The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Yam Noodles
Posted by Yvae (London, UK) on 02/09/2009
★★★★★
Shiratake Japanese 100% konjak asian yam noodle is 97pc water and 3pc fibre. It has the uncanny property of expanding in the stomach to give the effect of being very full. It is 20cal per 100g. I find it useful for weight loss and constipation. Also for piles as the fibe is very smooth at the exit end, compared with other products such as bran does not aggravate the situation at a time one should increase fibre intake. After a lifetime of discomfort I think this may well be the ultimate gut prouct as it is a meal, noodle comes wet- in a water bag, so preparation is minimal. Please note it has no nutritional value at all so add to meals with care to ensure balance. Carried by oriental shops and health shops, Japanese and Korean in particular, though Chinese will know what you mean at the very least.
Yam Noodles
Posted by AC (West Midlands, England) on 02/10/2009
★★★★★
If you don't live near an Asian grocer and want to buy Shirataki noodles OR konnyaku jelly (that's the startchy form of shirataki, which can be added to soups, stews, and stir fried) online, here are a few resources:
If you're in the US or Canada: http://www.asianfoodgrocer.com/category/shirataki-noodles
If you live in Europe or the UK: http://www.japancentre.com/
Please read the directions on the packet, many shirataki and konnyaku noodles give off a strange odor and need to be boiled before hand.
Please also consider this a yay for shirataki and konnyaku! Both are very high in fibre, contain no gluten, are very low-carbohydrate and either free or extremely low in calories.
Olive Oil
Posted by Dott (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) on 12/13/2009
You didn't say if you lost any weight with the olive oil; I'd be curious to know.
For a change of pace, you might try using extra virgin coconut oil-- You will know that it is EVCO because it will still smell like coconut, and may have a slight coconut taste as well.
I have been using it off and on for a few months, and have lost about 18# to date. The things I like about the coconut oil are it's effects and it's versatility. It's my breakfast and bedtime treat. You can get very creative with extra virgin coconut oil. If I don't feel like taking it straight, I can always mix it in with my breakfast oatmeal-- great with banana; or add a little cinnamon and make a spread for my toast; or make a hot chocolate, add e.v.c.o. and a little bit of almond extract to that creamy hot chocolate and have myself a "hot candy bar" breakfast/bedtime treat; or warm it and mix it with a tiny bit of honey and maple syrup to top a couple whole wheat & cottage cheese pancakes. Just a few possible suggestions for you.
My dose is low; just 2 Tablespoons a day, morning and evening---I'm taking it slow. Others use more. EVCO will definitely rev up a sluggish thyroid, and by making such yummy treats with it, you hardly miss the rest of the snacks that you no longer crave thanks to the coconut oil. It has also helped me greatly with such nagging problems as heartburn, constipation, joint aches, chapped lips, and completely rid me of those darn short, flaky fingernails besides!! I love this stuff.
ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Iris (Sanford, Florida) on 07/11/2009
I'm just starting to use ACV to lose weight. I am a bit more than 100 lbs. over weight and that is considered morbid obease. I have been using 1 TB. per 8oz. water with 1/8 tp. of baking soda to cut the tast 3 times a day. I have read about ACV to lose weight for years and I did try it a couple of times but the tast was just to acid for me. Someone suggested I put in a bit of baking soda and see if I could handle the taste of it then. I found it very agreeable.
After only 1 week I haven't noticed much weight loss, but I don't seem to be craving food all the time now and I have found I want less to eat. I have been reading some of the ways to prepare and drink the ACV. I think I may try the large glass and sip instead chugging it down real quick. Like you I'm still in the learning process.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mel (Kobe , Japan) on 01/07/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I have also had no success using ACV for weight loss. I have tried it off and on for periods of about a month, have tried it with meals, before, in between but unfortunately i've had absolutely no change. (ToT)
Dietary Changes, Exercise, Supplements
Posted by Veronica (San Antonio, Texas) on 03/07/2009
The diet you are suggesting is low-carb and low fat. The exclusion of fruit seems questionable. I find it hard to believe anyone is overweight from eating too many apples and grapefruit.
Dietary Changes, Exercise, Supplements
Posted by Alain (Ottawa, Canada) on 05/19/2009
Dietary Changes, Exercise, Supplements
Posted by Bessie (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 01/29/2010
I have to agree with Cat from Austin. I just finished reading a book about belly fat (Google "belly fat cure" if you want the name of a number of books/resources) and it said you should only have 15 grams of sugar a day if you are serious about improving your health and losing weight (especially around your gut). I looked at the Nutrition Facts printed on a bottle of fruit/veg juice - in one glass (250 mL), there are 27 grams of sugar. Almost twice the amount I should have in an entire day! I've really started reading labels more closely and my husband and I are going on a as-close-to-sugar-free challenge as we can for a week. I have a feeling we'll be seeing far less of our protruding bellies!
ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Kathy (Bristol, TN) on 11/03/2008
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been taking ACV/BS/Water for several months now. Loss of 17 lbs is terrific! I've been tapering off the ACV due to the jitters. I drink only filtered or mountain spring water (at least 1 liter) and tea now, no soft drinks, no diet drinks, no aspartame. Occasionally I take BSM. Also take SuperGreens and Magnesium plus flax seed pill. I use only coconut or grape seed oils for any eating/cooking. Gave up sugar, white bread, white flour, am eating organic mostly or home cooking veggies, rice, some chicken, whole wheat breads. Cut way back on proportion size. I use sea salt. Take B compound 3 times a week. Use Turmeric and Oil of Oregano for sinuses/sore throat/cold. I keep my Ph around 7 and walk 3 or 4 times a week. Still I have insomnia, plus now I am SUFFERING WITH CONSTIPATION. Additional fiber makes it much worse. In my life I can only remember being constipated 2 or 3 times and I am over 60. To combat this, I took 2 TBL mineral oil last night, nothing happened. I took 2 more TBL late this morning, still nothing by 11 pm tonight. I am on blood pressure meds (HCTZ and atenolol) plus cymbalta anti depressant. I was taking Lipitor but gave that up recently. Anyone have any thoughts? I have read all the posts on constipation and suppose tomorrow I will try Lime and BS, or maybe tonight. HELP.
THIS IS THE VERY BEST SITE EVER, EVER, EVER! Thank everyone who contributes.
ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Joanna (Westport, CT) on 11/04/2008
Kathy, the baking soda might be causing your problem. You might want to cut that out first and see what happens.
ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Lisa (Hartford, Sd) on 12/15/2016
Oh, try the natural approach to your backed up problem and drink prune juice. Things will flow thru soon
Jackie's Miracle Bread Recipe
Posted by Jackie (Grand Rapids, Minnesota) on 10/09/2008
★★★★★
This bread really does fill you up and keep you from snacking. this is the best tasting recipe for it that i've found. 2 cups nonbromated unbleached white flour--1 cup spelt flour--bought both at the healthfoodstore. 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ grocerystore brand in cereal ailse--1 pkg. rapid rise yeast--1-1/2 cups of warm water--1/4 cup brown sugar--1 tsp honey--1 tsp salt--1/4tsp ground ginger-- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon--2 tbsp canola oil--3/4 cup dried fruits, dark or golden raisins, apricots, or pineapple, or a mixture. also 2 handfuls of raw millet from health food store. i measure out all the different flours wheat germ and millet and dried fruits in separate bowls. i measure the brown sugar,honey, salt, cinnamon, ginger and oil together in another bowl. heat 1-1/2 cups water to 110 degrees, i use a thermometer.in a large bowl empty 1 pkg yeast and add the warm water, next the sugar, salt and oil mixture, add 2 cups of the white flour and beat to make a batter then gradually work the rest of the ingredients in, the dried fruits last. knead on lightly floured board 10 min, then let rise in greased bowl in warm place til double. i warm my oven slightly only few minutes and use a greased 4qt covered kettle, it conducts the heat. takes about 1 hr. punch down , divide in half and roll into loaves and place in greased loaf pans.let rise until double ( i use the oven method) remove from oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees. bake about 40 minutes. makes 2 small loaves. i doubled the recipe today, and made 2 large loaves, just realized i used 2 cups of water instead of 3, so that's why it didn't take so much flour, lol when cool, i slice it up and put it in freezer bags and freeze it. since i found this my desire to eat between meals has dropped to zero. my abdominal/ hip girth is going down. i feel so much better. i have more energy and better mental clarity. my mood is better too. i have a slice with each meal and i'm able to reduce portions without pangs and 1 slice around 8 or 9pm with a cup of green tea and then i don't snack at midnight when i get home from work. you must try for yourself, it's a miracle.
Cabbage
Posted by Mujahid (Tobyhanna, Pennsylanvia) on 08/31/2008
★★★★★
Cabbage for Weight Loss and Detox
I stopped eating meat, and started eating cabbage everyday, yes gas is part of what is expected, but my bowel movement is now regulated, my system is cleansed, stool is no longer dark and there is no unbearable smell. my weight is going down. And most of all I feel better physically. I juice 8 oz twice a day. And eat 1/4 pound per day. Basil and Fennel and black pepper for flavor.
Hot Water
Posted by Hariom (Sampla[rohtak], Haryana INDIA) on 08/30/2008
★★★★★
HOT WATER FOR OBESITY: Boil one glass[200ml.]water. Sip it just like you drink tea after each eating. Rember you should drink it boiled not hot. It control obesitty colostrol and b.p.without any diet control and exercise.
Fennel
Posted by Tea (New Zealand) on 07/06/2018
Indians, after giving birth, drink loads of fennel seed tea to drop the water and baby weight.... don't know if it works but my boss was made to drink it!
Master Cleanses
Posted by Peter (Sao Paulo, Brazil) on 08/05/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I have been doing the Master Cleanse for a couple a years, once or twice a year. The longest I have been on it was 21 days.
The MC should NEVER be used as a weight loss program. That is the quickest way to getting an eating disorder.
The MC is a wonderful way to clear up health issues while learing about your body and natural detox processes. You will lose some pounds, but they will most likely come back on. Just make sure you have the right intentions.
Honey and Cinnamon
Posted by May (Milwaukee, US) on 07/21/2008
★★★★★
Hi, I used a honey and cinnamon remedy that I heard about from my friend. If you use about a table spoon of raw honey in a cup of warm water (hot will kill the enzymes) and some cinnamon (I don't know exactly how much to use, I just use a couple shakes from the shaker). It speeds up your metabolism, I've lost a little weight, I have yet to weigh myself, but I can already tell, so I suggest trying it.
Exercise and Diet
Posted by Stacey (G-boro, Nc) on 03/10/2010
You have a set number of fat cells in your body. When you lose weight, the cells get smaller; they don't exit your body. Other than the cells' normal life cycle, the only way you can remove fat cells is lipo-suction. Even then, we seem to be able to regrow fat cells. Check out this story
:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/BeautySecrets/story?id=4777493&page=1
Apple Cider Vinegar, Cranberry, Lemon
Posted by Erynn (New Haven, CT) on 01/06/2009
In response to Michelle from Houston, TX -- If the drink is bitter, try adding some grade b maple syrup to the mix. Although its adding some calories, your also adding some vital nutrients which will give you energy and good health. I highly recommend it over honey any day! (Goes well in tea too).
Exercise and Diet
Posted by June (Beverly Hills, CA) on 05/09/2008
★★★★★
Responding to Jennifer on the Weight Loss Q&A page about entering peri-menopause and not being able to lose weight. I am turning 41 in a few months and have been having the same issue of not being able to a) lose weight; and b) firm up my tummy. I changed a few things in the last few weeks and have been experiencing slow but real success. Here's what I did:
1. I started working out with a personal trainer (half hour sessions) 2x a week doing core training (lots of stomach work). After this session, he makes me do 45 minutes of cardio. Before this I was working out 4-5 days a week at the gym by myself and obviously something wasn't working!
The interesting thing that I have learned from my trainer is that you don't want to keep doing the same kind of cardio day after day. Your body becomes very efficient and burns fewer and fewer calories. You want to jolt your system by changing the kind of cardio. So now one day I jog lightly, the next session I do 45 minutes of ellipitical, then another day I do the bike. The personal trainer has been a great investment, I must admit.
The next thing I have taken ahold of is my diet. I am eating only simple foods that are easy to digest. Wheat products now basically out, as are starchy carbs like rice and potatoes. Cheese is out too (slow to digest). I have also cut radically back on my sugar intake, since that appears to be the big impediment to weight loss. I have half a teaspoon of organic brown sugar in my tea a few times a day, but that's it. I have lost 3 lbs in 2 weeks, but the most noticeable change is in my face where the skin right under my chin is firming up (no more jowel forming!). My stomach is slowly slimming too.
Oh, one more thing... weight training adds more weight to the muscles, so you can't always go by that. Better to measure body fat than your weight.
Hope this helps!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Cayenne
Posted by Dee (New York, USA) on 04/22/2008
★★★★★
I have been using ACV pills and Cayenne Pepper capsules to lose weight. I have been taking them now for three weeks. I have noticed a difference already. With a little exercise at least 5 times a day, nothing strenuous and cutting down on fatty foods and snacks have helped me loose weight so far. I have not weighed myself yet, but will do so after I see more results. Everyone is complimenting me telling me that I have been loosing weight. It feels good to hear that. My clothes are fitting looser and that makes me feel good. I don't particularly like the taste of ACV itself so I opted for the pills and the pepper not such a fan of the really hot stuff either but they work just as good. If you don't like the cayenne pepper use the capsules. You should take them with food so that you don't feel the heartburn or the uncomfortable feeling in your stomach in the beginning. After a few you will not have any symptoms. So far it has worked for me. I'll keep taking them until I finish the bottles and by then I should have shed more weight.
Honey and Cinnamon
Posted by Tammy (Memphis, TN) on 04/04/2008
★★★★☆
I HAVE BEEN USING THE HONEY AND CINNAMON EVERY MORNING WHEN I AM ON MY WAY TO WORK AND I HAVE MORE ENERY AND NOT HUNGER AND I FIND MYSELF EATING LESS AND NOT REALLY HAVE APPETITE TO EAT I WILL KEEP DRINKING THIS TEA TO SEE IF I WILL LOSS THE WEIGHT SO I HAVE BEEN USE THE TEA FOR ONLY ONE WEEK
Oolong Tea
Posted by Missy (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 03/07/2008
★★★★★
I researched a tea product that was promoted on Opra as a miracle weight loss. It turns out it was Oolong Tea. I purchased Organic Oolong for myself and a few of my friends as a gift and we all started drinking a couple of cups a day. Lo & Behold, we were loosing weight without changing our sensible diet and without the laxative or diuretic effects of other weight loss teas. People have been commenting to all of us that our faces look slimmer and all of us have lost inches from our waistlines. You will notice very quick results provided you eat a sensible diet. Avoid fried, greasy foods, pastries and watch the weight easily fall off!
Green Tea
Posted by Leighne (Compton, California) on 03/04/2008
★★★★★
Green Tea (Liquid concentrate). I have been drinking green tea (tea bags) and putting 6 drops of the liquid tea for about 8 weeks. I have energy that I never had. I also dropped 8 lbs. This tea tastes great also, I do not put any other ingredients in the tea, just the natural flavors. Everyday I drink 1 1/2 cups of hot tea.
I just started taking 1T cider vinegar every day in my water for about 2 weeks. I noticed my eyes are not as dry in the mornings as they usually are.
Fenugreek
Posted by Maliaka (Detroit, Michigan) on 02/26/2008
★★★★★
Fenugreek tea helped me lose weight. HI all, I was introduced to fenugreek seeds by a physician that does colonics. He gave it to me for weight loss. Apparently fenugreek lowers blook pressure because it cuts fat cells. He informed me that we have fat on every cell in our bodies and that when you take fenugreek as a tea it cuts the fat on your cells, which is all of them, thus causing you to lose weight as well. The way I take it is to put 1 teaspoon to a teaspoon and a half in a mug and microwave it or you can boil it in a pot and make a larger amount. The best way to take it is as a tea but if you can't stand the taste you can do as I do. I add a tea bag after I have brought the tea to a boil and add suger and lemon juice or u can do honey. It is best if done at least three times a day. However, I was trying to test it out and was only drinking one cup a day. I tried it last year and lost 25 pounds (at one cup a day). I stopped for a while and recently picked it back up and in one week lost an additional ten pounds. All of the weight loss I am speaking of was done just drinking the tea once a day and with no excercise. So imagine what it would do with excercise and a proper diet. I highly recommend it for both high blood pressure and weight loss. Do try it, it works. Good luck and definately give your feed back of how it does for you.
Fenugreek
Posted by Haras (San Jose, Ca) on 01/21/2012
As many others have written on this website- it is in your best interest to never microwave anything you drink or eat!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackstrap Molasses, Psyllium
Posted by MommyJoey (Singapore, Singapore) on 02/22/2008
★★★★★
It has been around 3 weeks and I had finished two bottles of ACV with BSM in it, every 3 times a day hoping to see a drop in my weight but to no avail. One week ago, i have this terrible headache and dizzy spell and it even caused me to throw out very badly.I even realised that I've gained 2 kg since i started on the remedy. I did not give up and continue the remedy thinking that it must be a correction. This time round I even add in psyllium husk to my drink to help on my constipation problem. Guss what, it is indeed a correction (keep my finger cross), I feel more energized, all my skin problems eg. cuts and acne healed faster and i started having regular bowels everyday. No more aching back and I've got lesser food craving nowadays. I am doing more study on VCO and shall keep you guys posted on my statues.
Master Cleanses
Posted by Pat (Marble Falls, Texas) on 02/17/2008
★★★★★
I needed to clean my head and body of toxins and fat so I did 20 days on the lemonaid, cayenne and maple syrup fast. It was great. I never felt hungry. I had lots of energy so kept my schedule up no problem. I lost 15 pounds and feel really good. I would recommend this to anyone who needs change. 10 oz. good cold water 1 teaspoon maple syrup the good stuff grade A or better. 1/2 fresh squeezed lemon. Two dashes of cayenne pepper. I added two ice cubes and drank it from a straw. Thanks for this site. I love it!
Bentonite Clay
Posted by Erynn (Ct) on 07/22/2016
Bentonite Clay removes all bacteria. So If your worried about negative effects, just make sure your taking good pro & prebiotics a few hours after you take it. I could see it causing havoc with prolonged use without aiding your body in gaining those back.
ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Katie (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 03/23/2009
Just thought I'd make a correction to Blanche's post. To "alkalize" the blood would refer to raising the pH. Going from 8 to 6.8 would be lowering the pH and making the blood more acidic, not more alkaline. Also, the ideal pH for the blood is 7.4, so I'm not sure why you are trying to lower it so much...
ACV and Coconut Oil
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/08/2012
Dosing questions: A good place to start is 1 TBSP of coconut oil at a time. I put mine in pomegranate green tea, but you can add it to hot chocolate or your favorite hot drink to melt it. Or you can add 1 TBSP coconut oil to a blended health smoothie/protein style drink that you are creative with. You can also cook with 1 TBSP of it if drinking it feels weird. For the ACV, I use 1 TBSP in 16 oz of water. Personally, I do that with 1 teaspoon of baking soda before bed. Start with a bit less if that is too strong at first. I am doing that once a day at the moment PM, and the coconut oil mid afternoon to control appetite.
