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Shrinking those fat cells Part 2



In the first part of this article Tom Venuto told us how fat cells are created and live. In this second part Tom tells us how to shrink them and lose weight.

When the FFA’s are released from the fat cell, the fat cell shrinks and that’s why you look leaner when you lose body fat – because the fat cell is now smaller. A small or “empty” fat cell is what you’re after if you want the lean, defined look.

Can You Build More Fat Cells?

Shrinking those fat cells Part 2

Shrinking Fat Cells

It was once believed that the number of fat cells could not increase after adulthood, only the size of the fat cells could increase (or decrease). We now know that fat cells can indeed increase both in size (hypertrophy) and in number (hyperplasia) and that they are more likely to increase in number at certain times and under certain circumstances, such as 1) during late childhood and early puberty, 2) During pregnancy, and 3) During adulthood when extreme amounts of weight are gained

Some people are genetically predisposed to have more fat cells than others and women have more fat cells than men. An infant usually has about 5 – 6 billion fat cells. This number increases during early childhood and puberty, and a healthy adult with normal body composition has about 25 to 30 billion fat cells. A typical overweight adult has around 75 billion fat cells. But in the case of severe obesity, this number can be as high as 250 to 300 billion!

The average size (weight) of an adult fat cell is about 0.6 micrograms, but they can vary in size from 0.2 micograms to 0.9 micrograms. An overweight person’s fat cells can be up to three times larger than a person with ideal body composition.

Fat Cells are just Energy Storage

Remember, body fat is basically just a reserve source of energy and fat cells are the like the storage tanks. Unlike a gas tank in your car which is fixed in size, however, fat cells can expand or shrink in size depending on how “filled” they are.

Picture a balloon that is not inflated: It’s tiny when not filled with air – maybe the size of your thumb. When you blow it up with air, it can expand 10 or 12 times it’s normal size, because it simply fills up. That’s what happens to fat cells: They start as nearly empty fat storage “tanks” (when you are lean), and when energy intake exceeds your needs, your fat cells “fill up” and “stretch out” like balloons filling up with jelly (not a pretty picture, is it?)

So you don’t actually “lose” fat cells, you “shrink” or “empty out” fat cells.

Lessons to Lower Fat Cell Size

1. Calories count –The signal that triggers your body to release adipose from fat cells is an energy deficit… you have to burn more than you eat.

2. Cut calories conservatively – Starving yourself may cause quick weightloss at first, but never works long term because it actually decreases the activity of fat burning enzymes that release fat from the cells. to avoid this “starvation mode” use exercise to BURN THE FAT, not very low calorie crash diets.

3. Get control of your weight now – If you are gaining weight, and especially if your weight is climbing upwards out of control, make a decision to STOP RIGHT NOW. Your fat cells might be multiplying, making it more difficult to burn fat in the future. NOW is the time!

4. If you’ve already lost weight, you must be forever diligent – Your fat cells are not gone, they have merely “shrunk” or “emptied out.” Fitness is not a 12 week program, its a lifestyle. To stay lean you have to eat clean and stay active

5. Genetics are only a minor factor – You may not have control over how many fat cells you were born with, but you do control the major factors that determine how much fat you store: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, mental attitude.

Genetics are not an excuse. The past is not an excuse. Your present condition is not an excuse. You can either make excuses or get results, but you can’t do both.

So keep educating yourself about the science, read these newsletters, take action every day and go out there and make it happen!

If you need more help, Burn The Fat is the eating plan that turned it all around for thousands of others… why not you? visit:

www.burnthefat.com

About the Author:

Tom Venuto is a natural bodybuilder, certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) and a certified personal trainer (CPT). Tom is the author of “Burn the Fat, Feed The Muscle,” which teaches you how to get lean without drugs or supplements using methods of the world’s best bodybuilders and fitness models. Learn how to get rid of stubborn fat and increase your metabolism by visiting: www.burnthefat.com

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Weight Loss Exercise

Children Coping With Anxiety



Everyone has worries from time to time. It’s not just exclusive to adults; children have worries too. Some anxiety in children is common and even considered part of growing up. In fact, children have behavioral phases of anxiety they go through before they reach adulthood.

Let’s look at what’s going on in their world:

Kids today are exposed to TV or Internet news like never before. News tends to sell best when reporting trauma, wars, strife, disease, famine, and natural disasters. Not only that, but they like to include graphic pictures with their stories. Do children really need to see dead bodies? You might have been more diligent in shielding your children’s eyes when they were toddlers, but don’t stop until they are truly old enough to handle it.

Kids are more attuned to what is going on in your life than you realize. Do you have problems – financial worries, job worries, medical worries, marriage worries? They not only hear you talk when you think they’re not paying attention, but also can feel it or sense it when you’re uptight or worried. Discussing your problems with others is very therapeutic for you; just make sure there are no little ones within earshot.

Separation anxiety can occur with very young children and may be a result of them realizing you are separate from them and that you have the ability to leave. This usually passes in time.

They may also have phobias at the younger ages. An example of that would be fear of the dark or monsters under the bed. Their imagination is also their reality until they are older and able to discern the differences.

Upcoming major events can cause stress for a child. Starting school, moving to a new home, having a new sister, or parents divorcing are major events. These can definitely cause anxiety in anyone, but especially children who are yet unable to cope with the unknown. Explain new situations as thoroughly as possible to your kids before they happen. If you encourage their questions you will see what their fears are and can help alleviate them.

Even physical illness or trauma can bring on stress. A broken leg for them (or you) changes the status quo and changes bring on anxiety. Again, explain the situation and likely outcome and answer their questions. The anxiety should pass.

It is not always easy to tell if a child is experiencing anxiety. Here are some signs:

* overly clingy
* fears for other family members
* avoidance of social situations
* trouble sleeping
* frequent stomachaches
* repeating the same actions over and over
* very low self-esteem

It’s also hard to know if it’s just a phase or really an anxiety disorder. If you’re unsure or have concerns, seek help. A qualified professional can ease your own anxieties about this or recommend a path of treatment if there is a problem.

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