Sauna, Diet And Exercise Oh My

Did you know that according to "The Complete Book of Food Counts" by Corinne T. Netzer, for every 3,500 calories you eat that you don't expend through metabolism or exercise, you gain a pound of weight! Boy oh boy, as we all know, those calories and pounds do add up!

Do The Math

Okay, here's the formula: If you cut 500 calories from your diet each day, in just a week you'll have cut 3,500 calories or the equivalent of 1 pound! Do that every week, and over the course of a year it adds up.

Yes, I hear you saying to yourself, "That's easier said than done!" Yes, but you know what? It's really easier than you may think. Deduct a few calories here, a few calories there, and pretty soon you've trimmed 500 calories! Keep in mind that this is a good equation to not only lose weight, but also to maintain a healthy weight.

How do we keep our metabolism revved up 24/7? By controlling those calories, of course, but also by exercise. Another addition to this equation would be the use of a sauna.

Disclaimer

The author of this article does not recommend that you follow any certain type of diet or exercise regime. These are just suggestions as each person needs to contact his/her own health professional to discuss weight control goals before starting any type of weight control program.

Mobilizing Those Toxins

Although taking saunas or other "heat treatments" isn't a luxury, like exercise, it is a physical responsibility and an important element of the physical responsibility and also an important element of the physical pathway. It's a good idea to incorporate saunas after exercise, as exercise begins to mobilize toxins and saunas continue the process. These "feel-good" treatments provide beneficial physical stimulation, including increased lymphatic and cardiovascular circulation, as well as the removal of toxins -- all good for the health and function of your cells. Also, many sauna users recommend dosages of vitamins B2 and E, which help keep your skin fresh.

Sweat With Sauna Suits

Nowadays a person can even exercise at the same time they are "taking a sauna." Devices such as sauna belts, sauna shorts, or sauna suits seal in the heat, helping your muscles stay warm and increasing the amount you will sweat.

Purification Rundown

Some 60 years ago, L. Ron Hubbard pioneered the specific use of traditional saunas for drug and alcohol detoxification. In addition to spending time in the sauna, the Purification Rundown includes taking niacin, oils to replace the oils that are sweated out in the sauna, a drink consisting of calcium, magnesium water and cider vinegar along with plenty of water, salt and potassium, used to replace the fluids and minerals lost in the sauna. The Purification Rundown, however, should be undertaken only under supervised medical care.

Staying In Shape

One Russian geophysicist starts his day out at 5 a.m. with a sauna and bath in ice water followed by 40 to 45 minutes of exercise, which he does both morning and evening. Of course, this may be more than most of us "regular" folks are able to do.

If you are already in pretty good shape, you could actually do some "light" exercises in the sauna itself. Remember though, the emphasis here is on the word "light." Light-breathing exercises may also be incorporated in the sauna; again, the emphasis here is on "light."

Sauna use is not an automatic ticket to overnight weight loss, but it can help play a small, but vital, role in maintaining a healthy weight or shedding a few pounds, especially when combined with healthy eating and a regular exercise routine. Some researchers believe that sauna use may help melt and sweat out cellulite.

Rev Up That Metabolism

Thirty minutes a day is all you need -- this is the average time recommended for taking a sauna. In 30 minutes you can burn as many as 300 calories. Try combining this with a daily exercise regime of your choice and a diet plan. Find a plan you can stick with and you will definitely be keeping that metabolism revved-up 24/7!