If you have ever tried to lose weight then you probably know that it is not an easy task. Apart from following a strict diet and an intense workout routine, there are a few other things that can accelerate your weight loss process. We all know drinking sufficient amount of water is essential for everyone to stay healthy and fit. It is even more essential when you are trying to lose weight. Water carries essential nutrients to different cells and flushes out toxins from the body. A recent study revealed that drinking two glasses of water before each meal can expedite your weight loss process. The studyThe study was carried by the researchers of the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. In the clinical trial, it was found that participants who drank two cups of water before each meal lost an average of 2 kilos or more weight in 12 weeks. The study was carried out on 48 adults in the age group of 55 to 75 years. They were randomly divided into two groups. Both the groups were on a calorie-controlled diet. However, one group drank two cups of water before every meal (three times a day) and the other group did not do it. The participants followed the same pattern for 12 weeks. After this period of time, it was found that people who drank two cups of water three times a day lost about extra 2 kilos of weight as compared to the other group who did not drank the water. Why drinking water helpsWhen you drink water before the meal, you tend to eat less. You will automatically consume fewer calories and will lose more weight at the end of the day. The bottom line To reap maximum benefits and to lose weight quickly, you have to cut down on sugar and high-calorie drinks from your diet. However, drinking too much water can be dangerous for some people. In a rare but serious condition, it can lead to water intoxication.

Read the original here:
Weight loss: Drink 2 cups of water before every meal to lose extra kilos - Times of India

First impressions matter. When visitors arrive at your site for the first time, they should experience a page that loads quickly and provides a pleasurable viewing experience. But too often, web designers don't give special consideration to landing page weight and rendering speed.

The fact is, developers must consider landing page design as a separate task from overall website design. To help speed up site performance and improve the overall user experience, consider these five webpage weight loss strategies.

While responsive designs might be the best approach for overall website development, it may not be the most advantageous for landing pages. If you have built your landing page to be responsive by writing a great deal of custom HTML for mobile, tablet and desktop renders then you will be adding greatly to your page weight. Instead of being responsive on the landing page, respond to different device types and devices on the server.

The HTTP headers on the server side can help determine the device type that made the initial request and subsequently call up a webpage. This strategy can reduce the HTML sent to the client by up to 50% and significantly decrease webpage weight. This not only speeds up the download time for the page's HTML file, but it also reduces the number of JavaScript or style selector operations that need to be applied to the page, a process that can hinder performance on underpowered devices.

You can apply this webpage weight loss strategy to custom code sent to specific browsers too. If your application supports older versions of Firefox or Internet Explorer, don't rely on conditional logic or custom styles that bloat the page and slow down page rendering. Instead, create specific HTML pages for each browser, and have the server deliver browser-specific HTML.

Most websites have a single, common CSS file that contains all the styles used throughout the site. Don't load that file on the landing page.

A solid landing page weight loss strategy is to use inline styles throughout the page -- not load the site's entire style.css file. Not only can this have a significant effect on the overall size of the webpage weight, but it also speeds up page rendering because inline styles require far fewer clock cycles to apply than universal ones.

A good-looking landing page includes amazing hero images and beautiful graphics. Unfortunately, the greatest opportunities for webpage weight loss often come at the expense of image resolution.

Graphic designers will frequently use high-resolution, lossless files in their designs. But those files have no place on a landing page. If you want to use images on your landing page, change from PNG to JPEG files to reduce their weight, or further, compress JPEG files to lower page weight even more. Another file tip to consider is to convert images to sprites and SVGs.

One often overlooked trick that can have a giant impression on image file size is to reduce the color palette. Images on landing pages often rely heavily on simple color schemes that incorporate the ones used in the corporate logo. As a result, an 8-bit, web optimized image can look just as good as a 48-bit RGB image at one sixth the weight.

Another landing page weight loss strategy is to use JavaScript libraries as infrequently as possible. This will help improve both the speed index and overall site performance.

All the JavaScript libraries used throughout your site will normally be referenced in the footer of each page. It's just too much work and introduces too many opportunities to encounter JavaScript errors to load a specific set of JavaScript libraries on every single page.

Another reason to reference every JavaScript library when the user first loads the page is that once they load, they are permanently cached by the browser. Eager JavaScript loading can indeed produce future performance enhancements. However, the landing page is not the place to use this strategy.

Loading JavaScript will block image and CSS file downloads, which makes no sense if page load time is a priority. It's also not unusual for a site to use over a dozen JavaScript files. This not only adds to the webpage weight, but also consumes outgoing connections which browsers limit.

You can reference all the JavaScript files your site uses on any other page but the landing page. That's fine. But when it comes to eager loading of resources, leave the landing page alone.

If you really want to reduce the landing page weight, reduce the size of the landing page.

Marketers want to push as many messages to site visitors as they can, and that often results in multi-scroll landing pages filled with superfluous information. This type of strategy kills the landing page load time.

Don't bombard the user with multiple corporate messages as soon as the first page loads. Treat the landing page as a valet that can quickly direct the user to where they've come to see. Then you can bombard the user with tailored messages on the second and third pages they hit.

Focus on what's above the fold on the landing page. Try and keep the page to under two scrolls long to reap some performance benefits.

I've mentioned how important it is to minimize references to CSS files and unused JavaScript libraries. However, there is value in an eager load of these files before the user initiates their first page transition.

One strategy is to add a defer attribute to JavaScript tags, which causes them to load after the page renders.

Another strategy is to delay global CSS file loads and JavaScript libraries through the use of the onReady event of the page, which fires after the page has loaded. As a result, there won't be an effect on how quickly the page renders, while at the same time, important resources are loaded before the user goes to other pages on the site.

In theory, this tip will increase landing page weight, because it requires the page to download resources that it doesn't need. But it is a worthwhile strategy, since it won't negatively affect the landing page performance and will improve how quickly other pages load.

You can lose customers if your website performs poorly. Try these landing page weight loss strategies to ensure the first page your customers see provides a pleasant experience.

Read more:
5 tips to reduce webpage weight and improve user experience - TheServerSide.com

BERKELEY, Calif. Going into Saturdays final road game of the season, its last chance for a conference road victory, the Utah basketball team shot the ball well (50 percent), took care of the ball fairly well (13 turnovers) and received outstanding individual performances from three players in particular.

The one thing the Utes forgot to do was rebound, and the result was an 86-79 overtime loss to the Cal Golden Bears at Haas Pavilion.

Utah had been rebounding the ball well in recent games outrebounding nine of its last 12 opponents in Pac-12 play and came in ranked fifth in the Pac-12 in rebound margin compared to ninth for Cal.

But the Bears won the rebound battle 39-33, with 18 of their boards coming on the offensive end. That gave them 20 second-chance points compared to just six for the Utes, and that was the difference in the game.

We got them to miss plenty of shots, said Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak. I thought we got out-toughed at the rim. Not limiting them to one shot was definitely the storyline of the game today. Weve got to play with a little more vigor than we did.

With the loss, the Utes dropped to 15-14 on the season and to 6-11 in league play behind the Bears, who improved to 7-9 in conference play. Utah has one game left, Saturday at home against Colorado, before going to Las Vegas for the Pac-12 Tournament beginning the following Wednesday.

The overtime loss was the first of the year for the Utes, who had won two overtime games earlier in the season, over BYU 102-95 and Stanford 64-56.

The defeat overshadowed fine games by Timmy Allen, who scored 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds, Alfonso Plummer, who came off the bench to score 23 points, including 8 for 13 from the field and 5 for 8 from 3-point range, and Both Gach, who had his best game in two months with 19 points and six rebounds. That trio accounted for all but 11 of Utahs points Saturday.

Utah had to play nearly the whole game without freshman point guard Rylan Jones, who has battled injuries all season. On Saturday, he hit the floor just under five minutes into the game along with a couple of Cal players. The Bears players quickly got up, but Jones was on the floor for nearly two minutes before slowly walking off to the locker room with trainer Trevor Jameson.

The injury appeared to be to his head, and when he came back for the second half, he was wearing some headphones around his ears, leading to speculation that he might have concussion symptoms.

However, as usual, Krystkowiak wasnt talking about any injuries afterward.

Its unfortunate, a freakish play with three guys laying on the ground. The simple physics is that hes not in a lot of those guys weight class, and when they end landing on top of him some tough things happen. Right now lets hope hes feeling better and can bounce back, because certainly were going to need him moving forward. We need him on the floor.

This season, Jones has had ankle sprains, a rib injury that kept him out for a game and most recently a shin contusion.

After several slow starts in Pac-12 play, Krystkowiak decided to change up the starting lineup, inserting Jaxon Brenchley and Mikael Jantunen in place of Gach and Riley Battin, respectively.

It didnt work right off the bat as the Utes fell behind 6-0 and 8-2 before scoring eight straight points to take the lead. All five of the Utes baskets were layups at the rim as they were determined to attack the Golden Bears inside game.

By halftime, the Utes led 28-24, thanks to Plummer, who scored 10 in the opening period and Allen, who had eight.

But once again, the Utes started slowly in the second half as Cal came out with seven straight points to regain the lead.

I still wasnt pleased they punched us in the mouth both halves, Krystkowiak said of the first and second-half starts. Were not coming out of the locker room with the kind of energy we need to fight and scratch. Weve got to be able to impose our will a little more on both sides of the basketball.

In the second half, the game was tied five times and the lead changed hands five times as neither team ever led by more than four until Cal seemed to pull away, going up by six at 67-61 with 1:49 left.

However, Plummer sank a long three with 10 seconds left to pull the Utes within one at 68-67 and when Paris Austin made one of two free throws with 9.3 seconds left, the Utes had one last chance.

Gach drove down the lane and was fouled with 2.0 seconds left, just before he made a basket. But with no continuation like the NBA, the basket didnt count and Gach coolly went up and sank both free throws to force overtime.

In overtime, Cal never trailed as former Wasatch Academy star Matt Bradley scored 15 seconds into the extra period and after a Gach basket, made two free throws to put the Bears up for good.

Bradley led the Cal scoring with 21 points, while Grant Anticevich scored 17, Andre Kelly and Austin each had 15 and Joel Brown 11.

See the rest here:
Utah basketball: Utes get beat up on the board, lose in overtime to Cal - Deseret News

If you want to lose fat, you have to do more than just put your trainers on and go for a run. Here are five tips and facts that you should definitely consider if you want to finally get the body youve always wanted.

Losing fat is normally the main goal for people when they take up sports or exercise - especially when summer is just around the corner. Although these people always have the best intentions, they often get sucked in by myths and clichs that are not necessarily true and as a result, they often make mistakes with their training and diets.

So you before you embark on a drastic diet and exercise program that is far too difficult and not at all suitable for you, read these five basic tips and facts about losing fat. Its always best to start from the beginning.

1. Don't count calories

In order to lose fat, you normally have to consume fewer calories than you use so the body uses up its fat reserves to replace the energy you are now missing from food. As a result, people tend to count calories in order to help them lose fat.

Yes, it can be frustrating. And someone who is frustrated with their diet will most likely not stick it out and throw everything out the window rather quickly. So its important to make sure you have a balanced diet that you enjoy. Its best to leave counting calories to the fitness professionals and experts.

2. Dont eat more meals during the day

because you will definitely not lose fat this way. Eating all throughout the day reduces your feelings of hunger and your body is supposed to lose fat after meals.

This is true, of course, but it often also leads to an increased calorie intake - despite what you might think. If this diet works for you, then great, but as a general rule, this usually only works for people who burn a lot of energy during the day.

3. Dont force yourself to do hours of cardio

Unless you are preparing for a big race, there is no point spending hours running on the treadmill (or outside). Yes, you will definitely lose fat at first, but your body will quickly adapt to this routine.

Therefore, you have to make sure to change up your training routine, and especially the intensity of your exercises. Sometimes ten minutes of very intensive training is more efficient and beneficial than an hour of slow running. And since we have already revealed a list of sports that use the most energy, you are now spoiled for choice.

4. Eat fats, but good fats

Most diets will tell you to avoid all kinds of fats and high-calorie foods are completely off-limits. But small amounts of foods that contain more calories may actually be better for you than foods that are less fatty but contain more carbohydrates. Avocados are a perfect example of this and are therefore an ideal ingredient to add to your salads.

Well say this one more time. Eat a little bit of everything in moderation and treat yourself to something from time to time. You dont have to feel bad for eating bad food occasionally, as long as it is only occasionally.

5. Fat turns into air

If you want to build muscle, you need to keep this goal in mind. It is wrong to assume that fat simply melts or burns away when you sweat. In reality, however, this applies to just 20 percent of the total fat that you lose. The other 80 percent turns into carbon dioxide, meaning you breathe it out.

Sweat consists primarily of water and electrolytes and therefore, it is important you make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to replace it. And just as a reminder, adding a little lemon juice to your water will not make you lose weight faster.

See the rest here:
Fat Loss: These Five Tips And Facts Will Make Your Life A Lot Easier - Gentside UK

OPERATION Transformation leader Tanya Carroll was last night revealed to have lost 22lbs before she gained a weighty rock.

The RTE show wrapped after eight weeks with her boyfriend Mark surprising her with an on-air proposal.

8

8

8

8

He shocked the 33-year-old, with whom he has four kids, after she walked the catwalk to show off her fab new look in a red jumpsuit.

She then watched a video of her weight loss journey, which ended with a message from her partner.

Mark said: "Its been a long eight weeks, were all so proud of you.

"The kids are so proud of you, cant believe how fantastic youve done, your parents, everyone around you are so proud of you.

"But theres one more thing I need to ask you, I just need you to turn around please."

And when she did, Mark was waiting on one knee, where he asked: "Tan, will you have the burden of me as your husband?"

Emotional Tanya quickly said yes before their family, friends, the other leaders and the coaches ran to celebrate the good news.

Speaking on Ray D'Arcy's RTE Radio One show today, the Cork woman said: "I'm over the moon he did it. I just remember the leaders screaming and running towards me. It was brilliant."

And the happy couple have already set a date, as the shows finale was pre-recorded at the weekend.

They will walk down the aisle on August 27, with her eldest daughter Abby and best friend Mary as bridesmaids.

It came after she hopped on the scales for the last time, where she weighed in at 1st 8lbs lighter than when she started.

She now weighs 13st 3lbs and lost 35.75in from her body.

Slimmed-down Tanya also broke her Coca-Cola habit, which saw her drinking up to 12 cans a day.

She added: "That was my biggest challenge, giving it up.

"It was crazy, the amount of it that I drank. Now I look at it and Im like, thats disgusting."

Also celebrating his success on tonights show was Shane Farrell, who dropped 2st 13lbs to a final weight of 17st 8lbs and a 42in loss.

The 30-year-old was the first leader to cross the finish line at the 5K in Dublins Phoenix Park last Saturday, breaking into tears as he did it in just under 34 minutes.

When he first started on the show, he admitted he had been depressed but covered it up, admitting: I am the Greatest Showman, its all a lie, its a broken man.

An accident where he broke his knee as a teen led to numerous stays in hospital over three years.

As a result he lost the use of his bladder and had to insert a plastic tube into his penis to go to the toilet.

He previously told the show he thought about leaving it all behind as he was in a "very dark place".

He added: "I didnt want to be on this planet. I think I had my mind made up, I was done."

But tonight, he told presenter Kathryn Thomas: "Ive overcome so many fears and so many low moments in my life that Ive never gone through before."

The Galway music teacher recalled when he first was chosen to compete for a place in the show and going through the bleep test with personal trainer Karl Henry.

He said: "That was torture, but Karls plan has worked. The food plan has worked and the exercise has showed Shane Farrell can run a 5k in 33 minutes."

And Shane said there was one main change in his life after losing weight, explaining: The big thing was prioritising my family, and thats the most important thing in life your family and your friends.

"And they werent coming first, it was all work, work, work, go, go, go. And look, life is for living and I am going to start living my life."

His wife Clodagh broke down when she saw his new slimmer appearance on the catwalk.

She said: "I am so proud, Im completely overwhelmed right now. From the moment I met Shane, I fell in love and hes always been my rock.

"But over the years, Shanes smile got smaller and his confidence was near the floor and it was hard to watch.

"But this programme has made his smile as wide and his eyes glint again so were extremely proud of him."

And Shane now hopes to get life-changing surgery as he continues his weight loss, where a device that would allow him to urinate normally will be implanted in his back.

Couple Barry and Andrea Rea were a force to be reckoned with throughout the series.

Cork man Barry was the tallest and heaviest contestant ever seen on the show weighing in at 29st 4lbs at the start of his journey.

But the physiotherapist was determined to change his life ahead of his 40th this July, adding: "I ate for two people, hence why I was the size of two people.

"When I was playing rugby I could get away with eating whatever I wanted, and when I stopped playing, I never realised that there was one more big change to make and that was my eating habits.

"It took me nearly 20 years to learn that."

And he said he doesnt think he could have lost what he did 3st and 7lbs without his wife Andrea, who was also a leader.

Barry, who also dropped 38.25in, added: "Its very rare that both people would have a bad day at the same time, so it was very easy for one of us to keep the other one on track.

"As were going to do in the future, its very much so.

"Weve looked at this on how were going to live after OT is done, its very much a team plan."

Andrea broke a record herself, losing the most inches of any contestant, 44.5, while also dropping 2st 5lbs to 18st 11lbs.

She said: "We said at the start, this is the start of our journey, this is not the end, but we both exceeded our expectations so Im really proud of what Ive achieved."

Meanwhile, Lorraine O'Neill struggled throughout the show to drop the pounds but her final weigh-in showed she lost 11lbs.

The Cavan woman, 46, said: "It has changed so much in my life. I feel alive. I feel that Im just on top of the world, theres nothing I cant do."

This morning returnThis Morning back on Virgin Media as they announce schedule shake-up

WANT YOU SMILINGCaroline Flacks ex Danny Cipriani shares last messages with tragic star

GELDOF'S GRIEFBob Geldof opens up about 'unbearable' grief of losing a child

Exclusive

I'M O'KAYPeter Kay went to Irish bolthole to get his smile back after cancelling 46m tour

HAIR OF THE KATKathryn Thomas shares funny pic of OT gang as she beats wrap party hangover

'loyal and savvy'Caroline Flack was 'complicated' says Xtra Factor co-star Matt Richardson

And Lorraine said the small numbers on the scales wont stop her.

She added: "I found it really hard to not get disheartened over them because believe it or believe it not, I was putting so much effort in and yet it didnt seem I was getting the returns.

"But when I speak to so many women around the country, theres so many the same. But I am not stopping this. And if its a slow journey, so be it."

8

8

8

8

Originally posted here:
RTEs Operation Transformation sees tears, pride and proposal in emotional finale as leaders celebrate weight - The Irish Sun