your results on a small scale this will give you the confidence to move on to bigger projects.
  
  
• Emphasize the Smart Choices.
  If you use a dramatic color, use texture and different furniture arrangements to make the room's decor equal to its color.
  
  
• Correct for Color.
  Neutral walls and window coverings can often be a room's downfall. Warm up your space with a fresh soft wall color and dramatic window treatments.
  
  
• Details Make the Difference.
  Create a comfortable space using hand-me-downs and stray pieces from other rooms. Yard sales and swap meets are an inexpensive source for this home interior decorating tip.
  
  
• Make It Your Own.
  Whatever you do, create a look that reflects your style and taste. From redoing a small space to moving every piece of furniture you own, make sure you're creating something personal and comfortable for you. And when you get tired of one look, just change it again. Using these home interior design and decorating ideas from Better Homes and Gardens you can easily redecorate your home yourself.
  

Click here to shop Better Homes and Garden.com for accents, furniture home interior design and decorating ideas and more to decorate your home with the perfect touch.


© Copyright  2004  Meredith Corporation.  All Rights Reserved.


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