While this approach to weight loss is most natural and healthy, it is not easy. No wonder that a lot of so-called weight loss pills were developed, which make it easier to lose weight. One of the most popular categories of these pills are fat blockers and fat binders. They work by reducing the amount of fat that your organism assimilates from foods. Fat blockers (the most well-known example is Orlistat, marketed as Xenical) in particular inhibit the lipase enzyme in the intestines which breaks up fat making it ready for digestion. As a result, the fat cannot be absorbed by the organism so it passes freely through the bowel. Fat binders work by binding to the fat molecules, again making it unabsorbable by intestines. Fat blockers and binders have very nasty side effects (among them are uncontrollable foul-smelling anal discharges.) Naturally you cannot expect that removal of fats from your diet in such a way will be healthy.

Another category of weight loss supplements includes appetite suppressants. They reduce your appetite by making the organism think it is already full. One of the most popular herbal appetite suppressants is Hoodia Gordonii. Hoodia is a cactus-like plant which grows in South Africa. Its appetite suppressing capabilities were well-known by Bushman who used it during their long hunting trips. Since Hoodia Gordonii is a purely natural treatment, it doesn’t have any side-effects associated with synthethic prescription appetit

If you practice yoga, you understand the importance of a quality yoga mat that meets your needs and expectations. Your yoga mat is a sacred space where you devote your practice of Yoga. It is important that you feel comfortable with your mat for a variety of factors: price, durability, eco-friendliness, grip, and cushion. Given the wide variety of yoga mats available on the market, selecting a yoga mat isn’t an easy task.

First and foremost, your yoga mat must fit your budget. Mats can range in price from as low as $10 to as high as $100 dollars for a premium mat. As expected, you get what you pay for. You may save some money going with a budget mat, but you’ll have to live with a chemical smell that may not ever go away.

‘Green’ mats are not only environmentally friendly, they are better for your health. Cheap plastic mats contain chemicals called phtalates that are toxic and harmful. Phytalates have been linked to health issues such as endocrine disruption, obesity, diabetes, and allergies. When you’re practicing yoga for an hour or more, breathing deeply, you want to ensure that you have a clean material mat.

Premium mats are often made of high quality eco-friendly materials, however certain fibers can have issues with durability and fall apart after a month. Cork or jute (a long vegetable fiber) mats are the ‘greenest’ mats as far as environmentally friendliness goes. The materials are also highly porous. As you practice, sweat absorbs into the mat and starts to break down the material over time. For this reason, these mats tend to have the shortest lifespans.

A great option for price, durability, and green factors is to go with a natural rubber mat. Natural rubber mats are produced using environmentally safe processes. The production process creates minimal by-products and the mats are easily recyclable. Often, rubber mats contain latex. If you have a latex allergy, many latex-free options are available.

If you’re like me and tend to sweat when you practice, you value a mat with a good grip. When you’re trying to focus on alignment and the breath, the last thing you want to deal with is sliding hands in a downward-facing dog. Certain materials tend to grip better. Typically, the thicker the mat, the better the grip.

Finally, cushioning becomes an important factor. Strong cushioning will protect the knees in kneeling postures or provide a more relaxing foundation for savasana.

Three Simple Nutrition Guidelines for Weight Loss

1. Mix and Match

If every meal (either 3 larger meals or 5 to 6 smaller) consists of fruits/vegetables, 1 protein and 1 (whole grain) carbohydrate portion, you are on the right track to weight loss success. Consider a portion to be the size of the palm of your hand. Some examples include: Mixed greens (or spinach) salad with red beans and walnuts, Sliced fruit and cheese on crackers, brown rice with tofu and steamed vegetables and a cup of fruit, yogurt and granola.

2. Cut the Crap

This is the hardest part but also, this after taking this step, the pounds will surely disappear: Cut out all refined sugars, fried, battered and junk foods. These foods can be substituted with healthy alternatives such as: Pita wedges (or carrots) and hummus for late night snacking, fruit juice or homemade fruit tea instead of pop, and steamed or baked vegetables instead of french fries as a side dish.

3. Get Moving

Aid digestion by moving after eating. By doing this you will not feel groggy after a bigger meal and the food will digest more quickly and help to increase the metabolic rate. It is a good time for a walk, to do some housework, or to run errands. Get in the habit of moving after meals because there is a lot of energy stored and it has to go someplace. It is better used on productivity rather than stored as excess fat in your body.

These guidelines are simple (as promised) but guaranteed to get you started on the journey to reaching weight loss goals. So move after you eat healthy meals in moderate portions and let the junk food aisle suffer for a little while without you.